Dallas North Tollway Complete Guide: TollTag, Rates & Payment 2025
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Dallas North Tollway Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + Pay-by-Mail (ZipCash)
Length: 33 miles (53 km) from downtown Dallas to Prosper
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Technology: TollTag transponders, License plate recognition
Status: Operational with ongoing expansions through 2027
Do I Need a TollTag for Dallas North Tollway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to drive on the Dallas North Tollway - but you'll pay significantly more without one. The DNT operates with electronic toll collection, with TollTag users paying 22 cents per mile while ZipCash (pay-by-mail) customers pay double that rate.
Key Reality: A full-length trip on the Dallas North Tollway costs approximately $7.26 with a TollTag versus $14.52 without one. For daily commuters, this can add up to $1,800+ in unnecessary costs per year.
2025 Update: NTTA increased toll rates from 21 to 22 cents per mile effective July 1, 2025. Major construction continues with fourth lane additions between Sam Rayburn Tollway and US 380, scheduled for completion in late 2025.
Dallas North Tollway Costs: Current Rates
The Dallas North Tollway spans 33 miles from downtown Dallas to Prosper, serving as the backbone of North Texas transportation. Costs vary by vehicle type and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Description | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 2 (2-axle) | Cars, SUVs, motorcycles | $0.22/mile | $0.44/mile |
| Class 3 (3-axle) | 3-axle vehicles, trailers | $0.33/mile | $0.66/mile |
| Class 4 (4-axle) | 4-axle vehicles, buses | $0.44/mile | $0.88/mile |
| Class 5 (5-axle) | 5-axle vehicles, 18-wheelers | $0.55/mile | $1.10/mile |
| Class 6 (6+ axle) | 6+ axle vehicles | $0.66/mile | $1.32/mile |
Common Trip Costs (2025)
| Route | Distance | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas to Plano | 18 miles | $3.96 | $7.92 |
| Downtown Dallas to Frisco | 25 miles | $5.50 | $11.00 |
| Downtown Dallas to Prosper | 33 miles | $7.26 | $14.52 |
| I-635 to US 380 | 15 miles | $3.30 | $6.60 |
Route Information
Southern Terminus: Interstate 35E near Downtown Dallas
Northern Terminus: First Street in Prosper (1 mile north of US 380)
Cities Served: Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Addison, Farmers Branch, Plano, Frisco, Prosper
Major Intersections: I-635 (LBJ Freeway), President George Bush Turnpike, Sam Rayburn Tollway, US 380
How to Pay Dallas North Tollway Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on the Dallas North Tollway:
1. TollTag Electronic System:
- Works on all NTTA roads plus Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of Florida and Colorado
- 50% savings versus ZipCash rates
- Available with $10, $20, or $40 prepaid balances
- Free TollTag with no monthly fees
2. ZipCash Payment (Pay-by-Mail):
- Automatic license plate recognition and billing
- Costs double the TollTag rate
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Payment due within 30 days to avoid penalties
3. Compatible Tags:
- TxTag (HCTRA): Works on all Texas toll roads
- EZ Tag (HCTRA): Houston area and statewide
- K-Tag (Kansas), PikePass (Oklahoma): Out-of-state compatibility
To calculate toll costs for your specific trip on the Dallas North Tollway, use TollGuru Dallas North Tollway calculator
Recent Changes & Construction (2025)
Current Construction Projects:
- Widening between Sam Rayburn Tollway and US 380: Adding fourth lane in each direction, completion late 2025
- Bridge reconstruction at Fields Parkway in Frisco: Ongoing through 2025
- Exit ramp reconstructions: Various southbound ramps being rebuilt
- New illumination and signage installation throughout project limits
Recent Completions:
- US 380 Extension: Bridge opened March 2023, extending DNT into Prosper
- Prosper connectivity: First Street terminus providing access to growing Prosper area
Future Extensions:
- Phase 4A: 6-mile extension through Prosper and Celina to FM 428, completion fall 2027
- Phase 4B: Additional 7.7-mile extension to Grayson County line, timeline to be determined
- Total future extension: 13.7 miles north of US 380 with estimated cost of $460 million
Rate Changes:
- July 1, 2025: TollTag rates increased from $0.21 to $0.22 per mile
- ZipCash rates: Continue at double the TollTag rate
- Biennial rate schedule: Next review expected in 2027
Major Exits & Destinations
Southern Section (Downtown Dallas Area):
- I-35E: Southern terminus and downtown Dallas access
- Royal Lane: Early exit serving North Dallas
- Walnut Hill Lane: North Dallas neighborhoods
- Northwest Highway: Major east-west arterial
Central Section (Galleria/Addison Area):
- I-635 (LBJ Freeway): Major interchange near Galleria Dallas
- Belt Line Road: Addison and Farmers Branch access
- Addison Airport Toll Tunnel: Connection to Addison Airport
Northern Section (Plano/Frisco Area):
- President George Bush Turnpike: Major interchange at Dallas-Collin county line
- Legacy Drive: Plano corporate area access
- Sam Rayburn Tollway: East-west connector
- Gaylord Parkway: Frisco business district
- Fields Parkway: Frisco developments (under reconstruction)
Newest Section (Prosper Area):
- US 380: Major east-west highway crossing
- First Street: Current northern terminus in Prosper
Planning Your Journey
Traffic Patterns:
- Peak hours: 7-9 AM southbound, 4-7 PM northbound
- Heaviest traffic: Between I-635 and Sam Rayburn Tollway
- Construction delays: Expect 10-15 minute delays during widening project
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuting: $3-8 with TollTag, $6-16 without
- Annual TollTag savings: $900-1,800 for regular users
- Business travel: Corporate TollTag accounts available
Alternative Routes:
- US 75 (Central Expressway): Free parallel route to the east
- I-35E: Free access to southern portions
- Preston Road: Surface street alternative (much slower)
- Expect 20-45 minutes additional travel time on free routes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drive the full length of Dallas North Tollway?
The full 33-mile trip from downtown Dallas to Prosper costs $7.26 with a TollTag and $14.52 without one. This represents a 50% savings with electronic toll collection.
Can I avoid Dallas North Tollway tolls?
Yes, but with significant time penalties. US 75 (Central Expressway) runs parallel to the east and is toll-free, but expect 20-45 minutes additional travel time depending on traffic and distance.
When will the construction be completed?
Current widening between Sam Rayburn Tollway and US 380 is scheduled for completion in late 2025. The Phase 4A extension to FM 428 is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
What happens if I don't pay Dallas North Tollway tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees, potential vehicle registration blocks, and possible misdemeanor charges under Texas law. NTTA has aggressive collection practices.
Do rental cars have TollTags?
Most rental cars don't have TollTags, resulting in ZipCash billing at double rates. Some rental companies offer toll packages for $3-15 per day. Consider getting a temporary TollTag for longer visits.
Are there any discounts available?
The primary discount is using a TollTag versus ZipCash (50% savings). NTTA also offers TollPerks rewards program where you earn points for tolls paid that can be redeemed for gas, dining, and entertainment discounts.
Dallas North Tollway History
Construction Timeline:
- 1968: First section opened from downtown Dallas to I-635 (LBJ Freeway)
- 1987: Extended north to Briargrove Lane (south of Frankford Road)
- 1994: Extended to Legacy Drive in Plano
- 2004: Extended to Gaylord Parkway in Frisco
- 2007: Extended to US 380
- 2023: Extended over US 380 to Prosper (First Street)
Historical Significance:
- First toll road in the United States to implement electronic toll collection (TollTag)
- Built along former St. Louis Southwestern Railway corridor in southern section
- Original 1968 toll was 20 cents for the entire initial segment
- Final bond payment for original construction made January 1, 2005
Economic Impact:
- Spurred development of Plano, Frisco, and Prosper business districts
- Attracted corporate headquarters including Toyota, Pizza Hut, and Liberty Mutual
- Enabled growth of northern suburbs and Collin County development
- Provides connectivity to Dallas Cowboys headquarters and training facilities
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NTTA Toll Roads - North Texas Tollway Authority system overview
- Dallas Toll Roads - Complete DFW area toll information
- President George Bush Turnpike - Major intersecting tollway
- Sam Rayburn Tollway - East-west connector
- TollTag Account - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll Texas - Texas payment methods and procedures
Official Resources:
- NTTA Customer Service: 972-818-6882 or 817-731-6882
- TollTag Account Management: ntta.org
- Construction Updates: ntta.org/dallas-north-tollway-dnt
- Roadside Assistance: Dial #999 from any NTTA road (free service)
Mobile Apps:
- TollMate (NTTA): Account management and toll calculation
- TollPerks: Rewards program enrollment and redemption
