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Pay Melbourne Toll: Complete 2025 Payment Guide
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Network: 2 operational toll roads + West Gate Tunnel (opening end 2025)
Coverage: Melbourne metropolitan area
Technology: E-TAG RFID + License plate recognition
Operators: Transurban (CityLink), ConnectEast (EastLink)
Special Features: EastLink weekend discounts, universal tag compatibility
Melbourne Toll Payment: 2025 Expansion
Melbourne's toll network will expand significantly with the West Gate Tunnel opening by end 2025. Unlike Sydney, Melbourne maintains simpler payment options with full compatibility between all toll roads and generous tourist-friendly policies.
2025 Major Change: West Gate Tunnel will integrate seamlessly with existing CityLink network, offering combined journey pricing and unified payment systems.
Current Melbourne Toll Roads & Payment
Operating Toll Roads (2025)
| Toll Road | Operator | Payment Systems | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CityLink (M1/M2) | Transurban | E-TAG, Visitor Pass, Casual Pass | Airport access, CBD bypass |
| EastLink (M3) | ConnectEast | Breeze Tag, E-TAG, Trip Pass | Weekend 20% discount |
| West Gate Tunnel (NEW) | Transurban | E-TAG, integrated with CityLink | Opening end 2025 |
Payment Methods Overview
Primary Account Options
E-TAG Accounts (Universal):
- Work on all Melbourne toll roads
- Lowest available rates
- Monthly account fees may apply
- Cross-compatible: CityLink, EastLink, West Gate Tunnel
Visitor Pass (Tourist Friendly):
- Covers both CityLink and EastLink
- No tag required - license plate recognition
- Flexible duration options
- Higher rates but convenient for visitors
Casual Passes:
- CityLink: 24-hour unlimited passes
- EastLink: Single-trip passes
- Purchase before or after travel
- Good for occasional users
Account Comparison for Melbourne
| Account Type | Coverage | Rates | Best For | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-TAG Account | All roads | Lowest | Regular users | Varies by provider |
| Visitor Pass | CityLink + EastLink | Higher | Tourists | None |
| CityLink Casual Pass | CityLink only | Medium | Occasional CityLink use | None |
| EastLink Trip Pass | EastLink only | Medium | Occasional EastLink use | None |
CityLink Payment Options
E-TAG Accounts
Transurban Linkt:
- Covers CityLink and future West Gate Tunnel
- Tag or tagless account options
- Monthly fees: $2.50 (tag) or higher rates (tagless)
- Customer service: 13 33 31
CityLink Casual Passes
24-Hour Passes:
- Full CityLink: Unlimited travel on entire network
- Tulla Pass: Flemington Road to Bell Street only
- Weekend Pass: Discounted weekend rates
- Purchase up to 5 days after travel
Where to Buy:
- Online: Linkt website
- Phone: 13 33 31
- Retail: Selected BP and United Petroleum stations
- Newsagents in Melbourne metro area
EastLink Payment Options
Breeze Tag System
ConnectEast Accounts:
- Breeze Tag (smaller than standard E-TAG)
- Non-tag accounts with license plate recognition
- Compatible with all Australian toll roads
- Customer service: (03) 9955 1400
EastLink Trip Passes
Single Journey Passes:
- One-way trip coverage
- Return journey requires second pass
- Valid for 6 months if purchased in advance
- Purchase up to 3 days after travel
Weekend Discount:
- 20% discount on weekends and public holidays
- Automatic application to all account types
- Most affordable major toll road in Australia
West Gate Tunnel Payment (Opening End 2025)
Integrated Payment System
CityLink Integration:
- Same E-TAG accounts work for both networks
- Combined journey pricing for tunnel + CityLink
- Seamless transitions between road networks
- Single billing for complex multi-road journeys
Expected Features:
- Distance-based pricing like CityLink
- Heavy vehicle placarded goods exemptions
- Integration with existing Visitor Pass system
- Real-time account debiting
Pre-Opening Preparation
For Current CityLink Users:
- Existing accounts will automatically work
- No additional setup required
- Combined network pricing will apply
- Journey planning tools will be updated
For New Users:
- Set up CityLink account before opening
- Consider Visitor Pass for tourist access
- Monitor VicRoads for opening announcements
- Download updated toll calculator apps
Tourist & Visitor Options
Melbourne Visitor Pass
Universal Coverage:
- Works on both CityLink and EastLink
- License plate recognition technology
- No physical tag required
- Credit card billing automatically
Flexible Duration:
- Pay-as-you-go: Charged per trip
- No minimum commitment
- Cover past trips: CityLink (5 days), EastLink (3 days)
- International credit cards accepted
International Visitor Guide
Payment Setup: 1. Register online with vehicle details 2. Provide international credit card 3. Receive instant activation 4. Drive without stopping at toll points
Coverage Options:
- Airport to CBD: CityLink recommended
- Eastern suburbs: EastLink or combined
- Future western access: CityLink + West Gate Tunnel
Technology & Compatibility
RFID Technology
Universal Standards:
- All Melbourne tags work on Sydney roads
- Cross-state compatibility guaranteed
- 5.8GHz frequency standard
- 99.9% read accuracy at highway speeds
License Plate Recognition
Backup System:
- Infrared cameras capture all plates
- Automatic account matching
- Video matching fees apply if no account
- Real-time processing and billing
Mobile Integration
Smartphone Options:
- LinktGO app for GPS-based payment
- Account management via mobile
- Real-time balance monitoring
- Trip history and receipt generation
Cost Comparison & Savings
Weekend Savings (EastLink Only)
Weekend Discount Benefits:
- 20% off all EastLink tolls
- Applies to weekends and public holidays
- Automatic for all account types
- Significant savings for weekend travelers
Account Fee Comparison
Monthly Costs:
- CityLink Tag Account: $2.50/month + tolls
- CityLink Tagless: $0/month + higher toll rates
- EastLink Breeze Tag: Varies by usage
- Visitor Pass: $0/month + premium toll rates
Journey Cost Examples
Typical Melbourne Trips:
- Airport to CBD (CityLink): $8-10
- CBD to Eastern suburbs (EastLink): $3-6
- Cross-city via both roads: $12-16
- Weekend EastLink discount: 20% off eastern leg
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Account Problems
CityLink Issues:
- Contact Linkt: 13 33 31
- Online account management available
- Retail support at service stations
- Emergency roadside assistance numbers
EastLink Issues:
- Contact ConnectEast: (03) 9955 1400
- Comprehensive online help system
- Email support available
- Metalised windscreen registration for recognition issues
Payment Failures
Common Causes:
- Expired credit card details
- Insufficient account balance
- Tag battery failure (5-year typical life)
- License plate changes not updated
Video Matching Penalties
Avoiding Extra Fees:
- Register Visitor Pass before travel
- Ensure account details current
- Check tag placement and battery
- Update license plate changes immediately
Planning Your Melbourne Journey
Route Planning
Toll vs Toll-Free:
- CityLink: Saves 15-30 minutes typically
- EastLink: Saves 20-45 minutes to eastern suburbs
- Parallel free routes generally viable
- Consider weekend EastLink discount
Multi-Road Journeys
Combined Network Usage:
- Single account covers all roads
- Automatic billing for complex routes
- Journey optimization via toll calculators
- Real-time traffic integration
Future Network Integration
With West Gate Tunnel (End 2025):
- Western suburbs direct access to city
- Alternative to congested West Gate Bridge
- Combined pricing with CityLink network
- Improved Port of Melbourne connections
Useful Resources
Toll Calculators:
Customer Service:
- CityLink (Linkt): 13 33 31
- EastLink: (03) 9955 1400
- VicRoads: 13 11 71
Related Information:
Emergency Support
24/7 Support:
- Roadside assistance: Via emergency roadside phones
- Account emergencies: Standard customer service hours
- Payment disputes: Contact operator within 14 days
- System outages: Automatic backup systems active
Account Recovery:
- Online password reset available
- Phone verification for locked accounts
- Visit service centers for complex issues
- International support for overseas visitors
