66 Express Lanes - Inside the Beltway :: Toll Questions (2024)

  • Toll Estimator
  • Missed Tolls
    • How do I pay a missed toll?

      If you travel the lanes without an E-ZPass, you can still pay a missed toll online, pay a toll violation online, or wait to receive a toll violation notice invoice by mail.

  • About the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes
    • Where are the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes?

      The I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes cover nine miles of I-66 between the I-495 interchange and U.S. Route 29 in Rosslyn near the Route 110 and Theodore Roosevelt Bridge split.

    • What are the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes?

      Starting on Dec.4, 2017, all lanes on I-66 from I-495 to U.S. Route 29 in Rosslyn became Express Lanes on weekdays during rush hours, in the peak commute direction. Single-occupant vehicles may use I-66 Inside the Beltway during rush hour. For the first time, drivers traveling alone can choose to travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway during rush hours by paying a toll.

      Carpoolers traveling with two or more people (High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV-2+)) may still use I-66 Inside the Beltway during rush hour. If carpooling as HOV-2+, drivers travel toll-free but must have an E-ZPass Flex.

      The HOV-2+ requirement will change to HOV-3+ in 2022 when the I-66 Outside the Beltway Express Lanes open, matching the current HOV-3+ requirement on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.

    • When are the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes in effect?
      CurrentExpress Lanes Hours
      Eastbound

      6:30 – 9 a.m.

      Monday through Friday

      5:30 – 9:30 a.m.

      Monday through Friday

      Westbound

      4 – 6:30 p.m.

      Monday through Friday

      3 – 7 p.m.

      Monday through Friday

      Express Lanes hours are extended from the current HOV-restricted hours to better manage traffic over a longer period and avoid congestion at the beginning and end of the restricted periods.

      Rush hour tolling Inside the Beltway will NOT be in effect on federal holidays:

      • New Year’s Day
      • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
      • Washington’s Birthday
      • Memorial Day
      • Independence Day
      • Labor Day
      • Columbus Day
      • Veterans Day (Observed)
      • Thanksgiving Day
      • Christmas Day
    • Are there travel restrictions at other times?

      The lanes are open to all traffic, except trucks, at all other times outside the weekday rush hours designated above, with no tolling, HOV requirements, or E-ZPass needed.

    • How do I pay my toll?

      During operating hours, single-occupant drivers who use the lanes will pay their tolls with an E-ZPass. No toll booths or options to pay cash exist.

    • How do I travel toll-free?

      During operating hours, high-occupancy vehicles with 2 or more occupants (HOV-2+) must have an E-ZPass Flex switched to the HOV mode to ensure they are not charged a toll.Effective Dec. 5, 2022, this changes to three or more people (HOV-3+).

    • I am traveling to Dulles Airport via I-66 Inside the Beltway. Am I exempt from paying a toll?

      No. Previous exemptions for vehicles bound for Dulles International Airport are no longer in effect. Drivers traveling to and from Dulles Airport on I-66 Inside the Beltway during the Express Lanes hours must pay a toll with an E-ZPass if traveling alone, or have two or more occupants and an E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV mode to travel for free.

    • I drive a hybrid. Am I exempt from paying a toll?

      No. Previous exemptions for Clean Special Fuel License Plate vehicles (or hybrids) are no longer in effect. Drivers traveling with a Clean Special Fuel License Plate on I-66 Inside the Beltway during the Express Lanes hours must pay a toll with an E-ZPass if traveling alone, or have two or more occupants and an E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV mode to travel for free.

    • Are buses allowed on the Express Lanes on I-66 Inside the Beltway?

      Yes. Buses travel toll-free and will experience more reliable trips due to the managed express lanes. Buses need an E-ZPass Flex or a standard E-ZPass programmed to a bus classification.

    • Are motorcycles allowed on the Express Lanes on I-66 Inside the Beltway?

      Yes. Motorcycles travel toll-free and do not need an E-ZPass to access the lanes.

    • How do I access the Express Lanes on I-66 Inside the Beltway?

      You can access the Express Lanes at all existing entrances and exits on I-66 Inside the Beltway.

    • Who will own, operate and maintain the I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway?

      The Virginia Department of Transportation will own, operate, and maintain the I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway.

    • What happens to the toll revenue?

      Tolls will be used by VDOT to operate and maintain the lanes, and then will be reinvested in the I-66 Corridor to help fund multimodal improvement projects such as new transit routes and park and ride lots to provide commuters with new travel choices.

    • What is the speed limit on the I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway?

      The posted speed limit remains 55 miles per hour.

    • Are trucks allowed on the Express Lanes on I-66 Inside the Beltway?

      No. Trucks are prohibited from traveling on this stretch of I-66 at all times.

  • How the Express Lanes Work
    • How does tolling work?

      Tolls are dynamic and will fluctuate depending on the amount of traffic on the Express Lanes.

    • How will traffic be managed on the Express Lanes?

      As with other Express Lanes facilities, dynamic pricing will manage demand for the lanes to provide users a reliable trip. When traffic volumes increase, tolls will rise, and when traffic volumes decrease, toll rates will fall.

    • Why have Express Lanes?

      Express Lanes provide a more reliable trip by managing traffic demand for buses and carpoolers while giving a new choice for single-occupant vehicles.

    • How will I know my toll price?

      Drivers will see two pricing signs before committing to take the Express Lanes. Signs will show the prices for up to three destinations. Even if your exit is not displayed, you will be able to get a general idea of the toll to your destination based on the other prices.

    • Will my toll rate change while I’m using the Express Lanes?

      No. Drivers will lock in their toll price at the second pricing sign, just before entering the Express Lanes.

    • How can the mobile app help me decide whether to use the Express Lanes?

      The free mobile app for the Express Lanes is designed to provide current toll price estimates and historical pricing data. As more information is gathered, you will have a better idea of what people have paid to use the Express Lanes on certain dates/times on average. This information may help you plan your commute and make your decision about whether to use the Express Lanes.

    • What happens if I enter the Express Lanes while the dynamic pricing message signs are blank during the toll period?

      If a technical issue prevents the dynamic pricing message signs from displaying the current toll prices for a period of time, toll prices will be still be in effect. The Express Lanes team will do everything possible to avoid this scenario and there are multiple backup systems in place to ensure the technology functions correctly. In the event the signs are blank, we will work as quickly as possible to get the signs working again.

  • Express Lanes and E-ZPass
    • Do I need an E-ZPass?

      Yes, you must have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex properly mounted in your vehicle to use the Express Lanes. In addition, your E-ZPass account must always have a positive balance. No toll booths or options to pay cash exist.

    • What happens if I use the Express Lanes without an E-ZPass?

      If you use the Express Lanes without an E-ZPass, an image of your license plate will be captured and you will receive a violation notice requiring the payment of the toll plus an administrative fee.

    • What is the difference between an E-ZPass and an E-ZPass Flex?

      A standard E-ZPass is a device you mount in your vehicle that enables electronic tolling equipment to deduct tolls from a pre-paid account when you use the Express Lanes or other tolled facilities. An E-ZPass Flex operates the same way when in toll mode, but can be switched to HOV mode for toll-free travel when two or more occupants are in your vehicle on the Express Lanes.

      Vehicles with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex switched to toll mode will be tolled.

    • Where can I get an E-ZPass?

      You can get an E-ZPass on the Virginia E-ZPass website. To get an E-ZPass you will need your:

      • Driver’s license number
      • License plate number
      • Credit card information

      You can also get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in Virginia at the following retail locations:

      Northern Virginia

      If you live in Washington, D.C. and want an E-ZPass, you can sign up for an E-ZPass account in Virginia at:http://www.ezpassva.com/ or Maryland at:http://www.ezpassmd.com/.

      In Virginia you can also call: 877-762-7824 or visit your nearest E-ZPass Service Center.

    • How much does E-ZPass cost? Are there monthly fees?

      There is no monthly fee to have an E-ZPass; however, there is an opening balance requirement of $35 per transponder, all of which is available for the payment of tolls. Retail transponders can be obtained for $35 with $15 available for use immediately. The remaining$20 is available after registering the transponder.

      Note that the transponders remain the property of VDOT and must be returned to the Service Center when the account is closed or the customer will be liable for the lost/stolen fee ($10 for a standard transponder, $20 for a Flex transponder).

    • Is there a fee for an E-ZPass Flex?

      If E-ZPass Flex holders do not use their transponder in the HOV mode for a period of more than six months, a one-time only fee of $10 is charged. This fee covers the added costs that are incurred by VDOT to purchase E-ZPass Flex transponders from the manufacturer. The $10 charge can be avoided by swapping the E-ZPass Flex for a standard E-ZPass.

    • How do I swap out my existing E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex?

      You have several ways to exchange a regular E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex:

      • Go to www.EZPassVA.com/EZPages/Get-Flex.aspx and look for "Make the switch to E-ZPass Flex" at the top of the page. Virginia E-ZPass will mail you an E-ZPass Flex and provide you an envelope to mail back your standard E-ZPass.
      • Call the Customer Service Center (1-877-762-7824) – a Flex transponder can be sent to you. Virginia E-ZPass will mail you an E-ZPass Flex and you can use the enclosed envelope to mail back your standard E-ZPass. Or you can drop it off at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers.
      • Visit one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers. Find the Customer Service near you athttp://www.ezpassva.com/

      Transponder exchanges are not accepted at retail “On the Go” locations.

    • What happens if I forget to switch my E-ZPass Flex to HOV mode when I have two or more people in my car? Will I be charged a toll?

      If your E-ZPass Flex is in “toll mode” when you enter the Express Lanes, you will be charged a toll. To ensure that you get your toll-free trip when traveling HOV-2+*, it’s important to make sure you switch your E-ZPass Flex to HOV mode before you get on the Express Lanes.

      *Effective Dec. 5, 2022, this changes to three or more people (HOV-3+).

    • What happens if I forget to switch my E-ZPass Flex to toll mode when I’m traveling alone?

      A state trooper could pull you over and issue a ticket for violation of HOV. Incorrect use of the E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode – including switching between travel modes while on the Express Lanes – may also result in a ticket or being charged. That’s why it’s important to make sure you select the travel mode on your E-ZPass Flex before you get on the road.

  • Stay Informed
    • How do I stay informed about the Express Lanes?
      • Stay updated about the I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway and other projects underway to transform the I-66 corridor by subscribing to our Transform 66 updates.
      • Follow @vadotnova on Twitter for the latest transportation information for Northern Virginia.
      • View real-time traffic conditions and closures by clicking below or by downloading the free 511 mobile app.http://www.511virginia.org/
      • Learn more about the Transform 66 Inside and Outside the Beltway programs. http://www.transform66.org/
      • Learn about I-66 Commuter Choices such as buses, park and ride lots, transportation demand management and bike-sharing programs, which are being funded by toll revenues from the I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway.http://www.novatransit.org/i66commuterchoice/
  • Who to Contact
    • For questions about your E-ZPass account or tolling:

      Contact: 877-762-7824

      Virginia Relay Center (TTY Callers): 800-828-1120

      Automated telephone system is available 24 hours/Customer service representatives are available Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

    • E-ZPass Customer Service Center

      P.O. Box 1234, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422-1234

    • For other questions related to I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway, contact:

      VDOT Customer Service Center

      1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623)

      TTY users can call 711


66 Express Lanes - Inside the Beltway :: Toll Questions (2024)

FAQs

Is I-66 a toll road inside the Beltway? ›

Single-occupant vehicles may use I-66 Inside the Beltway during rush hour. For the first time, drivers traveling alone can choose to travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway during rush hours by paying a toll.

Do you need to pay tolls to drive on 66 towards DC? ›

Drivers traveling to and from Dulles Airport on I-66 Inside the Beltway during the Express Lanes hours must pay a toll with an E-ZPass if traveling alone, or have two or more occupants and an E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV mode to travel for free.

How much is the toll on Route 66 in Virginia? ›

Toll rates in Virginia average $6.10 on new 66 Express Lanes - The Washington Post.

How to avoid the I-66 toll outside the Beltway? ›

Eligible vehicles with three (3) or more passengers with an E-ZPass Flex transponder set to “HOV On” will not be charged a toll for their trip, regardless of how many segments the vehicle travels.

What happens if you accidentally get on the express lane in Virginia? ›

If you travel on Express Lanes without an E-ZPass you will receive a toll invoice or violation notice unless you go to that particular facility's website and make a missed toll payment within a certain number of days of the transaction before the invoice is issued.

How do Express Lanes work in Virginia? ›

The Express Lanes will help get you there faster with quick, simple and predictable travel along 495, 95 and 395 in Northern Virginia. Grab your E-ZPass®, buckle up and enjoy riding in the fast lanes. To navigate the map with touch gestures double-tap and hold your finger on the map, then drag the map.

What time is toll on I-66 Virginia? ›

If you travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway when tolling is in effect Monday through Friday, 5:30-9:30 a.m. eastbound, and 3 -7 p.m. westbound, you need to have an E-ZPass funded and properly mounted in your vehicle.

Are tolls free on weekends in Virginia? ›

I-66 Inside the Beltway:

Solo drivers have the option of paying a toll to use the lanes in the peak direction during rush hours. The lanes remain free for HOV-3+ vehicles (with E-ZPass Flex), buses, motorcycles and emergency response vehicles. The lanes are free to all during off-peak periods, including weekends.

What happens if you don't pay a toll in Virginia? ›

Missed tolls are recorded by the vehicle Enforcement System and will be handled by the "Pay by Plate" system (VDOT), an invoice will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle by the Virginia Department of Transportation Customer Service Center. The Pay by Plate toll rate will be higher then the E-ZPass rate.

Why are 66 express lanes so expensive? ›

Unlike toll roads with fixed rates, prices on the 66 Express Lanes fluctuate based on real-time traffic conditions and demand. Our dynamic pricing system helps prevent congestion and keeps all our drivers getting where they need to go at a consistent, more reliable speed, with a posted speed limit of 70 mph.

What is the most expensive toll road in Virginia? ›

The most expensive to cross in the US is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia. It is one of the largest bridge tunnels at 17.6 miles.

Do you need cash for tolls in Virginia? ›

Drivers can pay using an E-Z Pass transponder or by downloading various toll road apps. Alternatively, you can pay with exact change (coins only) at the booths during certain hours. Drivers who fail to pay their toll may receive a violation notice in the mail from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

How much is a toll violation in Virginia? ›

If the matter proceeds to court, the owner or operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a civil penalty as follows: for a first offense, $50; for a second offense within one year from the first offense, $100; for a third offense within two years from the second offense, $250; and for a fourth and any subsequent offense ...

Is Route 66 in VA a toll road? ›

Travel Options

If you drive alone, you will have a new option to travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway between I-495 and Route 29 in Rosslyn during rush hours in the main commute direction by paying a toll. All you need is an E-ZPass to pay your tolls.

Are there toll roads on Route 66? ›

The 66 Express Outside the Beltway uses a toll-by-segment, or segmental tolling, system. Basically, the 22.5-mile corridor between Gainesville and I-495 is divided into segments – three eastbound, four westbound.

Where is I-66 inside the Beltway Hot lanes? ›

Express Lanes are open during rush hours on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway between I-495 and Route 29 in Rosslyn, providing new travel options and more predictable trips for all travelers. Those who drive alone can use the lanes during rush hours by paying a toll.

What time is toll on 66 Virginia? ›

If you travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway when tolling is in effect Monday through Friday, 5:30-9:30 a.m. eastbound, and 3 -7 p.m. westbound, you need to have an E-ZPass funded and properly mounted in your vehicle.

What are the HOV hours on Route 66 in Virginia? ›

HOV-3 traffic can use the high-occupancy toll (express) lanes on Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Details: www.ExpressLanes.com/395. I-66 Inside the Beltway: The HOV-3 hours are 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. going east and 3 to 7 p.m. going west, Monday through Friday.

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