Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide: CoviPass, CA-5 Norte and Rates 2026
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Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Single toll highway (CA-5 Norte) with 3 toll stations
Coverage: Tegucigalpa to Puerto Cortés via San Pedro Sula (350 km, 391.82 km concession)
Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL / L)
Technology: CoviPass RFID electronic prepaid; cash at toll booths; electronic card payment
Operator: COVI Honduras SA de CV (20-year concession since 2012); supervised by SIT (Secretaría de Infraestructura y Transporte)
Do I Need CoviPass for Honduras Tolls? 2026 Update
No, CoviPass is not required — but it speeds up passage at Honduras's three toll stations on the CA-5 Norte. Cash payment is fully accepted at all three casetas. Honduras has only one tolled highway in the entire country; all other national and departmental roads are completely free to use.
Key Reality: The CA-5 Norte is Honduras's most important highway, handling approximately 73% of the country's light vehicle national traffic between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Puerto Cortés. The three toll stations are at Zambrano, Siguatepeque (Comayagua), and Santa Cruz de Yojoa (Cortés).
2026 Update: Major toll rate situation in 2026 — COVI announced an increase effective January 15, 2026 (light vehicles from L22 to L31 per station). However, after negotiations between COVI and the Secretaría de Infraestructura y Transporte (SIT) under the new government of President Nasry Asfura, an agreement was reached on approximately March 1, 2026: NO increase will be applied to any vehicle category at this time. Current rates remain frozen at the pre-2026 levels (L22 for light vehicles) while both parties continue dialogue on future adjustments. The contractual formula (based on Honduras and US CPI and exchange rate) still calls for an eventual increase.
Honduras Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
CA-5 Norte Toll Rates Per Station - Currently Frozen (2026)
| Vehicle Category | Rate Per Station (HNL) | Full Route (3 Stations) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicles (cars, SUVs) | L22 | L66 total | Frozen; proposed increase to L31 suspended |
| 2-axle vehicles (vans, small trucks) | L90 | L270 total | Proposed increase to L122 suspended |
| 3-axle vehicles (buses, trucks) | L134 | L402 total | Proposed increase to L184 suspended |
| 4-axle vehicles | L179 | L537 total | Proposed increase to L245 suspended |
| 5-axle vehicles | L224 | L672 total | Proposed increase to L306 suspended |
| 6-axle vehicles | L269 | L807 total | Proposed increase to L367 suspended |
Note: Rates may be subject to change as COVI-government negotiations continue. The contractual formula links rates to CPI inflation and USD/HNL exchange rates. Verify current rates at toll booths before travel.
The 3 Toll Stations on CA-5 Norte
| Station | Location | Monthly Revenue (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Zambrano | Zambrano, Francisco Morazán | L13–16 million (lowest of the three) |
| Siguatepeque | Comayagua department | Mid-range volume |
| Santa Cruz de Yojoa | Cortés department | Highest volume (near San Pedro Sula) |
How to Pay Honduras Tolls
1. CoviPass (Electronic Prepaid):
- RFID tag system; toll deducted automatically from prepaid account - no stopping required in express lane
- Available from COVI Honduras customer service offices
- Recommended for frequent users on the Tegucigalpa–San Pedro Sula corridor
2. Cash (Lempiras):
- Honduran lempiras accepted at all three toll booths
- Transport sector (approximately 85% of toll payments) predominantly uses cash
3. Electronic Card:
- Electronic card payment available at toll booths
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types on the CA-5 Norte, use TollGuru Honduras toll calculator:
Recent Changes (2026)
- COVI Honduras announced January 2026 rate increases (light vehicles L22→L31, 6-axle vehicles L269→L367) based on contractual CPI formula; increase initially set for January 15, 2026
- Government of President Nasry Asfura negotiated a freeze: on approximately March 1, 2026, SIT and COVI agreed no increase will be applied to any vehicle category at this time — current L22/light vehicle rates remain
- Dialogue between COVI and SIT continues on how to handle the contractual CPI-based adjustments going forward
- World Bank $187M Sustainable Connectivity Project and CABEI $606.9M financing active for CA-5 Norte expansion and improvement works
- Transporters (covering ~85% of toll payments) expressed concern that any future increase would raise logistics costs and consumer goods prices
- CA-5 Norte remains Honduras’ primary operational toll corridor.
Planning Your Journey
- Tegucigalda to San Pedro Sula (via CA-5 Norte, ~250 km): L66 total in tolls for light vehicles at current frozen rates
- Full Tegucigalda-Puerto Cortés route: L66 for cars passing all 3 stations
- Alternative toll-free routes exist on secondary roads but significantly increase travel time
- COVI provides free roadside services: ambulance, road assistance, security patrols, SOS cabins throughout the concession
- CA-5 Norte is considered the best highway in Central America: 60% with 4 lanes, separated median
Honduras vs. Central American Neighbours
| Country | System | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | CoviPass + cash | L22 per station (cars) | CA-5 Norte only (3 stations) |
| Guatemala | SiVAPass + cash | Q15.25 per crossing | Palín-Escuintla + VAS |
| El Salvador | None - toll-free | $0.00 | All roads free |
| Nicaragua | None - toll-free | $0.00 | All roads free |
| Costa Rica | QuickPass + cash | CRC 50–1,875/booth | Routes 27, 1, 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drive from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula?
At current frozen rates, a light vehicle pays L22 at each of the 3 toll stations — L66 total one way (approximately USD$2.60 at current exchange rates). This is the full journey cost via the CA-5 Norte.
Are toll rates going to increase in 2026?
As of the most recent information (late February/March 2026), the SIT and COVI reached an agreement to NOT apply any increase at this time. However, negotiations are ongoing as the contractual formula still mandates a CPI-based annual adjustment. Monitor official announcements before travel.
Is the CA-5 Norte the only toll road in Honduras?
Yes. Honduras has only one tolled highway in the entire country. All other national highways, departmental roads, and urban roads are completely free to use.
Useful Links & Resources
- COVI Honduras: covih.com
- SIT Honduras: sit.gob.hn
- Guatemala Toll - Northern border toll information
- El Salvador Toll - Southern border, toll-free
- Nicaragua Toll - Southern border, toll-free
- Belize Toll - Caribbean coast neighbour, toll-free
- Costa Rica Toll - Further Central American travel
