How to Drive on Toll Roads in Virginia

Virginia is a breathtakingly beautiful state with picturesque beachside towns, exciting outdoor activities, and various historic sites. When planning your unforgettable trip, take the time to learn about toll roads in Virginia so you’re not caught off guard once you arrive.

At Budget, we’ll provide everything you need to know about Virginia toll roads for a stress-free journey. Find your perfect Budget Virginia location now and learn about the toll roads you may encounter.

How Tolls Work in Virginia

Toll roads in Virginia include major highways, bridges, tunnels, and express lanes that support the state’s transportation funding and congestion management strategies. Virginia toll roads are more present in densely populated areas like northern Virginia and around major cities like Richmond and Norfolk, offering alternative travel options for local commutes, commercial travel, and tourists.

Accepted payment methods vary by road, although all toll roads in Virginia accept electronic payment methods like E-ZPass and Budget e-Toll services. Some toll roads offer cash, exact change, or bill-by-mail options.

Must-Know Tollways in Virginia

Dulles Toll Road (VA 267)

• Length: 14 miles (22.7 km) (Source)

• Speed Limit: 55 mph (Source)

• Major Locations Served: Falls Church, Tysons Corner, Wolf Trap, Reston, Herndon, IAD airport

The Dulles Toll Road, a segment of State Route 267, is crucial in linking the Capital Beltway (I-495) to the Dulles Greenway and Washington Dulles International Airport. This route facilitates access to one of the region’s major airports and continues to the western DC suburbs. To use this road, motorists must pay tolls electronically, as no cash payment options are available. Accepted payments include E-ZPass, Pay by Mail, or Budget e-Toll services. (Source) (Source 2)

Dulles Greenway (VA 267)

• Length: 12.53 miles (20.17 km) (Source)

• Speed Limit: 65 mph (Source)

• Major Cities Served: Leesburg, Ashburn, Dulles

The Dulles Greenway extends from the outer DC suburb of Leesburg to the Dulles area near IAD airport. Privately owned and operated, this toll road facilitates direct vehicular travel to the Washington Dulles International Airport as well as into central Washington, DC. Payment options for this tollway include E-ZPass and Budget e-Toll services. The lack of staffed toll booths promotes smooth traffic flow. (Source) (Source 2) (Source 3)

Powhite Parkway (VA 76)

• Length: 13.04 miles (20.99 km) (Source)

• Speed Limit: 60 mph (Source)

• Major Cities Served: Richmond, Manchester, Rockwood, Midlothian

The Powhite Parkway features a four-lane configuration designed to expedite travel between Richmond and communities to the southwest like Rockwood, North Chesterfield, and Manchester. This toll road enhances accessibility for commuters and travelers heading to or from these suburbs. 

Toll payments can be made electronically (E-ZPass or Budget e-Toll). During specific hours, staffed booths are available for cash payments. Additionally, machines that accept exact change are available. (Source) (Source 2)

Pocahontas Parkway (VA 895)

• Length: 9 miles (14.48 km) (Source)

• Speed Limit: 60-65 mph (Source)

• Major Locations Served: Richmond, Bensley, Richmond International Airport

The Pocahontas Parkway, designated as State Route 895, is a crucial toll road in Virginia that links the southeastern suburbs of Richmond to I-95, Virginia State Route 150, and I-295. The eastern end of Pocahontas Parkway is near the Richmond International Airport. For toll payments, drivers have several options, including E-ZPass, Budget e-Toll services, exact change, or credit cards. (Source) (Source 2)

South Norfolk Jordan Bridge (SR 337)

• Length: 5,000 feet (1,500 m)

• Major Cities Served: Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Norfolk

The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge is a vital link over the Elizabeth River, connecting Portsmouth to Chesapeake. This bridge offers a strategic alternative to the often congested tunnels in the Hampton Roads area, making it a popular choice for residents and visitors. The bridge only uses electronic tolling methods, including E-ZPass (or Budget e-Toll) and Pay by Plate, to facilitate smooth and efficient traffic flow. (Source)

Virginia Express Lanes (I-495, I-66, I-95, I-395, and I-64)

• Length: 

  • I-495: 13.09 miles (21.07 km)

  • I-66 Inside the Beltway: 9.1 miles (14.6 km)

  • I-66 Outside the Beltway: 22.5 miles (36.2 km)

  • I-95: 36.8 miles (59.2 km)

  • I-395: 9.8 miles (15.8 km)

  • I-64: 8.4 miles (13.5 km)

• Major Cities Served: Washington, DC area and Hampton Roads area (Norfolk, Chesapeake)

The Virginia Express Lanes are a network of optional toll lanes on several major highways, including I-495, I-66, I-95, I-395, and I-64. These lanes are designed to help manage congestion and provide a faster travel option for drivers willing to pay a toll. Tolls can only be paid electronically with E-ZPass or Budget e-Toll services. (Source) (Source 2)

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (US 13)

• Length: 17.6 miles (28.3 km)

• Speed Limit: Up to 55 mph (dependent on weather conditions)

• Major Cities Served: Norfolk, Chesapeake, Cape Charles

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an engineering marvel that spans the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the Virginia Beach area to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and Cape Charles. Tolls are collected electronically (E-ZPass, Budget e-Toll), and staffed booths accept cash and credit card payments when in operation. Speed limits and permitted vehicle classes can change based on current weather conditions. (Source 1) (Source 2)

Chesapeake Expressway (southernmost part of VA 168)

• Length: 12.6 miles (19.41 km)

• Major Cities Served: Chesapeake to North Carolina and the Outer Banks

This route serves as a direct path from I-64 in Chesapeake to North Carolina. Peak travel season on this road occurs between late May and early September when many people visit the beautiful beaches on the Outer Banks. (Source) (Source)

Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge (US 17)

• Length: 551.9 feet (168.2 m)

• Major Cities Served: Chesapeake

Part of US Route 17, Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge is a major arterial roadway that enhances connectivity and traffic flow in the Chesapeake area. This tolled portion, known locally as the Steel Bridge, stretches across the Elizabeth River and links central Chesapeake to southwest Chesapeake. Tolls are only collected electronically; motorists need E-ZPass or Budget e-Toll services. Alternatively, drivers using personal vehicles may opt for Bill by Mail services. (Source) (Source 2)

George P. Coleman Bridge (US 17)

• Length: 3,750 feet (1,140 m)

• Major Cities Served: Yorktown, Gloucester Point

The George P. Coleman Bridge spans the York River in Virginia, connecting the historic areas of Yorktown and Gloucester Point. This bridge is particularly noteworthy for its large double-swing span, allowing ships to pass through, and is one of the few remaining large swing bridges in the country. 

Tolls are collected electronically, with options like E-ZPass or Budget e-Toll services to streamline traffic flow and minimize delays. Additionally, cash payments are available when toll booths are staffed. (Source) (Source 2)

Elizabeth River Tunnels (I-264, US 460 Alt., and US Highway 58)

• Major Cities Served: Norfolk, Portsmouth

The Elizabeth River Tunnels are crucial infrastructure components facilitating travel between Portsmouth and Norfolk. The tunnels include the Downtown Tunnel and the Midtown Tunnel, which help alleviate congestion on the busy I-264 corridor and other local roads. Like many Virginia toll roads, tolls are only collected electronically (E-ZPass, Budget e-Toll, and Bill by Mail). (Source) (Source 2)

*Toll rates, road distances, and speed limits subject to change.

*Toll road information provided on this page is current as of June 2024. Toll road information is subject to change without notice.