SH 71 Toll Lane Complete Guide: Austin Airport, Del Valle, Bastrop 2025
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SH 71 Toll Lane Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection only (All-Electronic Tolling)
Length: 4 miles from Presidential Boulevard to SH 130
Coverage: Austin-Bergstrom Airport, Del Valle, east to Bastrop
Technology: TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, PikePass, SunPass, E-ZPass compatible
Operator: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)
Opened: February 28, 2017
Do I Need a Toll Tag for SH 71 Toll Lane? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a toll tag to drive on SH 71 Toll Lane - but you'll save significantly with one. The SH 71 Toll Lane is completely electronic with no cash toll booths, offering two payment options: electronic tags or Pay By Mail.
Key Reality: Electronic tag users get a 33% discount compared to Pay By Mail rates. The toll lane provides crucial airport access and bypass options for travelers heading to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Del Valle, and Bastrop.
2025 Update: The toll lane celebrated its 8th anniversary in February 2025, serving as a vital connector between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and SH 130. Current rates increased by 2.44% effective January 1, 2025.
SH 71 Toll Lane Costs: Current Rates
The SH 71 Toll Lane operates with distance-based pricing through electronic toll collection. The facility adds one toll lane in each direction while preserving existing non-tolled lanes on SH 71.
Current Toll Rates by Location (2025)
| Toll Point | Tag Rate | Pay By Mail | 2025 Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Boulevard Plaza | $0.85 | $1.28 | +2 cents |
| FM 973 Eastbound/Westbound | $1.14 | $1.71 | +3 cents |
| Direct Connectors to/from SH 71 | $0.71 | $1.07 | +2 cents |
| SH 130 Connection | $0.95 | $1.43 | +2 cents |
| Full Length Trip (Presidential to SH 130) | $2.25 | $3.38 | +6 cents total |
Airport Access Benefits
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Direct access from Presidential Boulevard
Traffic Signal Bypass: Avoid signals at FM 973 and SH 130 intersections
Free-Flowing Route: Reliable travel times to Bastrop and East Texas
Airport Economic Impact: Serves $3+ billion economic impact facility with 12.5+ million annual passengers
How to Pay SH 71 Toll Lane
You can use the following toll payment methods on SH 71 Toll Lane:
1. Electronic Tags (33% Discount):
- TxTag (Texas Department of Transportation)
- EZ TAG (Harris County Toll Road Authority)
- TollTag (North Texas Tollway Authority)
- PikePass (Oklahoma), K-TAG (Kansas)
- SunPass (Florida), E-ZPass (17 states)
- ExpressToll (Colorado), BancPass (Plus Pass)
2. Pay By Mail:
- License plate recognition system
- 50% higher rates than tag users
- $1 processing fee per bill
- 30-day payment window
3. Prepaid Registered Account:
- 25% savings on Pay By Mail rates
- $25 minimum account balance
- Automatic toll payment without tag
- Online or phone registration
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 71 Toll Lane, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
2025 Rate Increases:
- Effective January 1, 2025: 2.44% average increase
- FM 973 connection: 3-cent increase
- Presidential Boulevard Plaza: 2-cent increase
- SH 130 connection: 2-cent increase
- Full-length trip: 6-cent total increase
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion:
- Journey With AUS expansion program ongoing through 2026
- International arrivals improvements completed 2025
- TSA checkpoint enhancements with CT scanners operational
- West Gate Expansion adding 84,500 sq ft and three new gates
Regional Development:
- Tesla Gigafactory Texas operational in Del Valle area
- Circuit of The Americas expanding entertainment complex
- Del Valle area population growth supporting 160% regional growth by 2050
- Shared-use path network along SH 71 corridor continuing expansion
Project History & Development
Project Timeline:
- 2014: Environmental assessment completed, FONSI approved
- 2014-2016: Design-build construction by LAN/McCarthy team
- February 28, 2017: Official opening with ribbon cutting ceremony
- 2017-2025: 8 years of successful operation
Project Specifications:
- Total cost: $149 million
- Length: 4 miles (3.9 miles tolled section)
- Design: One toll lane each direction
- Bridges: Overpasses at FM 973 and SH 130
Infrastructure Features:
- Grade-separated interchanges at FM 973 and SH 130
- Direct connectors to SH 130 for enhanced connectivity
- Approximately 5-mile shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians
- Preservation of existing non-tolled SH 71 lanes
Regional Toll Information
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) System:
- 183A Toll Road - 16-mile northwest Austin bypass
- 290 Toll Road - 6.2-mile Manor Expressway
- MoPac Express Lane - 11-mile variable pricing express lane
- 183 Toll Road - 8-mile South Austin corridor
- 45SW Toll Road - 3.6-mile southwest connector
Connecting Infrastructure:
- SH 130 - Major north-south connector with direct access
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport - Primary air travel hub
- Ben White Boulevard - SH 71 western section through Austin
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete metropolitan system overview
Communities Served:
- Austin - State capital with major airport access
- Del Valle - Historic community with Tesla Gigafactory
- Bastrop - Eastern destination via SH 71 corridor
- Cedar Creek - Lake community east of Austin
- Elgin - Eastern Texas communities via SH 71 extension
Planning Your Journey
Airport Access:
- Direct access from Presidential Boulevard to Austin-Bergstrom Airport
- Bypass traffic signals for reliable airport departure/arrival times
- Connection to Barbara Jordan Terminal and South Terminal
- Access to airport parking, rental car facilities, and ground transportation
Cost Considerations:
- Airport trips: $2.25 with tag, $3.38 Pay By Mail
- Daily airport commuter: $4.50 round trip with electronic tag
- Annual tag savings: $300+ for regular users vs. Pay By Mail
- Veterans: Toll-free travel on all CTRMA roads
Travel Benefits:
- Bypass FM 973 and SH 130 traffic signals
- Free-flowing travel to Bastrop and East Texas destinations
- Reliable travel times during peak airport hours
- Enhanced safety with controlled-access design
Alternative Routes:
- SH 71 general purpose lanes (non-tolled)
- US 183 south from Austin
- FM 973 through Del Valle
- Surface streets for local Del Valle access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid SH 71 tolls completely?
Yes, you can use the non-tolled SH 71 general purpose lanes that run parallel to the toll lane. However, you'll need to stop at traffic signals at FM 973 and SH 130, which can add 5-10 minutes to your travel time, especially during peak hours.
What happens if I don't pay SH 71 tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with escalating fees. Pay By Mail customers have 30 days to pay before additional charges apply. Continued non-payment can lead to vehicle registration holds.
Is this the best route to Austin-Bergstrom Airport?
The SH 71 Toll Lane provides the most reliable and fastest route to Austin-Bergstrom Airport from central Austin and points east. It bypasses traffic signals and provides direct access to Presidential Boulevard and the airport terminals.
Are there discounts for airport workers or veterans?
Yes, veterans receive toll-free travel on all CTRMA roads including SH 71 Toll Lane. Airport workers can benefit from the significant tag discounts (33% off Pay By Mail rates) for daily commuting.
Does the toll lane connect to other Austin toll roads?
Yes, SH 71 Toll Lane connects directly to SH 130 toll road, providing seamless access to the broader Austin area toll network. It also connects to the 183 Toll Road system for north-south travel.
SH 71 vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Toll Road | Length | Full Trip Cost | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| SH 71 Toll Lane | 4 miles | $2.25 tag | Airport access |
| 183A Toll | 16 miles | $2.38 tag | North Austin bypass |
| 290 Toll | 6.2 miles | $3.75 tag | East Austin corridor |
| 183 Toll South | 8 miles | $2.25 tag | South Austin corridor |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete Austin area toll system overview
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport - Airport information and access
- CTRMA - Operating agency information
- Texas Toll Roads - Statewide toll system
- TxTag Information - Primary toll tag system
- Del Valle - Local community information
Official Resources:
- Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority: (512) 996-9778
- Customer Service: 833-762-8655
- TxTag Customer Service: 1-888-468-9824
- Pay Mobility Bill: PayMobilityBill.com
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport: (512) 530-2242
- SH 71 Toll Lane Information: mobilityauthority.com/71-toll-lane
