Grand Parkway (SH 99) Complete Guide: TxTag, Rates & Payment 2025
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Grand Parkway (SH 99) Complete Guide
System: All-electronic toll collection (TxTag + Pay-By-Mail)
Length: 107 miles open (184 miles planned) - Houston's outer loop
Operators: TxDOT (primary) + FBCTRA (Segment D portion)
Segments: 11 segments (A through I-2), 8 currently open
Alternative Name: Mayor Bob Lanier Memorial Parkway (designated 2019)
Do I Need a TxTag for Grand Parkway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TxTag specifically, but you MUST have an electronic toll tag to use Grand Parkway. As a completely cashless toll road, there are no cash payment options, no toll booths, and no stopping to pay anywhere on the system.
Key Reality: Pay-by-mail customers pay 50% more than toll tag users. For the full northeast to southwest arc (Spring to Baytown), that's approximately $11 each way with a toll tag versus $16.50 for pay-by-mail.
2025 Update: Grand Parkway now spans 107 miles with 8 segments open, making it America's longest beltway. Segments H and I-1 opened in May 2022, completing the northeast arc.
Grand Parkway Toll Costs: Current Rates
Grand Parkway operates with segment-based pricing, with costs varying by vehicle class, payment method, and specific segments traveled.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
Vehicle Class | TxTag/Tag Rate | Pay-By-Mail Rate | Per-Mile Average |
---|---|---|---|
2-Axle (Cars, SUVs, Motorcycles) | $0.44-0.65/plaza | $0.66-0.98/plaza | $0.10-0.15/mile |
3-Axle (Small trucks, RVs) | $0.88-1.30/plaza | $1.32-1.95/plaza | $0.20-0.30/mile |
4-Axle (Medium trucks) | $1.32-1.95/plaza | $1.98-2.93/plaza | $0.30-0.45/mile |
5-Axle (Large trucks) | $1.76-2.60/plaza | $2.64-3.90/plaza | $0.40-0.60/mile |
6+ Axle (Heavy trucks) | $2.20-3.25/plaza | $3.30-4.88/plaza | $0.50-0.75/mile |
Grand Parkway Segments & Length (2025)
Segment | Length | Route | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Segment D | 6 miles | I-69 South to I-10 West | Open (2014) |
Segment E | 15 miles | I-10 West to US 290 | Open (2014) |
Segment F-1 | 11.9 miles | US 290 to SH 249 | Open (2016) |
Segment F-2 | 11.7 miles | SH 249 to I-45 | Open (2016) |
Segment G | 14.8 miles | I-45 to I-69 North | Open (2016) |
Segment H | 22.9 miles | I-69 North to US 90 | Open (2022) |
Segment I-1 | 14.7 miles | US 90 to I-10 East | Open (2022) |
Segment I-2 | 14.8 miles | I-10 East to SH 146 | Open (2008) |
Common Journey Costs (2025)
Katy to Spring (Segments E, F-1, F-2): $7.50 (TxTag) / $11.25 (Pay-by-Mail)
Spring to Baytown (Segments G, H, I-1): $11.00 (TxTag) / $16.50 (Pay-by-Mail)
Sugar Land to Humble (Segments D, E, F-1, F-2): $9.25 (TxTag) / $13.88 (Pay-by-Mail)
Full Open Arc (107 miles): $18.00-25.00 (TxTag) / $27.00-37.50 (Pay-by-Mail)
How to Pay Grand Parkway Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on Grand Parkway:
1. Electronic Toll Tags (Best Value):
- TxTag (TxDOT): Primary tag for Grand Parkway, statewide compatibility
- EZ TAG (HCTRA): Houston-area tag, works on Grand Parkway
- TollTag (NTTA): Dallas-area tag, compatible with Grand Parkway
- K-TAG (Kansas): Works through Texas interoperability program
- PikePass (Oklahoma): Compatible with Texas toll roads
- METRO HOT Lanes Toll Tag: Works on Grand Parkway
2. Pay-By-Mail (Video Tolling):
- Available on TxDOT-operated segments
- License plate recognition system
- 50% surcharge over toll tag rates
- Billed to vehicle owner's address
- Payment due within 30 days
3. Cash Payment (Not Available):
- No cash payment options anywhere on Grand Parkway
- No toll booths or toll collection points
- Must use electronic toll tag or pay-by-mail
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on Grand Parkway, use TollGuru Texas toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Completed Segments:
- Segments H and I-1 opened May 2022, completing the northeast arc
- 107 miles now open, making Grand Parkway America's longest beltway
- Continuous travel from I-10 West (Katy) to SH 146 (Baytown)
Rate Structure:
- Current rates effective January 1, 2025
- Pay-by-mail surcharge remains at 50% over toll tag rates
- Multi-axle vehicle rates calculated using N-1 formula
Future Construction:
- Segment B-1 construction to begin Spring 2027 (I-45 to SH 35 in Alvin)
- Expected completion 2030
- Remaining segments (A, B, C) status under review
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Noise barriers added in high-traffic areas (2023)
- Enhanced electronic toll collection systems
- Direct connectors completed at major intersections
Planning Your Journey
Grand Parkway Advantages:
- Bypass downtown Houston traffic
- Connect outer suburbs without inner-city travel
- Hurricane and emergency evacuation routes
- Speed limits 65-75 mph throughout system
Route Planning:
- Multiple operators: TxDOT (primary), FBCTRA (Segment D portion)
- Segment-based tolling: Costs vary by specific segments traveled
- Trip building: FBCTRA combines multiple plaza charges into single transactions
- Speed limit variations: 65-75 mph depending on segment
Alternative Routes:
- Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway): Inner loop alternative
- I-610: Innermost loop (toll-free)
- Radial freeways: I-45, I-10, US 59/I-69, US 290 (toll-free)
- Surface streets: Local roads parallel to segments
Traffic Patterns:
- Peak hours: 6:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM weekdays
- Heaviest traffic: Western segments (E, F-1, F-2)
- Weekend travel: Lighter traffic, same toll rates
Regional Toll Information
TxDOT Toll Roads - Houston Area:
- Grand Parkway (SH 99) - 107-mile outer loop (segments D-I-2)
- SH 288 Toll Lanes - Express lanes south of Houston
- SH 249 Toll Lanes - Northwest Houston corridor
- Future segments connecting to existing network
HCTRA System Roads:
- Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) - Middle loop around Houston
- Westpark Tollway - Connects to Grand Parkway at SH 99
- Hardy Toll Road - North-south connector
- Tomball Tollway - Connects to Grand Parkway at SH 249
FBCTRA System Roads:
- Grand Parkway Segment D (partial) - Fort Bend County portion
- Fort Bend Parkway - Eastern Fort Bend County
- Westpark Tollway (Fort Bend portion) - Western extension
Major Intersections:
- I-10 West (Katy) - Western anchor point
- US 290 (Northwest Freeway) - Major northwest connection
- I-45 North (Spring) - Northern anchor point
- I-69/US 59 North (Humble) - Northeast connection
- I-10 East (Baytown) - Eastern anchor point
- SH 146 (Baytown) - Current southeastern terminus
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash on Grand Parkway?
No, Grand Parkway is completely cashless with no toll booths anywhere on the system. You must use an electronic toll tag or pay-by-mail (50% surcharge).
Is Grand Parkway worth the toll cost?
Yes, for outer suburb connections. Grand Parkway allows travel between Katy, Spring, Humble, and Baytown without going through downtown Houston, saving 30-60 minutes during peak hours.
Which toll tag works best on Grand Parkway?
TxTag is the primary operator's tag, but EZ TAG, TollTag, K-TAG, and PikePass all work. All provide the same toll tag rates (50% savings over pay-by-mail).
When will the complete Grand Parkway loop be finished?
Segment B-1 construction begins Spring 2027 (completion 2030). The remaining segments (A, B, C) connecting the southeast are still under review with no firm timeline.
How does Grand Parkway compare to Beltway 8?
Grand Parkway is the outer loop (25-mile radius) while Beltway 8 is the middle loop (15-mile radius). Grand Parkway serves outer suburbs, while Beltway 8 serves inner suburbs and connects to downtown.
Texas vs. Neighboring States
State | Beltway Systems | Length | Cost Structure |
---|---|---|---|
Texas | Grand Parkway (longest) | 107 miles open | Electronic + Video |
Oklahoma | Limited beltways | Various segments | Electronic + Cash |
New Mexico | No toll beltways | N/A | Toll-free highways |
Arkansas | No toll beltways | N/A | Toll-free highways |
Louisiana | No toll beltways | N/A | Limited toll bridges |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) - Houston's middle loop
- Westpark Tollway - Connects to Grand Parkway at SH 99
- Hardy Toll Road - North-south Houston connector
- Tomball Tollway - Connects to Grand Parkway at SH 249
- TxDOT TxTag - Primary toll tag for Grand Parkway
- Houston Toll Roads - Complete Houston-area toll network
Segment-Specific Information:
- Grand Parkway Segment D - Fort Bend County portion
- Grand Parkway Segment E - I-10 to US 290
- Grand Parkway Segments F-1 & F-2 - US 290 to I-45
- Grand Parkway Segment G - I-45 to I-69 North
- Grand Parkway Segments H & I - Northeast arc
Customer Service:
- TxDOT Customer Service: 1-888-4-TXTAG (1-888-489-8824)
- FBCTRA (Segment D): 855-999-2024
- TxTag Account Management: Online at txtag.org
- Grand Parkway Project Information: txdot.gov/grand-parkway