Berbice River Bridge Toll 2025: Free Crossing from August - Complete Guide
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Berbice River Bridge Complete Guide
System: Government-subsidized pontoon bridge (becoming toll-free August 2025)
Coverage: Berbice River crossing near New Amsterdam, Guyana
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Manual toll collection (until August 2025)
Operators: Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (government-owned since 2018)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Berbice River Bridge? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but not for much longer. The Berbice River Bridge charges tolls until August 1, 2025, when President Irfaan Ali announced all bridge crossings in Guyana will become toll-free.
Key Reality: At GYD $1,900 for cars, the Berbice River Bridge currently has Guyana's highest toll rates, nearly 10 times more expensive than the Demerara Harbour Bridge at GYD $200.
2025 Update: Government allocated GYD $1.015 billion in subsidies to eliminate tolls starting August 1, 2025, alongside the new Demerara River Bridge opening and Wismar Bridge reconstruction.
Berbice River Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The Berbice River Bridge operates with some of the highest toll rates in South America relative to local income levels.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (Until August 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GYD) | USD Equivalent | After August 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & Minibuses | $1,900 | ~$9.50 | FREE |
| Light Trucks/Vans | $2,400 | ~$12.00 | FREE |
| Medium Trucks | $4,000-6,000 | ~$20-30 | FREE |
| Heavy Trucks/Buses | $6,000-8,000 | ~$30-40 | FREE |
| Motorcycles | $500 | ~$2.50 | FREE |
Bridge Usage Statistics (2025)
Monthly Traffic: 400,000 vehicles average
Annual Traffic: 4.4 million vehicles (2024)
Crossing Time: 2-3 minutes (compared to 45-90 minutes by ferry previously)
How to Pay Berbice River Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods until August 1, 2025:
1. Cash Payment:
- Guyanese Dollars (GYD) accepted at toll booths
- Exact change recommended for faster processing
- Toll collectors available 24/7
2. Government Subsidy:
- Government already subsidizes crossing costs
- 2025 budget increased to GYD $1.015 billion for toll elimination
- Bridge operation funded through national budget after August 1
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Guyana bridges, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll-Free Announcement:
- March 23, 2025: President Ali announced toll elimination effective August 1, 2025
- Part of national infrastructure policy to reduce transportation costs
- Includes all three major bridges: Berbice, Demerara, and Wismar
Government Funding:
- 2025 budget allocation increased from GYD $215.2 million to GYD $1.015 billion
- Funding covers lost toll revenue and increased usage projections
- Government expects higher traffic volume once tolls are eliminated
Infrastructure Context:
- New USD $260 million Demerara River Bridge opening August 2025
- Wismar Bridge reconstruction with toll-free operation
- Plans for new Berbice River Bridge to replace current pontoon structure
Guyana Bridge Network Information
Major River Crossings - All Becoming Toll-Free:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Current toll GYD $200, becoming free August 2025
- Berbice River Bridge - Current toll GYD $1,900, becoming free August 2025
- Wismar Bridge - Current toll GYD $60, becoming free August 2025
- Takutu River Bridge - Brazil-Guyana border crossing
Infrastructure Development:
- New Demerara River Bridge - USD $260 million cable-stayed structure opening August 2025
- Proposed new Berbice River Bridge - Modern structure to replace current pontoon bridge
- Enhanced connectivity between Georgetown and eastern regions
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Until August 1, 2025: GYD $1,900 for cars, plan accordingly for round trips
- After August 1, 2025: Zero toll charges for all vehicle types
- Significant cost savings expected for businesses and commuters
Bridge Operations:
- 24/7 operation with periodic openings for river traffic
- Pontoon bridge opens for 1.5 hours for large vessels
- No pedestrian crossing available (vehicles only)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Berbice River Bridge tolls completely?
Currently no - the bridge is the only practical crossing of the Berbice River in this area. The previous ferry service was discontinued when the bridge opened. However, all tolls end August 1, 2025.
What happens if I don't pay Berbice River Bridge tolls?
Payment is required before crossing. The bridge operates with toll booths where drivers must pay before proceeding. There's no "pay later" system in place.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Berbice River Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles currently pay GYD $500 to cross. Like all other vehicles, motorcycles will cross free of charge starting August 1, 2025.
Will the toll-free policy definitely happen?
Yes, President Ali officially announced the policy and the 2025 national budget allocated GYD $1.015 billion specifically for this purpose. The policy takes effect August 1, 2025.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, tourists pay the same rates as residents. The toll-free policy will apply to all users regardless of nationality.
Berbice River Bridge vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana | Bridge tolls (until Aug 2025) | GYD $1,900 (~$9.50) | Becoming toll-free |
| Suriname | Limited toll infrastructure | Minimal charges | Few toll facilities |
| Brazil | Extensive highway tolls | $4.95 USD average | Major toll network |
| Venezuela | Highway tolls | $0.12 USD average | Low-cost system |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Georgetown's main river crossing
- Wismar Bridge - Linden area river crossing
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to all Guyana tolls
- Takutu River Bridge - Brazil-Guyana border crossing
- New Amsterdam Transport - Regional transportation hub
Official Resources:
- Berbice Bridge Company Inc.: Bridge operations and schedules
- Ministry of Public Works: Infrastructure development updates
- Government of Guyana: Official policy announcements
