What a toll is
A toll is a payment for using a road. There are two kinds in the Republic: stations where you stop at a barrier, and a barrier-free system where you drive straight through without stopping. The second is the modern one, and it is used on the M50.
Tolling is not uniform across the country: some motorways are free, other sections are tolled, and there is no single national system. Each scheme is operated and regulated separately.
The barrier-free M50
On the M50 in Dublin you do not stop to pay. The toll point sits between two junctions in the western part of the ring, and traffic flows through without delay. The plate is photographed, and a record is created that is paid afterwards.
There are two things you can do to be comfortable: pay online within the period allowed, or register for an account that pays automatically. There is no need to hurry in the car itself.
Find out in advance. Prices are not shown on this site because they change. Check the official toll site for the current rates and payment deadlines.
The penalty
If you forget to pay, a notice is sent to you by post. There is a period in which you can pay without a penalty, and after that period the amount increases. It is worth checking the plate and making the payment early, not only to avoid the penalty but so that the account stays clean.
Other tolls in the country
Here is a general summary of the places where a toll is charged. Check the official information before you travel, because the rules change.
| Scheme | Road | Type |
|---|---|---|
| M50 toll | M50 | Barrier-free; the plate is photographed and paid afterwards. |
| Dublin Port Tunnel | M50 / port | A separate toll; it is not the same as the M50 toll itself. |
| M4 toll | M4 | A traditional station on the section between Maynooth and Kinnegad. |
| M6 toll | M6 | A toll on part of the route west; not the whole motorway is tolled. |
| M7/M8 toll | M7 M8 | A single station on the joint M7/M8 scheme near Portlaoise. |
| M3 toll | M3 | A toll on the southern section, between Dublin and Kells. |
| Limerick Tunnel | N18 | A toll at the tunnel under the Shannon. |
If you want to avoid the toll
Most tolls can be avoided by using national or regional roads. Often, though, you lose the time you thought you were saving and end up driving through residential streets. In the case of the M50 there is no complete alternative around the city that is as quick.
- Look at the time involved, not only the money.
- Do not cut through residential streets to avoid a toll; heavy traffic is often prohibited on them.
- If you travel often, consider opening an account instead of paying by hand each time.
Questions about this note
Short answers to the things people ask most.
What happens if I forget to pay the M50 toll?
A notice is sent to you and there is a period in which you can pay without a penalty. After that the amount increases. Waiting for the notice is not advised.
Can I pay a toll in cash?
On the M50 you do not stop at a barrier. At other traditional stations some accept cash or card; check the local scheme.
Is every motorway tolled?
No. Most of the motorways are free, and only parts are tolled.
Is the tunnel in Cork tolled?
The Jack Lynch Tunnel is free. The Limerick Tunnel is tolled.
Related notes
Further reading that goes with this material.
