Learn How to Pay Golden Gate Bridge Tolls

Understanding Golden Gate Bridge Toll Basics

The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait. Every day, approximately 112,000 vehicles cross this iconic bridge. To use the bridge, you need to pay a toll, which helps maintain the structure and fund public transportation in the region.

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Tolls are collected only in one direction: heading southbound into San Francisco. This means if you're driving from Marin County toward San Francisco, you'll pay a toll. If you're heading north from San Francisco toward Marin County, there is no toll charge. This one-way toll system has been in place since the bridge opened in 1937.

The toll amount varies depending on your vehicle type and the payment method you use. As of 2024, toll rates range from $6.25 for two-axle vehicles paying with FasTrak (an electronic payment system) to $8.35 for the same vehicle type paying with a license plate invoice. Larger vehicles, such as trucks with more axles, pay higher amounts. For example, a vehicle with three or more axles pays $10.85 with FasTrak or $14.50 with a license plate invoice.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District manages all toll collection and operations. Understanding the different payment methods available helps you choose the most cost-effective option for your situation. Each payment method has distinct advantages depending on how often you use the bridge and your payment preferences.

Practical Takeaway: Remember that tolls are charged only when traveling southbound into San Francisco. Check your vehicle's axle count, as this determines your toll rate. Knowing whether you'll cross frequently helps you decide which payment option works best for you.

Payment Method One: FasTrak Electronic System

FasTrak is an electronic toll collection system that offers the lowest toll rates available. When you use FasTrak, a small transponder device is mounted on your windshield. As you approach the toll plaza, electronic sensors read your transponder and deduct the toll automatically from your prepaid account. The system processes your payment without requiring you to stop or slow down significantly.

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To set up FasTrak, you need to open an account with the Golden Gate Bridge. This involves providing your vehicle information and payment details. You can establish an account online through the Golden Gate Bridge website or by visiting a customer service center. There is no application process or approval step—it's a straightforward account registration. Once your account is created, you'll receive a FasTrak transponder in the mail.

FasTrak accounts require a prepaid balance. You can fund your account with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. When your balance drops below a certain threshold (typically $25), the system automatically reloads your account using your stored payment method. This automatic reload feature means you don't have to monitor your balance constantly. If you prefer manual reloads, you can turn off the automatic feature through your account settings.

Current FasTrak rates for two-axle vehicles are $6.25 per crossing. If you compare this to other payment methods, you save between $2.10 and $2.10 per trip compared to other options. For someone who crosses the bridge 40 times per month, FasTrak savings add up to approximately $84 monthly or over $1,000 annually.

FasTrak transponders are transferable between vehicles. If you own multiple vehicles, you can use one transponder by moving it between cars, or you can purchase additional transponders for each vehicle. Each transponder is linked to your account and to the specific vehicle you're driving.

Practical Takeaway: FasTrak provides the lowest toll rates and fastest crossing experience. Set up an account online, fund it with your preferred payment method, and enable automatic reloads to keep your account active at all times.

Payment Method Two: License Plate Invoice System

The License Plate Invoice system, also called "Pay-by-Plate," allows you to cross the bridge without purchasing a FasTrak transponder. Instead, the bridge's toll cameras photograph your vehicle's license plate as you pass through the toll plaza. The Golden Gate Bridge then mails you an invoice based on the recorded crossing.

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With Pay-by-Plate, you don't need to set up an account in advance. You simply drive through the toll plaza, and the system captures your license plate automatically. If your vehicle is registered in California, Oregon, Nevada, or Arizona, the system can typically read your plate and match it to vehicle registration records. If you're driving a rental car or a vehicle registered outside these states, you still receive an invoice, though the process may take longer.

Invoices are mailed to the registered vehicle owner's address. Each invoice includes details about the crossing date, time, and location, along with the toll amount owed. Invoices typically arrive within two to three weeks of your crossing. You can pay your invoice by mail, online through the Golden Gate Bridge website, or by phone. Payments can be made with credit cards, debit cards, or checks.

The current toll rate for Pay-by-Plate with two-axle vehicles is $8.35 per crossing. This is $2.10 more than FasTrak rates. There is no discount for multiple crossings or monthly volume, so each crossing costs the same amount. If you cross the bridge infrequently—perhaps only a few times per year—Pay-by-Plate may be the most practical choice since you avoid account setup and maintenance.

One consideration with Pay-by-Plate is that invoices can be lost or misplaced. If you don't pay your toll invoice within a certain timeframe, penalties may apply. Late fees typically add $25 to $50 to your original invoice amount. Therefore, it's important to watch for invoices in your mail and pay promptly.

Practical Takeaway: Pay-by-Plate is ideal for occasional bridge users who don't want to maintain a prepaid account. Watch for invoices in the mail and pay within the stated timeframe to avoid late fees.

Payment Method Three: Toll-by-Plate and Rental Vehicles

Toll-by-Plate is a variation of the License Plate Invoice system designed specifically for rental vehicles and vehicles with out-of-state registration. If you're renting a car from a major rental company and need to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, the rental company typically handles toll payment on your behalf through their own corporate account.

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When you rent a vehicle, rental companies often charge a daily rental car toll fee. This fee covers any tolls the vehicle may incur during your rental period, including Golden Gate Bridge tolls. The amount varies by rental company but typically ranges from $6 to $25 per rental period, depending on the company's policy. Some rental companies charge a flat fee, while others charge a per-toll fee if you actually cross tolled bridges.

As a renter, you should review your rental agreement before driving to understand how tolls are handled. Some rental companies include toll costs in their standard rental fee with no additional charge. Others charge a separate toll fee on top of your daily rental rate. A few companies have FasTrak accounts set up for their entire fleet, which means their vehicles pay the lower FasTrak toll rates. Understanding your rental company's toll policy helps you anticipate your total rental costs.

If you're driving a vehicle with out-of-state registration and choose not to use FasTrak, the Pay-by-Plate system still applies. The bridge's cameras photograph your plate, and an invoice is mailed to the address on your vehicle's registration. However, if your vehicle is registered in a state outside the four-state toll reciprocity agreement, the Golden Gate Bridge may need to contact your state's motor vehicle agency to obtain your mailing address. This can delay invoice delivery by several weeks.

To avoid invoice delays with out-of-state vehicles, you can register for FasTrak even if your vehicle is registered elsewhere. The bridge accepts FasTrak registrations from vehicle owners in all 50 states and several international countries. This option provides the same low toll rates as California residents and ensures your tolls are charged promptly to your account.

Practical Takeaway: Rental car drivers should confirm their rental company's toll policy before crossing the bridge. If driving a vehicle with out-of-state registration, consider opening a FasTrak account to avoid invoice