cuba-toll
Cuba Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Limited toll roads with expansion planned
Operator: Ministry of Transportation (MITRANS)
Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP)
Coverage: 3 active toll sections, 4 more planned
Technology: Manual toll collection
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Cuba? 2025 Update
Cuba has a very limited toll road system compared to most countries. Currently, only three specific road sections charge tolls:
- Matanzas-Varadero Highway (Via Blanca) - 32 kilometers
- Cayo Santa María Causeway - 46 kilometers
- Cayo Coco Causeway - 38 kilometers
Most of Cuba's 654 kilometers of autopistas (expressways) are toll-free. The government announced four additional toll sections planned for implementation.
Cuba Toll Costs: Current Rates
New toll rates took effect February 10, 2025, representing significant increases from previous rates.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Rate per Section | Additional Fees | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle, Car, Jeep, Panel Van, Light Truck | 40 CUP | Light trailer: +10 CUP | Cash only |
| Minibus, Bus, Heavy Truck, Van | 80 CUP | Heavy trailer: +20 CUP | Cash only |
Example Journey Costs
- Matanzas to Varadero: 40 CUP (light vehicle) / 80 CUP (heavy vehicle)
- Caibarién to Cayo Santa María: 40 CUP (light vehicle) / 80 CUP (heavy vehicle)
- Morón to Cayo Coco: 40 CUP (light vehicle) / 80 CUP (heavy vehicle)
How to Pay Cuba Tolls
Cuba uses traditional manual toll collection at toll booths:
- Cash Only: Cuban Pesos (CUP) required
- No Electronic Systems: No transponders or electronic payment available
- Exact Change Recommended: Helps speed up the process
- Both Directions: Tolls typically charged in both directions
Recent Changes (2025)
February 10, 2025 Rate Increase:
- Light vehicle rates: 40 CUP per section (significant increase from previous rates)
- Heavy vehicle rates: 80 CUP per section
- Established under Law 174/2024 to fund road maintenance
Planned Expansion: Four new toll sections under feasibility study:
- Havana-Matanzas Tourist Corridor (Vía Blanca)
- Havana Bay Tunnel
- José Martí International Airport route (from Boyeros Avenue to Terminal 4)
- Holguín-Guardalavaca Road
Cuba vs. Neighboring Caribbean Countries
<thead> </thead> <tbody> </tbody>| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuba | Limited toll sections | 40-80 CUP per section | 3 active sections |
| Dominican Republic | Multiple toll highways | 60-100 DOP per booth | Extensive network |
| Jamaica | No toll roads | N/A | Toll-free highways |
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Budget Planning: Include toll costs in travel budget (40-80 CUP per section)
- Currency: Ensure you have Cuban Pesos before traveling
- Alternative Routes: Most roads in Cuba are toll-free, including major highways
Road Network Overview
Cuba's road network includes:
- Autopistas (Expressways): 654 km, mostly toll-free
- Carretera Central: 1,435 km main highway, toll-free
- Circuito Norte: 1,222 km northern coastal route, toll-free
- Provincial Roads: Extensive network of numbered regional roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Cuba tolls?
Yes, tolls only apply to three specific tourist routes. Most travel within Cuba uses toll-free roads including the main Autopista Nacional and Carretera Central.
What happens if I don't pay?
Toll payment is mandatory on designated sections. Non-payment may result in being stopped at the toll booth until payment is made.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, the same rates apply to all drivers regardless of nationality. Both Cuban and foreign drivers pay identical toll fees.
Are credit cards accepted?
No, only cash payments in Cuban Pesos are accepted at toll booths.
Which roads are toll-free?
The vast majority of Cuba's roads are toll-free, including the main Autopista Nacional (A1 and A4), Carretera Central, and all provincial highways.
Road Infrastructure Context
Cuba's road system faces significant challenges due to resource limitations and weather conditions. The government implemented tolls as a funding mechanism for critical infrastructure maintenance, particularly on high-traffic tourist routes connecting major destinations.
The toll revenue supports:
- Road surface maintenance and repairs
- Infrastructure improvements
- Bridge and tunnel upkeep
- Emergency response services
Contact Information
Ministry of Transportation (MITRANS)
- Primary authority for toll roads and transportation policy
- Responsible for toll rate setting and collection oversight
Emergency Services:
- Police: 106
- Medical Emergency: 104
- Fire Department: 105
Links for Future Updates
- High Priority: Update when new toll sections become operational
- Medium Priority: Monitor rate changes and policy updates
- Low Priority: Track infrastructure development projects
