Sydney toll roads in 2026, including which roads are tolled, how much they cost, and how to avoid them, from the M2 to the WestConnex
Transport Desk is a contributing writer covering transport and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Sydney has the most extensive toll road network in Australia, with more than 40km of toll roads connecting the western suburbs to the city and the airport. The toll roads are operated by several companies, including Transurban, which operates the M2, M4, M5, and M7, and the operators of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Distributor. The toll roads are free-flow, which means there are no toll booths and you do not need to stop to pay. The tolls are charged using number plate recognition or an electronic toll tag.
The main toll roads in Sydney are:
M2 Hills Motorway. The M2 runs from North Ryde to Lane Cove and connects the North Shore to the M1 Pacific Motorway. The toll is $3.78 for cars with a toll tag and $5.67 for cars without a toll tag.
M4 Western Motorway. The M4 runs from Strathfield to Penrith and connects the inner west to the western suburbs. The toll is $4.50 for cars with a toll tag and $6.75 for cars without a toll tag.
M5 South-Western Motorway. The M5 runs from Beverly Hills to Prestons and connects the south-west to the M7 Westlink. The toll is $3.78 for cars with a toll tag and $5.67 for cars without a toll tag.
M7 Westlink. The M7 runs from Prestons to Dean Park and connects the M5 to the M2. The toll is $4.50 for cars with a toll tag and $6.75 for cars without a toll tag.
Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The Sydney Harbour Tunnel runs from North Sydney to the CBD and is an alternative to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The toll is $4.00 for cars with a toll tag and $6.00 for cars without a toll tag.
Eastern Distributor. The Eastern Distributor runs from the CBD to Sydney Airport and connects the city to the airport. The toll is $7.56 for cars with a toll tag and $11.34 for cars without a toll tag.
WestConnex. WestConnex is a new toll road that connects the M4 to the M8 and the airport. The toll is $4.50 for cars with a toll tag and $6.75 for cars without a toll tag.
Tolls in Sydney are charged using number plate recognition or an electronic toll tag. If you have an electronic toll tag, such as a Linkt tag or an E-tag, the toll is charged to your account automatically. If you do not have an electronic toll tag, the toll is charged using number plate recognition. You will receive a toll notice in the mail within a few days of using the toll road. If you do not pay the toll notice within the due date, you will be charged a late fee.
The tolls are higher for cars without an electronic toll tag. The surcharge for cars without a toll tag is typically 50 percent of the toll. If you use toll roads regularly, it is worth getting an electronic toll tag to save money.
Linkt is the main electronic toll tag provider in Sydney. Linkt is operated by Transurban, which also operates the M2, M4, M5, and M7. Linkt tags are free to obtain and can be ordered online or by phone. Linkt offers a range of account options, including pay-as-you-go and monthly plans. The pay-as-you-go plan charges the toll to your credit or debit card within a few days of using the toll road. The monthly plan charges a fixed monthly fee plus the tolls you use.
If you use toll roads regularly, a monthly plan can save you money. The monthly plan includes a discount on tolls and a cap on tolls for unlimited use of the M2, M4, M5, and M7. The cost of the monthly plan depends on the number of toll roads you use. The basic plan, which covers the M2, costs $19.99 per month. The premium plan, which covers the M2, M4, M5, and M7, costs $49.99 per month.
If you want to avoid tolls in Sydney, there are several free alternatives:
Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is free for traffic heading south from the north shore to the CBD. Traffic heading north from the CBD to the north shore must use the Sydney Harbour Tunnel or the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is tolled for northbound traffic.
Parramatta Road. Parramatta Road is a free alternative to the M4 Western Motorway. Parramatta Road runs from the CBD to Parramatta and is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Cumberland Highway. The Cumberland Highway is a free alternative to the M7 Westlink. The Cumberland Highway runs from Prestons to Dean Park and is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Old Windsor Road. Old Windsor Road is a free alternative to the M2 Hills Motorway. Old Windsor Road runs from North Ryde to Seven Hills and is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Military Road. Military Road is a free alternative to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Military Road runs from North Sydney to the CBD and is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
If you use a toll road without an electronic toll tag, you will receive a toll notice in the mail within a few days. The toll notice includes the date, time, and location of the toll and the amount of the toll. You must pay the toll notice by the due date to avoid a late fee. If you believe that the toll notice is incorrect, you can dispute it by contacting the toll road operator.
If you do not pay the toll notice by the due date, you will be charged a late fee. The late fee is typically $10 to $20. If you still do not pay, the toll road operator may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can damage your credit rating.
The cost of tolls in Sydney depends on the number of toll roads you use and whether you have an electronic toll tag. If you use the M2, M4, M5, and M7 regularly, the cost can be significant. The monthly cost of using all four toll roads with a Linkt tag is approximately $100 to $150 per month, depending on the distance you travel. If you do not have a Linkt tag, the cost is approximately $150 to $200 per month.
If you want to reduce your toll costs, consider using the free alternatives listed above, or consider using public transport. Public transport is usually cheaper than driving and using toll roads, particularly during peak hours.
More information about toll roads in Sydney is available at Linkt and Transport for NSW.
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