The San Francisco Bay Area is home to numerous bridges that connect its cities and provide access to the surrounding regions. Several of these bridges impose tolls on vehicles crossing them, generating revenue for their maintenance and operation. Here is a comprehensive overview of the toll bridges in San Francisco:
Key Facts
- San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- Toll rates vary based on the number of axles, ranging from $17 for 3 axles to $37 for 7+ axles.
- Carpools during designated hours can receive a reduced toll of $3.50.
- Multibridge discount available for vehicles crossing multiple state-owned bridges during peak commute hours.
- Antioch Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- Benicia-Martinez Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- Carquinez Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- Dumbarton Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- Golden Gate Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $8.75.
- Carpool vehicles during designated hours can receive a reduced toll.
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
- San Mateo-Hayward Bridge:
- Regular toll for 2-axle vehicles is $7.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is a vital transportation link between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. It carries Interstate 80 across the San Francisco Bay and is one of the busiest bridges in the region. The toll for 2-axle vehicles using the bridge is $7 during regular hours. However, carpools with three or more occupants can take advantage of a reduced toll of $3.50 during designated carpool hours (5:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday). [1]
Antioch Bridge
The Antioch Bridge spans the San Joaquin River and connects the cities of Antioch and Oakley. It is part of State Route 160 and carries traffic between the East Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. The toll for 2-axle vehicles crossing the Antioch Bridge is $7. [2]
Benicia-Martinez Bridge
The Benicia-Martinez Bridge crosses the Carquinez Strait and links the cities of Benicia and Martinez. It is part of Interstate 680 and provides a vital connection between the North Bay and the East Bay. The toll for 2-axle vehicles using the Benicia-Martinez Bridge is $7. [2]
Carquinez Bridge
The Carquinez Bridge is located near the city of Vallejo and carries Interstate 80 across the Carquinez Strait. It connects the North Bay and the East Bay and is a major transportation route for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The toll for 2-axle vehicles crossing the Carquinez Bridge is $7. [2]
Dumbarton Bridge
The Dumbarton Bridge crosses the San Francisco Bay and connects the cities of Newark and Menlo Park. It is part of State Route 84 and provides a vital link between the East Bay and the Peninsula. The toll for 2-axle vehicles using the Dumbarton Bridge is $7. [2]
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It spans the Golden Gate Strait and connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge is a popular tourist destination and is also a major transportation artery for both commuters and commercial vehicles. The toll for 2-axle vehicles crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is $8.75. Carpool vehicles with three or more occupants can receive a reduced toll during designated carpool hours. [3]
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge crosses the San Francisco Bay and connects the cities of Richmond and San Rafael. It is part of Interstate 580 and provides a vital link between the East Bay and the North Bay. The toll for 2-axle vehicles using the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is $7. [2]
San Mateo-Hayward Bridge
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge crosses the San Francisco Bay and connects the cities of San Mateo and Hayward. It is part of State Route 92 and provides a vital link between the Peninsula and the East Bay. The toll for 2-axle vehicles using the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is $7. [2]
Conclusion
The toll bridges in San Francisco play a crucial role in the transportation network of the Bay Area. They provide efficient and convenient connections between different parts of the region, facilitating both daily commutes and long-distance travel. The tolls collected from these bridges help to maintain and improve their infrastructure, ensuring their continued safety and reliability for years to come.
Sources
[1] https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/tolls/san-francisco-oakland-bridge.shtml
[2] https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/tolls/toll-locations.shtml
[3] https://511.org/driving/bridges/paying-tolls
FAQs
Which bridges in San Francisco have tolls?
The following bridges in San Francisco have tolls:
- San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
- Antioch Bridge
- Benicia-Martinez Bridge
- Carquinez Bridge
- Dumbarton Bridge
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
- San Mateo-Hayward Bridge
How much is the toll for 2-axle vehicles on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge?
The toll for 2-axle vehicles on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is $7 during regular hours. Carpools with three or more occupants can receive a reduced toll of $3.50 during designated carpool hours.
Is there a multibridge discount available for vehicles crossing multiple bridges?
Yes, there is a multibridge discount available for vehicles crossing multiple state-owned bridges during peak commute hours. The discount is $1.00 off the second toll ($0.50 for carpools).
What are the peak commute hours for the multibridge discount?
The peak commute hours for the multibridge discount are 5:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Can I pay my toll with cash?
No, cash is no longer accepted at any of the toll bridges in San Francisco. Tolls can be paid electronically using a FasTrak toll tag, a License Plate Account, or a One-Time Payment.
What is a FasTrak toll tag?
A FasTrak toll tag is a device that is attached to your vehicle’s windshield. It allows you to pay tolls electronically without having to stop at a toll booth. FasTrak toll tags can be purchased online or at participating retail locations.
How do I open a License Plate Account?
You can open a License Plate Account online or by calling the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) at 1-877-BAY-TOLL (1-877-229-8655).
What is a One-Time Payment?
A One-Time Payment allows you to pay your toll after you have crossed the bridge. You can make a One-Time Payment online or by calling BATA at 1-877-BAY-TOLL (1-877-229-8655).