montana-toll-roads
Montana Toll Roads Complete Guide
Coverage: Entire state toll-free (over 24,000 lane miles)
Funding: Gas tax, vehicle fees, federal grants
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.
2025 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.
Infrastructure Status: 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:
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:
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
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
Planning Your Montana 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
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.
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 |
| Alberta | No tolls | CAD $0.13/liter | Toll-free province |
Useful Links & Resources
Montana Transportation:
- Montana Department of Transportation: 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
- Alberta Toll Roads - Neighboring toll-free province
US Toll Information:
- Canada Toll - Cross-border travel information
- US Toll - National toll road overview
