Sam Rayburn Tollway Complete Guide: TollTag, Rates & Payment 2025
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Sam Rayburn Tollway Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + ZipCash license plate billing
Coverage: 26 miles from Grapevine to McKinney in North Texas
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: All-electronic tolling with overhead gantries
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Formerly: State Highway 121 Tollway, Texas 121 Toll Road
Do I Need a TollTag for Sam Rayburn Tollway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to use Sam Rayburn Tollway - but you'll pay double without one. The tollway converted to all-electronic tolling with no cash collection points anywhere on the 26-mile route.
Key Reality: Without a TollTag, you'll pay ZipCash rates that are 100% higher than TollTag rates. A full-length trip costs $5.01 with TollTag versus $10.02 without.
2025 Update: Starting July 1, 2025, TollTag rates increased to $0.21 per mile (from $0.20), while ZipCash rates doubled to $0.42 per mile. The fourth lane expansion completed in 2021 provides improved capacity during peak hours.
Sam Rayburn Tollway Costs: Current Rates
The Sam Rayburn Tollway operates as a distance-based toll system connecting major North Texas communities from Grapevine to McKinney.
Current Toll Rates by Payment Method (2025)
| Payment Method | Rate Structure | Full Length Cost | Vehicle Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TollTag | $0.21/mile | $5.01 | 2-axle vehicles |
| ZipCash (No Tag) | $0.42/mile | $10.02 | License plate billing |
| 3-Axle Vehicles | 1.5x base rate | $7.52 (TollTag) | Trucks, RVs, trailers |
| 4-Axle Vehicles | 2.0x base rate | $10.02 (TollTag) | Large trucks, buses |
| 5+ Axle Vehicles | 2.5x base rate | $12.53 (TollTag) | Tractor-trailers |
Route Coverage & Major Connections
Western Terminus: Business 121 near Grapevine (Dallas/Denton county line)
Eastern Terminus: US 75 in McKinney (Collin County)
Major Interchanges: Dallas North Tollway (5-level stack), I-35E (5-level stack), US 75
Cities Served: Grapevine, Coppell, Lewisville, Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, McKinney
How to Pay Sam Rayburn Tollway Tolls
You can use the following payment methods on Sam Rayburn Tollway:
1. TollTag (Recommended - Lowest Rates):
- NTTA TollTag: Free transponder, $20 or $40 prepaid accounts
- Works on all North Texas toll roads and most Texas toll facilities
- Automatic replenishment from credit/debit card
- No monthly fees, funds never expire
2. Compatible Electronic Tags:
- EZ TAG (Harris County, Houston area)
- TxTag (Texas Department of Transportation)
- PikePass (Oklahoma Turnpike Authority)
- K-TAG (Kansas Turnpike Authority)
3. ZipCash (Pay-by-Mail):
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Bills sent to registered vehicle owner
- Double the TollTag rate (100% premium)
- Monthly billing cycle, late fees apply
Recent Changes (2025)
July 2025 Rate Increase:
- TollTag rates increased from $0.20 to $0.21 per mile
- ZipCash rates now double TollTag rates (previously 50% premium)
- Rate increase supports NTTA's $8.8 billion debt service and capital improvements
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Fourth lane expansion completed in 2021 (now 4 lanes each direction)
- Enhanced tolling equipment and traffic management systems
- Improved interchange connections at Dallas North Tollway
Customer Service Updates:
- $10 prepaid TollTag pilot program launched for infrequent users
- Enhanced mobile app functionality for account management
- Improved online payment options for ZipCash customers
Regional Toll Information
North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) Network:
- Dallas North Tollway - 30.2-mile connector from downtown Dallas to Frisco
- President George Bush Turnpike - 52-mile loop around northern DFW
- Chisholm Trail Parkway - 27.6-mile route from Fort Worth to Cleburne
- Addison Airport Toll Tunnel - Connects DNT to I-35E under airport
- Mountain Creek Lake Bridge - Connects Dallas and Grand Prairie
Local City Connections:
- Plano Toll Roads - Local access and connection information
- Frisco Toll Roads - Major growth area with multiple toll access points
- McKinney Toll Roads - Eastern terminus and surrounding toll network
- Lewisville Toll Roads - Western segment connections and alternatives
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuter costs: $2-8 depending on route segments used
- Full-length trips: $5.01 with TollTag, $10.02 without
- Peak hours: 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM weekdays (no peak pricing, but heavier traffic)
- Annual savings with TollTag: $500-1,500 for regular users
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- State Highway 121: Free frontage roads parallel to tollway
- US 75 (Central Expressway): North-south alternative through Plano
- I-35E: Western parallel route through Lewisville and Carrollton
- Local arterials: Significant time penalty but cost-free options
Travel Tips:
- NTTA provides free roadside assistance on all toll roads
- Four lanes each direction reduce congestion during peak hours
- Major business centers easily accessible: Toyota HQ, Liberty Mutual, State Farm
- Direct connections to DFW Airport via President George Bush Turnpike
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Sam Rayburn Tollway tolls?
Yes, you can use the free State Highway 121 frontage roads that parallel the tollway. However, this adds 15-30 minutes to most trips due to traffic lights and lower speed limits.
What happens if I don't pay Sam Rayburn Tollway tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in ZipCash invoices at double rates, plus late fees after 25 days. Continued non-payment can lead to vehicle registration blocks and bans from NTTA roads.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Sam Rayburn Tollway?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same 2-axle vehicle rates as cars: $0.21 per mile with TollTag or $0.42 per mile via ZipCash.
Can I use my TollTag from other states?
Yes, EZ TAG (Houston), TxTag (state), PikePass (Oklahoma), and K-TAG (Kansas) all work on Sam Rayburn Tollway at TollTag rates.
Why did ZipCash rates double in 2025?
NTTA doubled ZipCash rates to offset higher collection costs and encourage TollTag adoption. The premium was previously 50% and is now 100% above TollTag rates.
Sam Rayburn Tollway vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Toll Road | Length | TollTag Rate | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Rayburn Tollway | 26 miles | $0.21/mile | East-west suburban connector |
| Dallas North Tollway | 30.2 miles | $0.21/mile | Downtown Dallas to Frisco |
| PGBT | 52 miles | $0.21/mile | Northern DFW loop |
| Chisholm Trail | 27.6 miles | $0.21/mile | Fort Worth to Cleburne |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Dallas North Tollway - Major connecting toll road
- President George Bush Turnpike - Loop system connection
- NTTA Toll Roads - Complete North Texas toll network
- TollTag Account - Setup and management guide
- ZipCash Payment - Pay-by-mail billing information
- Texas Toll Roads - Statewide toll network overview
Customer Service:
- NTTA Customer Service: 972-818-NTTA (6882) or 817-731-NTTA (6882)
- Online Account Management: ntta.org
- TollTag Sales: 500+ retail locations across North Texas
- Emergency Roadside Assistance: Free on all NTTA roads
