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Latest revision as of 08:19, 5 July 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Kentucky Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection only (RiverLink transponders + License plate recognition)
Coverage: 3 bridges in Louisville metro area only
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: RiverLink/E-ZPass transponders, ANPR cameras
Operator: RiverLink (Kentucky-Indiana joint operation)
Do I Need RiverLink for Kentucky? 2025 Update
No, you don't need RiverLink to cross Kentucky's toll bridges - but you'll pay 50% more without it. Kentucky operates only 3 toll bridges, all in the Louisville metropolitan area connecting to Southern Indiana.
Key Reality: Driving without a transponder costs $5.36 per crossing vs. $2.68 with RiverLink account - literally double the price. For visitors crossing multiple times, this adds up quickly.
2025 Update: New toll rates effective July 1, 2025 increased by 2.5% annually per bi-state resolution. Most of Kentucky's highways remain toll-free, with only these 3 Louisville-area bridges requiring payment.
Kentucky Toll Costs: Current Rates
Kentucky toll roads are limited to 3 bridges in Louisville metro area, with costs based on vehicle classification and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | With Transponder | Prepaid Account Only | No Account (Invoice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Vehicle (Cars, Motorcycles) | $2.68 | $4.02 | $5.36 |
| Medium Vehicle (2-4 axles, >7.5ft) | $5.36 | $8.04 | $10.72 |
| Heavy Vehicle (5+ axles) | $13.40 | $14.68 | $16.01 |
Toll Bridges Location (2025)
Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges:
- I-65 Abraham Lincoln Bridge (northbound traffic)
- I-65 John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge (southbound traffic)
- SR 265/KY 841 Lewis and Clark Bridge (Prospect, KY to Utica, IN)
Toll-Free Alternatives: Sherman Minton Bridge (I-264), Clark Memorial Bridge (US 31)
How to Pay Kentucky Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Kentucky:
1. RiverLink Prepaid Account with Transponder (Cheapest):
- RiverLink local transponder: Free (one per vehicle)
- RiverLink E-ZPass transponder: $15 (works in 16+ states)
- Minimum $20 account balance required
- 50% savings compared to no-account rate
2. E-ZPass from Other States:
- All E-ZPass transponders accepted (I-Pass, etc.)
- Pays transponder rate if account in good standing
- Works on all 3 Louisville bridges
3. License Plate Recognition (Most Expensive):
- Cameras photograph license plates
- Invoice mailed to registered owner
- Highest rates due to administrative costs
- Can set up account after crossing to reduce future fees
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Kentucky toll bridges, use TollGuru Kentucky toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
July 1, 2025 Rate Increase:
- 2.5% annual increase per bi-state resolution
- Cars with transponders: $2.68 (up from $2.61)
- Heavy vehicles: $13.40-$16.01 (up from previous rates)
- April 2025 CPI was 2.3%, so minimum 2.5% increase applied
Upcoming I-69 Bridge:
- I-69 Ohio River Crossing (Henderson, KY to Evansville, IN)
- Expected completion: 2027-2031
- Will be tolled when operational
Fraud Alert:
- RiverLink never sends text messages about unpaid tolls
- All legitimate bills sent via US Mail only
- Delete suspicious texts and report to FTC
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Single crossing: $2.68 (with transponder) vs $5.36 (without)
- Daily Louisville commute: $5.36 vs $10.72 (50% savings)
- Frequent user discounts available for personal accounts
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- I-264 Sherman Minton Bridge (west of downtown)
- US 31 Clark Memorial Bridge (east of downtown)
- Longer routes but no toll charges
Vehicle Classification:
- Height and axle count determine classification
- Trailers, roof cargo >7.5 feet trigger higher rates
- Motorcycles classified as small vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Kentucky tolls completely?
Yes, use I-264 Sherman Minton Bridge or US 31 Clark Memorial Bridge. These add 10-20 minutes to cross-river travel but have no tolls. Most Kentucky highways are toll-free.
What happens if I don't pay Kentucky tolls?
Unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration holds, preventing renewal until paid. Additional fees and collection actions may follow. RiverLink accepts payment even after crossing.
Do rental cars work with RiverLink?
Check with rental company for toll policies. Some provide transponders, others charge admin fees. RiverLink starter kits available at retail locations for temporary use.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, frequent user discounts available for personal accounts in good standing. Business accounts don't qualify but get medium vehicle rates for many commercial vehicles.
Does my E-ZPass work in Kentucky?
Yes, all E-ZPass transponders (including I-Pass) work on Kentucky's RiverLink system and qualify for the lowest transponder rates.
Kentucky vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | RiverLink electronic | $2.68/crossing | 3 bridges only |
| Indiana | E-ZPass + RiverLink | $0.04-0.08/mile | Indiana Toll Road + bridges |
| Tennessee | Toll-free | $0.00 | No toll roads |
| Ohio | E-ZPass electronic | $0.04-0.05/mile | Ohio Turnpike system |
| West Virginia | E-ZPass electronic | $0.04-0.06/mile | West Virginia Turnpike |
Useful Links & Resources
RiverLink Services:
- RiverLink Customer Service: 1-855-RIV-LINK (1-855-748-5465)
- Email: riverlink.inquiry@riverlink.com
- Account Management: RiverLink.com
- Retail Locations: Speedway stores (Kentucky and Indiana)
Bridge Information:
- I-65 Abraham Lincoln Bridge: Downtown Louisville northbound
- I-65 Kennedy Memorial Bridge: Downtown Louisville southbound
- Lewis and Clark Bridge: East end connection (SR 265/KY 841)
- Toll-free: Sherman Minton Bridge (I-264), Clark Memorial Bridge (US 31)
Related Resources:
- Indiana Toll Road information for connecting travel
- E-ZPass locations and account setup
- Alternative route planning tools
