Kansas turnpike, toll roads and K-Tag
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Do I Need a K-TAG for Kansas? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a K-TAG to drive on Kansas toll roads - but you'll save exactly 50% on toll costs with one. Kansas converted to all-electronic tolling in July 2024, eliminating all cash payment options.
Key Reality: Driving without a K-TAG costs exactly double - $22.72 for the full Kansas Turnpike versus $11.36 with K-TAG. For regular users, this difference adds up to hundreds of dollars annually.
2025 Update: 69 Express toll lanes will open in January 2026 in Overland Park, adding Kansas's first urban express toll facility to complement the statewide Kansas Turnpike system.
Kansas Toll Costs: Current Rates
Kansas operates a simple, distance-based toll system with predictable costs across two facilities: the Kansas Turnpike (operational) and 69 Express lanes (opening January 2026).
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | K-TAG Rate | License Plate Rate | Full Turnpike Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars/Motorcycles (2 axles) | $0.048/mile | $0.096/mile | $11.36 / $22.72 |
| Light Trucks (3-4 axles) | $0.096/mile | $0.192/mile | $22.72 / $45.44 |
| Semi-Trucks (5 axles) | $0.138/mile | $0.276/mile | $32.57 / $65.14 |
| Heavy Trucks (9 axles) | $0.334/mile | $0.668/mile | $78.82 / $157.64 |
Major Route Costs (Current Rates)
- Oklahoma Border to Kansas City: $11.36 (K-TAG) / $22.72 (license plate)
- Wichita to Kansas City: $7.10 (K-TAG) / $14.20 (license plate)
- Wichita to Emporia: $3.55 (K-TAG) / $7.10 (license plate)
- Topeka to Kansas City: $2.40 (K-TAG) / $4.80 (license plate)
69 Express Lanes (Opening January 2026)
Dynamic pricing between $0.25-$0.32 per mile during peak periods on the 8-mile stretch through Overland Park, with rates varying by traffic conditions to maintain free-flowing travel.
How to Pay Kansas Tolls
Kansas uses 100% electronic toll collection with two payment options:
1. K-TAG Electronic System (50% Discount):
- Free windshield stickers or $25 external bumper-mounted tags
- Works on Kansas Turnpike and compatible with Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado systems
- Automatic account replenishment available
- 50% savings versus license plate billing
2. License Plate Recognition (Higher Cost):
- Automatic camera recognition sends bill to vehicle owner
- Costs exactly double the K-TAG rate
- Bills sent within 2 weeks of travel
- 10-day online payment window for some locations
Compatible Transponders:
- K-TAG, PikePass, TxTag, TollTag, EZTag, SunPass Pro, ExpressToll
- Note: E-ZPass is NOT compatible with Kansas toll roads
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Kansas toll roads, use TollGuru Kansas toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Kansas Turnpike Modernization:
- Complete conversion to cashless tolling completed July 1, 2024
- All 21 open road tolling gantries now operational
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology deployment
- Improved customer service through DriveKS.com portal
69 Express Project Development:
- Express toll lanes opening January 2026 in Overland Park
- $570 million project creating Kansas's first urban express lanes
- Dynamic pricing system to manage congestion and maintain 50+ mph speeds
- 167th Street interchange construction completing October 2025
System Improvements:
- Enhanced weigh-in-motion technology for accurate truck toll collection
- Improved roadside assistance through *KTA (*582) mobile service
- Expanded transponder compatibility with regional toll systems
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- K-TAG pays for itself after 3-4 trips on the Kansas Turnpike
- Annual savings for regular users: $200-500 with K-TAG versus license plate billing
- 69 Express lanes will offer time savings of 10-15 minutes during peak hours
- Commercial vehicles save 10% with compatible transponders
Alternative Routes:
- US-69 (free lanes) - Parallel to Kansas Turnpike, significantly slower
- US-50 - East-west alternative through central Kansas
- I-70 - Northern route through Kansas (joins Turnpike near Topeka)
- US-160 - Southern Kansas route avoiding all tolls
Travel Tips:
- Speed limit: 75 mph on Kansas Turnpike (strictly enforced)
- Rest areas: 6 full-service plazas with dining and fuel
- Emergency assistance: Dial *KTA (*582) for roadside help
- Traffic/weather info: Dial 511 or tune to 1610 AM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Kansas tolls completely?
Yes, you can use US-69, US-50, US-160, or I-70 (west of Topeka) for toll-free travel. However, these routes add 30-90 minutes to cross-state trips and don't offer the same level of service as the Kansas Turnpike.
What happens if I don't pay Kansas tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with penalty fees. The violation rate varies by vehicle class but can be significantly higher than standard license plate rates. Payment can be made online within specified timeframes.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Kansas?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same 2-axle vehicle rate as cars: $0.048 per mile with K-TAG or $0.096 per mile with license plate recognition.
Can I use E-ZPass in Kansas?
No, E-ZPass is not compatible with Kansas toll roads. You need a K-TAG or other compatible transponder like PikePass, TxTag, or TollTag for discounted electronic toll rates.
When will 69 Express lanes open?
69 Express toll lanes will open in January 2026 in Overland Park, offering the first urban express toll facility in Kansas with dynamic pricing based on traffic conditions.
Kansas vs. Regional States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Electronic only | $0.048-0.096/mile | 1 major turnpike |
| Oklahoma | PikePass + Cash | $0.04-0.08/mile | Extensive network |
| Texas | TxTag + Cash | $0.06-0.25/mile | Multiple systems |
| Colorado | ExpressToll + Cash | $0.05-0.30/mile | Denver area + select highways |
| Missouri | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
| Nebraska | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
Contact Information
Kansas Turnpike Authority:
- Main Customer Service: (316) 682-4537
- K-TAG Account Management: (316) 682-4537
- Website: DriveKS.com
- Emergency Roadside Assistance: *KTA (*582) - 24/7 turnpike assistance
Kansas Department of Transportation:
- Travel Information: 511
- 69 Express Project Info: 69Express.org
- Traffic/Weather Radio: 1610 AM
Compatible Transponder Agencies:
- PikePass (Oklahoma): (405) 425-3600
- TxTag (Texas): (888) 468-9824
- TollTag (Texas): (214) 461-2000
- ExpressToll (Colorado): (303) 537-3470
