Almost every motorway in and out of Buenos Aires is tolled. As a passenger you will hardly notice, but it helps to know who pays, how the toll is collected and why the amount is not always the same.
Where the tolls are
- Autopista Riccheri, the road to Ezeiza airport.
- Acceso Norte, also called the Panamericana, towards the northern suburbs, Tigre and Pilar.
- Acceso Oeste, towards the western suburbs.
- Autopista Buenos Aires–La Plata, heading south.
- Urban motorways inside the city itself, such as the 25 de Mayo, the Perito Moreno and the Illia.
Longer trips bring more. Autovía 2 to the Atlantic coast is one example.
Why the amount varies
There is no single rate. It depends on:
- Vehicle category. A car does not always pay the same as a van.
- Time of day. Some motorways charge a different rate at peak times.
- Payment method. The electronic tag and other methods may be charged differently.
- Date. Rate tables are revised often.
The current amount is published by the company that operates each motorway or by the road authority in charge. A figure you read on a forum months ago is probably out of date.
How tolls are collected
Most vehicles carry an electronic tag on the windscreen, called TelePASE, and drive through without stopping. Cash payment has been withdrawn from several motorways. As a passenger you do nothing. If you hire a car, ask the company whether it has a tag and how the tolls will be charged to you afterwards.
Who pays, by type of transport
- Taxi. The toll is added to the metered fare and paid by the passenger.
- Ride-hailing apps. Tolls are normally added to the trip price. Check the breakdown at the end.
- Remis. An agency car with a price agreed in advance: ask whether tolls are included.
- Private transfer. The price is agreed before the trip, and the quote states whether tolls are included. If it is not clear, ask when you book.
Why it matters when you compare
A fixed price and a taxi estimate can only be compared if both treat tolls the same way. The drive to Ezeiza always includes at least one tolled motorway, so ask the question before you decide.