Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge Complete Guide
System: Electronic and manual toll collection (E-ZPass/I-PASS + Cash + Credit Cards)
Length: 7.8-mile toll bridge connecting Dan Ryan Expressway to Indiana Toll Road
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass/I-PASS transponders, ANPR cameras, traditional toll plaza
Operator: Skyway Concession Company LLC (Atlas Arteria Group 66.67%, OTPP 33.33%)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Chicago Skyway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to use the Chicago Skyway - but you'll save time and avoid potential penalties. The Skyway accepts cash, credit cards, and E-ZPass/I-PASS transponders at its single toll plaza, making it one of the few remaining cash-accepting toll facilities in the Chicago area.
Key Reality: With tolls now at $7.80 for cars and up to $54.40 for heavy vehicles, the Skyway serves as a crucial bypass route connecting Chicago to Indiana, avoiding downtown Chicago traffic.
2025 Update: Tolls increased January 1, 2025, following the annual adjustment formula based on GDP growth, CPI, or 2% minimum. The Skyway continues operating as America's first privatized toll road under Atlas Arteria Group management.
Chicago Skyway Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Chicago Skyway operates a single-point toll collection system with rates based on vehicle axle count and time of day for heavy vehicles.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Peak Rate (4 AM - 8 PM) | Off-Peak Rate (8 PM - 4 AM) | Vehicle Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 2 (2 Axles) | $7.80 | $7.80 | Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, pickup trucks |
| Class 3 (3 Axles) | $27.20 | $19.50 | Large trucks, buses, RVs with trailer |
| Class 4 (4 Axles) | $36.30 | $25.90 | Pickup trucks with boat/trailer, box trucks |
| Class 5 (5 Axles) | $45.40 | $32.40 | Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers |
| Class 6 (6 Axles) | $54.40 | $38.90 | Heavy trucks, tandem trailers |
Strategic Route Information
Connection: Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) in Chicago to Indiana Toll Road (I-90) at Illinois-Indiana border
Key Feature: 650-foot main span High Bridge with 125 feet vertical clearance over Calumet River and Harbor
Alternative Routes: Free surface roads available but add 15-30 minutes through industrial South Chicago
How to Pay Chicago Skyway Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at the Chicago Skyway:
1. E-ZPass/I-PASS Electronic System:
- Works in ALL toll lanes for fastest passage
- Compatible with Illinois Tollway I-PASS and all E-ZPass states
- New accounts take 24 hours to activate for Skyway use
- $0.03 transaction fee for I-PASS and certain New York E-ZPass users
2. Credit Card Payment:
- Accepted in ALL toll lanes
- MasterCard, Visa, American Express accepted
- Same toll rate as cash payment
3. Cash Payment:
- ONLY accepted in designated CASH lanes (right side of toll plaza)
- US currency only, up to $100 bills (no foreign currency)
- Exact change not required - attendant provides change
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on Chicago Skyway, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
January 1, 2025 Toll Increases:
- Class 2 vehicles (cars): $7.20 to $7.80 (+$0.60)
- Class 3 vehicles: Peak $25.40 to $27.20 (+$1.80), Off-peak $18.20 to $19.50 (+$1.30)
- Class 6 vehicles: Peak $50.80 to $54.40 (+$3.60), Off-peak $36.30 to $38.90 (+$2.60)
Ownership & Operations:
- Atlas Arteria Group acquired 66.67% ownership in December 2022
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan retains 33.33% ownership
- Annual toll adjustments continue based on economic indicators with 2-year lag
- 99-year concession lease runs until 2104
Operational Updates:
- LED lighting and smart motion sensors installed for energy efficiency
- Enhanced safety training program - 772 hours conducted in 2023
- Continued community engagement and educational support programs
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Car toll: $7.80 (same rate peak and off-peak)
- Motorcycle toll: $7.80 (same as passenger cars)
- Heavy vehicle savings: Up to $15+ by traveling off-peak hours (8 PM - 4 AM)
Travel Time Benefits:
- Direct connection bypassing Chicago downtown traffic
- 7.8-mile route typically takes 8-12 minutes
- Alternative free routes add 15-30 minutes through industrial areas
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- US Route 12/20 (Ewing Avenue) - parallel route through Hammond, Indiana
- Local Chicago streets via 95th Street and Torrence Avenue
- Note: Free alternatives significantly slower and through industrial areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Chicago Skyway tolls?
Yes, but alternatives add significant time. Free routes through Hammond, Indiana or Chicago surface streets add 15-30 minutes and traverse industrial areas. For interstate travel between Chicago and Indiana, the Skyway is the most efficient route.
What happens if I don't pay the toll?
Unpaid tolls escalate with penalties: 7-day grace period for base toll only, then +$4.25 administrative fee, +$6.25 video charge fee, +$31.90 service fee, +$4.95 online processing fee. Violations may be sent to collections or Chicago Police Department.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on the Skyway?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same $7.80 toll as passenger cars. Motorcycles are classified as Class 2 (2-axle) vehicles. The Skyway recommends using transponder holders for optimal E-ZPass/I-PASS reading.
Can I use my Illinois I-PASS on the Skyway?
Yes, I-PASS works perfectly on the Skyway. However, there's a $0.03 transaction fee charged by the Illinois Tollway (not the Skyway) for I-PASS usage. The fee is collected but remitted to the Illinois Tollway.
Why are Skyway tolls so high compared to other bridges?
The Skyway operates under a 99-year privatization concession with automatic annual increases. As a crucial freight and commuter route with limited alternatives, it provides significant time savings justifying premium pricing. Revenue funds maintenance, improvements, and concession obligations.
Chicago Skyway vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Facility | System Type | Car Toll | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Skyway | Single-point collection | $7.80 | Cash, Credit, E-ZPass/I-PASS |
| Illinois Tollway | All-electronic | $0.25-1.50 per plaza | I-PASS, E-ZPass, Pay-by-Plate |
| Indiana Toll Road | Distance-based | $0.04-0.15/mile | E-ZPass, Pay-by-Plate |
| Canada | Limited toll roads | $2-6 CAD typical | Electronic, Cash (limited) |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- US Toll Roads - Complete guide to tolling across all US states
Regional Toll Systems:
- Canada Toll Roads - Cross-border toll information
- Mexico Toll Roads - North American toll network
Contact Information:
- Skyway Customer Service: (773) 356-5543
- E-ZPass Questions: customerserviceEZPASS@chicagoskyway.org
- Missed Toll Payment: paytoll.chicagoskyway.org
- Collections: Professional Account Management (PAM) - (866) 449-7577
- Emergency/Help Button: Available 24/7 at each toll lane
