Vermont Toll Roads Complete Guide: Scenic Mountain Roads & Payment 2025
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Vermont Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Cash-only toll collection at manned toll booths
Coverage: 3 scenic mountain toll roads (seasonal operation)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Manual toll collection, no electronic systems
Operators: Private operators (Mount Equinox, Burke Mountain, Mt. Mansfield)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Vermont? 2025 Update
No, E-ZPass is not used in Vermont. The state has only 3 toll roads, all scenic mountain drives that operate with cash-only payment at manned toll booths. Vermont has no electronic toll collection systems.
Key Reality: Vermont toll roads are tourist attractions rather than transportation infrastructure. All three roads are seasonal, privately operated scenic drives to mountain summits with spectacular views.
2025 Update: Vermont remains one of the few states with no electronic tolling infrastructure. All major highways (I-89, I-91, US Route 2, US Route 4) are toll-free.
Vermont Toll Costs: Current Rates
Vermont operates three scenic toll roads, all with flat-rate pricing based on vehicle type and passenger count. These are seasonal tourist destinations rather than commuter highways.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
Toll Road | Car/Truck Rate | Motorcycle | Operating Season |
---|---|---|---|
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive | $20-40 per vehicle | $15-25 | May - October |
Burke Mountain Toll Road | $25-35 per vehicle | Not permitted | 8 AM - 8 PM daily |
Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road | $30-40 per vehicle | Not permitted | Late May - Mid October |
Operating Details & Restrictions
- Mount Equinox Skyline Drive: 5.2-mile scenic drive to highest peak in Taconic Mountains
- Burke Mountain Toll Road: Campground access with summit views, weather-dependent operation
- Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road: 4.5-mile summit access from Stowe, no trucks or motorcycles
- Payment: Cash only at all locations, no electronic payment accepted
Toll-Free Major Highways
All major Vermont transportation routes are toll-free, including Interstate 89, Interstate 91, US Route 2, US Route 4, US Route 5, and US Route 7.
How to Pay Vermont Tolls
Vermont uses the simplest toll payment system in the United States:
Cash Payment Only:
- All tolls must be paid in cash at manned toll booths
- No electronic toll collection systems available
- No credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments accepted
- Exact change preferred but attendants can make change
Operating Hours:
- Mount Equinox: Seasonal operation, weather-dependent
- Burke Mountain: 8 AM - 8 PM daily, weather permitting
- Mt. Mansfield: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, late May through mid-October
Important Notes:
- No access outside operating hours for safety reasons
- Weather conditions can close roads without notice
- It's impossible to "miss" a toll as all roads have attended gates
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, and motorcycles across Vermont's scenic toll roads, use TollGuru Vermont toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
System Consistency:
- Vermont maintains its unique position as having no electronic toll infrastructure
- All three scenic toll roads continue traditional cash-only operations
- No plans announced for electronic toll collection implementation
Rate Adjustments:
- Toll rates may vary by season and passenger count
- Peak season rates typically apply during summer months
- Individual operators set their own pricing structures
Infrastructure Maintenance:
- Continued maintenance of scenic mountain roads
- Weather-dependent operating schedules remain in effect
- Safety restrictions maintained on narrow mountain roads
Planning Your Journey
What to Expect:
- Scenic drives designed for sightseeing, not transportation
- Narrow mountain roads with spectacular views
- Picnic areas and hiking trail access at summits
- Weather can affect road conditions and visibility
Vehicle Restrictions:
- Mt. Mansfield: No trucks or motorcycles allowed
- Burke Mountain: Motorcycles prohibited for safety reasons
- Mount Equinox: Most vehicle types accepted
- All roads have weight and size restrictions
Best Times to Visit:
- Summer months: Full operating hours and best weather
- Fall foliage season: Peak tourist demand, spectacular views
- Spring and late fall: Weather-dependent operation
- Winter: All roads closed due to snow and ice
Free Transportation Alternatives:
- All Vermont interstates and major highways are toll-free
- Hiking trails provide free access to mountain summits
- State parks offer scenic drives without tolls
- Vermont Route 100: Scenic north-south route through Green Mountains
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Vermont tolls completely?
Yes, easily. Vermont toll roads are optional scenic attractions. All major transportation routes (I-89, I-91, US Routes 2, 4, 5, 7) are toll-free. You only pay tolls if you choose to drive up specific mountains for sightseeing.
What happens if I don't pay Vermont tolls?
It's impossible to "miss" a toll in Vermont. All toll roads have manned gates that must be passed through to access the mountain roads. You cannot proceed without paying the toll attendant.
Do I need exact change for Vermont tolls?
No, toll attendants can make change. However, exact change is preferred and may speed up the process, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Are Vermont toll roads open year-round?
No, all Vermont toll roads are seasonal due to weather conditions. Operating seasons vary: Mount Equinox (May-October), Burke Mountain (weather-dependent), Mt. Mansfield (late May-mid October). Winter snow and ice make these mountain roads impassable.
Can I use E-ZPass or credit cards in Vermont?
No, Vermont toll roads accept cash only. There are no electronic toll collection systems, credit card readers, or mobile payment options available at any Vermont toll facility.
Vermont vs. Regional States
State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
Vermont | Cash only | $20-40 per trip | 3 scenic roads only |
New Hampshire | E-ZPass + Cash | $1.00-2.00/toll | Limited facilities |
New York | E-ZPass + Cashless | $0.06-0.15/mile | Statewide network |
Massachusetts | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.05-0.20/mile | Turnpike + tunnels |
Connecticut | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
Maine | E-ZPass + Cash | $1.00-3.00/toll | Turnpike system |
Contact Information
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive:
- Location: Manchester, Vermont (Route 7A)
- Information: (802) 362-1114
- Operating Season: May through October (weather dependent)
- Website: Check current conditions and rates
Burke Mountain Toll Road:
- Location: Burke Mountain, East Burke, Vermont
- Access: Through Burke Mountain Campground
- Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM daily (weather permitting)
- Contact: Burke Mountain Resort
Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road:
- Location: Stowe, Vermont
- Information: (802) 253-3000
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (late May to mid-October)
- Restrictions: No trucks or motorcycles
Vermont Tourism & Travel Information:
- Vermont Tourism: 1-800-VERMONT
- Vermont State Police: (802) 244-8727
- Road Conditions: 511 or Vermont AOT website
- Emergency Services: 911
Weather & Road Conditions:
- Always check weather conditions before visiting mountain roads
- Roads may close without notice due to weather
- Vermont Agency of Transportation: VTrans.vermont.gov
- Mountain weather can change rapidly