President George Bush Turnpike Complete Guide: Tolls, Rates & Payment 2025
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President George Bush Turnpike Complete Guide
System: All-electronic toll collection (TollTag + ZipCash)
Length: 52 miles forming partial Dallas beltway
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Route: Belt Line Road (Irving) to I-30 (Garland)
Counties: Dallas, Collin, and Denton Counties
Do I Need a TollTag for President George Bush Turnpike? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to drive on the President George Bush Turnpike - but you'll pay double the rate without one. The PGBT operates with 100% electronic toll collection, meaning no cash payment options are available anywhere on the 52-mile route.
Key Reality: Without a TollTag, you'll pay $21.88 for the full length versus $10.94 with a transponder - that's a $10.94 penalty for not having an electronic tag.
2025 Update: NTTA increased TollTag rates from $0.21 to $0.22 per mile effective July 1, 2025, with ZipCash customers continuing to pay double the TollTag rate. The PGBT was the first toll road in the United States to convert to all-electronic collection in 2009.
President George Bush Turnpike Toll Costs: Current Rates
The President George Bush Turnpike operates with distance-based tolling, charging drivers based on the number of miles traveled. As North Texas's premier beltway, it serves as a critical connector for the Dallas metropolitan area.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Distance/Trip | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Mile | $0.22 | $0.44 | 50% savings |
| Full Length (52 miles) | $10.94 | $21.88 | $10.94 savings |
| Irving to Plano (26 miles) | $5.72 | $11.44 | $5.72 savings |
| Richardson to Garland (15 miles) | $3.30 | $6.60 | $3.30 savings |
| Carrollton to Irving (20 miles) | $4.40 | $8.80 | $4.40 savings |
Vehicle Classifications
| Vehicle Class | Description | Rate Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 (2-axle) | Cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles | 1x (Base rate) |
| Class 3 (3-axle) | 3-axle vehicles, small RVs | 1.5x base rate |
| Class 4 (4-axle) | 4-axle vehicles, medium trucks | 2x base rate |
| Class 5 (5-axle) | 5-axle vehicles, large trucks | 2.5x base rate |
| Class 6 (6+ axle) | 6+ axle vehicles, oversized trucks | 3x base rate |
Route Coverage
The President George Bush Turnpike forms a sweeping arch across the eastern half of the Dallas Metroplex, connecting major cities and suburbs:
Cities Served: Dallas, Grand Prairie, Rowlett, Carrollton, Garland, Irving, Richardson, Plano, Arlington, Farmers Branch, Sachse
Major Intersections: I-20, I-30, I-35E, I-635, US 75, Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn Tollway
How to Pay President George Bush Turnpike Tolls
The President George Bush Turnpike uses 100% electronic toll collection with no cash payment options:
1. TollTag (Recommended):
- NTTA TollTag: $10, $20, or $40 prepaid accounts available
- Works on all NTTA roads and compatible with other Texas systems
- Best rates: $0.22 per mile (50% savings over ZipCash)
- Free account setup with no monthly fees
2. Compatible Electronic Tags:
- TxTag (HCTRA): Works statewide
- EZ Tag (HCTRA): Houston-area tag, works on NTTA roads
- K-Tag (Kansas): Out-of-state compatibility
- PikePass (Oklahoma): Out-of-state compatibility
3. ZipCash (License Plate Billing):
- Automatic license plate photography and billing
- Costs double the TollTag rate ($0.44 per mile)
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Payment due within 30 days to avoid penalties
To calculate toll costs for your specific trip on the President George Bush Turnpike, use TollGuru's calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Rate Increases:
- TollTag rates increased from $0.21 to $0.22 per mile effective July 1, 2025
- ZipCash rates increased proportionally to maintain 2:1 ratio
- Full-length trip now costs $10.94 (TollTag) vs. $21.88 (ZipCash)
Future Expansion:
- NTTA considering East Branch extension from I-30 to I-20
- Would complete the loop around Dallas County
- Public scoping meetings held in 2024 for community input
- Environmental studies and planning ongoing
Technology Updates:
- Enhanced license plate recognition systems
- TollPerks rewards program expanded
- Improved mobile payment options through TollMate app
Route Information
Western Extension:
- Runs north-south from I-20 in Grand Prairie to I-35E in Carrollton
- Connects with Sam Rayburn Tollway at I-35E
- Serves Irving, Grand Prairie, and Carrollton
Original Section:
- Runs east-west from I-35E in Carrollton to Merritt Main Lane Gantry
- Intersects with Dallas North Tollway and US 75
- Serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Richardson, and Plano
Eastern Extension:
- Runs north-south from Merritt Main Lane Gantry to I-30 in Garland
- Serves Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse
- Terminates at I-30 near Lake Ray Hubbard
Major Interchanges:
- I-20 (Grand Prairie) - Western terminus
- I-35E (Carrollton) - Major north-south connection
- Dallas North Tollway (Plano) - North-south toll road
- US 75 (Richardson) - Central Expressway
- I-30 (Garland) - Eastern terminus
Planning Your Journey
Travel Times:
- Full length (52 miles): 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Irving to Plano: 25-35 minutes
- Richardson to Garland: 15-20 minutes
- Time savings vs. surface roads: 20-40 minutes
Best Travel Times:
- Off-peak hours: 9 AM - 3 PM and after 7 PM
- Weekends: Generally lighter traffic
- Avoid: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays
Cost Comparison:
- Daily commuter (20 miles): $4.40 with TollTag vs. $8.80 ZipCash
- Monthly savings with TollTag: $95+ for regular users
- Annual savings: $1,100+ for daily commuters
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- I-635 (LBJ Freeway) - Parallel route but heavily congested
- I-20 and I-30 - Outer routes with longer travel times
- Surface roads: Belt Line Road, Arapaho Road, Campbell Road
- Expect 30-60 minutes additional travel time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash on the President George Bush Turnpike?
No, the President George Bush Turnpike operates with 100% electronic toll collection. Cash payment was eliminated in 2009 when it became the first US toll road to convert to all-electronic tolling.
What happens if I don't have a TollTag?
Your license plate will be photographed and you'll receive a ZipCash bill by mail at double the TollTag rate. Payment is due within 30 days to avoid additional penalties.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on the Bush Turnpike?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same 2-axle rate as cars. However, they need a special motorcycle TollTag since standard tags are designed for windshield mounting.
Can I use my TollTag from other states?
Yes, the President George Bush Turnpike accepts K-Tag (Kansas) and PikePass (Oklahoma). However, NTTA TollTag provides the best rates and customer service for regular users.
When will the East Branch extension be built?
The East Branch extension from I-30 to I-20 is still in the planning and environmental study phase. NTTA is conducting public meetings and has not announced a construction timeline.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, NTTA offers the TollPerks rewards program where you earn points for every dollar spent on tolls. Points can be redeemed for discounts on gas, dining, and other services.
History & Background
The President George Bush Turnpike was named after George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. The tollway was built in phases over more than a decade:
Construction Timeline:
- 1998: First section opened (Midway Road to Preston Road)
- 2005: Extended to run from Irving to Garland
- 2009: Converted to all-electronic tolling (first in US)
- 2011: Eastern extension to I-30 completed
- 2012: Western extension to I-20 completed
- 2016-2022: Major expansion and improvement projects
The turnpike was originally planned as part of the Dallas County Outer Loop Project, first studied in 1957. It represents a significant achievement in regional transportation planning and electronic toll collection technology.
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Dallas Toll Roads - Complete DFW area toll information
- NTTA Toll Roads - North Texas Tollway Authority system
- Dallas North Tollway - Primary north-south NTTA route
- Sam Rayburn Tollway - East-west connector
- TollTag Account - NTTA account setup and management
- Pay Toll Texas - Texas payment methods and procedures
NTTA Contact Information:
- Customer Service: 972-818-NTTA (6882)
- TollTag Account Support: Available 24/7 online
- ZipCash Bill Payment: 972-818-6882
- Website: ntta.org
Emergency Services:
- Roadside Assistance: #999 (free on NTTA roads)
- Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency issues: 972-818-6882
