Addison Airport Toll Tunnel Complete Guide: Rates, TollTag & Routes 2025
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Addison Airport Toll Tunnel Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + ZipCash license plate billing
Coverage: Keller Springs Road under Addison Airport runway
Length: 1,600-foot tunnel, 3,700-foot total roadway
Technology: RFID transponders, ANPR cameras, open road tolling
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Do I Need TollTag for Addison Airport Toll Tunnel? 2025 Update
No, you don't need TollTag to use the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel - but you'll pay double without one. The tunnel operates with NTTA's electronic toll collection system, accepting TollTag for the lowest rates or billing ZipCash customers at twice the TollTag rate.
Key Reality: ZipCash customers pay $1.48 versus TollTag's $0.77 for the same trip (as of July 2025). For daily commuters using the tunnel, this difference adds up to $367 annually in unnecessary fees.
2025 Update: NTTA increased toll rates July 1, 2025, with TollTag rates rising from 21 to 22 cents per mile. The tunnel now costs $0.77 with TollTag or $1.54 with ZipCash, reflecting the system-wide rate adjustment.
Addison Airport Toll Tunnel Costs: What You Actually Pay
The Addison Airport Toll Tunnel uses a simple flat-rate toll structure based on vehicle axle count, making it one of the most straightforward toll facilities in the NTTA system.
Current Toll Rates (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Class | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Axle (Cars, SUVs, Pickups) | $0.77 | $1.54 | $399 (daily use) |
| 3-Axle (Large trucks, RVs) | $1.16 | $2.31 | $599 (daily use) |
| 4-Axle (Trucks, Buses) | $1.54 | $3.08 | $799 (daily use) |
| 5-Axle (Tractor-trailers) | $1.93 | $3.85 | $999 (daily use) |
| 6+ Axle (Heavy trucks) | $2.31 | $4.62 | $1,199 (daily use) |
Route Connections and Traffic Benefits
The tunnel serves as a critical east-west connector in North Dallas:
| Connection | Western Access | Eastern Access | Traffic Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Route | Dallas North Tollway | Interstate 35E | Direct connection under airport |
| Surface Streets | Midway Road | Addison Road | Eliminates 2-mile detour |
| Alternative Routes | Belt Line Road | Trinity Mills Road | Reduces congestion 10,000+ vehicles/day |
How to Pay Addison Airport Toll Tunnel
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls at the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel:
1. TollTag Electronic Payment (Recommended):
- NTTA TollTag: Lowest rates, automatic account deduction
- Out-of-state tags: TxTag, EZ TAG, K-Tag, PikePass accepted
- Free TollTag with no monthly fees
- Automatic account replenishment from credit/debit card
2. ZipCash License Plate Billing:
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Double the TollTag rate (100% premium)
- 25-day payment cycle with late fees if unpaid
3. Payment Options:
- Online: Pay ZipCash bills at ntta.org
- Phone: Call 972-818-NTTA (6882) or 817-731-NTTA (6882)
- In-person: NTTA Customer Service Centers
- Auto-pay: Link credit/debit card to TollTag account
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Texas toll roads, use TollGuru Texas toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
July 1, 2025 Rate Increase:
- TollTag rates increased from $0.74 to $0.77 for 2-axle vehicles
- ZipCash rates doubled from $1.48 to $1.54 for 2-axle vehicles
- All vehicle classes received proportional increases
- Part of NTTA system-wide rate adjustment
ZipCash Rate Structure Change:
- ZipCash now costs 100% more than TollTag (previously 50% more)
- Change affects all NTTA facilities including the tunnel
- Intended to offset rising collection costs
- Encourages electronic toll tag adoption
System Improvements:
- Enhanced license plate recognition accuracy
- Improved open road tolling technology
- Better integration with NTTA's TollPerks rewards program
- Expanded interoperability with other Texas toll systems
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using ZipCash for Regular Commuting:
- Daily commuters waste $399+ annually without TollTag
- ZipCash bills can lead to late fees if not paid promptly
- Multiple unpaid bills trigger habitual violator status
- TollTag provides immediate toll convenience
Ignoring Address Updates:
- ZipCash bills sent to registered vehicle owner address
- Address changes must be updated with Texas DMV
- Undelivered bills still accrue late fees
- Update TollTag account information when moving
Forgetting Vehicle Registration:
- TollTag must be linked to correct license plate
- Temporary plates need immediate account updates
- Multiple vehicles require separate TollTag accounts
- Rental cars may not be covered by personal TollTag
Addison Airport Toll Tunnel vs. Regional Facilities
| Facility | Type | TollTag Rate | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addison Airport Toll Tunnel | Underground tunnel | $0.77 | 0.7 miles |
| Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge | Bridge crossing | $1.35 | 1.9 miles |
| Mountain Creek Lake Bridge | Bridge crossing | $1.25 | 1.2 miles |
| Dallas North Tollway | Highway system | $0.22/mile | 33 miles |
State/Regional Toll Information
North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) System:
- NTTA TollTag - Electronic toll collection system
- Dallas North Tollway - Connects to tunnel's western entrance
- President George Bush Turnpike - Major east-west NTTA facility
- Sam Rayburn Tollway - Connects to regional network
Related Dallas Area Facilities:
- Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge - Northern lake crossing
- Mountain Creek Lake Bridge - Southern lake crossing
- Chisholm Trail Parkway - NTTA's newest facility
- SH 360 Tollway - Arlington area connection
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Direct connection between Dallas North Tollway and I-35E
- Eliminates 2-mile detour around Addison Airport
- Saves 5-10 minutes versus Belt Line Road route
- Available 24/7 with no traffic light delays
Cost Considerations:
- One-time cost: $0.77 with TollTag vs. $1.54 with ZipCash
- Daily commuter: $399 annual savings with TollTag
- Weekly usage: $40 annual savings with TollTag
- Monthly usage: $18 annual savings with TollTag
Alternative Routes:
- Belt Line Road: Free but heavily congested during peak hours
- Trinity Mills Road: Free alternative 2 miles north
- LBJ Freeway (I-635): Free but longer route with more traffic
- Surface streets: Multiple free options with traffic lights
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel?
The tunnel itself is 1,600 feet long, while the entire roadway from Midway Road to Addison Road is 3,700 feet (0.7 miles) in total length. The tunnel portion goes directly under the Addison Airport runway.
When was the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel built?
Construction began in September 1997 and the tunnel opened to traffic on February 18, 1999. The project cost $26.8 million and was excavated using a roadheader nicknamed "Big Mike" at 20 feet per day through Austin Chalk.
Why was the tunnel built?
The tunnel reconnected Keller Springs Road, which was severed in 1956 during airport construction. Belt Line Road was handling 10,000+ vehicles over capacity daily, so the tunnel provides direct east-west access and reduces regional congestion.
Can trucks use the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel?
Yes, trucks can use the tunnel with height restrictions. The tunnel is 28 feet high, so most commercial vehicles can pass through. Toll rates increase with axle count, ranging from $0.77 for cars to $2.31 for 6+ axle trucks.
Is the tunnel safe for all vehicles?
Yes, the tunnel is designed for safe two-way traffic with proper lighting, ventilation, and emergency systems. It's maintained by NTTA and monitored 24/7. The tunnel has handled over 10,000 vehicles daily since opening without major incidents.
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NTTA TollTag - Electronic toll collection system
- Dallas North Tollway - Western connection point
- NTTA Toll Roads - Complete North Texas system
- Texas Toll Violations - Violation resolution procedures
- Addison Airport - Airport information and services
NTTA Contact Information:
- NTTA Customer Service: 972-818-NTTA (6882) or 817-731-NTTA (6882)
- TollTag Support: Available 24/7 online at ntta.org
- ZipCash Billing: Pay online or call customer service
- Emergency: 911 or NTTA Roadside Assistance
