Delaware Route 1 Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway: Toll Rates & Guide 2025
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Delaware Route 1 - Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Official Name: Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Length: 51 miles (34 miles tolled section)
Toll Plazas: Dover, Biddles Corner (mainline) + 3 ramp tolls
Opened: 1992-2003 (various sections)
Operator: Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
Cost: $900 million (total construction)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Delaware Route 1? 2025 Update
Only if you travel the central section - about 34 miles of Route 1's 51-mile length are tolled. The northern section from I-95 to St. Georges (about 17 miles) is toll-free, while the southern section from Dover Air Force Base to the beaches is also toll-free.
Key Reality: The tolled section includes two major mainline plazas (Dover and Biddles Corner) plus three ramp tolls. Weekend rates are 166-300% higher than weekday rates.
2025 Update: Major toll increases took effect with Delaware E-ZPass users seeing rates rise from $1.00 to $1.50 on weekdays and $3.00 to $4.00 on weekends at each mainline plaza.
Delaware Route 1 Toll Costs: Current Rates
Route 1 uses a barrier toll system with significant rate differences between Delaware E-ZPass users and out-of-state drivers, plus dramatic weekend surcharges.
Mainline Toll Plaza Rates (2025)
| Plaza | Delaware E-ZPass Weekday | Delaware E-ZPass Weekend | Out-of-State/Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover Toll Plaza (Exit 95) | $1.50 | $4.00 | $2.50 / $6.00 |
| Biddles Corner Toll Plaza (Exit 147) | $1.50 | $4.00 | $2.50 / $6.00 |
| Total End-to-End Cost | $3.00 | $8.00 | $5.00 / $12.00 |
Ramp Toll Locations (2025)
| Exit | Location | Toll Rate | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | US 13 North Dover | $0.50 | SB exit / NB entrance |
| 114 | US 13 South Smyrna | $0.25 | SB exit / NB entrance |
| 142 | DE 896 Boyds Corner | $0.50 | NB exit / SB entrance |
Weekend Toll Hours
Weekend rates apply: Friday 7:00 PM through Sunday 11:00 PM
Holiday weekends: Weekend rates may extend for holiday periods
Route 1 Toll Plaza Locations
Dover Toll Plaza (Mile Marker 95)
Location: 200 Plaza Drive, Dover, DE 19901
Features: Staffed cash lanes, high-speed E-ZPass lanes, adjacent to Dover Downs and Dover International Speedway
Access: Denny's Road on/off ramps (northern end), South Smyrna on/off ramps (southern end)
Biddles Corner Toll Plaza (Mile Marker 147)
Location: 2111 Dupont Highway, Middletown, DE 19709
Features: Staffed cash lanes, high-speed E-ZPass lanes, just south of Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge
Access: Boyd's Corner on/off ramps, Route 13 and Route 896 access
Record Traffic: Over 360,000 vehicles on holiday weekends
How to Pay Route 1 Tolls
Delaware Route 1 accepts multiple payment methods with significant rate differences based on your E-ZPass type and payment method.
1. Delaware E-ZPass (Best Rates):
- Lowest toll rates available
- High-speed lanes at mainline plazas
- Frequent user discount (50% off after 30 trips in 30 days)
- Available at Wawa, AAA, and other retailers
2. Out-of-State E-ZPass:
- Higher rates than Delaware E-ZPass
- Works in high-speed lanes
- No frequent user discount
- Same rates as cash payment
3. Cash Payment:
- Mainline plazas: Staffed lanes available 24/7
- Ramp tolls: Exact change required (unattended)
- Same high rates as out-of-state E-ZPass
- Slower processing through toll plazas
To calculate toll costs for your specific trip on Delaware Route 1, use TollGuru's Route 1 toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Rate Increases:
- Delaware E-ZPass weekday rates: $1.00 → $1.50 per plaza (50% increase)
- Delaware E-ZPass weekend rates: $3.00 → $4.00 per plaza (33% increase)
- Out-of-state/cash weekday rates: $1.00 → $2.50 per plaza (150% increase)
- Out-of-state/cash weekend rates: $3.00 → $6.00 per plaza (100% increase)
Revenue Impact:
- Expected additional revenue: $39 million annually
- First toll increase since 2014
- Funding statewide transportation projects
Operational Updates:
- US 301 connection opened at Exit 147 (2019)
- Enhanced E-ZPass enforcement technology
- Improved traffic flow management during peak periods
Route 1 Major Exits & Connections
Northern Section (Toll-Free)
Exit 4: I-95 interchange (busiest in Delaware)
Exit 164: Christiana Mall, SR 7
Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge: Crossing Chesapeake & Delaware Canal
Tolled Section
Exit 147: Biddles Corner Toll Plaza, US 301 connection
Exit 142: DE 896 Boyds Corner (ramp toll)
Exit 136: DE 299 Middletown/Odessa
Exit 114: US 13 South Smyrna (ramp toll)
Exit 104: US 13 North Dover (ramp toll)
Exit 95: Dover Toll Plaza
Southern Section (Toll-Free)
Dover Air Force Base: Multiple base gates and entrances
Southern Terminus: Connection to US 13, continues to Delaware beaches
Planning Your Route 1 Journey
Travel Cost Examples (Delaware E-ZPass):
- I-95 to Dover: $1.50 weekday / $4.00 weekend (one plaza)
- I-95 to Delaware beaches: $3.00 weekday / $8.00 weekend (both plazas)
- Dover to Rehoboth Beach: $1.50 weekday / $4.00 weekend (one plaza)
Out-of-State Driver Costs:
- Weekend beach trip (round trip): $24.00 (4x weekend plaza tolls)
- Weekday commute (round trip): $10.00 (4x weekday plaza tolls)
- Annual Delaware E-ZPass savings: $500-1,000 for regular users
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- US Route 13: Parallel route through downtown areas (30-45 minutes slower)
- Local roads: Available but significantly longer travel times
- Combined routes: Mix of Route 1 toll-free sections with local roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Route 1 tolls completely?
Yes, by using US Route 13 which parallels Route 1 through most of Delaware. However, US 13 adds 30-45 minutes to most trips and passes through numerous towns with traffic lights and lower speed limits.
Why are weekend tolls so much higher?
Weekend tolls were introduced in 2007 and increased in 2014 to fund statewide transportation projects. Route 1 sees massive traffic to Delaware beaches on weekends, and higher tolls help manage demand while generating revenue.
Do I need exact change for ramp tolls?
Yes, ramp tolls (Exits 104, 114, and 142) are unattended and require exact change if paying cash. E-ZPass users can pass through without stopping. The ramp toll amounts are $0.25 or $0.50 depending on location.
What's the frequent user discount?
Delaware E-ZPass users who make 30 or more trips in 30 days receive a 50% discount on tolls. This applies automatically and is particularly valuable for daily commuters using Route 1.
When does the weekend toll period start?
Weekend tolls begin Friday at 7:00 PM and continue through Sunday at 11:00 PM. This captures the Friday evening beach traffic and Sunday evening return traffic that creates the heaviest congestion.
Route 1 vs. Alternative Routes
| Route | Cost | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 (DE E-ZPass) | $3.00-8.00 | Fast | Limited access highway |
| Route 1 (Out-of-State) | $5.00-12.00 | Fast | Premium rates for non-residents |
| US Route 13 | $0.00 | +30-45 minutes | Many traffic lights, lower speeds |
| Local Roads | $0.00 | +60-90 minutes | Complex navigation, very slow |
Useful Links & Resources
Related Delaware Toll Pages:
- Delaware Toll Roads - Complete Delaware toll system overview
- Delaware E-ZPass - Account setup and benefits
- Delaware Memorial Bridge - Bridge toll information
- Delaware I-95 Turnpike - Northern Delaware tolls
- Pay Toll Delaware - Payment methods and violations
Official Resources:
- DelDOT Route 1 Information: (302) 760-2080
- Delaware E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-888-397-2773
- Route 1 Traffic Cameras: Available on DelDOT website
- Real-time toll rates: DelDOT toll calculator
