A22 tolls a reality: Guide to Payment Options and Charges now available in English
The long-anticipated toll charging system for the Algarve’s A22 motorway came into effect on 8th December 2011. The system covers the length of the A22, but some toll-free, short journeys can be made, particularly between adjacent exits. For example, it is possible to cross the bridge from Spain using the A22 and transfer to the N125, or to travel from Bensafrim to Lagos, without incurring a charge.
The normal toll rate for class 1 small cars is 9c/km. The class 1 journey from Lagos to the airport currently costs €6.60 including IVA. Toll rates for 9-seaters, SUVs and other larger vehicles are higher. There are no toll booths as such. The system captures number plate information using cameras mounted on overhead gantries, and automatically creates or updates an account for each vehicle identified.
Originally scheduled to be introduced in April, the A22 tolls have been strongly resisted by local residents and businesses. This is despite the exemptions and discounts being offered temporarily to people living or working in adjacent council areas. Visitors to the Algarve, particularly the Spanish, have also opposed the measure, going so far as joining with the locals in demonstrations involving hundreds of vehicles.
Now that the system is in use, the protests have not abated. The main anti-toll pressure group has filed an injunction in the Loulé court, more demonstrations are being organised and overhead cameras have even been destroyed by gunfire.
Other teething troubles include a shortage of the transponder devices used to control payments. In principle, these should be available from various sources, including local post offices, Via Verde shops, MSCar and ACP (Automobile Club of Portugal). Via Verde has temporary shops in Portimão, Faro and Tavira.
However, payment can always be made after using the motorway, for example in a post office, so long as payment is made no sooner than 48 hours and no longer than 5 working days after use. It is also possible to check pending charges by entering the car registration number on the post office website
Local residents with Portuguese-registered vehicles can obtain vehicle-specific transponder devices that enable them to take advantage of rebates, and to use the Via Verde system on other motorways throughout Portugal. Charges can be pre-paid or paid by direct debit. The rebates include 10 free trips per month and a discount of 15% thereafter, but these concessions are likely to be withdrawn by mid-2012.
It is also possible for both Portuguese and foreign registered vehicle drivers to obtain a temporary transponder for the A22 and similar unattended motorways, by making a deposit payment of €27.50 and a minimum class 1 pre-paid charge of €10. The transponder rental is €6 for the first week, and €2.50 for each subsequent week.
Foreign vehicle drivers can pre-pay over the internet, either to create a pre-payment account (minimum of €10) valid for 5 working days, or to purchase a fixed price 3-day “pass” (€20 plus €2.50 plus IVA in charges), or a fixed itinerary “pass”.
For the time being, car rental companies expect drivers to arrange toll payments themselves, although most are planning to install transponders and to include toll costs in the final car rental charge.
Failure to pay toll fees is a misdemeanour subject to a fine for all users, both domestic and foreign. The fine is 10 times the rate of toll, with a minimum of 25 euros and a maximum of 125 euros.
A summary of the payment options and charges for both Portuguese and foreign-registered vehicles is available in English here or in Portuguese via this link
20 Responses to “A22 tolls a reality: Guide to Payment Options and Charges now available in English”
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noelhelly on January 16th, 2012
How much will it cost to go from Faro to Alvor on a22
John Tranmer on January 17th, 2012
For a normal size car (class 1) it will be approximately 5.50 euros.
Lee Ridley on February 10th, 2012
How is a foreign visitor with a rental car supposed to pay when they need the motorway to get to the airport prior to flying home?
John Tranmer on February 11th, 2012
The car rental agencies are supposed to be fitting transponders. Lagorent Rent a Car, for example, have already equipped their fleet. Other agencies are awaiting delivery of their new 2012 cars. Clients can use the A22 motorway, as well as all other Portuguese motorways and toll bridges. The rental car agency will then deduct the toll use charges from a specified credit card 48 hours after the return of the hire vehicle, and forward a detailed receipt for the client’s records.
More infomation at:www.lagorent.com
Jimmy Wilkins on June 29th, 2012
I will be traveling from Spain to the Faro airport and leaving my personal car for 12 days. Upon my return I will drive directly back across the border into Spain. So I won’t be using the motorway but my car will be in the country during that time. Any idea on what the toll cost will be for me with this scenario?
John Tranmer on July 2nd, 2012
The toll cost on the A22 between the Spanish border at Ayamonte and Faro would be about €5 each way.
junglejim on July 17th, 2012
on a recent trip to the algarve I noticed much heavier use on the dreaded 125 and like old days in the week I was there 3 serious accidents and more to follow this summer any profit from the new toll will not in anyway cover the increased cost of the growing number of accidents on that crap road the powers that be have again shot themselves in the foot what a cockup
brooksc7 on August 6th, 2012
How much will it cost us in our hire car to get from Faro airport to Loule.
Thank you
John Tranmer on August 7th, 2012
You don’t use the A22 to get from the airport to Loulé. You can take the IC4 and N125-4. So no toll fees.
brooksc7 on August 7th, 2012
Thankyou for that info – will defo use the IC4 and n125!!
MarkyMarc on September 25th, 2012
I used the A22 extensively for the last two weeks. We clocked up over 1400km. Did trips like Gale to Seville return; and return trips to Lagos, Silves, Tavira and Sagres. Total cost was just over 40 Euros. Had to makes sure the final 48 hours was done on the N125 – but well worth avoiding the hassle of that road for most of the holiday!
Coshog on July 15th, 2013
I’ve used this road. The vehical hire company did not tell me about the tolls. How do I pay them. I’m here for about 10 days and so far I’ve travel from faro airport th Lagos
John Tranmer on July 15th, 2013
You can pay at a Post Office or other payment centre but you need to allow 48 hours for the information to get into the system. You can check what infomration for your car is in the system by going to:
http://www.ctt.pt/fectt/wcmservlet/ctt/particulares/servicos_financeiros/portagens/meus_movimentos/valor-em-divida.jsp
and typing in the car registration number.
Spanish tourist on August 27th, 2013
I travelled on 22/08 from Spain to Faro and the next day back using the A22. I would like to pay my toll charge online, but can only find pay options for EC, Post Office with NAVe, Payshop Agent or Multibanco?
I am already back to the UK. How can I pay?
Many thanks.
John Tranmer on August 30th, 2013
This is precisely the problem that many visitors have. The time limit for payment is fast approaching, and the only solution is to get someone else with a Multibanco card or access to a Post Office to pay on your behalf. Faced with this dilemma, many take the view that, if the Portuguese authorities cannot provide a workable payment system, then it is not the fault of road users if they cannot pay.
wizard72 on November 16th, 2013
I am travelling down to the Algarve at the beginning of January 2014 and I will be using the A22 on and off for 3 months. What would be the best way to pay my tolls?
John Tranmer on November 18th, 2013
The best systems for foreign-registered vehicles are ‘Easy Toll’ and ‘Toll Card’. Introduced in 2012, Easy Toll is available at border crossings into Portugal, including Vila Formoso (A25), Vila Real de Santo António (A22), Chaves (A24) and Vila Nova de Cerveira (EN13). Machines have been installed for users to pay tolls and staff are available to provide information. The Easy Toll system enables drivers to associate their number plate to a bank card for a period of up to one month, with toll charges being debited directly from their account. Toll Card meanwhile is a method whereby users can buy a card that is prepaid with five, ten, 20 or 40 euros, and can be activated and linked to a vehicle licence number by sending a text message. Toll cards can be bought online, at post offices and motorway service stations.
Jackie on January 15th, 2015
Hi I’m looking to hire from Liz cars who don’t charge up front for the tolls, they advised can use the post office or I will be sent a bill to my home address on my return to pay. Is this correct will they bill me at home?
John Tranmer on February 2nd, 2015
Sorry for late response. Luz Cars are a good company so I would believe what they say. You may also be interested in the following:
http://algarvedailynews.com/news/4494-toll-evaders-let-off-due-to-sloppy-prosecution
It appears that, unless the authorities can identify the driver as well as the registration number of the vehicle, that they have no legal right to collect the toll money.
Ian of Marlow on December 22nd, 2015
I have been notified that my credit card was not successful in paying tolls on the A22 in Portugal between the 20 and 27th November ’15. Gold Car Rental advised some contact details and I have asked how much I owe and I am happy to pay accordingly. The response I have got seems to have come from another body, not responsible for A22 payments. Does anyone know who I need to contact???