costa-rica-toll
Costa Rica Toll Roads 2025: Complete Driver's Guide
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
System: Manual toll booths with Quick Pass electronic option
Operator: Globalvía (Route 27), Various operators
Currency: Costa Rican Colones (CRC) / US Dollars
Coverage: Route 27, Route 1, Route 32, selected highways
Technology: RFID Quick Pass, Manual payment, Credit cards
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Costa Rica? 2025 Update
Yes, you'll encounter tolls on major highways in Costa Rica, particularly on Route 27 from San José to the Pacific coast which has multiple toll booths ranging from 200-1,000 colones (US $0.40 to $2). Rental cars typically don't come with Quick Pass transponders, so you'll pay manually at toll booths.
Most tourists encounter tolls when:
- Driving from San José to Pacific beaches (Manuel Antonio, Jacó)
- Using Route 27 (San José-Caldera highway)
- Traveling on Route 1 near the airport
- Taking Route 32 to the Caribbean coast
Costa Rica Toll Costs: Current Rates
Toll fees generally range from ₡200 to ₡1,000 (approximately $0.40 to $2) per stop, depending on the road and vehicle type. Route 27 has the most tolls in Costa Rica with rates that are always fluctuating.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Highway | Vehicle Type | Typical Cost | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 27 (each booth) | Automóvil (Car) | ₡200-₡1,000 ($0.40-$2.00) | Cash, Card, Quick Pass |
| Route 1 (Airport area) | Automóvil (Car) | ₡200 ($0.40) | Cash only |
| Route 32 (Braulio Carrillo) | Automóvil (Car) | ₡250 ($0.50) | Cash, Card |
| Route 27 exits | Automóvil (Car) | ₡300-₡900 ($0.60-$1.80) | Cash, Card |
Major Route Costs (Current Rates)
- San José to Manuel Antonio (Route 27): 4-5 toll booths = ₡1,200-₡4,000 ($2.40-$8.00)
- San José to Jacó (Route 27): 3-4 toll booths = ₡800-₡3,000 ($1.60-$6.00)
- San José to Airport (Route 1): 1 toll booth = ₡200 ($0.40)
- San José to Caribbean coast (Route 32): 1 toll booth = ₡250 ($0.50)
How to Pay Costa Rica Tolls
You can pay tolls in cash or credit card. They accept both USD and Costa Rican colones, however it's recommended to use Costa Rican currency since they don't use a very good exchange rate for USD.
Payment Options
- Costa Rican Colones (CRC): Best exchange rate, widely accepted
- US Dollars: Accepted but poor exchange rate, bills must be $1, $5, $10, or $20
- Credit/Debit Cards: Available at most booths, tap to pay option, charged in local currency
- Quick Pass: Electronic toll payment system operative on Route 27, rental cars typically don't include this
Lane Types
- Manual lanes: Pay attendant with cash or card
- Tarjeta lanes: Tap credit/debit card payment
- Quick Pass lanes: Electronic transponder (rental cars usually don't have this)
- Voluntary lanes: Exact change only (₡100 coins)
Major Toll Highways
Route 27 (San José - Caldera)
This highway has the most tolls in Costa Rica with multiple toll booths including Escazú, San Rafael, Atenas, and Pozón. Main toll locations:
- Escazú toll - First toll leaving San José
- San Rafael toll - Mid-route
- Atenas toll - Mountain section
- Pozón/Costanera Sur toll - Connects with Route 34 to Pacific beaches like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita
Route 1 (Interamericana Highway)
Two tolls located at Alajuela/Río Segundo (eastern side of airport, around ₡200) and Naranjo (between Alajuela and San Ramón).
Route 32 (Braulio Carrillo)
One toll booth between San José and Cartago at Florencio del Castillo, around ₡250.
Recent Changes (2025)
- Credit card payment now widely available at most toll booths
- Top Miles app launched for Quick Pass users to collect points on Route 27
- Toll rates continue to fluctuate based on maintenance and infrastructure costs
- COSEVI launching online driver's license renewal service in October 2025
Regional Toll Comparison
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | Manual booths + Quick Pass | $0.40-$2.00 per booth | Major highways only |
| Panama | Electronic toll system | $0.35-$1.50 per booth | Pan-American Highway |
| Nicaragua | Manual toll booths | $0.50-$3.00 per booth | Limited highway network |
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily budget: Allow $5-15 for tolls depending on routes
- Route 27 trips: Budget $3-8 each direction for Pacific coast
- Airport transfers: Usually only ₡200 ($0.40) toll
- Multiple trips: Tolls apply each direction - no return discounts
Alternative Routes
- Route 3 (Aguacate): Narrow, winding alternative to Route 27 but toll-free
- Secondary roads: Generally toll-free but longer travel times
- Northern routes: Routes to Guanacaste (Liberia-Bijagua-La Fortuna-Samara-Tamarindo) have no tolls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Costa Rica tolls?
Yes, alternative routes like Route 3 "The Aguacate" are toll-free but add 40 minutes to an hour to travel time and are narrow, winding, and steep.
What happens if I don't pay?
Tolls are NOT one-way! You will have to pay tolls both when heading to and returning from your destination. All toll booths are staffed - you cannot pass without paying.
Do rental cars come with Quick Pass?
Rental cars typically DO NOT come with Quick Pass transponders. Some rental companies offer Quick Pass as an add-on service where expenses are added to your rental contract.
Can I use US dollars?
Yes, but use Costa Rican colones when possible as USD gets a poor exchange rate. If using USD, bills must be $1, $5, $10, or $20 denominations.
Which credit cards work?
Most toll booths accept Visa/MasterCard, but ensure your card works for other purchases in Costa Rica first as small charges might be flagged as fraud.
Contact Information
COSEVI (Consejo de Seguridad Vial)
- Website: https://cosevi.go.cr
- Function: Road safety authority and driver licensing
CONAVI (Consejo Nacional de Vialidad)
- Website: https://conavi.go.cr
- Function: National road infrastructure management
Route 27 Toll Information
- Operator: Globalvía
- Website: https://globalvia.com
- Quick Pass inquiries and Top Miles app
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 911
- Traffic Police: 2522-9330
- Road conditions: Check Waze app or COSEVI website
