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Montana Toll Roads Complete Guide

System: No toll roads, bridges, or tunnels statewide
Coverage: Entire state toll-free (over 24,000 lane miles)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: No electronic tolling required
Status: One of 15 US states with zero toll infrastructure

Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Montana? 2025 Update

No, you do not need to pay any tolls to drive in Montana. The state has no toll roads, bridges, or tunnels anywhere within its borders. You can drive the entire 552-mile length of I-90 across Montana without paying a single toll.

Key Reality: Montana is one of only 15 US states that maintain completely toll-free transportation networks. The state funds its road system through gas taxes ($0.315/gallon), vehicle registration fees, and federal grants.

2025 Update: Montana Department of Transportation maintains over 24,000 lane miles of highways using traditional funding methods, with recent federal infrastructure investments totaling $8 billion statewide.

Montana Travel Costs: What You Actually Pay

While Montana has no tolls, you'll still have travel expenses. Here's what to budget for gas and travel costs across the state.

Current Gas Prices & Costs (2025)

Route	Distance	Typical Gas Cost	Travel Time
Billings to Missoula	347 miles	$35-45	5.5 hours
Great Falls to Bozeman	142 miles	$15-20	2.5 hours
Kalispell to Helena	154 miles	$16-22	2.5 hours
Full I-90 Crossing	552 miles	$55-70	8.5 hours

How Montana Funds Its Roads

Funding Sources:

• Gasoline tax: $0.315 per gallon (increased 2017)
• Special fuel tax: $0.2925 per gallon
• Vehicle registration and weight fees
• Federal highway funding (88.5% of budget)
• State/local funding (11.5% of budget)

How to Calculate Montana Travel Costs

Since Montana has no tolls, your primary costs are fuel and time. Use these methods to plan your trip expenses:

1. Gas Cost Calculation:

• Enter your vehicle's MPG rating
• Check current Montana gas prices
• Calculate: (Miles ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon

2. Route Planning:

• All major highways are toll-free
• No electronic tags or transponders needed
• Budget for rest stops and meals only

To calculate gas costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Montana roads, use TollGuru Montana gas calculator

Montana Gas Calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

Infrastructure Investments:

• $8 billion in federal infrastructure funding from IIJA and IRA
• $100 million SAFER Act funding for road and bridge projects
• Bridge and Road Safety Accountability Act (BaRSAA) continuing funding

Toll Discussion:

• April 2024: Satirical proposal for US-2 toll road (April Fool's joke)
• No serious toll road proposals under consideration
• State maintains commitment to toll-free travel

Funding Status:

• Montana raises enough revenue to fully cover highway spending (one of only 3 states)
• Gas tax revenue remains stable despite electric vehicle adoption
• Federal matching funds continue through 2026

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations:

• Gas expenses: $0.10-0.15 per mile (varies by vehicle)
• No toll-related delays or stops
• Budget for food, lodging, and attractions only

Travel Advantages:

• No electronic tags or transponders required
• No risk of missed toll violations
• Predictable travel costs (fuel only)
• No toll-related route restrictions

Vehicle Preparation:

• Standard vehicle registration sufficient
• No special equipment or accounts needed
• Cash/cards for gas, food, and lodging only

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Montana ever have toll roads?

Highly unlikely. Montana has robust funding through gas taxes and federal grants. The state maintains over 24,000 lane miles toll-free and shows no serious interest in tolling.

Do I need any special equipment for Montana highways?

No electronic toll tags, transponders, or special equipment required. Standard vehicle registration and driver's license are sufficient.

Are there any hidden fees for Montana roads?

No hidden fees. You pay gas taxes at the pump and vehicle registration fees annually, but no usage-based tolls anywhere in the state.

How does Montana compare to neighboring states?

Montana is similar to neighboring North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho - all toll-free. Alberta, Canada (to the north) is also toll-free.

What about winter driving in Montana?

Montana highways are maintained year-round at no additional toll cost. Budget for possible tire chains, winter gear, and emergency supplies during winter months.

Montana vs. Neighboring States

State/Province	Toll Status	Gas Tax	Notes
Montana	No tolls	$0.315/gallon	Completely toll-free
North Dakota	No tolls	$0.23/gallon	Toll-free statewide
South Dakota	No tolls	$0.30/gallon	Toll-free statewide
Wyoming	No tolls	$0.24/gallon	Toll-free statewide
Idaho	No tolls	$0.25/gallon	Toll-free statewide

Useful Links & Resources

Montana Transportation:

• Montana Department of Transportation: https://www.mdt.mt.gov
• Road conditions: 511 or 1-800-226-7623
• Highway Patrol: 1-855-647-3777

Related Toll-Free States:

• North Dakota Toll Roads - Neighboring toll-free state
• South Dakota Toll Roads - Neighboring toll-free state
• Wyoming Toll Roads - Neighboring toll-free state
• Idaho Toll Roads - Neighboring toll-free state

US Toll Information:

• Canada Toll - Cross-border travel information
• US Toll - National toll road overview

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