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Your Ultimate Guide to Illinois Toll Roads
- State: Illinois
- Region: Midwest USA
- Supported by NextPass: Always! For more details, visit our coverage map
Traveling through Illinois comes with its share of toll roads and navigating them efficiently is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. Illinois is a state rich in diversity, stretching from the picturesque farmlands of Poplar Grove to the iconic skyline of Chicago. Known as both the “Prairie State,” Illinois offers a wide array of attractions, including outdoor adventures, historical sites, cultural experiences, and urban excitement. As you explore the state by car, it’s important to be aware of its extensive tollway system, which is one of the largest in the nation and facilitates smoother travel across the region.
In this guide, we’ll answer some of your most important questions when navigating Illinois’ toll roads:
- How much are tolls in Illinois?
- Where are the Illinois toll roads/IL tollways?
- How can I pay for Illinois tolls?
- How can I pay for tolls for my rental car in Illinois?
- How can I pay Illinois tolls online?
Discover Major Toll Roads in Illinois
Illinois boasts a vast network of toll roads, primarily managed by the Illinois Tollway Authority. These roads are essential for quick travel around major metropolitan areas such as Chicago and extend to various parts of the state, facilitating efficient transportation across major highways.
Key Illinois toll roads include:
- Tri-State Tollway (I-80/I-94/I-294): A major route for commuters around Chicago and interstate travelers.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90/I-39): Connects Chicago to Rockford, extending towards Wisconsin.
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): Stretches from the Quad Cities to Chicago.
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): Facilitates north-south travel in the suburbs of Chicago.
Illinois Toll Road Costs
Costs vary by vehicle type, payment method, and road choice—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 for standard 2-axle vehicles. Please note that NextPass does not cover tolls accrued in HOV lanes.
| Toll Road | Location | Payment Methods | Estimated Price |
| Chicago Skyway | Connects I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) in Chicago to I-90 (Indiana Toll Road) at the Indiana border. | Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Cash, Credit Card (Note: this is a gated toll plaza so NextPass is not accepted.) | $7.20 |
| Illinois Route 390 Tollway (Elgin–O’Hare Tollway) | Connects U.S. Route 20 in Hanover Park to Illinois Route 83 in Bensenville. | NextPass, Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Pay-by- Plate/Pay Online | $0.20-$1.20 |
| Jane Adams Memorial Tollway (I-90, I-39) | Runs from near O’Hare International Airport to near South Beloit. | NextPass, Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Pay-by- Plate/Pay Online | $0.30 – $3.00 |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) | Connects the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) to the Illinois Tollway’s western terminus at Dixon, Illinois. | NextPass, Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Pay-by- Plate/Pay Online | $0.30 – $3.60 |
| Tri-State Tollway (I-80, I-94, I-294) | I-80 runs from I-94/I-294/IL 394 in South Holland to I-294 in Hazel Crest. I-94 runs from I-80/I-94/IL 394 in South Holland to I-94 in Northbrook. I-294 runs from I-294 in Northbrook to I-41/US 41 in Newport Township. | NextPass, Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Pay-by- Plate/Pay Online | $0.30 – $2.80 |
| Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) | Connects I-55 (the Stevenson Expressway) to I-80. | NextPass, Compatible Toll tag (E-ZPass, I-Pass, etc), Pay-by- Plate/Pay Online | $0.45 – $3.80 |
Note: Prices may change without notice. Check the most update price with the local toll authority for the toll you are traveling. You can find tailored toll rates based on specific entry and exit points using the Illinois toll road calculator.
Illinois Toll Payment Options
How can I pay for Illinois toll roads? Most Illinois toll roads use all-electronic tolling systems. The Chicago Skyway accepts cash and card payments, but all other Illinois tollways only accept NextPass, compatible toll transponders, or pay-by-plate transactions in free-flowing lanes.
Below are some options for paying tolls in Illinois:
- 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 transponder fees. No subscription. No minimum balance required.
- Compatible Illinois Toll Transponders: Use I-Pass, E-ZPass, or any other compatible toll tag. 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.
- Pay-By-Plate or Pay Online: Drivers also have the option to drive through Illinois tolls without a transponder or a registered NextPass account without stopping and pay online. Cameras at these tolling points will capture the license plate information and invoice the registered car owner. This is typically the most expensive of all the options and often has additional administrative fees added.
- Cash Payments: Accepted on select facilities such as the Chicago Skyway. However, many express lanes do not accept cash.
How do I Pay Tolls for a Rental Car in Illinois?
If you’re planning to drive a rental car in Illinois, there are several ways to handle toll payments. One option is to use the Pay-By-Plate system, which allows you to pay tolls online using your vehicle’s license plate. Alternatively, if you are traveling on the Chicago Skyway, you can pay using cash or a credit card.
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.
With NextPass, we have you covered for tolls in your rental vehicle in Illinois. 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.
Why Opt for Toll Roads?
Choosing toll roads in Illinois 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.
Keep in Mind: Supporting toll roads means contributing to the betterment of Illinois’ transport facilities. You’re part of an innovative travel network that not only gets you where you need to be quickly but also enhances how you get there.
How NextPass Simplifies Your Toll Road Experience in Illinois
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 Illinois toll roads and you’ll only be charged for the tolls you incur, directly to your linked payment method. Simply register your vehicle in your NextPass account, remove your vehicle from your previous tolling account, and drive!
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.
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 Illinois toll roads? NextPass is here to help, anytime, anywhere.
With NextPass, navigating Illinois’ 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. Download the NextPass app today and enjoy a smarter way to travel through Illinois.