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Turkmenistan Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide

System: Planned/Under Construction
Operator: Turkmen Awtoban (JSC)
Currency: Turkmen Manat (TMT)
Coverage: Limited - major highways under development
Technology: Electronic toll collection planned

Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Turkmenistan? 2025 Update

Currently, Turkmenistan has no operational toll roads for regular passenger vehicles. However, major toll highway projects are under construction and will become operational in the coming years.

Current Status:

  • Most roads in Turkmenistan are currently toll-free
  • Major toll highway projects under construction since 2019
  • Planned toll system will initially target commercial vehicles
  • Future toll roads will feature electronic collection systems

Planned Toll Infrastructure:

  • Ashgabat-Turkmenabat Highway - 640km major project (under construction)
  • Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi Highway - connects capital to Caspian Sea port
  • Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz Highway - extension to Kazakhstan border

Turkmenistan Road Infrastructure: Current Status

As of 2025, Turkmenistan's road network consists primarily of conventional highways without toll systems.

Current Road Network

Road Type Length Status Toll Status
Total road network 22,000 km Operational Free
Paved roads 18,000 km Operational Free
International highways 2,280 km Operational Free
National importance roads 6,540 km Operational Free

Major Highway Routes (Currently Free)

  • M37 Highway: Turkmenbashi to Farap border (west-east route)
  • Ashgabat-Dashoguz Road: Primary north-south route
  • European Routes: E003, E60, E121 (international connections)
  • Asian Highway Routes: AH5, AH70, AH75, AH77, AH78

Planned Toll Road Projects

Ashgabat-Turkmenabat Highway (Under Construction)

Project Details:

  • Length: 640 kilometers
  • Investment: $2.3 billion
  • Contractor: Turkmen Awtoban JSC
  • Completion: Phased completion through 2025
  • Features: 8-lane dual carriageways, electronic toll collection

Construction Phases:

  • Phase 1: Ashgabat-Tejen (completed)
  • Phase 2: Tejen-Mary (under construction)
  • Phase 3: Mary-Turkmenabat (planned completion 2025)

Planned Toll Features:

  • Electronic toll collection system
  • Speed limits up to 130 km/h
  • Multiple road junctions and interchanges
  • Initially targeting commercial vehicles

Other Planned Projects

  • Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz Highway: Extension to Kazakhstan border
  • Cross-border connectivity: Enhanced links to Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan
  • Port connections: Improved access to Caspian Sea ports

Current Travel in Turkmenistan

Cost Considerations

  • Current roads: No toll charges for any vehicles
  • Fuel costs: Among world's lowest (approximately $1.62/gallon)
  • Future tolls: Commercial vehicles likely to be charged first
  • Border crossings: No toll fees at international borders

Travel Requirements

  • Visa required: For most international visitors
  • Transit permits: Required for some routes
  • Border controls: All crossings operate daytime hours only
  • Documentation: Vehicle registration and insurance required

Turkmenistan vs. Neighboring Countries

Country System Type Current Status Coverage Notes
Turkmenistan No tolls (planned) Construction phase Major highways planned Future electronic system
Iran Limited tolls Operational Selected highways Electronic collection
Afghanistan No toll system No tolls Free roads Infrastructure developing
Uzbekistan Planned toll roads Under development Major routes planned Private financing model
Kazakhstan Expanding toll network Operational/expanding 500+ km planned Electronic systems

Transportation in Turkmenistan

Road Transport

  • Primary mode: 96% of domestic transport by road
  • Fuel prices: State-controlled, heavily subsidized
  • Vehicle registration: Managed by provincial governments
  • Commercial transport: Regulated by Automobile Services Agency

International Connections

  • Cross-border routes: Direct highways to all neighboring countries
  • Transit agreements: Part of international transport corridors
  • Customs procedures: Required at all international borders
  • Documentation: International driving permits recommended

Border Crossings & Routes

Major Border Points

Country Border Length Major Crossings Operating Hours
Iran 1,148 km Sarakhs, Gaudan Daytime only
Uzbekistan 1,793 km Farap, Dashoguz Daytime only
Afghanistan 804 km Torghundi, Ymamnazar Daytime only
Kazakhstan 413 km Garabogaz Daytime only

Future Toll System Development

Planned Features

  • Electronic collection: RFID-based toll systems
  • Commercial focus: Initial tolls for trucks and buses
  • Speed optimization: Higher speed limits on toll roads
  • International integration: Compatible with regional systems

Timeline Expectations

  • 2025: Completion of major highway sections
  • 2026-2027: Introduction of toll collection systems
  • Post-2027: Expansion to additional routes
  • Integration: Regional transport corridor development

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there currently any toll roads in Turkmenistan?

No, as of 2025, Turkmenistan has no operational toll roads. All current highways and roads are free to use.

When will toll roads start operating?

The first toll roads are expected to become operational between 2025-2027, starting with the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway.

Will all vehicles need to pay tolls?

Initially, tolls are planned primarily for commercial vehicles (trucks and buses). Passenger car tolls may be introduced later.

How will the toll system work?

The planned system will use electronic toll collection with RFID technology, similar to systems in neighboring countries.

Can I travel across Turkmenistan without paying tolls?

Yes, currently all roads are toll-free, and alternative free routes will remain available even after toll roads are introduced.

What documents do I need to drive in Turkmenistan?

You need a valid international driving permit, vehicle registration, insurance, and appropriate visas for international visitors.

Are there any restrictions on road travel?

Some routes may require transit permits, and all border crossings operate during daytime hours only.

Common Information for Travelers

  • Current road access: All roads completely free of tolls
  • Border procedures: Visa and documentation checks required
  • Fuel availability: Widely available at subsidized prices
  • Alternative transport: Railway and air connections available
  • Language: Turkmen and Russian widely spoken
  • Currency: Turkmen Manat (official exchange rates controlled)
  • Navigation: GPS systems may have limited coverage in remote areas

Investment & Development

Infrastructure Projects

  • Private investment: $2.3 billion Ashgabat-Turkmenabat project
  • Government support: Central Bank financing at 1% interest
  • International routes: Part of Belt and Road Initiative
  • Regional integration: Enhanced connectivity with Central Asia

Economic Impact

  • Trade facilitation: Improved logistics for oil and gas exports
  • Regional connectivity: Enhanced links to China, Iran, and Europe
  • Transit revenue: Future income from international freight
  • Infrastructure development: Modernization of transport networks

Useful Links & Resources

  • Government Transport Ministry: Limited public information available
  • Border crossing info: Contact embassies for current requirements
  • Visa information: Available through diplomatic missions
  • Travel advisories: Check with relevant government travel departments
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