Bangladesh Toll Roads Complete Guide: Padma Bridge, Dhaka Expressway & Payment 2025
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Bangladesh Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Manual toll collection (no electronic system)
Coverage: 5 toll bridges, 4 toll roads, 1 elevated expressway
Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Technology: Manual toll collection, no E-TAG system
Operators: Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Roads and Highways Department
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Bangladesh? 2025 Update
Yes, you need to pay tolls when using Bangladesh's major bridges and expressways. Bangladesh has five toll bridges and four toll roads, with the Dhaka Elevated Expressway opening in 2023 as the country's first elevated toll expressway.
Key Reality: None of them are of an electronic collection system. All toll collection is manual, requiring cash payment at toll booths.
2025 Update: Since its inauguration, the Padma Multipurpose Bridge has generated approximately Tk. 800 crore through toll collection in one year, with more than 15,000 vehicles crossing the bridge on a daily basis.
Bangladesh Toll Costs: Current Rates
Bangladesh operates a limited toll network with significant cost variations between bridges and expressways.
Current Toll Rates by Infrastructure (2025)
| Infrastructure | Motorcycles | Cars/Jeeps | Large Buses | Heavy Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padma Bridge | Tk 100 | Tk 750 | Tk 2,400 | Tk 6,000 |
| Bangabandhu Bridge | Tk 50 | Tk 550 | Tk 1,000 | Tk 3,000 |
| Dhaka Elevated Expressway | Not permitted | Tk 80 | Tk 160 | Tk 320-400 |
| Karnaphuli Tunnel | Not specified | Tk 200 | Tk 400 | Tk 800+ |
Major Toll Infrastructure (2025)
Padma Bridge: 6.15 km (3.82 mi) long, inaugurated on 25 June 2022, connecting southwestern Bangladesh to Dhaka
Dhaka Elevated Expressway: 19.73-kilometre (12.26 mi) elevated toll road connecting Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with Farmgate
Bangabandhu Bridge: 4.8 km multipurpose bridge over the Jamuna River, increased rates in 2021
How to Pay Bangladesh Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods in Bangladesh:
1. Manual Cash Payment:
- Only payment method available - no electronic systems
- Cash payment at toll booths for all bridges and roads
- Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) only
2. Operation & Management System:
- Government invites tender to give an operation and management (O&M) contract for five years
- O&M operators maintain the bridge and collect toll on behalf of the government
- No automatic toll collection planned for existing infrastructure
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, buses and all vehicle types across Bangladesh toll roads, use TollGuru Bangladesh toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Padma Bridge Impact:
- Bridge was expected to boost the GDP of Bangladesh by up to 1.23 percent
- Connects 13 districts to other regions which have an above-average poverty rate
- 17 economic zones are planned at different places in the southwestern region
Dhaka Elevated Expressway:
- Partially opened in 2023 as the country's first elevated expressway
- Speed limit set at 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph)
- Motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and three-wheelers, bicycles, and pedestrians are not permitted
Toll Rate Adjustments:
- Bangabandhu Bridge toll rates increased by 17 percent on average in 2021
- Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga Expressway toll collection to begin with higher proposed rates
- Karnaphuli Tunnel toll rates finalized for 12 vehicle types
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Padma Bridge: Tk 750 for cars, connects Dhaka to southwestern Bangladesh
- Dhaka Elevated Expressway: Tk 80 for cars, provides airport connectivity
- Bangabandhu Bridge: Tk 550 for cars, connects eastern and northern regions
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Ferry services available on major rivers (longer journey times)
- Regional roads bypass toll infrastructure but increase travel time
- Most national highways remain toll-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Bangladesh tolls completely?
Yes, most of Bangladesh's road network is toll-free. However, major river crossings and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway require toll payment. Ferry services offer toll-free alternatives but with longer journey times.
Is there electronic toll collection in Bangladesh?
No, none of them are of an electronic collection system. All toll collection is manual and requires cash payment at toll booths.
Which vehicles can use the Dhaka Elevated Expressway?
The expressway is accessible to eight types of vehicles, including buses, minibuses, sedans, SUVs, specific trucks, and pickups. However, motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other three-wheelers, bicycles, and pedestrians are not permitted.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Currently, no discount programs are available for frequent users. All vehicles pay the same toll rates regardless of usage frequency.
How does Padma Bridge toll compare to ferry costs?
The toll for vehicles to cross the Padma Bridge is one and a half times the current ferry service, but significantly reduces travel time and provides reliable year-round service.
Bangladesh vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Manual toll collection | Tk 50-6,000 | 5 bridges, 4 roads |
| India | Electronic + manual | ₹20-200/trip | Extensive network |
| Pakistan | Limited electronic | PKR 20-300/trip | Motorways only |
| Sri Lanka | Electronic + manual | LKR 50-500/trip | Expressways |
Useful Links & Resources
Regional Toll Information:
- India Toll Roads - Electronic toll collection with FASTag system
- Sri Lanka Toll Roads - Expressway toll information
- Nepal Toll Roads - Limited toll network information
- Bhutan Toll Roads - Regional toll system details
Government Authorities:
- Bangladesh Bridge Authority - +880-2-9135457
- Roads and Highways Department - +880-2-9561020
- Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges - +880-2-9516500
