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Chile Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Mixed electronic TAG and manual payment
Operator: VíasChile, Abertis, Private Concessionaires
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Coverage: 770+ km nationwide (Route 5, urban Santiago highways)
Technology: TAG system (Santiago), Manual toll booths (intercity)
Do I Need TAG for Chile Roads? 2025 Update
For Santiago urban highways: Yes, TAG is mandatory. Six major highways in Santiago require electronic TAG transponders with no cash payment option. Day passes cost approximately $12 USD if you lack TAG.
For intercity highways: No, cash payment accepted. Route 5 (Pan-American Highway) and other intercity roads use traditional toll booths accepting Chilean pesos and some credit cards.
TAG-Only Santiago Highways:
- Autopista Central - Main north-south urban highway
- Costanera Norte - Northern ring road
- Vespucio Norte Express - Northern bypass
- Vespucio Sur - Southern bypass
- Túnel San Cristóbal - Cross-city tunnel
- Autopista 68 - Santiago to Valparaíso section
Chile Toll Costs: Current Rates
Santiago Urban Highway Rates (TAG Required - 2025)
| Highway Section | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate | Day Pass (No TAG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autopista Central (full length) | CLP 2,800 - 4,200 | CLP 3,200 - 4,800 | ~$12 USD |
| Costanera Norte (cross-city) | CLP 2,200 - 3,500 | CLP 2,600 - 4,000 | ~$12 USD |
| Vespucio Norte Express | CLP 1,800 - 3,200 | CLP 2,100 - 3,700 | ~$12 USD |
| Túnel San Cristóbal | CLP 1,200 | CLP 1,400 | ~$12 USD |
Intercity Highway Rates (Manual Payment - 2025)
| Route | Section | Car Rate | Truck Rate (2-axle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 5 North | Santiago to La Serena | CLP 700 - 4,000/plaza | CLP 1,400 - 8,000/plaza |
| Route 5 South | Santiago to Puerto Montt | CLP 800 - 4,500/plaza | CLP 1,600 - 9,000/plaza |
| Route 68 | Santiago to Valparaíso | CLP 2,200 - 5,350 | CLP 4,400 - 10,700 |
| Route 78 | Santiago to San Antonio | CLP 1,800 - 4,200 | CLP 3,600 - 8,400 |
Major Journey Examples (Car - 2025)
| Journey | Distance | Total Toll Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago to Valparaíso | 120 km | CLP 8,000 - 12,000 | 1.5 hours |
| Santiago to Concepción | 500 km | CLP 25,000 - 35,000 | 5 hours |
| Santiago to La Serena | 470 km | CLP 20,000 - 30,000 | 4.5 hours |
| Santiago to Osorno | 850 km | ~CLP 40,000 (~$40 USD) | 8 hours |
How to Pay Chile Tolls
Santiago Urban Highways (TAG Required)
- Rental cars: All major rental companies include TAG with vehicles
- TAG purchase: Available at service centers, gas stations
- Day passes: Available for tourists without TAG (~$12 USD)
- Automatic charging: No stopping required at electronic gantries
Intercity Highways (Manual Payment)
- Cash payment: Chilean pesos required at toll booths
- Credit cards: Limited acceptance, mainly Visa/Mastercard
- Televia transponder: Electronic option for frequent users
- Autopase tags: Alternative electronic payment system
Payment Tips for Tourists
- Currency exchange: Get Chilean pesos before traveling
- Small bills: Keep CLP 1,000-5,000 notes for tolls
- Receipt retention: Keep toll receipts for potential discounts
- Route planning: Budget $1.50-5 USD per toll plaza
Recent Changes (2025)
- Electronic conversion progress: 16 toll stations moving to electronic-only
- Route 5 modernization: Eliminating traditional toll booths gradually
- TAG interoperability: Improved compatibility between systems
- Weekend rate increases: Higher pricing on Saturdays and Sundays
- Tourist day pass availability: Enhanced options for visitors without TAG
Chile vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Average Cost (Car) | Payment Methods | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | Mixed (electronic/manual) | $3.50 USD/100km | TAG, cash, limited cards | Most expensive in Latin America |
| Argentina | Manual toll booths | $1.19 USD/100km | Cash, cards accepted | More affordable rates |
| Peru | Manual toll booths | $2.19 USD/100km | Cash primarily, some cards | Moderate pricing |
| Bolivia | Limited toll roads | $0.29 USD/100km | Cash only | Least expensive, minimal network |
Major Highway Networks
Route 5 (Pan-American Highway)
- Length: 3,364 km (Arica to Puerto Montt)
- Status: Chile's longest route, part of Pan-American Highway
- Tolled sections: Caldera to Puerto Montt (1,903 km)
- Speed limit: 120 km/h on divided sections
Santiago Urban Network
- Autopista Central: Main north-south corridor through Santiago
- Ring roads: Costanera Norte, Vespucio Norte/Sur system
- Access roads: Connections to airport and major districts
- Mandatory TAG: All urban highways require electronic payment
Regional Connections
- Route 68: Santiago to Valparaíso/Viña del Mar (Pacific coast)
- Route 78: Santiago to San Antonio port
- Carretera Austral: Scenic southern route (mostly toll-free)
- Northern routes: Connections to mining regions
Planning Your Chile Journey
Cost Budgeting
- Urban Santiago: Include TAG costs in rental or buy day passes
- Intercity travel: Budget CLP 700-5,350 per toll plaza
- Long-distance: Major routes may have 5-10 toll points
- Weekend surcharge: Expect 15-20% higher rates on weekends
Travel Tips
- Route planning: Use Chile toll calculator for cost estimates
- Currency preparation: Carry sufficient Chilean pesos for tolls
- Rental vehicles: Confirm TAG inclusion with rental companies
- Alternative routes: Consider free parallel roads for budget travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists use TAG highways in Santiago without TAG?
Yes, but you'll pay approximately $12 USD day pass fee for each TAG highway used, regardless of distance traveled.
Do rental cars include TAG for Santiago highways?
Yes, all major rental companies in Santiago are required to include TAG transponders with vehicles and TAG fees in rental prices.
Can I pay tolls with US dollars or credit cards?
No, intercity tolls require Chilean pesos. Some locations accept credit cards, but cash is preferred. Santiago TAG is pre-paid.
Are there free alternative routes to avoid tolls?
Yes, parallel free roads exist but take significantly longer. Route planning apps can show both tolled and free options.
How much should I budget for tolls on a Santiago to Puerto Montt drive?
Approximately $60-80 USD for a passenger car, including multiple toll plazas over 1,000+ km distance.
Do trucks pay different rates than cars?
Yes, truck rates are typically 2-2.5 times higher than car rates, varying by axle count and vehicle classification.
Can I get refunds for unused TAG credits?
TAG credits are generally non-refundable, but rental companies handle TAG management for tourists.
Regional Highway Concessionaires
VíasChile (Abertis Group)
- Routes managed: 5 interurban roads, 770+ km total
- Key connections: Santiago to coast, major port access
- Technology: Mixed TAG and manual systems
Autopista Central
- Coverage: Main Santiago urban highway
- Length: Major north-south corridor
- System: Full electronic TAG required
Independent Concessionaires
- Rutas del Pacífico: Route 68 Santiago-Valparaíso
- Ruta del Maipo: Route 5 South sections
- Various regional operators: Specialized route management
Border Crossing Considerations
Argentina Border
- Main crossings: Mendoza-Santiago, Bariloche routes
- Toll differences: Chile significantly more expensive
- Documentation: Ensure rental car permits for border crossing
Peru Border
- Route 5 connection: Seamless Pan-American Highway link
- Toll systems: Different payment methods each side
- Currency: Change money at border for local tolls
Technology & Future Developments
Electronic Conversion
- Goal: Eliminate 16 traditional toll stations by 2026
- Benefits: Reduced travel times, improved traffic flow
- Investment: Government and private sector collaboration
Interoperability Projects
- TAG standardization: Unified system across highways
- Payment integration: Multiple electronic options
- Tourist accessibility: Simplified payment for visitors
Contact Information
Emergency Services
- Emergency number: 133 (Carabineros - Police)
- Highway assistance: 134 (road emergency)
- Tourist information: 800-CHILE-1 (tourist hotline)
Toll Operators
- VíasChile: Customer service for major routes
- Autopista Central: Santiago urban highway support
- TAG support: Available at service centers nationwide
