Pay at a toll plaza or through FasTrak before you cross
You can pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll in three ways: with cash at the toll plaza on the Marin County side, through FasTrak (an electronic toll collection system), or by mail if you miss the toll booth. Most drivers use FasTrak because it costs less and you do not stop. Cash payment is available but costs more per crossing. If you drive through without paying, the bridge authority photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail.
The toll amount depends on your vehicle type and payment method. Passenger cars cost less than trucks or motorcycles. FasTrak users pay a lower rate than cash payers. The bridge authority updates toll rates periodically, so check their website before you cross if you want the exact current amount.
The toll is collected only when you travel southbound (from Marin into San Francisco). Northbound crossings are free. This means if you cross both directions in one trip, you pay once.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak is the cheapest option and lets you drive through without stopping; you set up an account online or by phone and tag your vehicle.
- Cash payment is available at the toll plaza on the Marin side but costs more per crossing than FasTrak.
- If you drive through without paying, the bridge authority will mail you an invoice based on your license plate photo.
- Tolls are collected only southbound; northbound crossings are free.
- FasTrak accounts can be set up in minutes and work across multiple Bay Area bridges and toll roads.
Setting up FasTrak for regular crossings
FasTrak is an electronic tag mounted on your windshield that communicates with readers at the toll plaza. When you pass through, the toll is deducted from your prepaid account. You do not stop, do not roll down your window, and do not hand anything to anyone. The whole crossing takes the same time as any other traffic.
To set up FasTrak, visit the Golden Gate Bridge website or call their customer service line. You will need a valid payment method (credit card or bank account), your vehicle information, and a mailing address. The tag itself is free. You then load money into your account — most people add $25 to $100 depending on how often they cross. When your balance drops below a threshold you set, the system automatically recharges from your payment method.
FasTrak tags work on all nine Bay Area toll bridges and several toll roads, so if you use other crossings, one account covers all of them. The tag is tied to your vehicle, not your person, so if you sell the car you transfer the tag to your new vehicle or close the account.
Paying cash at the toll plaza
The toll plaza on the Marin side has cash lanes where you hand money to a toll collector. Cash payment costs more per crossing than FasTrak — typically $2 to $3 more depending on your vehicle type. You will wait in line behind other cash payers, which can add time during peak hours.
Have exact change or bills ready. The toll collector will tell you the amount and take your payment. If you do not have exact change, the collector can make change, but this slows the line. During very busy times (weekday mornings and evenings), cash lanes can have significant waits.
Cash payment is useful if you cross the bridge rarely or do not want to set up an account. However, if you cross more than a few times per year, FasTrak saves money and time.
What happens if you do not pay at the toll booth
If you drive through a toll plaza without paying, cameras photograph your license plate. The Golden Gate Bridge Authority matches the plate to your vehicle registration and mails you an invoice. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. You then have a set number of days to pay by mail, online, or phone.
If you do not respond to the invoice, the bridge authority can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or refer the debt to a collection agency. This makes it difficult to renew your registration with the state. Paying the invoice promptly avoids these complications.
If you missed the toll by accident — for example, you were in the wrong lane or distracted — you can contact the bridge authority to explain. They may waive the processing fee in some cases, though the toll itself must still be paid.
Using the invoice payment option
If you receive an invoice by mail, you can pay online through the Golden Gate Bridge website, by phone, or by mailing a check. Online and phone payments are processed when ready. Mailed checks take longer to clear, so pay online or by phone if you are close to the important date.
The invoice will list your license plate, the date of the crossing, and the total amount due including the processing fee. Make sure the crossing date and vehicle information are correct. If something is wrong, contact the bridge authority before paying — they can correct errors.
Paying by invoice is more expensive than FasTrak or cash because of the processing fee, so it is best used only when you cross occasionally and miss the toll booth by mistake.
Comparing your payment options
| Payment Method | Cost per Crossing | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FasTrak | Lowest rate | 5–10 minutes online | Regular crossers; works on all Bay Area tolls |
| Cash at toll plaza | $2–$3 more than FasTrak | None | Occasional crossers; no account needed |
| Invoice by mail | Toll plus processing fee | None (reactive) | Accidental misses; most expensive option |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's FasTrak tag on my car?
No. FasTrak tags are registered to a specific vehicle. Using another person's tag is toll evasion and can result in citations and fines. If you borrow a car, use cash or let the invoice come to the registered owner, who can then contact the bridge authority to dispute it if needed.
What if my FasTrak account balance runs out while I am crossing?
Your account will still process the toll. FasTrak accounts are set to auto-recharge when the balance drops below a threshold, so you will not get stuck. If auto-recharge fails (for example, your card is expired), you will receive an invoice by mail for that crossing.
Do I pay the toll both ways if I cross and come back the same day?
No. You only pay when traveling southbound into San Francisco. Northbound is free, so a round trip costs one toll. If you cross south, return north, and cross south again, you pay twice.
Can I get a refund if I paid cash but overpaid?
The toll collector should give you correct change at the booth. If you believe you were overcharged, contact the Golden Gate Bridge customer service with the date and time of your crossing. They can review the transaction, though refunds for cash overpayment can take time to process.
What vehicle types pay different toll rates?
Passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and recreational vehicles each have different rates. Motorcycles are usually cheapest, followed by passenger cars, then larger vehicles. Check the bridge authority's website for the current rates for your specific vehicle type.