Linden-Lethem Highway 2025: No Toll System - Complete Road Guide
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Linden-Lethem Highway Complete Guide
System: No toll collection system - All sections free
Coverage: Georgetown to Lethem (Brazilian border) - 650km total route
Currency: N/A - No tolls charged
Technology: N/A - No electronic toll collection
Operators: Guyana Ministry of Public Works (government-funded project)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Linden-Lethem Highway? 2025 Update
No, there are absolutely no tolls on the Linden-Lethem Highway or any roads in Guyana. The entire route from Georgetown through Linden to Lethem at the Brazilian border is completely free to use for all vehicle types.
Key Reality: Unlike neighboring Brazil with extensive toll networks, Guyana maintains a completely toll-free road system. The challenging journey is about road conditions, not toll costs.
2025 Update: Phase 1 construction from Linden to Mabura Hill (122km) is ongoing with Caribbean Development Bank funding. All completed and planned sections remain toll-free.
Linden-Lethem Highway Costs: What You Actually Pay
The only costs associated with the Linden-Lethem Highway are fuel, vehicle maintenance, and occasional ferry crossings - no road tolls anywhere along the route.
Current Road Usage Costs (2025)
| Route Section | Distance | Road Tolls | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown to Linden | 103 km | $0.00 | Paved highway - good condition |
| Linden to Mabura Hill | 122 km | $0.00 | Under construction (Phase 1) |
| Mabura Hill to Lethem | 425 km | $0.00 | Laterite trail - challenging conditions |
| Kurupukari Ferry Crossing | - | $0.00 | Free pontoon service |
| Complete Journey | 650 km total | $0.00 | 16-48 hours depending on conditions |
Actual Travel Costs (No Tolls - 2025)
Fuel costs: US$60-100 for complete Georgetown-Lethem journey (4WD vehicle)
Vehicle wear: Significant due to rough laterite sections (budget extra for maintenance)
Alternative: 1-hour flight Georgetown-Lethem costs US$200+ each way
How to Use Linden-Lethem Highway
You can travel the Linden-Lethem Highway using the following methods:
1. Personal Vehicle:
- 4WD vehicle strongly recommended for laterite sections
- High ground clearance essential for rough terrain
- Extra fuel, spare tires, and emergency supplies required
2. Public Transportation:
- Bedford trucks and robust minibuses operate on the route
- Irregular schedules, especially during rainy season
- Journey time: 16-48 hours depending on conditions
To calculate fuel costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Guyana roads, use TollGuru Guyana calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Construction Progress:
- Phase 1 (Linden-Mabura Hill): Brazilian contractor selected, construction ongoing
- 122km asphaltic concrete surface upgrade to 2-lane standard
- Five drainage structures included in current phase
International Cooperation:
- July 2025: Roraima Governor visited Guyana to accelerate Phase 2 completion
- Renewed commitment from both Guyana and Brazil for full highway completion
- Lethem development as food and energy hub moving forward
Funding Status:
- US$190 million Phase 1 funded by UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership
- Caribbean Development Bank administering construction funds
- Phase 2 (Mabura Hill-Lethem) seeking additional international financing
Guyana Road Network Information
Guyana - Complete Toll-Free Road System:
- All highways and roads in Guyana are toll-free for all vehicle types
- Government-funded infrastructure with no user fees or vignettes
- Linden-Lethem Highway represents largest infrastructure investment
Major Highway Corridors (All Free):
- East Coast Demerara Road: Georgetown to Berbice - no tolls
- West Coast Demerara Road: Georgetown to Essequibo - no tolls
- Corentyne Highway: New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek - no tolls
- Georgetown-Linden Highway: 103km paved route - no tolls
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Road costs: US$0 in tolls throughout entire Guyana
- Fuel budget: US$60-100 for Georgetown-Lethem journey
- Vehicle preparation: Essential for challenging laterite sections
Seasonal Considerations:
- Dry season (September-April): Easier travel but dusty conditions
- Rainy season (May-August): Extremely challenging, some sections impassable
- Essential stops: Kurupukari (fuel, food, river crossing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any tolls on Linden-Lethem Highway?
No, there are absolutely no tolls anywhere on the Linden-Lethem Highway or any roads in Guyana. The entire road system is toll-free.
What vehicle do I need for the full journey?
A 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance is essential. The laterite sections from Mabura Hill to Lethem are extremely challenging, with deep potholes and rough terrain.
When will the highway be fully paved?
Phase 1 (Linden-Mabura Hill) is under construction. Phase 2 (Mabura Hill-Lethem) is still seeking funding, with completion timeline uncertain.
Can I cross into Brazil at Lethem?
Yes, the Takatu Bridge connects Lethem to Bonfim, Brazil. Border crossing is possible with proper documentation, but expect delays during processing.
Will tolls be introduced when construction is complete?
No current plans exist for toll introduction. The project is government and international donor funded, maintaining Guyana's toll-free policy.
Linden-Lethem Highway vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana | No tolls | $0.00 | All roads toll-free |
| Brazil | Extensive toll network | US$1-4 per plaza | 70+ toll facilities |
| Venezuela | Limited toll roads | Varies by route | Selected highways |
| Suriname | No comprehensive system | Minimal charges | Limited network |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Brazil Toll Highways - Extensive toll network comparison
- Venezuela Motorway Tolls - Regional toll system information
- Suriname Road System - Neighboring country road information
- Guyana Road System - Complete national road network guide
Government Resources:
- Guyana Ministry of Public Works - Road construction updates
- Caribbean Development Bank - Project funding information
- Brazil-Guyana Cooperation - Cross-border infrastructure development
Travel Planning:
- Iwokrama International Centre - Conservation area information
- Rupununi Savannahs - Tourist information and guides
- Lethem Border Crossing - Immigration and customs procedures
