Illinois Route 390 Tollway Complete Guide: I-PASS, Rates & Payment 2025
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Illinois Route 390 Tollway Complete Guide
System: All-electronic toll collection only (I-PASS/E-ZPass required, no cash accepted)
Coverage: 9.8 miles from US 20 (Lake Street) to IL 83, extending to O'Hare Airport by 2026
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Overhead gantries at 6 locations, electronic transponders only
Operator: Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Illinois Tollway)
Do I Need I-PASS for Illinois Route 390 Tollway? 2025 Update
Yes, you absolutely need I-PASS or E-ZPass to drive on Illinois Route 390 Tollway - cash is not accepted anywhere on the system. Illinois Route 390 was the first all-electronic toll road in Illinois, predating the 2021 conversion of all other Illinois Tollway roads.
Key Reality: Without I-PASS or E-ZPass, you cannot legally drive on Illinois Route 390. Drivers without transponders must pay online through Pay By Plate service, but this results in significantly higher rates and potential violations.
2025 Update: On January 1, 2025, truck/trailer toll rates increased system-wide. Construction continues on the eastern extension to O'Hare International Airport, expected to open in 2026, and the I-490/IL 390 Interchange project scheduled for completion by end of 2027.
Illinois Route 390 Tollway Costs: Current Rates
Illinois Route 390 Tollway, formerly known as the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, connects US 20 (Lake Street) in Hanover Park to IL 83 in Bensenville. Part of the $3.4 billion Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project, it will eventually provide direct western access to O'Hare International Airport.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Trip Type | I-PASS/E-ZPass Rate | Pay By Plate Rate | Distance/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Length Through-Trip | $1.90 | $3.80 | 9.8 miles (20¢/mile) |
| Individual Segments | $0.20-$0.60 | $0.40-$1.20 | Per transaction |
| Ketter Drive Ramp | $0.25 | $0.50 | Westbound entrance only |
| Commercial Vehicles | Higher rates | Double I-PASS rates | 2025 rates increased |
Electronic Toll Collection Points (2025)
Mainline Gantries: 6 overhead electronic toll collection points along the 9.8-mile corridor
Entry/Exit Points: 31 entry and exit points (average 2.9 per mile) serving local communities
Toll Strategy: Mainline tolling selected to ensure equitable pricing for both short and long trips
How to Pay Illinois Route 390 Tollway Tolls
You can use the following payment methods on Illinois Route 390 Tollway:
1. I-PASS Electronic System (Required):
- Only accepted payment method for real-time toll payment
- 50% savings compared to Pay By Plate rates
- Available as traditional transponders or I-PASS Sticker Tags
- 90% of current corridor users already have I-PASS
2. E-ZPass Compatibility (Required):
- All E-ZPass transponders accepted system-wide
- Same rates and discounts as I-PASS users
- Works in 19 states and 35+ tolling agencies
- Essential for visitors from E-ZPass states
3. Pay By Plate (Backup Only):
- License plate recognition for vehicles without transponders
- Pay online within 14 days to avoid additional fees
- Double the I-PASS rate plus processing fees
- Not recommended - results in violation notices
4. NO Cash Payment:
- Cash is not accepted anywhere on Illinois Route 390
- No toll booths, attendants, or cash lanes
- First all-electronic toll road in Illinois
- All tolls collected via overhead gantries
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Illinois Route 390 Tollway, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Construction Projects:
- Eastern extension from IL 83 to O'Hare International Airport under construction - opening expected 2026
- I-490/IL 390 Interchange project ongoing - $534 million investment with 16 ramps and 15 bridges
- York Road reconstruction in coordination with DuPage County through 2025
- Completion scheduled by end of 2027 for the full interchange complex
Rate & System Updates:
- January 1, 2025: Commercial vehicle toll rates increased for system-wide infrastructure improvements
- Passenger vehicle rates remain stable at 20¢ per mile structure
- Continued development of pre-paid temporary passes for infrequent users
- Enhanced Pay By Plate online payment options for travelers without transponders
Access & Connectivity Improvements:
- Direct O'Hare Airport access via western terminal connection (2026)
- Integration with new I-490 Tollway for north-south connectivity
- Enhanced connections to I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) and I-294 (Tri-State Tollway)
- Projected 120,000 vehicles per day usage once fully completed
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Full corridor (9.8 miles): $1.90 with I-PASS, $3.80 with Pay By Plate
- Short local trips: $0.20-0.60 per segment with I-PASS
- Must have I-PASS or E-ZPass - no cash alternative available
- Similar cost structure to Veterans Memorial Tollway southern extension
Construction Impacts (2025-2027):
- York Road reduced to one lane in both directions between Devon Avenue and Supreme Drive
- Traffic shifts and temporary configurations throughout I-490/IL 390 interchange area
- Construction signage and electronic message boards provide real-time updates
- Work zone speed limits in effect 24/7 during construction phases
Strategic Advantages:
- Direct western access to O'Hare International Airport (first in history)
- Bypass congested local roads in Schaumburg, Roselle, Elk Grove Village
- Connection to freight transportation hubs and distribution centers
- Part of nationally significant transportation infrastructure project
Regional Toll Information
Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project - Comprehensive Network:
- Tri-State Tollway (I-294) - Connection via planned I-490 interchange
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) - Northern connection via I-490
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) - Alternative north-south corridor
Current Major Interchanges:
- US 20 (Lake Street) - Western terminus in Hanover Park
- IL 53 (Rohlwing Road) - Major north-south arterial connection
- I-290 - Critical east-west connection to Chicago metropolitan area
- IL 83 - Current eastern terminus, extension to O'Hare underway
Future Connections (2026-2027):
- O'Hare International Airport - Direct western terminal access
- I-490/IL 390 Interchange - Full connectivity with 16 ramps and 15 bridges
- York Road improvements - Enhanced local access and freight connections
- Western O'Hare terminal - New aviation facility with toll road access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on Illinois Route 390 without I-PASS?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Without I-PASS/E-ZPass, you'll be charged via Pay By Plate at double the transponder rate plus fees. This results in violation notices and significantly higher costs. The system is designed for electronic payment.
Why is Illinois Route 390 all-electronic?
Illinois Route 390 was designed as the first all-electronic toll road in Illinois due to its high number of entry/exit points (31 over 9.8 miles). Mainline tolling with overhead gantries provides more equitable pricing for short local trips versus traditional toll plaza systems.
When will the O'Hare Airport extension open?
The extension from IL 83 to O'Hare International Airport is expected to open in 2026. The full I-490/IL 390 Interchange providing comprehensive connectivity is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, creating the first direct western access to O'Hare.
How does this compare to other Illinois tollways?
At 20¢ per mile with I-PASS, Illinois Route 390 offers competitive rates similar to other tollways. Unlike older tollways with cash options, Route 390 represents the future of tolling in Illinois with fully electronic operation and strategic airport connectivity.
What is the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project?
It's a $3.4 billion, nationally significant infrastructure project creating 17 miles of new toll roads and 15 new/improved interchanges. The project includes Illinois Route 390 and the new I-490 Tollway, expected to serve 120,000 vehicles daily and create 65,000 jobs by 2040.
Illinois vs. Neighboring States
| State | Airport Access Tolling | Technology | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Route 390 to O'Hare (first direct western access) | All-electronic overhead gantries | I-PASS/E-ZPass required |
| Indiana | No direct toll access to major airports | Mixed electronic/cash | E-ZPass, cash, credit |
| Wisconsin | No toll roads currently | Free highway system | Tax-funded roads |
| Iowa | No toll roads currently | Free interstate system | Tax-funded roads |
Useful Resources
Official Resources:
- Illinois Tollway: 1-800-ITOLLWAY - Customer service and account support
- Construction Hotline: 630-246-2930 - I-490/IL 390 project updates
- I-PASS Customer Service: getipass.com - Essential for Route 390 travel
- Daily Construction Alert: Current closure and traffic information
Project Information:
- Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project: $3.4 billion investment details
- O'Hare Airport Access: Future western terminal connections
- Construction Timeline: 2025-2027 completion schedule
- Economic Impact: 65,000 jobs by 2040, national significance designation
Historical Timeline:
- 1960s: Original Elgin-O'Hare Expressway concept developed
- 2013: Redesignated as Illinois Route 390, groundbreaking ceremony
- 2016: First all-electronic tolling began on existing segments
- 2017: Eastern segment from I-290 to IL 83 opened
- 2025-2027: O'Hare extension and I-490 interchange completion
