Demerara Bridge Toll 2025: Complete Guide to Rates & Payment - Going Toll-Free August 1
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Demerara Bridge Complete Guide
System: Currently tolled (cash payment) - Going toll-free August 1, 2025
Coverage: Floating bridge connecting Georgetown to West Bank Demerara
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Manual toll collection at booth
Operators: Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Ministry of Public Works)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Demerara Bridge? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but not for much longer. The Demerara Harbour Bridge currently charges tolls for eastbound traffic (West Bank to Georgetown), but President Ali announced that all crossings will be toll-free starting August 1, 2025.
Key Reality: This historic floating bridge has charged tolls since 1978, but will join the new Demerara River Bridge in being completely toll-free. Daily commuters currently pay GYD $200 but will save over GYD $50,000 annually starting August 1.
2025 Update: The new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge is 90.7% complete and scheduled for August 31, 2025 completion. Both the old and new bridges will be toll-free, transforming transportation in Georgetown.
Demerara Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The Demerara Harbour Bridge operates one-way tolling for eastbound traffic only, with rates varying significantly by vehicle type.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (Until August 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GYD) | From August 1, 2025 | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $40 | $0 (FREE) | ~$10,000 |
| Motor Car/4WD/Pick-up | $200 | $0 (FREE) | ~$50,000 |
| Minibus | $200 | $0 (FREE) | ~$50,000 |
| Goods Vehicle (1-3 tonnes) | $400 | $0 (FREE) | ~$100,000 |
| Motor Lorry/Large Bus | $700 | $0 (FREE) | ~$175,000 |
| Heavy Duty Crossing (18-22 tonnes) | $5,000 | $0 (FREE) | Major commercial savings |
Bridge Operations (Current)
Toll Direction: Eastbound only (West Bank Demerara to Georgetown)
Free Direction: Westbound (Georgetown to West Bank Demerara)
Retraction Schedule: Regular openings for marine vessel passage
How to Pay Demerara Bridge Tolls (Until August 1)
You can use the following methods to pay current bridge tolls:
1. Cash Payment:
- Manual toll collection at booth on eastbound approach
- Exact change preferred but change provided
- Guyanese dollars only
2. Marine Vessel Tolls:
- Ocean Going Vessels: GYD $50,000
- Coastal Vessels: GYD $15,000
- Advance booking required via email or WhatsApp
To calculate fuel costs and route planning for Guyana travel, use TollGuru Guyana calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Historic Toll-Free Announcement:
- March 23, 2025: President Ali announced toll-free crossings starting August 1, 2025
- Applies to Demerara Harbour Bridge, Berbice River Bridge, and Wismar Bridge
- Estimated annual savings of billions in transportation costs for citizens
New Demerara River Bridge Progress:
- 90.7% completion reached as of June 2025
- Final concrete tower (P-35) completed, 35 towers total
- August 31, 2025 completion deadline confirmed by Minister Edghill
- Four-lane, high-span bridge will be toll-free from opening
Current Bridge Maintenance:
- Double-lane system operates 06:00-07:00 hours for peak traffic
- Average 14,000 vehicles daily crossing the 47-year-old structure
- Regular marine vessel retractions continuing until new bridge opens
Demerara River Crossing Information
Current Demerara Harbour Bridge - World's 4th Longest Floating Bridge:
- Length: 6,074 feet (1.85 km) with 61 spans
- Commissioned: July 2, 1978 (designed for 10-year lifespan)
- Route: Peter's Hall (East Bank) to Schoon Ord (West Bank)
- Engineering: Captain John Patrick Coghlan design, British Government funding
New Demerara River Bridge (Opening August 2025):
- Length: 2.8 km cable-stayed bridge
- Route: Nandy Park (East Bank) to La Grange (West Bank)
- Capacity: Four lanes, 80 km/h speed limit (vs current 32 km/h)
- Constructor: China Railway Construction (International) Limited - US$260 million
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Current daily toll: GYD $200 for cars (until August 1)
- Annual savings starting August 1: GYD $50,000+ for regular commuters
- New bridge impact: Reduced travel time, increased capacity
Traffic Planning:
- Peak hours: 06:00-07:00 (double-lane operation)
- Marine retractions: Check schedule at harbourbridge.gov.gy
- Alternative: Wait for new bridge completion by August 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Demerara Bridge tolls?
Currently, there's no alternative crossing for vehicles. However, starting August 1, 2025, all crossings will be toll-free, eliminating the need to avoid tolls.
What happens if I don't pay the bridge toll?
Currently, toll payment is required at the booth before crossing. However, this becomes irrelevant after August 1, 2025, when tolls are eliminated.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Demerara Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles currently pay GYD $40, but will cross free starting August 1, 2025, saving approximately GYD $10,000 annually for regular users.
Will both bridges be toll-free?
Yes, both the current Demerara Harbour Bridge and the new Demerara River Bridge will be toll-free. The government announced this policy to reduce transportation costs and boost economic activity.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, tourists pay the same rates as residents. Starting August 1, 2025, all users will benefit from toll-free crossings regardless of nationality.
Demerara Bridge vs. Regional Crossings
| Bridge/Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerara Bridge (Guyana) | Currently tolled | GYD $200 cars | FREE from Aug 1, 2025 |
| Suriname | Limited toll roads | Minimal charges | Few tolled facilities |
| Brazil | Extensive toll system | R$0.10-0.20/km | Major highway tolls |
| Venezuela | Limited toll roads | Varies by facility | Selected motorways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to tolls in Guyana
- Berbice River Bridge - Going toll-free August 1, 2025
- Wismar Bridge - Going toll-free August 1, 2025
- Suriname Road System - Neighboring country toll information
- Brazil Toll Highways - Regional South American comparison
Official Resources:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation: harbourbridge.gov.gy - Retraction schedules and tolls
- Ministry of Public Works: Guyana infrastructure development updates
- Bridge Navigation: dhbnavigation@gmail.com or WhatsApp 592-6XX-XXXX
