Complete Guide to Irish Toll Roads
Everything you need to know about toll roads in Ireland, including locations, costs, and payment methods
Understanding Irish Toll Roads
Ireland has a total of 11 toll roads throughout the country, consisting of 8 toll roads operated by direct toll collection (toll booths), 2 barrier-free tolling systems (M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel), and the Luas Cross City.
Toll roads in Ireland are generally found on major motorways and are an important funding mechanism for maintaining the national road network. While they add a small cost to your journey, they typically provide faster, more direct routes that can save significant travel time.
Important for Tourists
If you're visiting Ireland and planning to drive, it's essential to understand how the toll system works to avoid unexpected penalties, especially with the barrier-free M50 toll which requires payment within 24 hours of travel.
All Toll Roads in Ireland
M50 Toll
Barrier-FreeDublin Port Tunnel
Variable PricingM1 Toll (Drogheda Bypass)
Toll BoothM3 Toll (Clonee to Kells)
Multiple Toll PointsM4 Toll (Kilcock to Kinnegad)
Toll BoothM6 Toll (Galway to Ballinasloe)
Toll BoothM7/M8 Toll (Portlaoise)
Toll BoothM8 Toll (Fermoy Bypass)
Toll BoothN25 Toll (Waterford City Bypass)
Toll BoothN18 Toll (Limerick Tunnel)
Toll BoothPayment Methods for Irish Toll Roads
Electronic Tags
The most convenient option for frequent travelers on Irish roads is an electronic tag. These are small devices that attach to your windshield and automatically register your passage through toll points.
Benefits of Electronic Tags:
- Lower toll rates (10-20% discount on most roads)
- No need to stop at toll booths (drive through express lanes)
- Works on all toll roads in Ireland
- Automatic payment from linked credit card or account
- Monthly statement of all toll journeys
Popular tag providers include:
Tourist Tip: If you're visiting Ireland for just a short period, an electronic tag might not be cost-effective. Most rental car companies handle toll charges for you automatically (often for an additional fee).
Cash & Card Payments
Most toll roads in Ireland (except the M50) have traditional toll booths where you can pay with:
- Cash (Euro only)
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Important: Some toll booths may not accept coins of less than 10 cents. Always keep enough cash on hand when traveling Irish roads.
The M50 Exception
The M50 toll is barrier-free, meaning there are no toll booths. You must pay by:
- Online at eFlow.ie
- By phone at 01 4614000 (or +353 1 4614000 from abroad)
- At Payzone-branded retailers throughout Ireland
- Via electronic tag (if you have one)
Remember, for the M50, you must pay by 8 PM the day after your journey to avoid penalties.
Free Alternative Routes
While toll roads offer convenience and speed, there are free alternative routes for most toll roads in Ireland if you're on a budget or prefer scenic driving.
M50 Toll Alternative
To avoid the M50 toll, you can use Dublin's regional roads network. However, these routes often have heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, and can add significant time to your journey.
Free Route:
Use the R147 (Navan Road), R102, R108, and other regional roads to navigate around Dublin.
Not recommended during rush hour due to severe congestion. The time saved using the M50 often makes the toll worthwhile.
Dublin Port Tunnel Alternative
You can avoid the Dublin Port Tunnel by driving through Dublin city center.
Free Route:
From the M1/M50, follow the R132 and R131 through the city center to Dublin Port.
This route passes through busy city streets with traffic lights and congestion. During peak hours, it can add 30+ minutes to your journey compared to using the tunnel.
M1 Toll (Drogheda) Alternative
A viable free alternative exists for the M1 toll near Drogheda.
Free Route:
Exit the M1 at Junction 7, follow the R132 through Drogheda town, and rejoin the M1 at Junction 8.
This route takes you through Drogheda town center and can add 10-15 minutes to your journey, but is a reasonable alternative if you're not in a hurry.
Other Toll Road Alternatives
Most other toll roads in Ireland have older national or regional roads that run roughly parallel to the tolled motorway.
For detailed information about specific free alternatives, click on the individual toll road guides linked above.
While free alternatives exist for most toll roads, they often involve driving through towns and villages, with lower speed limits, traffic lights, and potential congestion. If time is a factor, toll roads are generally worth the small fee.
Electronic toll tag mounted on a car windshield
Toll Roads with Rental Cars
If you're visiting Ireland and renting a car, here's what you need to know about handling toll roads:
Rental Company Policies
Most car rental companies in Ireland have specific policies for handling tolls, especially for the barrier-free M50 toll:
- Automatic Payment: Many rental companies automatically pay M50 tolls on your behalf and charge your rental account, often with an additional administrative fee (typically €3-€5 per toll).
- Self-Payment: Some rental companies expect you to pay tolls yourself and may provide instructions on how to do so.
- Electronic Tags: Some premium rentals come with an electronic tag that covers all toll roads. This service may be included or available for an additional daily fee.
Important:
Always ask about the toll road policy when picking up your rental car in Ireland. Not knowing the policy is not considered a valid excuse for unpaid tolls, and you may be charged significant penalty fees.
What To Do at Toll Booths
For toll roads with barriers (i.e., all except the M50):
- Pay with cash (Euro) or credit/debit card at the toll booth
- If your rental car has an electronic tag, use the express lane marked with a 'T' symbol
- Keep all toll receipts until the end of your rental period in case of disputes
Handling the M50 Toll with a Rental Car
The M50 toll requires special attention because there are no barriers or toll booths:
- If your rental company handles M50 tolls automatically, you typically don't need to do anything
- If you need to pay yourself, you must do so by 8 PM the day after travel
- When paying, you'll need the car's registration number (license plate), which you can find on your rental agreement or on the vehicle itself
You can pay the M50 toll at eFlow.ie, by phone at 01 4614000, or at Payzone outlets throughout Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many toll roads in Ireland?
Ireland has a total of 11 toll roads. These include the M50 around Dublin (barrier-free), the Dublin Port Tunnel, and 9 other motorway tolls with traditional toll booths. Most major motorways connecting Dublin to other cities have at least one toll section.
How do I pay for the M50 toll if there's no toll booth?
The M50 uses a barrier-free tolling system where cameras record your vehicle's license plate. You must pay by 8 PM the day after your journey using one of these methods:
- Online at eFlow.ie
- By phone at 01 4614000 (or +353 1 4614000 from abroad)
- At Payzone outlets throughout Ireland
- Via an electronic tag account (if you have one)
If you're driving a rental car, check with your rental company as they often handle M50 toll payments automatically.
How much do toll roads cost in Ireland?
For standard cars, most toll roads in Ireland cost between €1.90 and €3.20 per passage. The Dublin Port Tunnel is an exception, with peak hour rates of €10 for cars. Electronic tag users typically receive a 10-20% discount at most toll points. Heavy vehicles and buses pay higher rates.
Can I pay tolls with a foreign credit card?
Yes, you can use foreign credit cards at toll booths and for online payments. All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted. For cash payments, you'll need Euros, as foreign currencies are not accepted.
What happens if I don't pay a toll in Ireland?
For barrier tolls, you cannot proceed without paying. For the M50 barrier-free toll, failing to pay by 8 PM the next day results in an automatic penalty:
- First penalty: standard toll + €3.00
- If still unpaid after 14 days: standard toll + €41.00
- If still unpaid after 56 days: standard toll + €103.00
- Continued non-payment may result in court proceedings
For rental cars, unpaid tolls may result in the rental company charging your credit card for the toll plus a significant administrative fee.
Are there any toll-free motorways in Ireland?
Yes, many sections of Irish motorways are toll-free. For example:
- The M50 is only tolled at one point (between Junctions 6 and 7)
- The M11 (Dublin to Wexford) is entirely toll-free
- The M9 (Dublin to Waterford) is toll-free
- The N/M7 is toll-free from Dublin to Portlaoise
- Many other national roads (N-roads) are also toll-free
Plan Your Irish Road Trip with Confidence
Now that you understand Irish toll roads, explore our other guides to make your journey through Ireland smooth and enjoyable.