Navigating toll roads is a common part of driving in Ireland, especially for visitors and frequent commuters. Understanding how to pay your toll charges promptly ensures smooth travels and helps you avoid unexpected fines.

Here’s everything you need to know about toll roads in the Republic of Ireland, updated for 2025.

Toll Roads in Ireland

Ireland's major motorways often feature toll sections. The primary toll roads include:

• M50 Barrier-Free Toll: Dublin's M50 orbital motorway with electronic tolling.

• M1 Gormanston to Monasterboice

• M3 Clonee to Kells

• M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad

• M7/M8 Portlaoise to Castletown/Portlaoise to Cullahill

• N6 Galway to Ballinasloe

• M8 Rathcormac to Fermoy

• N25 Waterford City Bypass

• East-Link Bridge (Tom Clarke Bridge), Dublin

• Dublin Port Tunnel

• Limerick Tunnel

How to Pay Irish Tolls

1. Cash Payment

Most toll plazas (except the M50) allow cash payments, although it's recommended to have exact change to speed up the process. Charges vary by vehicle type, typically €2-€3 for standard cars.

2. Card Payments

All toll booths (excluding M50, which is electronic-only) now accept credit and debit cards. Contactless payment is widely available; however, many tolls in Ireland do not yet accept contactless payment via mobile devices.

3. Electronic Tags

Using an electronic toll tag allows seamless travel through dedicated express lanes at most toll plazas. Tags are available from providers like:

• eFlow

• Easytrip

• DirectRoute

You can often use electronic tags on all toll roads, including the M50. They allow for easy, automatic payments linked to your account or credit card.

Special Case: Paying the M50 Toll

The M50 motorway around Dublin is barrier-free tolling system, meaning there are no toll booths. You must make the payment online, by phone, or via mobile app.

• Online: Visit eflow.ie to pay directly.

• Retail Outlets: Pay at selected Payzone outlets nationwide.

• By Phone: Call eFlow on 0818 50 10 50 (Ireland) or +353 1 4610122 (international).

• Mobile App: eFlow app is available for Android and iOS.

Payments for the M50 toll must be made by 8pm the day after your journey. Late payment results in penalties and fines.

M50 Toll Charges (2025)

The M50 toll uses a barrier-free electronic system. This means you won’t stop to pay. However, you must make sure to pay before the deadline. Charges vary depending on the vehicle type and payment method.

• Tag-Registered Vehicles: Lowest toll rates, automatically deducted from your account.

• Video-Registered Vehicles: Linked to a registration system, slightly higher fees.

• Unregistered Vehicles: Must pay manually by 8pm the next day or risk late payment penalties.

For the most up-to-date toll fees, visit eFlow.ie.

Toll Charges for Electric Vehicles in Ireland

As of January 1, 2024, the Low Emissions Vehicle Toll Incentive (LEVTI) scheme, which provided toll discounts for electric vehicles (EVs), has been discontinued. This means that EV drivers are now subject to the same toll charges as conventional vehicles. ​

Current Toll Rates for Electric Vehicles:

• M50 Motorway: EVs are charged the standard toll rates applicable to all vehicles. For instance, unregistered cars without a tag or video account incur a toll of €3.80. ​

• Other National Toll Roads: Toll charges for EVs vary depending on the specific toll road and vehicle classification. Advising to check the current rates for each toll road before traveling is recommended.

  
  

Rental Cars

If you're renting a car, clarify with your rental provider regarding toll payments. Some rental companies include toll charges in your rental package. Others give you electronic toll tags. Some companies leave the payment to the renter.

Penalties for Non-Payment

If you do not pay toll fees on time (by 8pm the following day for the M50), you will face rising fines. The first fine is an extra €3 if you pay within 14 days. After that, the fines will increase a lot. Persistent non-payment can lead to prosecution and larger penalties.

Avoiding Issues

Plan your route beforehand and confirm Irish toll roads and points along your journey. Keeping cash, cards, or topping up your electronic tag prevents any hassle or fines.

By understanding Ireland’s toll system, you ensure a hassle-free journey throughout the Emerald Isle. Safe travels!

Information confirmed and updated as of March 2025 for more information on toll locations and charges visit: eFlow.ie, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and Easytrip.ie.