Road travel across India has become faster and more organised with the expansion of national highways and expressways. However, one unavoidable part of highway journeys is toll payment. Toll charges vary depending on the route, distance, and number of toll plazas along the way. While digital payment methods such as FASTag have made toll transactions easier, there are still times when knowing the exact toll cost in advance becomes extremely useful.

To address this need, Google Maps introduced a feature that allows users to view estimated toll prices directly while planning a route. This update helps travellers make informed decisions by comparing toll roads with non-toll alternatives before starting their journey.

Why Checking Toll Charges in Advance Matters

For frequent highway travellers, toll expenses can add up quickly. Knowing toll rates beforehand helps in:

• Planning travel budgets more accurately

• Avoiding last-minute cash issues

• Choosing cost-effective routes

• Deciding between faster toll roads and free alternative routes

With Google Maps showing toll estimates, users no longer need to rely on guesswork or third-party apps.

Google Maps Toll Price Feature: What It Does

Google officially announced on its community platform that the toll pricing feature was rolled out to make route selection easier. The feature displays estimated toll charges based on the selected route, helping users decide whether to take toll roads or regular roads.

The toll prices shown are calculated using factors such as:

• Distance covered

• Toll plazas on the route

• Regional toll rates

While the prices are estimates, they offer a reliable idea of what drivers can expect to pay.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Toll Charges on Google Maps

Using Google Maps to check toll fees is simple and takes only a few seconds.

Step 1:
Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone.

Step 2:
Enter your current location and your destination in the search bar.

Step 3:
Once the route loads, Google Maps will display route options along with estimated travel time, distance, and toll cost (if applicable).

Step 4:
Review the toll amount shown on the screen. If satisfied, tap Start to begin navigation.

This feature works seamlessly for most national highways and major roads across the country.

Customise Toll Settings for Better Route Planning

Google Maps also allows users to customise toll-related preferences:

• Show toll prices with or without a toll pass:
  In some regions, toll rates vary based on the payment method. This option helps users see accurate pricing.

• Avoid toll roads entirely:
  If you prefer not to pay toll charges, you can enable the “Avoid tolls” option in route settings. Google Maps will then suggest alternative routes wherever possible.

These settings are especially helpful for budget-conscious travellers or those driving in unfamiliar areas.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Toll prices shown on Google Maps are estimates, not final charges

• Actual toll fees may vary due to vehicle type or local changes

• Some smaller toll plazas may not yet reflect pricing accurately

Despite these limitations, the feature is a major step forward in improving travel transparency.

Final Thoughts

Google Maps’ toll price feature makes road travel more predictable and stress-free. Whether you are planning a long road trip or a short highway commute, checking toll charges in advance allows you to travel smarter and plan better. With options to compare routes, avoid tolls, or factor in costs beforehand, Google Maps continues to evolve as an essential travel companion for Indian motorists.