Demerara Harbour Bridge Toll 2025: Complete Payment Guide - Soon to be Toll-Free
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Demerara Harbour Bridge Complete Guide
System: Manual toll collection (Toll-free from August 1, 2025)
Coverage: East Bank Demerara to West Bank Demerara, Georgetown region
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Traditional toll booths, manual collection system
Operators: Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Demerara Harbour Bridge? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but only until August 1, 2025. The Demerara Harbour Bridge currently charges tolls for all vehicle types, but President Irfaan Ali announced that all bridge crossings in Guyana will become toll-free from August 1, 2025.
Key Reality: This floating bridge is the only vehicular crossing of the Demerara River in the Georgetown area, making it essential for travel between East and West Bank Demerara. The new US$260 million fixed bridge opening August 2025 will be toll-free from day one.
2025 Update: The existing floating bridge carries 17,000 vehicles daily and will remain operational alongside the new four-lane fixed bridge until tolls are eliminated August 1, 2025.
Demerara Harbour Bridge Toll Costs: Current Rates
The bridge operates with traditional toll collection, charging different rates based on vehicle type and weight. All tolls will be eliminated August 1, 2025.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GYD) | USD Equivalent | From August 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $40 | ~$0.19 | FREE |
| Motor Car/4WD/Pick-up (Private) | $200 | ~$0.96 | FREE |
| Minibus | $200 | ~$0.96 | FREE |
| Motor Tractor/Trailer/Hearse | $300 | ~$1.44 | FREE |
| Goods Vehicle (1-3 tonnes) | $400 | ~$1.92 | FREE |
| Motor Lorry/Large Bus | $700 | ~$3.36 | FREE |
| Heavy Duty (18-22 tonnes) | $5,000 | ~$24.00 | FREE |
| Special Crossing (22+ tonnes) | $20,000 | ~$96.00 | FREE |
Bridge Operations and Restrictions (2025)
Speed Limit: 32 km/h (20 mph) on the bridge
Weight Limit: 22.4 tonnes maximum (special arrangements for heavier vehicles)
Bridge Closures: Regular retractions for marine vessels (scheduled 24 hours in advance)
How to Pay Demerara Harbour Bridge Tolls
You can use the following methods to pay bridge tolls (until August 1, 2025):
1. Cash Payment at Toll Booths:
- Guyanese Dollars (GYD) accepted at toll plazas
- Manual collection system with attendants
- Exact change recommended
2. Special Arrangements:
- Heavy vehicles: Pre-booking required 6 hours in advance
- Marine vessels: Advance payment at DHBC Finance Department (8:00-16:30)
- Special crossings: Contact dhbnavigation@gmail.com or WhatsApp 592-623-6145
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types crossing Demerara Harbour Bridge, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Policy Announcement:
- March 23, 2025: President Ali announces toll-free crossings from August 1, 2025
- Applies to Demerara Harbour Bridge, Berbice River Bridge, and Wismar Bridge
- Government to absorb all toll revenue losses from state budget
New Bridge Construction Progress:
- June 2025: Construction 90.7% complete with final tower (P-35) finished
- August 31, 2025: New US$260 million fixed bridge completion target
- 2.8 km four-lane cable-stayed bridge will be toll-free from opening
Current Bridge Operations:
- Traffic congestion improvements with double-lane system 06:00-07:00
- Enhanced marine vessel scheduling procedures
- Regular maintenance ongoing on 61-span floating structure
Guyana Bridge System
Current Toll Bridges (Until August 1, 2025):
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - 6,074-foot floating bridge (1978)
- Berbice River Bridge - Modern cable-stayed bridge
- Wismar Bridge - Mackenzie-Wismar crossing in Region 10
New Infrastructure Projects:
- New Demerara River Bridge - Four-lane fixed bridge opening August 2025
- New Berbice River Bridge - High-span bridge in planning phase
- Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge reconstruction - Modernization project
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Current daily toll: GYD $200 (~$0.96) for regular cars until August 1, 2025
- Annual savings from August 1: GYD $146,000+ for daily commuters
- Heavy vehicle costs: Significant savings for commercial operators
Travel Planning:
- Peak hours: Morning rush 06:00-08:00, evening rush 16:00-18:00
- Bridge retractions: Check schedule at harbourbridge.gov.gy
- Alternative routes: None available - bridge is sole vehicular crossing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls?
Currently no - the bridge is the only vehicular crossing of the Demerara River in the Georgetown area. However, all tolls will be eliminated permanently from August 1, 2025.
What happens if I don't pay the toll?
First offense fine is GYD $20,000, second offense is GYD $150,000. However, this becomes irrelevant after August 1, 2025 when tolls are eliminated.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Demerara Harbour Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles currently pay GYD $40 (~$0.19), the lowest toll rate on the bridge. This charge ends August 1, 2025.
Will the new bridge have tolls?
No, the new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge will be toll-free from its opening in August 2025, as announced by President Ali.
Do tourists pay different rates?
No, tourists pay the same toll rates as residents. Currently all vehicles pay by type, not by driver nationality. All charges end August 1, 2025.
Demerara Harbour Bridge vs. Regional Bridges
| Bridge/Country | Current System | Typical Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerara Harbour Bridge (Guyana) | Manual toll collection | GYD $200 (~$0.96) | FREE from Aug 1, 2025 |
| Suriname Bridges | No major toll bridges | $0.00 | Toll-free network |
| Venezuela Bridges | Limited toll system | Varies by location | Selective tolling |
| Brazil Border Bridges | Toll-free crossings | $0.00 | Franco-Brazilian Bridge free |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Berbice River Bridge - Major cable-stayed bridge also going toll-free
- Wismar Bridge - Mackenzie-Wismar crossing in Region 10
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to Guyana's transport system
- Suriname Toll Roads - Neighboring country transport information
- Venezuela Tolls - Regional comparison and context
Official Resources:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation: harbourbridge.gov.gy
- Ministry of Public Works: mopw.gov.gy
- Bridge Navigation: dhbnavigation@gmail.com
- Emergency Contact: 233-2008 ext 138
