How to pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll
You can pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll in three ways: FasTrak (a prepaid account that charges automatically), a one-time payment by mail, or by phone. Most drivers use FasTrak because it's faster at the toll plaza and costs less per crossing. If you don't have FasTrak, you'll receive an invoice by mail within two weeks of crossing, and you can pay it online, by phone, or by mail. The toll amount depends on your vehicle type and the time of day you cross.
The bridge charges tolls only in the southbound direction (toward San Francisco). If you're heading north into Marin County, you cross free. Tolls are higher during peak commute hours (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) than during off-peak times.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak is a prepaid account that deducts the toll automatically each time you cross; it costs less than paying by invoice and moves you through the toll plaza faster.
- If you don't have FasTrak, you'll receive an invoice by mail and can pay online, by phone, or by mail within a set timeframe to avoid a penalty.
- Tolls are charged only in the southbound direction; northbound crossings are free.
- Peak-hour tolls (weekday mornings and evenings) are higher than off-peak tolls, and rates vary by vehicle type.
- You can set up FasTrak before you cross or pay the invoice after, so you have options whether or not you plan ahead.
Setting up FasTrak before you cross
FasTrak is a prepaid account linked to your vehicle's license plate or a small transponder mounted on your windshield. You load money into the account, and the toll is deducted each time you cross the bridge. Setting up FasTrak takes about 10 minutes online at goldengatebridgecom (the official Golden Gate Bridge toll authority website).
To open a FasTrak account, you'll need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid email address, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can choose to be billed automatically when your balance drops below a certain amount, or you can manually add money when you need to. Once your account is active, you can cross when ready — you don't have to wait for a physical transponder to arrive in the mail, though one will be sent to you.
FasTrak tolls are lower than invoice tolls. As of 2024, FasTrak rates for a two-axle vehicle range from about $5.15 during off-peak hours to about $6.50 during peak hours, though these amounts vary and you should confirm current rates on the official website. Larger vehicles (three or more axles) pay higher tolls.
Paying by invoice if you cross without FasTrak
If you cross the bridge without FasTrak, the toll authority will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice. The invoice arrives within two weeks and includes the toll amount, a due date (usually 30 days from the invoice date), and instructions for payment. You are responsible for paying even if you don't receive the invoice, so if you cross without FasTrak, watch your mail or check your email.
You can pay an invoice online at goldengatebridgecom, by phone at the number listed on the invoice, or by mailing a check. Paying online or by phone is faster and confirms your payment when ready. If you pay after the due date, you'll owe a penalty fee in addition to the toll.
Invoice tolls cost more than FasTrak tolls. For a two-axle vehicle, invoice tolls are typically around $8.35 during off-peak hours and higher during peak hours. The difference between FasTrak and invoice rates means that if you cross regularly, setting up FasTrak saves money over time.
Paying by phone for a one-time crossing
If you know you're crossing the bridge and want to pay before you go, you can call the Golden Gate Bridge toll authority and pay by phone using a credit or debit card. This option is useful if you're renting a car or borrowing a vehicle and won't be receiving an invoice. The phone number and payment details are on the official website.
Paying by phone before you cross does not exempt you from receiving an invoice — the toll authority may still mail one based on your license plate. If that happens, the invoice will note that a payment has already been received, and you should not pay twice. Contact the toll authority if you're unsure whether a payment went through.
What happens if you don't pay
If you don't pay an invoice by the due date, the toll authority will send a notice of delinquency and add a penalty fee. If you continue not to pay, the debt can be referred to a collection agency, and the toll authority may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. In California, you cannot renew your registration if you have unpaid bridge tolls.
If you receive a delinquency notice, contact the toll authority when ready to set up a payment plan or dispute the charge if you believe it's incorrect. Paying as soon as possible stops additional penalties from accruing.
Toll rates by vehicle type and time of day
The Golden Gate Bridge charges different tolls based on how many axles your vehicle has. A standard car or motorcycle is a two-axle vehicle. Larger vehicles — trucks, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers — may have three or more axles and pay higher tolls. When you set up FasTrak or receive an invoice, the toll authority determines your vehicle class based on your license plate or the information you provide.
Tolls are also higher during peak commute hours. Weekday peak hours are 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All other times — weekends, holidays, and off-peak weekday hours — have lower tolls. The exact toll amounts change periodically, so check goldengatebridgecom for current rates before you cross if you want to know the exact charge.
Special situations: rental cars, commercial vehicles, and discounts
If you're renting a car, the rental company may have a FasTrak account set up for the vehicle. Ask when you pick up the car. If the rental car doesn't have FasTrak, you'll receive an invoice by mail, and the rental company may charge you an additional processing fee on top of the toll. Paying by phone before you cross can avoid this fee.
Commercial vehicles and vehicles registered outside California may have different toll rules. If your vehicle is registered in another state, you can still set up FasTrak or pay by invoice. Some commercial operators have special accounts. Check the official website or call the toll authority if your situation is unusual.
Discounts are not widely available for the Golden Gate Bridge toll. Some nonprofit organizations and government agencies may have reduced rates, but these are not common. If you believe you may have access to for a discount, contact the toll authority directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the toll with cash at the bridge?
No. The Golden Gate Bridge stopped accepting cash at the toll plaza in 2010. You must use FasTrak, pay by invoice after crossing, or pay by phone before you cross. There is no cash payment option.
What if I cross the bridge in a rental car and don't know the toll was charged?
The invoice will be mailed to the address on the rental car's registration, which is the rental company's address. The rental company will receive it and may forward it to you or charge your credit card directly. Contact the rental company if you're unsure whether you've been billed. You can also check goldengatebridgecom and search by license plate to see if an invoice is pending.
Do I have to pay the toll if I'm just driving through to get to the other side?
Yes, if you're crossing southbound (toward San Francisco), you must pay the toll regardless of where you're going. Northbound crossings are free. There is no exemption for through traffic.
How long does it take to set up FasTrak?
Setting up a FasTrak account online takes about 10 minutes. Your account is active when ready, and you can cross the bridge right away. A physical transponder will be mailed to you, but you don't need it to use your account.
What if the toll authority charged me twice for the same crossing?
Contact the Golden Gate Bridge toll authority with your crossing date and time. They can review the charge and issue a refund if it was an error. Keep your receipt or invoice as proof of the original payment.