Illinois Toll Roads Complete Guide: I-PASS, Rates & Payment 2025
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Illinois Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: All-electronic toll collection (I-PASS RFID + License plate recognition)
Coverage: 294 miles across five tollways in Chicagoland area
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: I-PASS/E-ZPass transponders, ANPR cameras, open road tolling
Operators: Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Chicago Skyway Concession
Do I Need an I-PASS for Illinois? 2025 Update
No, you don't need an I-PASS to drive on Illinois toll roads - but you'll pay double without one. Illinois eliminated all cash toll collection in 2021, operating 100% electronically through open road tolling.
Key Reality: Without I-PASS, you pay "Pay Online" rates - exactly double the I-PASS rate. For a typical Chicago-area commute, this means $20-40 extra per week in unnecessary costs.
2025 Update: Truck/trailer toll rates increased January 1, 2025, while passenger vehicle rates remain frozen at 2012 levels for I-PASS users - creating the largest discount gap in the nation.
Illinois Toll Costs: Current Rates
Illinois operates two separate toll systems with different pricing structures - the Illinois Tollway and the Chicago Skyway.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Location/Type | I-PASS Rate | Pay Online Rate | Recent Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Tollway - Mainline Plaza (Cars) | $0.75 | $1.50 | Frozen since 2012 |
| Illinois Tollway - Ramp Plaza (Cars) | $0.30-0.90 | $0.60-1.80 | Varies by location |
| Chicago Skyway (Cars) | $7.80 | $7.80 | Jan 2025: $0.60 increase |
| Illinois Route 390 (Full Length) | $1.90 | $3.80 | All-electronic only |
| Commercial Vehicles (Day) | $0.50-18.30 | Double I-PASS | Jan 2025: Increased |
| Commercial Vehicles (Night) | $0.30-13.80 | Double I-PASS | Overnight discount |
Illinois Tollway System (2025)
Five Tollways: Jane Addams Memorial (I-90), Tri-State (I-94/I-294/I-80), Reagan Memorial (I-88), Veterans Memorial (I-355), Illinois Route 390
Coverage: 294 miles serving 12 counties in Northern Illinois
How to Pay Illinois Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Illinois:
1. I-PASS/E-ZPass Electronic Systems:
- I-PASS Sticker Tag: Free at service centers, no deposit required
- Traditional transponder: $10 refundable deposit + $20 prepaid tolls
- Works in 19 states through E-ZPass network
- 50% savings on Illinois Tollway (not Chicago Skyway)
2. Pay By Plate (Online):
- 10-day grace period for Illinois Tollway
- 7-day grace period for Chicago Skyway
- Double the I-PASS rate on Tollway roads
- After grace period: toll + fees + potential collection costs
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Illinois toll roads, use TollGuru Illinois toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Illinois Tollway Updates:
- January 1, 2025: Commercial vehicle rates increased system-wide
- Passenger car rates remain frozen at 2012 levels for I-PASS users
- All-electronic tolling permanent since March 2020
- Income-qualified I-PASS Assist program offers deposit-free transponders
Chicago Skyway Changes:
- January 1, 2025: All vehicle rates increased
- Cars: $7.20 → $7.80 (same rate all hours)
- Annual increases continue based on GDP/CPI formula
- Peak pricing (4am-8pm) applies to commercial vehicles only
State/Regional Toll Information
Major Illinois Tollways:
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) - Rockford to O'Hare, connects to Wisconsin
- Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) - Chicago bypass, does not enter Indiana or Wisconsin
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) - Western suburbs to Dixon/Quad Cities
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) - North-South connector in DuPage County
- Illinois Route 390 Tollway - First all-electronic corridor, opened 2016
- Chicago Skyway - Separate system connecting to Indiana Toll Road
Service Facilities:
- 7 Oases along tollway system with fuel, food, and services
- 5 Customer Service Centers at oasis locations
- I-PASS available at Jewel-Osco and Road Ranger stores
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily Chicago area commute: $1.50-6.00 with I-PASS
- Chicago to Wisconsin: $3.00-4.50 with I-PASS
- Chicago Skyway crossing: $7.80 (no I-PASS discount)
- Without I-PASS: All Tollway costs double
Time Savings:
- Open road tolling: No stopping required
- Commercial overnight discounts: 10pm-6am weekdays
- Alternative routes limited in Chicago metro area
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Illinois tolls completely?
Technically yes, but with significant time penalties (30-90 minutes) and increased fuel costs. Surface roads through Chicago are heavily congested, making toll roads essential for timely travel.
What happens if I don't pay Illinois tolls?
Illinois Tollway: 10-day grace period, then $3 invoice fee per toll. After 14 days, additional fees apply. Chicago Skyway: 7-day grace period before administrative fees.
Do rental cars include I-PASS?
Most rental companies offer toll programs but charge $3-15/day admin fees plus tolls. You can add your rental to your personal I-PASS account to avoid these fees.
Why is the Chicago Skyway different?
The Skyway is privately operated under a 99-year lease. It offers no I-PASS discount and has different payment rules than the Illinois Tollway system.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Illinois?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same tolls as passenger cars on both the Illinois Tollway and Chicago Skyway.
Illinois vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | All-electronic | $0.75-1.50/plaza | Chicago area only |
| Indiana | Mixed electronic/cash | $0.06-0.20/mile | I-80/90 corridor |
| Wisconsin | No toll roads | Free | Entire state |
| Iowa | No toll roads | Free | Entire state |
| Michigan | Limited tolls | $1.50-5.00/bridge | Select bridges only |
Useful Resources
- Illinois Tollway: 1-800-UC-IPASS (824-7277)
- Chicago Skyway: (312) 880-6050
- I-PASS Service Centers: Located at tollway oases
