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El Salvador Road System 2025: Complete Guide
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System: Tax-funded road network (no tolls)
Operator: FOVIAL & Ministry of Public Works (MOP)
Currency: USD (United States Dollar)
Coverage: 9,012 km national road network
Technology: Traditional infrastructure maintenance
Are There Tolls in El Salvador? 2025 Update
No, El Salvador does not currently operate traditional toll roads for passenger vehicles. The country's road network is maintained through FOVIAL (Fondo de Conservación Vial) and the Ministry of Public Works using government funding rather than direct toll charges. El Salvador has a total road network of 9,012 km, with 59% (5,341 km) being paved roads.
El Salvador Road Network: Current Status
El Salvador's main highways include the Pan-American Highway (CA-1), the Coastal Highway (CA-2), and the North Longitudinal Highway, which connect the country from border to border and serve as the backbone of national transportation.
Major Highways
| Highway | Route | Connection | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-1 Pan-American | Guatemala to Honduras | Main transit corridor | Under expansion |
| CA-2 Coastal | Pacific coast route | Beach access, Surf City | Recently improved |
| Longitudinal Norte | Northern corridor | 242 km mountain route | Completed 2013 |
How Road Funding Works in El Salvador
FOVIAL is responsible for maintenance of the national road network and carries out preventive and corrective maintenance activities annually to avoid deterioration caused by vehicle use and natural elements. The system is funded through:
- Fuel taxes: Primary funding mechanism
- Government budget: Direct allocation for infrastructure
- International loans: Development bank financing for major projects
Recent Infrastructure Developments (2024-2025)
El Salvador has prioritized expanding its road system under President Nayib Bukele's administration, with the government announcing several "large-scale" infrastructure projects including the ambitious Los Chorros Highway expansion. The country has invested millions of dollars to transform road connectivity, including construction of eight overpasses nationwide to reduce traffic at city entrances and exits.
Major Projects Underway
- Los Chorros Highway: 15 km expansion between Colón and La Libertad
- Surf City infrastructure: Coastal road improvements
- Pan-American expansion: Various sections under development
- Urban overpasses: Eight completed nationwide
Driving Costs in El Salvador
While there are no tolls, drivers should budget for:
- Fuel costs: USD rates (El Salvador uses US Dollar)
- Parking fees: In major cities like San Salvador
- Vehicle maintenance: Due to road conditions in some areas
- International border fees: When crossing to Guatemala/Honduras
Driving in El Salvador: What to Know
Driving is done on the right side of the road in El Salvador, with overtaking on the left. You must be 18 years old to drive, and there is zero-tolerance for drinking and driving as of early 2025. El Salvador implemented a new "Zero Tolerance" law for drinking and driving in December 2024, making ANY blood alcohol level a criminal offense with prison sentences of 2-5 years.
Important Driving Rules
- Zero alcohol tolerance: Any detectable alcohol is illegal
- Speed bumps (tumulos): Frequent, often with little warning
- Animals on roads: Common in rural areas
- Night driving: Avoid when possible due to poor lighting
El Salvador vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Cost Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | No tolls | Tax-funded | Free road usage |
| Guatemala | Mixed system | Some toll roads | Concession model |
| Honduras | Limited tolls | Specific corridors | Development phase |
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning
- Use major highways: CA-1 and CA-2 are best maintained
- Allow extra time: For speed bumps and traffic in cities
- Check road conditions: Especially during rainy season (April-October)
- Border crossings: Plan for delays at Guatemala/Honduras borders
Cost Considerations
- No tolls: Free highway usage throughout El Salvador
- Fuel costs: Budget for gasoline/diesel at USD rates
- Parking: Fees in urban areas, especially San Salvador
- Alternative routes: All main routes are toll-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay any road fees in El Salvador?
No, El Salvador does not charge tolls on any of its roads. The road network is funded through government taxes and does not require direct payment from drivers.
What about bridge or tunnel fees?
Currently, there are no toll bridges or tunnels in El Salvador. The country has two major bridges: the San Marcos Lempa Bridge (700 meters) and the Pan American Highway Bridge (400 meters), both of which are free to use.
Are there plans for toll roads in El Salvador?
While El Salvador continues to invest heavily in road infrastructure, current projects focus on expansion and improvement of the existing tax-funded system rather than implementing tolls.
What should I budget for road travel?
Budget for fuel costs, parking in cities, and potential vehicle maintenance. There are no direct road usage fees.
How do road conditions compare to other countries?
Major highways in El Salvador are among the best in Central America, though road conditions are not up to U.S. standards. Expect speed bumps, animals on rural roads, and varying conditions outside major routes.
Road Safety and Regulations
El Salvador saw 892 road deaths from January to August 2024, an increase from 878 in the same period of 2023. Key safety considerations:
- Zero alcohol tolerance: Strictly enforced with severe penalties
- Defensive driving: Traffic laws are not consistently enforced
- Night driving risks: Poor lighting and increased hazards
- Emergency procedures: Know local emergency numbers
Contact Information
Road Authorities
- FOVIAL: Fondo de Conservación Vial - Road maintenance authority
- MOP: Ministry of Public Works and Transportation
- Emergency: 911 (general emergency services)
Border Information
- Guatemala border: Multiple crossing points along CA-1
- Honduras border: Eastern border crossings
- Documentation: Valid passport/visa requirements for foreign drivers
