What you pay to cross a Bay Area bridge
The Bay Area has six tolled bridges: the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, and Livermore Valley Crossing. Tolls range from $6.15 to $10.15 for a two-axle vehicle, depending on which bridge you use and how you pay. The Golden Gate Bridge charges $8.35 for most drivers; the Bay Bridge charges $6.15 with FasTrak and $10.15 if you pay by mail invoice after crossing.
Tolls are higher during peak commute hours on some bridges. The Bay Bridge, for example, uses congestion pricing: tolls increase to $7.70 during morning rush (Monday–Friday, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and stay at $6.15 during off-peak times. The Golden Gate Bridge does not have variable pricing. Trucks, motorcycles, and vehicles with more than two axles pay different rates.
If you cross regularly, a FasTrak account saves you money and time. FasTrak is an electronic toll collection system that charges your account automatically as you pass through a toll plaza. Most bridges offer a discount when you use FasTrak instead of paying by invoice.
Key Takeaways
- Bay Area bridge tolls range from $6.15 to $10.15 for a standard two-axle vehicle, with the lowest rates when you use FasTrak.
- The Bay Bridge charges more during peak commute hours (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays), while the Golden Gate Bridge charges the same rate all day.
- FasTrak is an electronic account that deducts tolls automatically and typically costs less than paying by mail invoice.
- If you do not have FasTrak, you can pay by invoice after crossing, but you will pay a higher toll and receive a bill in the mail.
- Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and vehicles with more than two axles have different toll rates that you should check before crossing.
FasTrak accounts and how they work
A FasTrak account is a prepaid or automatic-payment system linked to a small transponder mounted on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with readers, and the toll is deducted from your account balance. You can set up an account online at the FasTrak website or by phone, and you choose whether to prepay a lump sum or set up automatic monthly billing.
FasTrak discounts vary by bridge. On the Bay Bridge, FasTrak users pay $6.15 during off-peak hours and $7.70 during peak hours, compared to $10.15 for drivers who pay by invoice. On the Golden Gate Bridge, FasTrak costs $8.35 and invoice payment costs $9.75. The Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges also offer FasTrak discounts, typically saving you $1 to $3 per crossing.
If your account balance runs low, you will receive a notice. Most accounts allow you to set up automatic replenishment so you do not have to monitor the balance manually. If you close your account, any remaining balance is refunded.
Paying tolls without FasTrak
If you do not have a FasTrak transponder, you can pay by invoice after you cross. The toll plaza cameras photograph your license plate, and the bridge authority mails you a bill within two weeks. You then have 21 days to pay online, by phone, or by mail. The invoice payment rate is the highest option: $10.15 on the Bay Bridge (off-peak) and $9.75 on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Some bridges also accept payment at toll booths with cash or card, though this is becoming less common as agencies shift to all-electronic collection. Check the specific bridge's website before you cross to confirm which payment methods are available.
If you receive an invoice and do not pay within 21 days, the bridge authority may send a second notice and add a penalty. Unpaid tolls can eventually result in vehicle registration holds or collection action, so it is important to pay invoices on time even if you plan to set up FasTrak later.
Toll rates by bridge and vehicle type
Each bridge sets its own toll rates, and rates change periodically. As of the most recent update, here is what a standard two-axle vehicle pays:
| Bridge | FasTrak Rate | Invoice Rate | Peak Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Bridge | $8.35 | $9.75 | No |
| Bay Bridge (off-peak) | $6.15 | $10.15 | Yes, $7.70 peak |
| Richmond-San Rafael Bridge | $6.15 | $7.70 | No |
| San Mateo-Hayward Bridge | $6.15 | $7.70 | No |
| Dumbarton Bridge | $6.15 | $7.70 | No |
| Livermore Valley Crossing | $6.15 | $7.70 | No |
Motorcycles pay a lower rate on most bridges—typically 50 percent of the standard toll. Vehicles with three or more axles (including many trucks and RVs) pay higher rates that depend on the number of axles. Commercial vehicles may have additional fees. If you drive a vehicle outside the standard two-axle category, check the specific bridge's website for your vehicle class before crossing.
Rental cars and toll responsibility
When you rent a car, you are responsible for any tolls you incur, even if the rental company receives the invoice. Most rental agencies offer a toll-payment service that charges your credit card directly, or they will bill you separately after you return the vehicle. Some rental companies charge an administrative fee on top of the actual toll amount.
Before you rent, ask the rental company how tolls are handled. Some agencies require you to pay tolls upfront; others add them to your final bill. If you plan to cross multiple tolled bridges, factor this into your rental cost. Using FasTrak in a rental car is usually not an option unless the rental company has its own transponder program.
Toll increases and how to stay informed
Bay Area bridge tolls increase periodically to fund maintenance and improvements. The Golden Gate Bridge Authority, Bay Area Toll Authority, and other agencies that manage these bridges announce increases in advance, typically taking effect on January 1 or July 1. Increases usually range from 25 cents to $1 per crossing, though the exact amount varies by bridge and year.
To stay informed about toll changes, you can sign up for email notifications on each bridge's website or check their websites directly before you cross. If you have a FasTrak account, the agency may notify you of rate changes by email or mail. Knowing about increases ahead of time helps you budget for regular crossings and decide whether to prepay your FasTrak account before a rate takes effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same FasTrak transponder on all Bay Area bridges?
Yes. A single FasTrak transponder works on all six tolled Bay Area bridges. You only need one account and one transponder mounted on your windshield. If you cross multiple bridges regularly, this makes FasTrak even more convenient.
What happens if I cross a toll bridge without paying?
The toll plaza camera photographs your license plate, and you will receive an invoice by mail. If you do not pay within 21 days, the bridge authority may add penalties and eventually place a hold on your vehicle registration. It is important to pay invoices on time to avoid these consequences.
Do I have to pay tolls if I am just driving through the Bay Area once?
Yes, tolls explore to every crossing regardless of whether you live in the area or are passing through. If you cross without FasTrak, you will receive an invoice. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company how tolls will be handled before you drive.
Can I get a refund if I cross a bridge by mistake?
Refund policies vary by bridge and circumstance. Contact the bridge authority directly with details about your crossing. Some agencies may issue a refund if you crossed due to a navigation error or emergency, but this is not may provide.
Are there any discounts for frequent bridge users?
FasTrak is the main discount available, and it saves you money on every crossing. Some bridges offer slightly lower rates during off-peak hours, but the FasTrak discount is the most significant savings available to regular users.