Your Ultimate Guide to Kentucky Toll Roads

Sep 18, 2025
- State: Kentucky
- Region: Southeastern USA
- Supported by NextPass: Always! For more details, visit our coverage map regularly.
Get ready to hit the open road and explore the scenic beauty and rich heritage of Kentucky. From rolling bluegrass hills to historic bourbon trails, this road trip will take you through charming small towns, lush horse country, and natural wonders like Mammoth Cave.
As you cruise along interstates and winding backroads, keep in mind that a few toll roads, like sections of the Kentucky Parkway system, may pop up along the way—so it’s a good idea to have a payment method ready. Whether you’re chasing barbecue joints, local music, or just the freedom of the drive, Kentucky’s got the perfect mix of culture, countryside, and classic Americana.
In this guide, we’ll answer some of your most important questions when navigating Kentucky toll roads:
- How much are tolls in Kentucky?
- Where are the Kentucky toll roads/KY tollways?
- How can I pay for Kentucky tolls?
- How can I pay for tolls for my rental car in Kentucky?
- How can I pay Kentucky tolls online?
Discover Major Toll Roads in Kentucky
Key Kentucky toll roads include:
- Abraham Lincoln Bridge
- John F. Kennedy Bridge
- East End Bridge
Kentucky Toll Road Costs
Toll rates in Kentucky vary based on several factors:
- Vehicle class (weight and number of axles)
- Entry and exit points
- Payment method
- Distance traveled
Our detailed guide and online tools ensure you’re never caught off guard. We provide estimated costs for a complete ride on each major toll road and bridge in Kentucky for standard 2-axle vehicles.
Note: NextPass does not cover tolls accrued in HOV lanes.
Toll Road | Location | Direction | Payment Methods | Estimated Price |
Abraham Lincoln Bridge (I-65 North) | Connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana | North-South | NextPass, RiverLink, E-Zpass, Pay-by-Plate | $2.68-$5.36 |
John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge (I-65 South) | Connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana | North-South | NextPass, RiverLink, E-Zpass, Pay-by-Plate | $2.68-$5.36 |
Lewis and Clark Bridge (SR 265/KY 841) | Part of a ring road around the Louisville metropolitan area | East-West | NextPass, RiverLink, E-Zpass, Pay-by-Plate | $2.68-$5.36 |
Note: Prices may change without notice. You can find tailored toll rates based on specific entry and exit points using the Kentucky toll road calculator.
Kentucky Toll Payment Options
How do you pay for tolls in Kentucky? Kentucky has transitioned to a fully electronic cashless tolling system for all toll roads and bridges. Kentucky tollways and bridges accept NextPass, E-ZPass, or Video Tolling (pay-by-plate). Below are some options for paying tolls in Kentucky:
- NextPass Account: NextPass is a cashless toll payment option! Setup is swift and easy, and you pay as you go. Simply register your vehicle in the app or on our website, insert a payment method, and drive! You’ll never need a transponder or toll tag when driving with NextPass. You pay for tolls as you pass through them with your registered vehicle. No activation fees. No subscription. No minimum balance required. Please note: Drivers are responsible for removing their vehicle from any previous tolling accounts, like E-ZPass or other tolling agencies, in order for NextPass to work successfully.
- E-ZPass: Drivers can set up a transponder account, though it may take about a week to receive it by mail. Account holders are typically required to pre-pay and maintain a minimum balance to access this service.
- Video Tolling (Pay-by-Plate): With Video Tolling, there’s no need to install a transponder or register your plate. Just drive through a tolling facility and you’ll receive a Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) in the mail. This is the most expensive of all the options and drivers may also receive high fines if these tolls aren’t paid in time.
How do I Pay Tolls for a Rental Car in Kentucky?
If you’re planning to drive a rental car in Kentucky, there are several ways to handle toll payments. With NextPass, we have you covered for tolls in your rental vehicle in Kentucky. Simply add the license plate number of your rental vehicle into the app, add your payment method, and set the dates of your rental car period. Your rental car will be covered for the dates you provide through the NextPass app. You can also use the E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, or Video Tolling system, which allows you to pay tolls online or invoiced through the mail using your vehicle’s license plate.
Before you hit the road, it’s advisable to discuss toll payment options with your rental car provider. If you have your own toll payment solution, you might want to opt out of the rental company’s toll services, which could include additional fees. Some rental companies charge high administrative fees for processing tolls or for using their toll devices, even if you don’t end up driving on toll roads.
Why Opt for Toll Roads?
Choosing toll roads in Kentucky isn’t just about speed; it’s about smart, efficient travel:
- Enhanced Infrastructure: Experience efficient and safe travel thanks to high-speed video cameras and overhead toll gantries.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Save on fuel and time, which means more to spend on enjoying your trip.
- Efficiency: Avoid congestion and get to your destination faster.
- Convenience: No need to stop at toll booths! With open-road tolling technology, you can travel at highway speeds while your toll fees are automatically charged.
How NextPass Simplifies Your Toll Road Experience in Kentucky
No Equipment Needed- Forget about cluttering your windshield with stickers and transponders. NextPass uses advanced license plate recognition technology to ensure your tolls are paid automatically as you drive, without the need for any physical tags.
Pay Only What You Use- With NextPass, there are no prepayments or required reloads. Travel on Kentucky toll roads and you’ll only be charged for the tolls you incur, directly to your linked payment method.
Add Multiple Vehicles- NextPass makes it easy to manage multiple vehicles under one account. Whether it’s your family car or a corporate car for business trips, adding and managing vehicles is simple and convenient.
Rental Car Compatibility- Use NextPass even when driving a rental car.
Billing and Support- See all your toll charges conveniently in your payment dashboard and enjoy knowledgeable customer support in both English and Spanish. Any issues or questions about your travels on Kentucky toll roads? NextPass is here to help, anytime, anywhere.
With NextPass, navigating Kentucky’s toll roads becomes a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a road trip enthusiast, our solutions are designed to save you time and money while promoting environmentally responsible travel. Create your NextPass account today and enjoy a smarter way to travel through Kentucky.