iceland-vaðlaheiðargöng-tunnel-tolls
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Iceland Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Tolls 2025: Complete Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ANPR)
Operator: Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel operators
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Coverage: Single 7.4 km tunnel on Route 1
Technology: Automatic Number Plate Recognition
Do I Need to Pay for the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel? 2025 Update
Iceland has only one toll road - the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in North Iceland. All other roads, including 11 other tunnels, are completely free to use.
Toll Required For:
- All vehicles using the 7.4 km Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel on Route 1
- Located east of Akureyri, connecting Eyjafjörður fjord to Fnjóskadalur valley
- Shortens journey between Akureyri and Húsavík by 16 km (10 miles)
- Replaces the often-closed winter mountain pass (Víkurskarð)
Free Alternative Routes:
- Route 83 to Route 84: Scenic fjord route adding 15-20 minutes
- Beautiful views over Eyjafjörður fjord
- Available year-round (weather permitting)
Iceland Tunnel Toll Costs: Current Rates
Current pricing effective June 2025 with recent rate adjustments.
Current Toll Rates (June 2025)
| Vehicle Category | Single Trip (ISK) | Single Trip (USD) | Return Journey (ISK) | Bulk Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & vehicles under 3.5 tonnes | 2,152 ISK | ~$15 USD | 4,304 ISK | 10 trips: 15,370 ISK |
| Vehicles 3.5-7.5 tonnes | 2,968 ISK | ~$21 USD | 5,936 ISK | Commercial rates available |
| Heavy vehicles over 7.5 tonnes | 6,255 ISK | ~$44 USD | 12,510 ISK | Commercial rates available |
Additional Costs if Unpaid
| Payment Status | Additional Fee | Total Cost (Cars) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid within 24 hours | No additional fee | 2,152 ISK | Driver directly |
| Unpaid after 24 hours | 1,490 ISK collection fee | 3,642 ISK total | Vehicle owner/rental company |
| Rental car unpaid | Rental company admin fee | ~€25 + toll cost | Renter (charged to card) |
How to Pay Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Toll
Online Payment (Only Method)
Official Payment Platforms:
- Website: veggjald.is (official tunnel payment site)
- Mobile App: Veggjald app (iOS and Android)
- Payment window: 24 hours before travel to 24 hours after
Payment Requirements:
- Valid credit or debit card
- Exact license plate number
- Date and time of travel
- No cash payment options available
Payment Process
1. Register trip: Enter license plate and travel date 2. Select vehicle category: Choose correct weight class 3. Pay immediately: Use credit/debit card 4. Keep confirmation: Save email receipt as proof
Important Payment Rules
- 24-hour deadline: Must pay within 24 hours of tunnel use
- No physical toll booths: Completely automated system
- ANPR cameras: Automatic license plate recognition
- Rental car responsibility: Driver must pay, not rental company
- Invoice system: Unpaid tolls sent to registered vehicle owner
Recent Changes (2025)
- June 2025: Updated toll rates reflecting infrastructure costs
- Enhanced mobile app: Improved user interface and payment reliability
- Geothermal spa development: Forest Lagoon opened using tunnel's hot water
- Tourism integration: Better signage and tourist information
- Alternative route promotion: Improved marketing of scenic Route 83/84
Why This Tunnel Has Tolls
Unique Characteristics
- Privately funded: Built by private company, not government
- Cost recovery: Tolls cover construction costs exceeding ISK 11.5 billion
- Budget overruns: Final costs exceeded estimates by 44%
- Geothermal discovery: Hot water ingress during construction
- Temperature variations: Interior reaches 22-26°C in warmest sections
Construction Challenges
- Water ingress incidents: Delayed construction by 2 years
- Geothermal hot water: Now used for local spa facility
- Engineering complexity: Challenging terrain and geological conditions
- Private investment model: Requires toll revenue for viability
Planning Your Iceland Journey
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Time saving: 15-20 minutes versus scenic route
- Distance saved: 16 km (10 miles) shorter
- Weather reliability: Available year-round unlike mountain pass
- Fuel savings: Shorter distance reduces fuel costs
- Winter necessity: Often only viable route in harsh weather
Travel Recommendations
- Summer visitors: Consider scenic Route 83/84 for views
- Winter travelers: Tunnel often essential for safety
- Photography enthusiasts: Alternative route offers fjord photography
- Budget travelers: Free route adds minimal time in good weather
- Rental car users: Always pay personally to avoid admin fees
Iceland vs. Nordic Region Countries
| Country | Toll Roads | System Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 1 tunnel only | Electronic (ANPR) | 7.4 km tunnel | 99.9% of roads free |
| Norway | Multiple toll stations | Electronic tags + ANPR | Major cities and routes | Extensive toll network |
| Denmark | Bridge tolls only | Electronic + manual | Great Belt, Øresund bridges | Most roads free |
| Sweden | Congestion charges | Electronic (ANPR) | Stockholm, Gothenburg | Most highways free |
| Finland | No tolls | N/A | All roads free | Completely toll-free |
| Faroe Islands | Tunnel tolls | Electronic + cash | Sub-sea tunnels | Several tolled tunnels |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel the only toll road in Iceland?
Yes, this is the only toll road in all of Iceland. All other roads, including 11 other tunnels, are completely free to use.
Can I pay cash at the tunnel?
No, there are no toll booths. Payment must be made online through veggjald.is or the Veggjald mobile app using a credit or debit card.
What happens if I forget to pay within 24 hours?
The toll bill with an additional 1,490 ISK collection fee will be sent to the registered vehicle owner. For rental cars, this means extra admin fees of ~€25.
Can I avoid the toll by taking another route?
Yes, you can take Routes 83 and 84 around the fjord. This scenic alternative adds 15-20 minutes but offers beautiful views and is completely free.
Do I need to pay if I'm just driving through without stopping?
Yes, any vehicle passing through the tunnel must pay the toll, regardless of journey purpose or duration.
Is the tunnel safe in winter?
Yes, the tunnel provides a reliable year-round route. The alternative mountain pass (Víkurskarð) is often closed in winter due to snow and ice.
Why is this the only toll road in Iceland?
The tunnel was built by a private company rather than the government, so tolls are needed to recover the construction costs. Other Icelandic infrastructure is government-funded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the 24-hour deadline - Set a phone reminder immediately after using the tunnel
- Incorrect license plate entry - Double-check exact plate number including any special characters
- Assuming rental company will pay - Driver is responsible for payment, not the rental company
- Not keeping payment confirmation - Save receipt as proof of payment for potential disputes
- Using wrong vehicle category - Ensure correct weight classification to avoid underpayment penalties
- Expecting physical toll booths - System is completely electronic with no cash payment option
Tunnel Features & Attractions
Unique Characteristics
- Geothermal heating: Natural hot water keeps tunnel warm (22-26°C)
- Emergency facilities: Hot yoga has been practiced in tunnel laybys
- Environmental benefit: Hot water now supplies Forest Lagoon spa
- Engineering marvel: 7.4 km through challenging geological conditions
- Weather independence: Reliable transport regardless of conditions
Nearby Attractions
- Forest Lagoon: Geothermal spa using tunnel's hot water
- Akureyri: Iceland's "Capital of the North"
- Húsavík: Whale watching capital
- Godafoss: "Waterfall of the Gods"
- Lake Mývatn: Geothermal area and pseudo-craters
Useful Links & Resources
- Official Tunnel Payment Portal
- Veggjald Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android app stores
- Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration
- Emergency Services: 112 (standard Icelandic emergency number)
