Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide: CA-5, CoviPass & Payment 2025
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Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Single toll highway with 3 collection points
Coverage: CA-5 Norte highway (Tegucigalpa-San Pedro Sula corridor)
Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Technology: CoviPass TAG system + manual collection
Operator: COVI Honduras (Concesionaria Vial de Honduras)
Do I Need CoviPass for Honduras? 2025 Update
No, you don't need CoviPass to drive on Honduras' CA-5 toll highway - but it offers convenience and faster passage. Honduras operates a simple toll system with just one tolled highway and three collection points between the capital and the country's economic center.
Key Reality: The CA-5 Norte is Honduras' most important highway, connecting Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula and handling 73% light vehicle traffic. Without CoviPass TAG, you'll wait in regular lanes but delays are typically minimal outside peak hours.
2025 Update: Toll rates remain frozen through 2025 by government agreement. The government is subsidizing contractual rate increases to keep costs stable for users through the current administration.
Honduras Toll Costs: Current Rates
Honduras operates a single toll highway system on the CA-5 Norte with three collection points charging fixed rates per station based on vehicle type.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Per Station Rate | Full Journey Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicles (Cars, Motorcycles) | L29 per station | L87 (3 stations) | Frozen through 2025 |
| Buses (2 Axles) | L58 per station | L174 (3 stations) | Government subsidized |
| Trucks (3-4 Axles) | L87-116 per station | L261-348 (3 stations) | Commercial rates stable |
| Heavy Trucks (5+ Axles) | L145+ per station | L435+ (3 stations) | Highest traffic category |
Toll Station Locations
CA-5 Norte Toll Points:
- Zambrano Station (Francisco Morazán) - 35% of total traffic
- Santa Cruz de Yojoa Station (Cortés) - 34% of total traffic, highest revenue
- Siguatepeque Station (Comayagua) - 31% of total traffic
How to Pay Honduras Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Honduras:
1. Electronic Payment:
- CoviPass TAG: RFID transponder for faster passage through dedicated lanes
- Automatic deduction from prepaid account balance
- Available at all three toll stations on CA-5 Norte
2. Manual Payment:
- Cash: Honduran Lempiras accepted at all toll booths
- Credit/Debit cards: Major cards accepted at most stations
- Exact change recommended during peak traffic periods
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Honduras toll roads, use TollGuru Honduras toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Government Subsidy Agreement:
- Toll rates frozen at 2021 levels through 2025 (potentially extending to 2026)
- Government assumes contractual inflation adjustments (approximately L50 million annually)
- User rates remain stable despite contractual CPI-based increases
Infrastructure Status:
- COVI Honduras generated L796.7 million in toll revenue during 2023
- Pending road expansion projects resume with guaranteed government payments
- Contract review ongoing for potential concession modifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Payment Preparation:
- Carry sufficient Lempiras - three toll stations require payment each direction
- Keep small bills for faster transactions during peak hours
- Ensure credit cards are activated for international use
Route Planning:
- CA-5 is the primary Tegucigalpa-San Pedro Sula route - no practical toll-free alternatives
- Budget for all three toll stations when calculating journey costs
- Consider CoviPass for frequent travelers or commercial vehicles
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Light vehicles: L87 each direction (L174 round trip)
- Commercial vehicles: L174-435+ depending on axle count
- Rates frozen through 2025, potentially extending to 2026
Traffic Patterns
- Peak hours: Early morning and late afternoon for commercial traffic
- Weekend travel: Generally lighter traffic, minimal delays
- 73% of traffic consists of light vehicles (cars, motorcycles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Honduras tolls completely?
Practically no. The CA-5 Norte is Honduras' primary north-south highway connecting the capital to the economic center. Alternative routes exist but involve significantly longer travel times and poor road conditions.
Will toll rates increase in 2026?
Uncertain. The current government subsidy agreement expires in 2025. Future rate policies will depend on the incoming administration and contract renegotiation outcomes.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Honduras?
Yes, motorcycles are classified as light vehicles and pay the same L29 per station rate as cars.
What is CoviPass and should I get it?
CoviPass is Honduras' electronic toll collection system. It's beneficial for frequent travelers, commercial operators, or those preferring faster passage through dedicated TAG lanes.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all vehicles pay the same rates regardless of nationality or registration. Tourist vehicles are subject to the same toll structure as local vehicles.
Honduras vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | Single highway tolls | L87 full journey | CA-5 Norte only |
| Guatemala | Limited toll roads | Varies by route | Select highways |
| El Salvador | Limited toll roads | Varies by route | Select highways |
| Nicaragua | Limited toll roads | Varies by route | Select highways |
| Belize | No toll roads | Free | No tolled highways |
| Mexico | Extensive autopistas | MX$25-150/trip | 5,000+ km network |
Useful Links & Resources
Official COVI Resources:
- COVI Honduras: covih.com - Official toll rates and CoviPass information
- Secretaría de Infraestructura y Transporte (SIT) - Government transport authority
- Superintendencia de Alianza Público Privada (SAPP) - Concession oversight
Customer Service:
- COVI Honduras Customer Service: Available at toll stations
- CoviPass Support: For electronic payment system assistance
- Emergency Services: 911 (Honduras national emergency number)
