Israel Toll Roads Complete Guide: Highway 6, Carmel Tunnels & Express Lanes 2025
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Israel Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection with automatic license plate recognition
Coverage: 3 toll roads: Highway 6, Carmel Tunnels, Highway 1 Fast Lane
Currency: Israeli Shekel (ILS/NIS)
Technology: Transponders, cameras, and automatic number plate recognition
Operators: Derech Eretz (Highway 6), Carmelton (Carmel Tunnels), Various (Highway 1)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Israel? 2025 Update
Yes, if you use Israel's major highways for faster travel. Currently, in Israel, there are a total of three toll roads: Highway 6 (Trans-Israel Highway), Carmel Tunnels in Haifa, and Highway 1 Fast Lane approaching Tel Aviv.
Key Reality: Highway 6 is operating as an electronic toll road, with completely automatic payment and free flow (neither any entrance barriers nor any exit barriers). The system uses cameras and transponders to toll vehicles automatically.
2025 Update: Highway 6 continues to be lengthened as construction proceeds on newer sections. The northern terminus is the Tel Kashish Interchange, opened on November 14, 2018, where the highway now merges into Highway 70 heading northwest.
Israel Toll Costs: Current Rates
Israel operates a sophisticated electronic toll system with three distinct toll roads serving different purposes across the country.
Current Toll Rates by Infrastructure (2025)
| Infrastructure | Distance/Segments | Cars (Non-Subscribers) | System Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway 6 (Trans-Israel) | 204 km, segment-based | 19.39-33.23 NIS | Electronic only |
| Carmel Tunnels (Haifa) | 8.6 km, segment-based | 8.7 NIS per segment | Cash or electronic |
| Highway 1 Fast Lane | 13 km (Airport-Tel Aviv) | 7.00-75.00 NIS | Dynamic pricing |
Highway 6 Detailed Pricing (2025)
| Segments | Non-Subscribers | Northern Segment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 segments | 19.39 NIS | +13.28 NIS | Most common usage |
| 4 segments | 23.68 NIS | +13.28 NIS | Medium distance |
| 5 or more segments | 33.23 NIS | +13.28 NIS | Long distance travel |
Free Sections (2025)
Highway 6 Free Sections:
- All segments south of the Soreq interchange (free in both directions)
- Segment between Ben Shemen and Daniyyel interchanges (concurrent with Highway 1)
- Northern section between Highway 77 and Highway 75 in the western Jezreel Valley
How to Pay Israel Tolls
Israel offers various payment methods depending on the toll road:
1. Highway 6 (Electronic Only):
- Transponder system for subscribers (recommended)
- Automatic license plate recognition for non-subscribers
- Monthly statements mailed to vehicle owners
- No cash payment option available
2. Carmel Tunnels (Flexible Payment):
- Cash payment at toll booths (two cash lanes available)
- Video tolling using automatic number plate recognition
- Highway 6 subscriber transponders accepted
- Monthly billing for subscribers
3. Highway 1 Fast Lane (Dynamic System):
- Automatic license plate recognition system
- Dynamic pricing based on congestion levels
- Rates posted on digital signs at entrance
- Monthly billing to vehicle owners
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Israel toll roads, use TollGuru Israel toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Highway 6 Expansion:
- Currently 204 km long, all of which is a controlled-access highway
- The northern terminus is the Tel Kashish Interchange, opened on November 14, 2018
- The southern terminus is at Shoket Interchange, opened in November 2016
- Expected to undergo significant expansion – about 124 kilometers from the Shlomi intersection in the north to the Negev intersection
Operational Updates:
- The tolled sections north of Yokneam are operated by a separate franchisee called "6 – Northern Crossing"
- Registration and billing for these sections are handled separately
- Tolling is performed using automatic license plate recognition only (no tolling by transponder)
- The road will be operated by the franchising company Derech Eretz until 2029 and subsequently transferred to state ownership
Technology Improvements:
- The lack of toll booths allows Highway 6 to operate as a normal freeway with interchanges
- A radio antenna detects when a vehicle with a transponder has entered and exited the highway, calculating the toll rate
- The licensed road operator, Derech Eretz, operates a fleet of service vehicles that patrol the entire highway
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Highway 6: 19.39-33.23 NIS for most journeys (depends on segments)
- Carmel Tunnels: 8.7 NIS per segment (cuts travel time from 30-50 minutes to 6 minutes)
- Highway 1 Fast Lane: 7.00-75.00 NIS (dynamic pricing based on congestion)
Time Savings:
- Highway 6 allows drivers to bypass the traffic-congested Tel Aviv region
- Carmel Tunnels reduce travel time across Haifa from 30-50 minutes to 6 minutes
- Highway 1 Fast Lane provides priority access approaching Tel Aviv during peak hours
Rental Car Considerations:
- Make sure you know what the rental car company's policy is regarding toll roads
- Rental agencies add a fee and pass along the cost to customers
- Bills are sent to the rental company, who then charges your credit card
- Administrative fees vary by company (Hertz charges 10 NIS per usage, others charge 50 NIS per calendar month)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash on Highway 6?
No, Highway 6 is electronic only. There are no toll booths - the system uses cameras and transponders to automatically toll vehicles. Monthly statements are mailed to vehicle owners.
Are there free sections on Highway 6?
Yes, all segments south of the Soreq interchange are free in both directions, as is the segment between Ben Shemen and Daniyyel interchanges, and the northern section between Highway 77 and Highway 75.
How does Highway 1 Fast Lane pricing work?
The Highway 1 Fast Lane uses dynamic pricing based on congestion levels. Rates vary during the day with peak times being the highest fee. Rates are posted on a big digital sign near the entrance, ranging from 7.00 ILS to as high as 75.00 ILS.
Can I use my Highway 6 transponder in the Carmel Tunnels?
Yes, Highway 6 subscriber transponders are accepted in the Carmel Tunnels. You can also pay by video tolling using automatic number plate recognition or cash at toll booths.
What happens if I don't pay the toll bills?
Any delays in paying the bill will result in a fine. The late-fees are steep, so make sure you pay your bill on-time. Bills can be paid online on the respective websites or at the post office.
Israel vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | Electronic with dynamic pricing | 7-75 NIS | 3 toll roads |
| Jordan | Limited toll network | JOD 0.50-3.00 | Select routes |
| Lebanon | Manual toll collection | LBP 1,000-10,000 | Highway sections |
| Türkiye | Electronic HGS/OGS system | TRY 5-50 | Extensive network |
| Egypt | Manual toll collection | EGP 2-20 | Major highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Regional Toll Information:
- Jordan Toll Roads - Limited toll network in neighboring Jordan
- Lebanon Toll Roads - Highway toll information for Lebanon
- Türkiye Toll Roads - Electronic HGS/OGS toll system
- Egypt Toll Roads - Manual toll collection on major highways
Official Resources:
- Derech Eretz Highways - Highway 6 operator and billing
- Carmelton - Carmel Tunnels operator (Speed dial: *5424 or 04-6895424)
- Ministry of Finance - Highway 6 project information
- Ministry of Transport and Road Safety - Toll road regulations
Payment and Billing:
- Highway 6 bills can be paid online on the Kvish 6 website or at the post office
- Carmel Tunnels bills can be paid at P.O.B. 25340, Haifa 31250
- Most rental car companies handle toll payments automatically
