El Salvador Toll Roads Complete Guide: Highway System & Future Plans 2025
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El Salvador Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Currently toll-free highway network (future toll projects planned)
Coverage: CA-1 Panamerican, CA-2 Coastal, Northern Longitudinal highways
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Future electronic toll collection systems planned
Operators: Ministry of Public Works (MOP), FOVIAL road maintenance
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in El Salvador? 2025 Update
No, you currently do not need to pay any tolls to drive on El Salvador's highway network. El Salvador maintains a completely toll-free road system as of 2025, making it one of the few Central American countries without active toll collection.
Key Reality: All major highways including the Panamerican Highway (CA-1), Coastal Highway (CA-2), and Northern Longitudinal Highway are accessible without payment. This provides cost-effective transportation across the country's compact 21,040 km² territory.
2025 Update: Government surveys indicate potential toll implementation on future projects like Los Chorros Highway expansion and Boulevard del Ejército, with proposed rates of $0.50-$1.50 per transit being studied.
El Salvador Highway Costs: Current Status
El Salvador operates a toll-free highway system funded through fuel taxes collected by FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund) and government infrastructure investments.
Current Highway Access (2025)
| Highway | Route | Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-1 Panamerican | Guatemala border - San Salvador - Honduras border | Free | Operational, ongoing improvements |
| CA-2 Coastal Highway | Pacific coast, Guatemala to Honduras border | Free | Enhanced for Surf City project |
| Northern Longitudinal | Northern region connection (242km) | Free | Completed 2013, maintains connectivity |
| Los Chorros Highway | Colón - La Libertad (15km expansion) | Future tolls proposed | Under construction, toll studies ongoing |
| Boulevard del Ejército | Metropolitan area improvement | $0.50-$1.50 proposed | Public opinion surveys conducted |
Funding Model
Current System: Fuel tax through FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund)
- Ring-fenced gasoline tax dedicated to road maintenance
- Government budget allocations for major infrastructure projects
- International development funding (IDB, MCC)
- Future consideration: Public-private partnerships with toll collection
How to Use El Salvador Highways
Traveling on El Salvador's highway network is straightforward with no toll requirements:
1. Highway Access:
- No entry fees or toll booths on any highway
- Free access to all vehicle types
- Standard driving license requirements apply
2. Future Toll Preparation:
- Electronic toll collection systems being studied
- Cash payment options likely for initial implementation
- Public-private partnership models under consideration
To calculate potential travel costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across future El Salvador toll roads, use TollGuru El Salvador toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Infrastructure Development:
- Los Chorros Highway expansion continues with environmental assessments
- Eight new overpasses completed nationwide to reduce traffic congestion
- Sensunapán River Bridge opened connecting Sonsonate and Sonzacate
- Pasaquinita Bridge inaugurated in Santa Rosa de Lima, La Unión
Toll Planning Developments:
- Public surveys conducted on Boulevard del Ejército toll acceptance
- Northern and Southern Peripheral highways proposed with toll funding models
- Government evaluation of public-private partnerships for future projects
- Los Chorros project toll feasibility studies ongoing
Maintenance Improvements:
- FOVIAL enhanced funding through improved fuel tax collection
- Road roughness improvements on Northern Transnational Highway
- Rural road connectivity program with IDB $100 million support
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travel Planning Errors:
- Don't budget for toll costs - all highways currently free
- Avoid confusing El Salvador's system with neighboring toll countries
- Don't expect electronic toll infrastructure currently
Navigation Issues:
- Mountain sections may have lower traffic volumes and speeds
- Construction zones on Los Chorros expansion require caution
- Rural roads connecting to highways may have varying conditions
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- No toll costs - only fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses
- Cross-country travel: San Salvador to borders (1-3 hours typically)
- Future budget planning: Potential $0.50-1.50 tolls on new projects
Route Selection
- CA-1 Panamerican: Fastest for Guatemala-Honduras transit
- CA-2 Coastal: Best for beach destinations and airport access
- Northern Longitudinal: Connects remote northern regions
- Local roads: Free alternatives with varying conditions
Regional Highway Information
Western El Salvador:
- CA-1 connects San Salvador with Santa Ana and Guatemala border
- CA-2 provides coastal access to western beaches
- Los Chorros expansion project ongoing with potential future tolls
Eastern El Salvador:
- CA-1 continues to San Miguel and Honduras border
- CA-2 reaches Gulf of Fonseca
- Recent bridge improvements enhance connectivity
Northern El Salvador:
- Northern Longitudinal Highway completed in 2013
- Lower traffic volumes on mountainous sections
- Connects Chalatenango with rest of country
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any tolls in El Salvador?
No, El Salvador currently has zero toll roads. All highways including the Panamerican, Coastal, and Northern Longitudinal are completely free to use for all vehicle types.
Will El Salvador introduce tolls in the future?
Possibly. The government is studying toll implementation on new projects like Los Chorros Highway expansion and Boulevard del Ejército, with proposed rates of $0.50-$1.50 per transit being surveyed.
How are El Salvador's roads funded?
Through FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund) using ring-fenced fuel taxes, government budget allocations, and international development funding from institutions like IDB and MCC.
What is the condition of El Salvador's highways?
Generally good condition with ongoing improvements. The government has invested significantly in modernizing road infrastructure with new bridges, overpasses, and surface improvements under the current administration.
Can tourists drive freely on El Salvador highways?
Yes, all highways are toll-free and accessible to tourists with valid licenses. International driving permits may be required depending on your country of origin.
El Salvador vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | Toll-free highways | $0 (free access) | All major highways |
| Guatemala | Limited toll roads | Minimal tolls | Select highways |
| Honduras | Concession tolls | Variable rates | Major highways |
| Nicaragua | Private concessions | Distance-based | Key corridors |
| Costa Rica | Private highway tolls | Distance-based | Major routes |
Useful Links & Resources
Government Agencies:
- Ministry of Public Works (MOP): mop.gob.sv - Infrastructure projects and planning
- FOVIAL (Road Conservation Fund): fovial.com - Road maintenance and funding
- Ministry of Transportation (VMT): vmt.gob.sv - Transportation policies
Travel Information:
- El Salvador Tourism: elsalvador.travel - Route planning and destinations
- Road conditions: 911 - Emergency services and road assistance
- Border crossings: Check requirements for Guatemala and Honduras transit
