Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide: CoviPass, CA-5 Norte and Rates 2026
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Honduras Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Single toll highway (CA-5 Norte) with 3 toll stations
Coverage: Tegucigalpa to Puerto Cortés via San Pedro Sula (350 km, 391.82 km concession)
Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL / L)
Technology: CoviPass RFID electronic prepaid; cash at toll booths; electronic card payment
Operator: COVI Honduras SA de CV (20-year concession since 2012); supervised by SIT (Secretaría de Infraestructura y Transporte)
Do I Need CoviPass for Honduras Tolls? 2026 Update
No, CoviPass is not required — but it speeds up passage at Honduras's three toll stations on the CA-5 Norte. Cash payment is fully accepted at all three casetas. Honduras has only one tolled highway in the entire country; all other national and departmental roads are completely free to use.
Key Reality: The CA-5 Norte is Honduras's most important highway, handling approximately 73% of the country's light vehicle national traffic between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Puerto Cortés. The three toll stations are at Zambrano, Siguatepeque (Comayagua), and Santa Cruz de Yojoa (Cortés).
2026 Update: COVI Honduras announced a rate increase effective January 15, 2026 (light vehicles from L22 to L31 per station), based on the contractual formula linked to Honduras and US CPI and the USD/HNL exchange rate. The increase was temporarily postponed during negotiations with the Secretaría de Infraestructura y Transporte (SIT) under the outgoing administration of President Xiomara Castro. However, the freeze did not hold: COVI confirmed the new rates took effect from March 2026 under the incoming government of President Nasry Asfura (inaugurated January 27, 2026). Current rates reflect the March 2026 schedule — light vehicles now pay L31 per station.
Honduras Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
CA-5 Norte Toll Rates Per Station - Effective March 2026
| Vehicle Category | Rate Per Station (HNL) | Full Route (3 Stations) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicles (cars, SUVs) | L31 | L93 total | L22 |
| 2-axle vehicles (vans, small trucks) | L122 | L366 total | L90 |
| 3-axle vehicles (buses, trucks) | L184 | L552 total | L134 |
| 4-axle vehicles | L245 | L735 total | L179 |
| 5-axle vehicles | L306 | L918 total | L224 |
| 6-axle vehicles | L367 | L1,101 total | L269 |
Note: Rates effective March 2026 following COVI's application of the contractual CPI-based formula. The contractual formula links rates to CPI inflation and USD/HNL exchange rates, so further adjustments remain possible. Verify current rates at toll booths before travel.
The 3 Toll Stations on CA-5 Norte
| Station | Location | Monthly Revenue (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Zambrano | Zambrano, Francisco Morazán | L13–16 million (lowest of the three) |
| Siguatepeque | Comayagua department | Mid-range volume |
| Santa Cruz de Yojoa | Cortés department | Highest volume (near San Pedro Sula) |
How to Pay Honduras Tolls
1. CoviPass (Electronic Prepaid):
- RFID tag system; toll deducted automatically from prepaid account - no stopping required in express lane
- Available from COVI Honduras customer service offices
- Recommended for frequent users on the Tegucigalpa–San Pedro Sula corridor
2. Cash (Lempiras):
- Honduran lempiras accepted at all three toll booths
- Transport sector (approximately 85% of toll payments) predominantly uses cash
3. Electronic Card:
- Electronic card payment available at toll booths
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types on the CA-5 Norte, use TollGuru Honduras toll calculator:
Recent Changes (2026)
- COVI Honduras announced January 2026 rate increases (light vehicles L22→L31, 6-axle vehicles L269→L367) based on contractual CPI formula; increase initially set for January 15, 2026
- Increase was temporarily postponed during negotiations with SIT under the outgoing administration of President Xiomara Castro (who served until January 27, 2026)
- The freeze did not hold: COVI confirmed the new rates took effect from March 2026, with sources from late February/early March 2026 (Infobae, extradigital.hn) confirming the increase proceeded under the new government of President Nasry Asfura (inaugurated January 27, 2026)
- Light vehicles now pay L31 per station (L93 full route); transporters raised concerns that the increase will raise logistics costs and consumer goods prices
- World Bank $187M Sustainable Connectivity Project and CABEI $606.9M financing remain active for CA-5 Norte expansion and improvement works
- CA-5 Norte remains Honduras' primary operational toll corridor
Planning Your Journey
- Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula (via CA-5 Norte, ~250 km): L93 total in tolls for light vehicles at current March 2026 rates
- Full Tegucigalpa-Puerto Cortés route: L93 for cars passing all 3 stations
- Alternative toll-free routes exist on secondary roads but significantly increase travel time
- COVI provides free roadside services: ambulance, road assistance, security patrols, SOS cabins throughout the concession
- CA-5 Norte is considered the best highway in Central America: 60% with 4 lanes, separated median
Honduras vs. Central American Neighbours
| Country | System | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | CoviPass + cash | L31 per station (cars, from March 2026) | CA-5 Norte only (3 stations) |
| Guatemala | SiVAPass + cash | Q15.25 per crossing | Palín-Escuintla + VAS |
| El Salvador | None - toll-free | $0.00 | All roads free |
| Nicaragua | None - toll-free | $0.00 | All roads free |
| Costa Rica | QuickPass + cash | CRC 50–1,875/booth | Routes 27, 1, 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drive from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula?
At current March 2026 rates, a light vehicle pays L31 at each of the 3 toll stations — L93 total one way (approximately USD$3.70 at current exchange rates). This is the full journey cost via the CA-5 Norte.
Did toll rates increase in 2026?
Yes. COVI announced the increase for January 15, 2026, which was temporarily postponed during negotiations with the outgoing government of President Xiomara Castro. However, the freeze did not hold: COVI confirmed the new rates — light vehicles from L22 to L31 per station — took effect from March 2026 under the new government of President Nasry Asfura. Further CPI-based adjustments remain contractually possible; verify current rates at toll booths before travel.
Is the CA-5 Norte the only toll road in Honduras?
Yes. Honduras has only one tolled highway in the entire country. All other national highways, departmental roads, and urban roads are completely free to use.
Useful Links & Resources
- COVI Honduras: covih.com
- SIT Honduras: sit.gob.hn
- Guatemala Toll - Northern border toll information
- El Salvador Toll - Southern border, toll-free
- Nicaragua Toll - Southern border, toll-free
- Belize Toll - Caribbean coast neighbour, toll-free
- Costa Rica Toll - Further Central American travel
