Demerara Harbour Bridge Toll 2025: Complete Floating Bridge Guide
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Demerara Harbour Bridge Complete Guide
System: One-way toll collection (eastbound only) + Retractable floating bridge
Coverage: East Bank Demerara to West Bank Demerara, Georgetown region
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Manual toll collection, retractor span for marine traffic
Operators: Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Ministry of Public Works)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Demerara Harbour Bridge? 2025 Update
Yes, but only when traveling eastbound (west to east). The Demerara Harbour Bridge charges tolls in one direction only, despite handling two-way traffic across the 2.0km floating bridge structure.
Key Reality: This 47-year-old floating bridge - originally designed for just 10 years - remains Guyana's critical link between Georgetown and western regions, handling 14,000 vehicles daily despite being well beyond its intended lifespan.
2025 Update: Major change coming August 1, 2025 - President Irfaan Ali announced that Demerara Harbour Bridge crossings will become toll-free, along with Berbice River Bridge and Wismar Bridge, regardless of new bridge completion status.
Demerara Harbour Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
Current toll rates apply only to eastbound traffic (West Bank to East Bank Demerara), with all westbound traffic crossing free of charge.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Eastbound Toll | Westbound Toll | Status After Aug 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | GYD $40 | Free | Free both directions |
| Motor Car/4WD/Pick-up (Private) | GYD $200 | Free | Free both directions |
| Minibus | GYD $200 | Free | Free both directions |
| Motor Tractor/Trailer/Hearse | GYD $300 | Free | Free both directions |
| Goods Vehicle (1-3 tonnes) | GYD $400 | Free | Free both directions |
| Motor Lorry/Large Bus | GYD $700 | Free | Free both directions |
| Heavy Duty Crossing (18-22 tonnes) | GYD $5,000 | Free | Free both directions |
| Special Crossing (22-24 tonnes) | GYD $20,000 | Free | Free both directions |
Marine Vessel Tolls (2025)
Ocean Going Vessels: GYD $50,000 | Tugs and Barges: GYD $50,000
Coastal Vessels/Trawlers: GYD $15,000 each
How to Pay Demerara Harbour Bridge Tolls
You can use the following methods to pay Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls:
1. Cash Payment:
- Guyanese dollars at toll plaza (eastbound approach)
- Exact change recommended for faster processing
- Toll attendants available during all operating hours
2. Marine Vessel Bookings:
- Email: dhbnavigation@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: 592-623-6145
- 24-hour advance booking required
- Paid-in-advance forms at DHBC Finance Department (8:00-16:30)
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Guyana bridges, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll-Free Announcement:
- March 23, 2025: President Ali announces toll-free status effective August 1, 2025
- Applies to Demerara Harbour Bridge, Berbice River Bridge, and Wismar Bridge
- Policy implemented regardless of new bridge completion status
New Bridge Construction:
- US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge under construction
- Revised completion date: August 31, 2025 (delayed from March 31)
- Final tower P-35 completed June 2025, project 90.7% complete
- New bridge will be toll-free, four-lane, and high-span (no retractions needed)
Current Bridge Operations:
- Daily traffic: Approximately 14,000 vehicles
- Regular retraction schedule for marine traffic continues
- Bridge operating 47 years beyond original 10-year design life
Bridge Infrastructure Information
Current Demerara Harbour Bridge - World's 4th Longest Floating Bridge:
- Length: 6,074 feet (1,851 meters) - 2.0 km total
- Structure: 61 spans supported by 114 pontoons
- Opened: July 2, 1978 (designed by Capt. John Patrick Coghlan)
- Clearance: 7.9m vertical, 32m horizontal at high span
- Retractor span clearance: 77.4m horizontal when fully retracted
New Demerara River Bridge (Under Construction):
- Length: 2.65 km cable-stayed bridge
- Design: Four-lane, high-span, no weight restrictions
- Features: 50m fixed clearance, bicycle lane, 100-year lifespan
- Construction: China Railway Construction (International) Limited
- Connection: Nandy Park (east) to La Grange (west)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Current round trip: GYD $200 for cars (eastbound toll only)
- After August 1, 2025: Completely free in both directions
- Marine vessel crossing: Advance booking and significant fees required
Travel Timing:
- Speed limit: 32 km/h (20 mph) on floating bridge
- Retraction schedule: Check official schedule for marine traffic closures
- Rush hour delays: Morning and evening peak times see increased traffic
Alternative Crossings:
- Currently the only vehicular crossing of Demerara River in this area
- New bridge (when completed) will provide faster, unrestricted crossing
- Ferry services discontinued with bridge construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls completely?
Currently, westbound travel is toll-free, but eastbound requires payment. From August 1, 2025, all bridge crossings will be completely toll-free in both directions by presidential decree.
What happens during bridge retractions for ships?
Vehicle traffic is completely stopped during marine vessel crossings. Retractions typically last 1.5 hours and follow a published schedule available on the bridge corporation website.
Why does this old bridge still charge tolls?
The 47-year-old bridge requires constant maintenance to remain operational beyond its 10-year design life. Tolls fund ongoing repairs and operations until the new bridge opens.
Will the old bridge remain after the new one opens?
Government is considering relocating the current bridge rather than demolishing it. Some officials advocate keeping both bridges operational as "tangible heritage" and redundant transportation capacity.
What are the weight restrictions?
Current bridge limits: 18 tonnes normal crossing (4:00-22:30), 24 tonnes special crossing (22:30-3:30). The new bridge will have no weight restrictions.
Demerara Harbour Bridge vs. Regional Bridges
| Bridge/Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerara Harbour Bridge (Guyana) | One-way floating bridge toll | GYD $200 (cars eastbound) | Free from Aug 1, 2025 |
| Berbice River Bridge (Guyana) | Two-way cable-stayed toll | Similar rates | Free from Aug 1, 2025 |
| Suriname Bridges | Limited toll infrastructure | Minimal charges | Few toll bridges |
| Venezuela Bridges | Various toll systems | Varies by facility | Major crossings tolled |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Berbice River Bridge - Guyana's other major toll bridge
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to toll facilities in Guyana
- Suriname Bridges - Neighboring country bridge information
- Venezuela Bridges - Regional toll bridge comparison
Official Resources:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation: harbourbridge.gov.gy
- Retraction Schedule: Check daily marine vessel crossings
- Ministry of Public Works: mopw.gov.gy - Bridge construction updates
- Marine Bookings: dhbnavigation@gmail.com / WhatsApp 592-623-6145
