Tolls & e-Tag
How do tolls work with a rental car in Australia?
Short answer
Australian tolls are entirely cashless. There are no cash booths: every toll is read electronically from an e-Tag or your number plate. Only Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland have toll roads at all, so many trips never meet one. Any tolls you do drive through are billed after your rental at the toll's cost plus the rental company's admin fee of $1.10 AUD (est. $0.77) per toll, charged to the card you rented with.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould2 sources ↓
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The practical details
- There is no cash option and nothing to buy at a booth. Toll gantries read the number plate or an e-Tag as you pass, so you simply drive through at the normal speed.
- Toll roads exist only around Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland (Brisbane and the Gold Coast). Most regional and coastal driving, including popular routes like the Great Ocean Road, has no tolls at all.
- Any tolls on your car are billed to you after the trip, plus the rental company's admin fee of $1.10 AUD (est. $0.77) per toll. Every counter charge is shown before you book.
- You do not need to arrange your own e-Tag for a short visit. The car's tolling arrangement is handled for you and explained before you book.
Common pitfalls
- Looking for a cash lane or a booth. There are none, so never stop or slow at a gantry.
- Assuming every city has tolls. Only Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland do.
- Worrying about missing a toll payment. You cannot pay at the road; tolls are reconciled to your booking afterward.
Our recommendation
- Drive straight through any toll gantry at the normal speed; it is read automatically.
- Check your rate's tolling note so you know how tolls will be billed before you book.
- If your trip stays outside Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland, you will likely not meet a toll at all.
Related questions
DrivingWhat happens if I get a speed camera fine in a rental car in Australia?The fine goes to the rental company, which can give your details to the issuing authority so the fine is sent to you, and charges a processing fee ($71.50 AUD...One-way rentalsOne-way car rental in AustraliaYes, on some routes. In our live check on October 21, one-ways were offered between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, from Adelaide to Melbourne,...When to goWhen is the best time for a road trip in Australia?It depends on the region. Australia is large and its seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere: summer is December to February, winter is June to August.Deposit & bondHow much is the rental car deposit (bond) in Australia?$1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover.Deductible & coverageWhat is a rental car deductible in Australia?It's the most you'd pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
Quick answers
Do Australian rental cars come with an e-Tag?
The tolling arrangement is handled for your car and explained before you book, so you do not need to buy your own e-Tag for a short visit.
Are there cash toll booths in Australia?
No. All tolls are cashless and read electronically from an e-Tag or your number plate, so you never stop to pay at the road.
Which Australian cities have toll roads?
Only Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland (Brisbane and the Gold Coast). Most other driving has no tolls.
How am I charged for tolls on a rental?
Any tolls are billed after your trip at cost, plus the rental company's admin fee of $1.10 AUD (est. $0.77) per toll, charged to the card you rented with.
How do tourists pay tolls in Australia?
You don't pay at the road: tolls are read electronically and the rental company charges them to your card after the trip, plus $1.10 AUD (est. $0.77) per toll. There's nothing to buy before you drive.
What happens if I drive through a toll in a rental car?
Nothing at the time. The toll and the admin fee are charged to your card after you return the car.
How much are tolls in Sydney or Melbourne?
It depends on the road and time of day; each toll road publishes its prices. Budget a few dollars per toll.
Sources
1Rental company fees guideThe $1.10 AUD admin fee per toll (V11).fees guide V11
2Toll road operatorsCashless tolling, prices by road and time.Linkt and Transurban toll information
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