Suriname Toll Roads Complete Guide: Infrastructure, Rates & Payment 2025
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Suriname Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Limited toll infrastructure, primarily toll-free roads
Coverage: Concentrated around Paramaribo, expanding due to oil boom
Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
Technology: Traditional infrastructure, left-hand driving
Operators: Government of Suriname, private contractors
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Suriname? 2025 Update
No, Suriname currently operates a primarily toll-free road network. The country has limited toll infrastructure, focusing instead on developing its road system to support the emerging oil economy and improved connectivity.
Key Reality: Most roads, including the new Desiré Delano Bouterse Highway (Suriname's first motorway), are toll-free. The focus is on infrastructure development rather than toll revenue generation.
2025 Update: With TotalEnergies' $10.5 billion GranMorgu oil project approved and first oil expected in 2028, Suriname is investing heavily in infrastructure improvements to support economic growth.
Suriname Road Costs: Current Infrastructure
Suriname operates a developing road network centered around Paramaribo, with no toll charges for road usage.
Current Road Infrastructure Status (2025)
| Road/Highway | Type | Status | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desiré Delano Bouterse Highway | Motorway (first in Suriname) | Operational since May 2020 | FREE |
| East-West Link (Northern) | Main highway | Under rehabilitation (EU funded) | FREE |
| Avobakaweg | Paved 2-lane road | Connects Paranam-Afobaka | FREE |
| John F. Kennedyweg | Airport connector | Operational | FREE |
Infrastructure Quality Rankings
Global Infrastructure Rankings: Roads 71st of 148 countries, Airports 104th, Railways 108th, Telecommunications 7th (World Economic Forum)
Unique Characteristic: Left-hand driving - Suriname and Guyana are the only two countries in the Americas driving on the left
You can travel on Suriname roads using the following characteristics:
1. Driving Standards:
- Left-hand driving (unique in the Americas with Guyana)
- Speed limits: 80 km/h on Bouterse Highway with camera enforcement
- No electronic toll collection systems
2. Border Crossings:
- Guyana: Ferry from Nieuw-Nickerie to Corriverton
- French Guiana: Bridge connections available
- Brazil: No direct road connection
To calculate travel costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Suriname roads, use TollGuru Suriname calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Oil Industry Transformation:
- TotalEnergies $10.5 billion GranMorgu project FID approved October 2024
- First oil production expected 2028 with 220,000 barrels/day capacity
- Over $1 billion in local infrastructure investment planned
- 6,000+ jobs expected (2,000 direct, 4,000 indirect)
Infrastructure Development:
- Paramaribo designated as primary hub for oil industry logistics and administration
- East-West Link rehabilitation ongoing with EU, French Development Agency, and IDB funding
- Road infrastructure improvements to support oil industry operations from 2026
Economic Context:
- May 2025 elections approaching with oil wealth as major factor
- Debt performance improving due to oil project expectations
- China's Belt and Road Initiative involvement since 2018
Regional Infrastructure Information
Paramaribo Metropolitan Area - Primary Hub:
- Bouterse Highway provides direct connection to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
- Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge connects Paramaribo with Meerzorg (operational since 2000)
- Port infrastructure modernized for oil industry support
- Majority of infrastructure concentrated in this area
Regional Bridge Network:
- Coppename Bridge (operational since 1999)
- Saramacca River Bridge between Hamburg and Uitkijk (opened 2011)
- Groot Henar bridge spanning Nickerie River
- Eastern corridor rehabilitation (Meerzorg to Albina) with international funding
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily travel costs: Fuel and vehicle maintenance only (no tolls)
- Airport travel: Reduced from 1.5-2 hours to approximately 1 hour via Bouterse Highway
- Border fees: Potential ferry costs for Guyana crossing
Road Conditions:
- Paramaribo area: Generally good paved roads
- Interior roads: Many unpaved, plan extra time and consider 4WD
- Coastal region: Better infrastructure, ongoing improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any toll roads in Suriname?
No, Suriname currently operates a toll-free road network. The focus is on infrastructure development rather than toll collection, especially with the oil boom driving investment.
Why do you drive on the left in Suriname?
Suriname inherited left-hand driving from its Dutch colonial period. It's one of only two countries in the Americas (along with Guyana) that drives on the left.
How will the oil boom affect roads?
Significantly. The TotalEnergies project includes over $1 billion in local infrastructure investment, with Paramaribo becoming the primary logistics hub and major road improvements planned from 2026.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
Direct road connections exist to French Guiana. Guyana requires a ferry crossing from Nieuw-Nickerie. There are no direct road connections to Brazil.
What's the road quality like outside Paramaribo?
Variable. The East-West Link is under rehabilitation, but many interior roads remain unpaved. The forested terrain makes road construction challenging outside the coastal region.
Suriname vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suriname | Toll-free roads | $0 (fuel only) | Limited network, expanding |
| Guyana | Bridge tolls (ending Aug 2025) | $0 after Aug 1 | Toll-free nationwide |
| French Guiana | Limited tolls | Minimal | French overseas territory |
| Brazil | Extensive toll network | $0.25-0.50/km | Major highways nationwide |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Guyana Toll Roads - Western neighbor transitioning to toll-free
- French Guiana Toll - Eastern neighbor infrastructure
- Brazil Toll Highways - Southern neighbor extensive toll network
- Venezuela Motorway Tolls - Regional comparison
Government and Industry Contacts:
- Government of Suriname: Transportation and infrastructure development
- Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname: National oil company and infrastructure coordination
- TotalEnergies Suriname: Major infrastructure development partner
- European Union Development Programs: East-West Link rehabilitation funding
