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El Salvador Toll Roads Complete Guide

System: Currently toll-free highway network (future toll projects planned)
Coverage: CA-1 Panamerican, CA-2 Coastal, Northern Longitudinal highways
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Future electronic toll collection systems planned
Operators: Ministry of Public Works (MOP), FOVIAL road maintenance

Do I Need to Pay Tolls in El Salvador? 2025 Update

No, you currently do not need to pay any tolls to drive on El Salvador's highway network. El Salvador maintains a completely toll-free road system as of 2025, making it one of the few Central American countries without active toll collection.

Key Reality: All major highways including the Panamerican Highway (CA-1), Coastal Highway (CA-2), and Northern Longitudinal Highway are accessible without payment. This provides cost-effective transportation across the country's compact 21,040 km² territory.

2025 Update: Government surveys indicate potential toll implementation on future projects like Los Chorros Highway expansion and Boulevard del Ejército, with proposed rates of $0.50-$1.50 per transit being studied.

El Salvador Highway Costs: Current Status

El Salvador operates a toll-free highway system funded through fuel taxes collected by FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund) and government infrastructure investments.

Current Highway Access (2025)

Highway	Route	Cost	Status
CA-1 Panamerican	Guatemala border - San Salvador - Honduras border	Free	Operational, ongoing improvements
CA-2 Coastal Highway	Pacific coast, Guatemala to Honduras border	Free	Enhanced for Surf City project
Northern Longitudinal	Northern region connection (242km)	Free	Completed 2013, maintains connectivity
Los Chorros Highway	Colón - La Libertad (15km expansion)	Future tolls proposed	Under construction, toll studies ongoing
Boulevard del Ejército	Metropolitan area improvement	$0.50-$1.50 proposed	Public opinion surveys conducted

Funding Model

Current System: Fuel tax through FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund)

• Ring-fenced gasoline tax dedicated to road maintenance
• Government budget allocations for major infrastructure projects
• International development funding (IDB, MCC)
• Future consideration: Public-private partnerships with toll collection

How to Use El Salvador Highways

Traveling on El Salvador's highway network is straightforward with no toll requirements:

1. Highway Access:

• No entry fees or toll booths on any highway
• Free access to all vehicle types
• Standard driving license requirements apply

2. Future Toll Preparation:

• Electronic toll collection systems being studied
• Cash payment options likely for initial implementation
• Public-private partnership models under consideration

To calculate potential travel costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across future El Salvador toll roads, use TollGuru El Salvador toll calculator

El Salvador Toll Calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

Infrastructure Development:

• Los Chorros Highway expansion continues with environmental assessments
• Eight new overpasses completed nationwide to reduce traffic congestion
• Sensunapán River Bridge opened connecting Sonsonate and Sonzacate
• Pasaquinita Bridge inaugurated in Santa Rosa de Lima, La Unión

Toll Planning Developments:

• Public surveys conducted on Boulevard del Ejército toll acceptance
• Northern and Southern Peripheral highways proposed with toll funding models
• Government evaluation of public-private partnerships for future projects
• Los Chorros project toll feasibility studies ongoing

Maintenance Improvements:

• FOVIAL enhanced funding through improved fuel tax collection
• Road roughness improvements on Northern Transnational Highway
• Rural road connectivity program with IDB $100 million support

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Travel Planning Errors:

• Don't budget for toll costs - all highways currently free
• Avoid confusing El Salvador's system with neighboring toll countries
• Don't expect electronic toll infrastructure currently

Navigation Issues:

• Mountain sections may have lower traffic volumes and speeds
• Construction zones on Los Chorros expansion require caution
• Rural roads connecting to highways may have varying conditions

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations

• No toll costs - only fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses
• Cross-country travel: San Salvador to borders (1-3 hours typically)
• Future budget planning: Potential $0.50-1.50 tolls on new projects

Route Selection

• CA-1 Panamerican: Fastest for Guatemala-Honduras transit
• CA-2 Coastal: Best for beach destinations and airport access
• Northern Longitudinal: Connects remote northern regions
• Local roads: Free alternatives with varying conditions

Regional Highway Information

Western El Salvador:

• CA-1 connects San Salvador with Santa Ana and Guatemala border
• CA-2 provides coastal access to western beaches
• Los Chorros expansion project ongoing with potential future tolls

Eastern El Salvador:

• CA-1 continues to San Miguel and Honduras border
• CA-2 reaches Gulf of Fonseca
• Recent bridge improvements enhance connectivity

Northern El Salvador:

• Northern Longitudinal Highway completed in 2013
• Lower traffic volumes on mountainous sections
• Connects Chalatenango with rest of country

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any tolls in El Salvador?

No, El Salvador currently has zero toll roads. All highways including the Panamerican, Coastal, and Northern Longitudinal are completely free to use for all vehicle types.

Will El Salvador introduce tolls in the future?

Possibly. The government is studying toll implementation on new projects like Los Chorros Highway expansion and Boulevard del Ejército, with proposed rates of $0.50-$1.50 per transit being surveyed.

How are El Salvador's roads funded?

Through FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund) using ring-fenced fuel taxes, government budget allocations, and international development funding from institutions like IDB and MCC.

What is the condition of El Salvador's highways?

Generally good condition with ongoing improvements. The government has invested significantly in modernizing road infrastructure with new bridges, overpasses, and surface improvements under the current administration.

Can tourists drive freely on El Salvador highways?

Yes, all highways are toll-free and accessible to tourists with valid licenses. International driving permits may be required depending on your country of origin.

El Salvador vs. Neighboring Countries

Country	System Type	Typical Cost	Coverage
El Salvador	Toll-free highways	$0 (free access)	All major highways
Guatemala	Limited toll roads	Minimal tolls	Select highways
Honduras	Concession tolls	Variable rates	Major highways
Nicaragua	Private concessions	Distance-based	Key corridors
Costa Rica	Private highway tolls	Distance-based	Major routes

Useful Links & Resources

Government Agencies:

• Ministry of Public Works (MOP): mop.gob.sv - Infrastructure projects and planning
• FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund): fovial.com - Road maintenance and funding
• Ministry of Transportation (VMT): vmt.gob.sv - Transportation policies

Travel Information:

• El Salvador Tourism: elsalvador.travel - Route planning and destinations
• Road conditions: 911 - Emergency services and road assistance
• Border crossings: Check requirements for Guatemala and Honduras transit

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