A worked example
Sophie lives in Ryde and commutes to her office in North Sydney five days a week. Her route takes her through the Lane Cove Tunnel both ways. With an e-tag, the Lane Cove Tunnel costs $3.38 each way (light vehicle, off-peak), or $6.76 per day.
Over a standard working year, Sophie works roughly 48 weeks (allowing for annual leave and public holidays). That's 240 working days. Her annual toll cost for this single tunnel is 240 × $6.76 = $1,622.40.
Sophie also uses the Harbour Bridge twice a week to visit clients in the CBD, adding $4.50 per crossing. That's $9 per week, or roughly $432 annually (48 weeks).
Her total annual toll bill comes to $2,054.40. If her employer doesn't reimburse tolls, this comes straight out of her after-tax income. She can't claim it as a tax deduction unless she uses her own car for work travel (not commuting between home and her regular workplace). Sophie sets up a monthly direct debit with her toll provider to avoid missed payments and penalty notices.
State-by-state differences
- NSW: The most expensive toll network in Australia. Sydney has 13 toll roads including the M2, M5, M7, Cross City Tunnel, Lane Cove Tunnel, Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, WestConnex and NorthConnex. Many daily commuters pay $15-25 per day. NSW has no daily or weekly toll cap for private vehicles.
- VIC: Melbourne has fewer toll roads. CityLink (owned by Transurban) connects the Tullamarine and Monash freeways. Costs are lower than Sydney, typically $3-10 per trip. The new West Gate Tunnel is due to open with tolls expected from 2025. You need a pass from Linkt, Eastlink or another provider.
- QLD: Brisbane toll roads include the Logan Motorway, Gateway Motorway, Go Between Bridge, Clem7, Legacy Way and AirportlinkM7. Queensland offers a toll relief program for frequent users who make 51 or more trips in a quarter, providing a 25% rebate on trips after the threshold.
- WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT: No toll roads currently operate in these states or territories. Road funding comes from general taxation and vehicle registration fees.
Common mistakes people make
- Assuming tolls are tax deductible for your daily commute: The ATO does not allow deductions for travel between home and your regular place of work, even if tolls are involved. You can only claim tolls if you're travelling between worksites, visiting clients, or doing work-related travel that isn't your normal commute. Keep a logbook if you do mixed travel.
- Forgetting about different peak and off-peak rates: Many Sydney toll roads charge more during peak hours (roughly 6:30-9:30am and 4-7pm weekdays). An M5 East trip might cost $5.37 off-peak but more during peak times. If you have flexibility in your hours, travelling outside peak can save hundreds annually.
- Not linking multiple toll accounts: If you have accounts with different providers (Linkt, E-Toll, EastLink), you might be paying multiple monthly account fees. Most providers now have reciprocal agreements. You can usually manage all NSW, VIC and QLD tolls through one account and one tag, saving $1-3 per month in duplicate fees.
- Ignoring employer toll reimbursement policies: Some employers reimburse tolls for work travel or offer salary packaging arrangements. Always check your enterprise agreement or employment contract. If you use your car for work regularly, negotiate toll coverage as part of your package.
What this calculator doesn't account for
This calculator estimates typical toll costs based on standard e-tag pricing for light passenger vehicles. It does not account for heavy vehicle or truck tolls, which are substantially higher and often calculated per axle. Motorcycle discounts (usually 50% off car rates on most toll roads) are not included.
The calculator uses current published rates as at 2025-26 and cannot predict future toll increases. Most toll roads are indexed annually, typically in line with CPI or a contractual formula (often CPI + 1-4%). Your actual costs next year will likely be higher.
We don't factor in toll relief schemes like the Queensland 25% rebate for frequent users, or temporary government rebate programs that occasionally appear. Video toll fees (higher rates for vehicles without tags) and administrative fees for missed tolls are also excluded.
Edge cases and nuances
Changing vehicle registration mid-year: If you sell your car or buy a new one, you must update your e-tag account within days. Tolls charged to the wrong plate can result in penalty notices sent to the new owner, and you'll still be liable for the original toll plus admin fees. Transfer your tag immediately or close the account.
Rental cars and toll processing fees: Most rental companies charge $3-15 per day for toll processing on top of the actual toll cost. A $5 toll can become $20 over two days. Consider asking for a rental that includes a toll pass, or hire from providers who offer lower toll admin fees. Always compare the processing fee structure, not just the daily rental rate.
Interstate travel with one state's e-tag: A NSW Linkt account works in Queensland and Victoria, but you need to ensure your account is linked correctly. Some older tags or accounts may not have automatic cross-border recognition enabled. Check before you travel or you might cop video toll rates (often double the e-tag price) plus processing fees, even though you have an active tag in another state.
