Navigating Tolls on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
When traveling along the iconic San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, it's important to understand the tolls and payment requirements for both directions of travel. This guide will help you navigate the toll system, ensuring your journey remains smooth and efficient.
Tolls for Entering San Francisco
For drivers traveling from Marin or other areas south toward San Francisco, there is a toll when entering the city. The cost is $6.00 for vehicles without a toll tag, and drivers will receive a bill afterward if no account is linked to the vehicle. This system captures a picture of the front license plate of the vehicle and charges the registered owner accordingly. It is common for rental car companies to send bills weeks after vacation.
No Toll for Departing San Francisco
Traveling from San Francisco towards Oakland or other destinations, no toll is required. The toll direction is westbound only, meaning you only need to pay if coming from Marin, Alameda, or other directions into the city.
Toll Rates and Payment Methods
The toll charged westbound only is collected in Oakland and varies by time of day. Current toll rates are as follows:
N7.00: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
N6.00: Weekends and et cetera.
N5.00: All other times.
It's crucial to pay the toll in advance since the system does not accept cash. You must either have a FasTrak tag installed on your vehicle or pay online through the official website or a third-party application.
Other Bay Area Bridges
It is important to note that all Bay Area bridges require tolls in only one direction. For example, the San Mateo Bridge is free when traveling from the Peninsula to the East Bay, but there is a toll for the opposite direction. Be sure to check the toll rates for each bridge before your trip.
Getting Your FasTrak Tag
If you plan to travel frequently along the Bay Bridge or other toll roads, obtaining a FasTrak tag can save you time and money. Forgotten or late payments can lead to fines and additional costs. You can purchase and install a FasTrak tag at a convenient location such as a mobile FasTrak installation site, or through the official FasTrak website. Once installed, you can avoid the need to pay bills and make your travel experience more seamless.