How much are bridge tolls in San Francisco Bay Area?
Most drivers pay $8.50 to cross the seven state-owned Bay Area bridges. This rate applies to typical two-axle cars. Tolls started at this price on January 1, 2026. They go up $0.50 each year through 2030 to fund bridge repairs.
Here's what you need to know:
Current Toll Rates (2026)
| Bridge | Regular Toll (2-Axle Vehicles) | Carpool Toll (FasTrak) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| Antioch | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| Benicia-Martinez | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| Carquinez | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| Dumbarton | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| Richmond-San Rafael | $8.50 | $4.25 |
| San Mateo-Hayward | $8.50 | $4.25 |
"Tolls for all regular two-axle cars and trucks will increase to $8.50 from the current $8 on Jan. 1, 2026," says the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA), based on their 2026 toll schedule (Source: Bay Area Metro Blog, 2026).
The Golden Gate Bridge costs more. It charges $9.75 with FasTrak for two-axle vehicles. Pay by invoice and it jumps to $10.75. This bridge runs separately from state-owned ones.
Payment Options Affect Your Cost
- FasTrak tag: Lowest rate at $8.50 now, rises to $9 in 2027.
- License plate account: $9.25 next year.
- Invoice: Highest at $10 in 2027.
Bay Bridge tolls hit only when you drive westbound toward San Francisco. No charge on the return trip. All tolls work electronically. No cash booths exist.
Future Increases
Expect steady hikes:
| Year | FasTrak Toll | Invoice Toll |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $8.50 | $9.50 |
| 2027 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| 2028 | $9.50 | $10.50 |
| 2029 | $10.00 | $11.00 |
| 2030 | $10.50 | $11.50 |
These funds fix decks, steps, and cables on a $2.3 billion plan, says Rebecca Long, director at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Source: ABC7 News, 2026).
Tips to Save Money
Get a FasTrak tag. It cuts costs over invoices. Carpool with 3+ people in HOV lanes for $4.25 now. Use apps like 511.org to check traffic and avoid peak hours. Ferries or BART skip tolls but add time.
Track these costs in your ownership budget. Sidekick adds up tolls, fuel, and parking based on your routes. Owners save 15% on yearly costs by planning trips smartly, per Sidekick data from 1,200 Bay Area vehicles (Source: Sidekick Research Team, February 2026).
Plan crossings ahead. Many drivers cross the Bay Bridge 35% of all toll trips daily. Budget $8.50 per trip for most cars.