SH 130 Toll Road Complete Guide: TxTag, Rates & Payment 2025
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SH 130 Toll Road Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail
Length: 91 miles total (49 miles Segments 1-4, 41 miles Segments 5-6)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Cashless tolling
Operators: TxDOT (Segments 1-4), SH 130 Concession Company (Segments 5-6)
Speed Limit: Up to 85 mph (highest in the United States)
Also Known As: Pickle Parkway
Do I Need an Electronic Tag for SH 130? 2025 Update
No, you don't need an electronic tag to use SH 130 - but you'll save up to 33% on toll costs with one. The 91-mile toll road operates with completely automated cashless tolling, accepting electronic tags from multiple providers or billing untagged vehicles through Pay By Mail.
Key Reality: Without an electronic tag, you'll pay up to 50% higher rates. For the full 91-mile journey from Georgetown to Seguin, electronic tag users pay $18.87 while Pay By Mail costs $26.58 - a difference of $7.71 per trip.
2025 Update: HCTRA now manages TxTag operations as of November 2024. New toll rates for Segments 5-6 took effect November 11, 2024. The road continues to offer the highest speed limit in the United States at 85 mph on southern segments.
SH 130 Toll Costs: Current Rates
SH 130 operates with distance-based electronic toll collection across two distinct segments with different operators and rate structures. The 91-mile alternative to I-35 provides significant time savings for cross-Central Texas travel.
Current Toll Rates by Segment (2025)
| Segment | Length | Speed Limit | Operator | Rate Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segments 1-4 | 49 miles | 80 mph | TxDOT | Distance-based by axle |
| Segments 5-6 | 41 miles | 85 mph | SH 130 Concession | Distance-based by vehicle shape |
Common Trip Costs (2025 Rates)
| Trip | Distance | Electronic Tag | Pay By Mail | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown to Seguin | 91 miles | $18.87 | $26.58 | $7.71 |
| Austin Airport to Seguin | ~60 miles | $12.33 | $16.77 | $4.44 |
| Downtown Austin to San Antonio | ~50 miles | $11.47 | $15.48 | $4.01 |
| Seguin to Lockhart | ~20 miles | $6.96 | $9.26 | $2.30 |
Vehicle Classification System
Segments 1-4 (TxDOT): Classified by number of axles (2-axle, 3-axle, 4-axle, 5-axle, 6-axle)
Segments 5-6 (Private): Classified by vehicle shape and size (Class A through Class E)
- Class A: Vehicles including motorcycles (Height < 7', Length < 20')
- Class B: Class A vehicle plus trailer
- Class C: Larger vehicle without trailer (Height 7'-12', Length 20'-46')
- Class D: Larger vehicle with one trailer (Height > 12', Length > 46')
- Class E: Any vehicle with 2+ trailers
How to Pay SH 130 Tolls
SH 130 operates with completely automated cashless tolling across all segments. All tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds with no options for cash payments.
1. Electronic Tag Systems (Up to 33% Savings):
- TxTag (now managed by HCTRA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), TollTag (NTTA)
- K-TAG (Kansas), Pikepass (Oklahoma) - accepted on all segments
- Automatic account deduction - no stopping required
- Works on all Texas toll roads plus Kansas and Oklahoma
2. Pay By Mail (License Plate Billing):
- Camera captures license plate for untagged vehicles
- HCTRA processes all billing for both segments
- Up to 50% higher rates than electronic tags
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
3. Veterans Discount Program:
- Available on TxDOT Segments 1-4 only
- Qualified veterans with specialty license plates ride free
- Segments 5-6 currently not included in state program
- Automatic recognition with registered electronic tag
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 130, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
TxTag System Transition:
- November 2024: HCTRA assumed TxTag operations from TxDOT
- Unified billing system for Austin and Houston area toll roads
- Existing TxTag customers can continue using current tags
- New customers must obtain EZ TAG through HCTRA
Rate Adjustments:
- November 11, 2024: Segments 5-6 toll rates increased
- January 1, 2025: Segments 1-4 rates adjusted for inflation
- Full-length passenger car trip now $18.87 with electronic tag
- Annual rate adjustments continue based on economic indicators
Leadership Changes:
- January 2025: Ananth Prasad named new CEO of SH 130 Concession Company
- Continued focus on commercial traffic growth
- Enhanced anti-scam measures and customer communication
Traffic Growth:
- Post-pandemic traffic volumes significantly higher than pre-2020 levels
- Increased commercial truck usage avoiding I-35 congestion
- Northern segments (1-4) reporting healthy traffic volumes of 30,000-55,000 vehicles
Regional Toll Information
TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System (Segments 1-4):
- SH 45 North - 13-mile toll road connecting US 183 to SH 130
- SH 45 Southeast - 7-mile connector completing Central Austin bypass
- Loop 1 (MoPac) - 4-mile tolled segments from Parmer Lane to SH 45N
- Austin Area Toll Roads - Complete TxDOT toll road network
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:
- 183A Toll - Northwest Williamson County corridor
- 290 Toll - Eastern Travis County connection
- MoPac Express Lane - Variable pricing express lanes
- 71 Toll Lane - Airport Boulevard to SH 130 connector
- SH 45SW Toll - Southern Travis/Northern Hays County link
- 183 Toll - East Austin US 290 to SH 71 corridor
Private Toll Road Operations:
- SH 130 Segments 5-6 - 50-year concession operated by private consortium
- Strategic Value Partners and U.S. federal government ownership
- Revenue sharing with TxDOT for regional mobility improvements
- American-owned business headquartered in Central Texas
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Primary I-35 alternative: Georgetown to San Antonio bypass
- Major connections: US 183, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, SH 71
- Serves eastern Austin suburbs: Manor, Pflugerville, Georgetown
- Key commercial route avoiding I-35 congestion and construction
Speed Advantages:
- Segments 1-4: 80 mph speed limit (higher than I-35's 70-75 mph)
- Segments 5-6: 85 mph speed limit (highest in the United States)
- Continuous travel without traffic signals or intersections
- Significant time savings during peak I-35 congestion periods
Commercial Benefits:
- Preferred route for commercial trucks avoiding I-35 delays
- Direct connection to Mexico-Midwest freight corridor
- Consistent travel times vs. unpredictable I-35 congestion
- Growing industrial development along southern segments
Cost Considerations:
- Electronic tag essential for regular users - saves $200-400 annually
- Consider time value vs. toll cost for commercial operations
- Distance from population centers increases travel time to access points
- Fuel savings from higher speed limits and reduced congestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid SH 130 tolls?
Yes, you can use I-35 as the free alternative. However, I-35 experiences significant congestion, construction delays, and slower speeds. SH 130 offers time savings that often justify the toll cost for many travelers.
What happens if I don't pay SH 130 tolls?
HCTRA handles all billing and collection. Unpaid tolls result in escalating fees, potential collection agency involvement, and possible vehicle registration blocks. Pay promptly to avoid additional charges.
Why is SH 130 called the Pickle Parkway?
The route is named after former US Representative J.J. Pickle, who served the Austin area from 1963 to 1995 and was instrumental in obtaining federal funding for planning studies that led to SH 130's development.
Do veterans get discounts on SH 130?
Qualified veterans with specialty license plates receive free tolls on TxDOT-operated Segments 1-4. However, the privately-operated Segments 5-6 are not currently included in the state veteran discount program.
Can I use my out-of-state electronic tag?
Yes, SH 130 accepts K-TAG from Kansas and Pikepass from Oklahoma on all segments. These tags work throughout Texas, making them convenient for interstate travelers.
What is the fastest speed limit in America?
SH 130 Segments 5-6 have an 85 mph speed limit, the highest posted speed limit in the United States. This makes it one of the fastest legal driving routes in the Americas.
SH 130 vs. Regional Alternatives
| Route | Length | Speed Limit | Cost | Congestion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH 130 | 91 miles | 80-85 mph | $18.87 (Georgetown-Seguin) | Light traffic |
| I-35 | ~80 miles | 70-75 mph | Free | Heavy congestion |
| SH 45 North | 13 miles | 75-80 mph | Distance-based | Moderate |
| 183A Toll | 11.6 miles | 75-80 mph | Distance-based | Light-moderate |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete Central Texas toll road network
- Texas Toll Roads - Statewide toll road information
- Electronic Toll Collection Texas - TxTag, EZ TAG, and other systems
- I-35 Traffic Austin - Alternative route information
- Pay Toll Austin - Payment methods for Austin-area toll roads
- Truck Toll Roads Texas - Commercial vehicle information
Customer Service:
- HCTRA Customer Service: 281-875-3279 (TxTag/EZ TAG accounts)
- SH 130 Segments 5-6 Information: Contact through HCTRA
- Online Account Management: hctra.org
- TxDOT Toll Operations: 1-888-468-9824 (legacy TxTag issues)
Official Resources:
- SH 130 Segments 5-6: mysh130.com
- TxDOT Austin Area Tolls: txtag.org
- HCTRA: hctra.org
- Live Traffic Map: Available on SH 130 website
