Guyana Toll Roads Complete Guide: Bridge Tolls & Upcoming Toll-Free Policy 2025
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Guyana Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Bridge tolls only - no highway toll roads
Coverage: Berbice River Bridge and Demerara Harbour Bridge
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Manual toll collection at bridge crossings
Status: Transitioning to toll-free system by end of 2025
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Guyana? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but this will change dramatically by end of 2025. Guyana operates a very limited toll system with only two major bridge crossings requiring payment. The country has no highway toll roads - tolls are only collected on the Berbice River Bridge and Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Key Reality: President Irfaan Ali announced in August 2024 that all major bridges will become toll-free upon completion of the new US$260 million Demerara Harbour Bridge. This represents a major policy shift to reduce transportation costs and boost economic competitiveness.
2025 Update: The new four-lane, high-span Demerara Harbour Bridge is expected to be completed by August 31, 2025, triggering toll-free policies across all three major bridges: Demerara, Berbice, and Mackenzie-Wismar bridges.
Guyana Toll Costs: Current Rates
Guyana's toll system is unique in South America, consisting entirely of bridge crossings rather than highway tolls, with government-subsidized rates and a planned transition to toll-free operation.
Current Bridge Toll Rates (2025)
| Bridge | Length | Car Toll (GYD) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berbice River Bridge | 1.57 km | $1,900 GYD | ~$9.40 |
| Demerara Harbour Bridge | 1.5 km | Variable rates | Lower rates |
| Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge | 0.15 km | Current tolls | Varies |
Detailed Vehicle Classifications (Berbice Bridge)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GYD) | USD Equivalent | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $40 | ~$0.20 | Toll-free by end 2025 |
| Cars | $1,900 | ~$9.40 | Toll-free by end 2025 |
| Buses | Higher rates | Varies | Toll-free by end 2025 |
| Motor Lorries | $700 | ~$3.45 | Toll-free by end 2025 |
*Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 202 GYD (approximate). Rates subject to government subsidies and adjustments.
Traffic Volume and Usage (2025)
Berbice Bridge: 4.4 million vehicles annually (~400,000 monthly), one-way tolling
Demerara Harbour Bridge: Over 20,000 commuters daily, higher weekend traffic
Bridge Types: Berbice (pontoon bridge), Demerara (retractable bridge), new bridges (fixed high-span)
How to Pay Guyana Tolls
Guyana operates a simple toll collection system exclusively for bridge crossings:
1. Manual Toll Collection:
- Cash payment in Guyanese Dollars (GYD) at bridge toll booths
- Staffed toll collection points on bridge approaches
- No electronic toll collection systems currently in operation
- No toll tags or transponders required
2. Government Subsidies:
- Berbice Bridge Company receives government subsidies (US$1.015 billion allocated for 2025)
- Reduced toll rates through government financial support
- Private bridge operators work in partnership with government
- Transitional funding to support toll-free conversion
3. Bridge Operations:
- Berbice Bridge: One-way tolling system (eastbound only)
- Demerara Harbour Bridge: Retractable bridge with scheduled openings
- Bridge maintenance may require temporary closures
- No pre-payment or account systems available
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types for Guyana bridge crossings, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Historic Toll-Free Policy Announcement:
- President announced in August 2024 that all major bridges will become toll-free
- Policy takes effect upon completion of new Demerara Harbour Bridge (expected August 2025)
- Includes Berbice River Bridge, Demerara bridges, and Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge
- Aimed at reducing consumer costs and improving business competitiveness
New Infrastructure Development:
- US$260 million new Demerara Harbour Bridge 76.91% complete (May 2025)
- Four-lane, high-span design with 80 km/h speed limit
- 100-year design life with modern engineering standards
- Eliminates need for bridge retractions and associated delays
Economic Impact Initiatives:
- Government allocated $1.015 billion for 2025 to support Berbice Bridge operations
- Anticipating increased traffic volume once bridges become toll-free
- Focus on reducing operational costs for private sector and consumers
- Integration with broader economic competitiveness strategy
Future Bridge Projects:
- New fixed high-span Berbice River Bridge in planning stage
- Corentyne River Bridge with Suriname in final negotiation phase
- Integration with regional development and industrial expansion plans
Planning Your Journey
Current Toll Considerations:
- Budget $1,900 GYD (~$9.40 USD) for Berbice Bridge car crossing
- Carry Guyanese Dollars for toll payments - no card payments available
- Consider one-way tolling on Berbice Bridge (eastbound only)
- Account for potential bridge maintenance closures
Transition Period (2025):
- Current toll system operational until new Demerara Bridge completion
- Toll-free policy expected to take effect August 2025
- Monitor government announcements for specific implementation dates
- Significant cost savings anticipated for regular commuters
Alternative Routes:
- Limited ferry services available on some rivers
- Bridges are essential for efficient inter-regional travel
- No highway toll roads - only bridge tolls affect travel costs
- Government ferry services subsidized but slower than bridges
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Guyana bridges become toll-free?
The toll-free policy is expected to take effect by end of August 2025, upon completion of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. President Ali announced this will apply to all three major bridges: Demerara, Berbice, and Mackenzie-Wismar.
Are there highway tolls in Guyana?
No, Guyana has no highway toll roads. The country's toll system consists entirely of bridge crossings. All highways and roads throughout Guyana are toll-free, making it unique in South America.
Can I pay bridge tolls with US dollars or credit cards?
No, toll collection is cash-only in Guyanese Dollars (GYD). There are no electronic payment systems, credit card acceptance, or foreign currency options at toll booths. Exact change is recommended.
Why are tolls being eliminated in Guyana?
The government aims to reduce transportation costs, improve business competitiveness, and lower consumer goods prices. With oil revenues providing budget flexibility, eliminating bridge tolls supports economic development and regional integration.
What happens to the private bridge companies?
The government provides substantial subsidies to bridge operators to enable toll-free operation. For 2025, $1.015 billion was allocated for the Berbice Bridge Company. The government may also pursue acquisition of privately-owned bridges.
Guyana vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana | Bridge tolls only | 3 major bridges | Transitioning to toll-free |
| Suriname | Bridge tolls | Select bridges | Active toll system |
| Brazil | Highway concessions | 17,000+ km network | Extensive toll system |
| Venezuela | Highway tolls | Major highways | Active toll system |
| French Guiana | No tolls | Toll-free network | French road system |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Berbice Bridge Toll - Detailed information on pontoon bridge crossing
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Current and new bridge information
- Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge - Upper Demerara River crossing
- Guyana Transportation - Overall transport network information
Major Bridge Projects:
- New Demerara Bridge - US$260 million replacement bridge
- Berbice Bridge Company - Private operator information
- Corentyne Bridge - Planned Guyana-Suriname crossing
- Guyana Bridge Development - Infrastructure expansion plans
Government Agencies:
- Ministry of Public Works - Bridge operations and toll policy
- Transportation and Harbours Department (T&HD) - Ferry and marine transport
- National Procurement and Tender Administration Board - Infrastructure contracts
Regional Toll Information:
- Suriname Toll Roads - Neighboring country's bridge toll system
- Brazil Toll Roads - Southern neighbor's extensive highway tolls
- Venezuela Motorway Tolls - Western neighbor's toll network
- French Guiana Toll Roads - Eastern neighbor's toll-free system
Economic and Development Context:
- Oil and gas sector development supporting infrastructure investment
- Regional integration initiatives with CARICOM partners
- Private sector partnerships in infrastructure development
- Economic competitiveness and cost reduction strategies
