Toll Roads in Atlanta: What Drivers Really Need to Know

If you drive in or around Atlanta, Georgia, you’ve probably heard people talk about “toll lanes,” “Peach Pass,” or “express lanes.” That can make it confusing to answer a basic question:

Are there toll roads in Atlanta?

The short answer is:
Atlanta does not have traditional toll roads, but it does have several major toll express lanes where you pay to use specific lanes on existing highways.

Below is a practical guide to how tolls work in Atlanta, where they are, and what locals and visitors should know before getting on the road.

Toll Roads vs. Express Lanes in Atlanta

In many parts of the country, a toll road is a standalone highway where every vehicle pays to use the road at all times.

In Atlanta, things are different:

• There are no full-length, stand-alone toll highways where every driver pays just to use the road.
• Instead, Atlanta has “Express Lanes” (also called Managed Lanes or HOT lanes) built alongside existing interstates.
• These are optional: you can drive on the regular lanes for free, or pay to use the express lanes for a typically faster, more reliable trip.

These express lanes are mainly operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and use a system called Peach Pass.

Where You’ll Find Toll/Express Lanes Around Atlanta

Here are the main toll express lane systems you’re likely to encounter in the Atlanta metro area.

I‑85 Express Lanes (Northeast Atlanta)

The I‑85 Express Lanes run primarily through the Gwinnett County area, northeast of downtown, roughly between:

• I‑285 (Spaghetti Junction) and
• areas north near Buford.

Key points:

• These lanes are separated from the general lanes with double-striped lines and entrance/exit points.
• Tolls are dynamic (they go up or down depending on traffic levels).
• You need a Peach Pass transponder to use them.

I‑75 South Metro Express Lanes

The South Metro Express Lanes run along I‑75 in Henry County (south of Atlanta), near McDonough, Stockbridge, and surrounding communities.

Highlights:

• Reversible lanes:
  • Usually northbound toward Atlanta in the morning,
  • southbound away from Atlanta in the evening.
• Heavily used by commuters who live south of the city.
• Also Peach Pass only.

I‑75 / I‑575 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes

These lanes serve the northwest suburbs, including parts of Cobb County and Cherokee County, running along:

• I‑75
• I‑575

Similar to the South Metro lanes:

• Lanes are reversible, changing direction with peak traffic.
• Designed for people commuting between Atlanta and areas like Kennesaw, Acworth, and Woodstock.
• Access requires a Peach Pass.

How the Toll System Works in Atlanta

Peach Pass: Your Key to the Lanes

To use most toll/express lanes around Atlanta, you need a Peach Pass.

What is Peach Pass?

• An electronic toll transponder linked to your Peach Pass account.
• Mounted on your windshield, it allows tolls to be deducted automatically as you pass under overhead readers.

Where it’s used:

• I‑85 Express Lanes
• I‑75 South Metro Express Lanes
• I‑75 / I‑575 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes
• Some other Georgia express lanes and partner toll systems.

How it charges you:

• Tolls are charged per segment you drive in the express lanes.
• Rates are dynamic—they may cost more during rush hour and less during lighter traffic.

Do You Have to Pay Tolls Just to Drive in Atlanta?

No.
You can live in, visit, or drive through Atlanta and never pay a toll if you stick to:

• Regular interstate lanes (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, GA‑400 general lanes, etc.)
• Surface streets and local roads (Peachtree Street, Clairmont Road, Piedmont Road, etc.)

The toll/express lanes are:

• Optional
• Clearly marked with Express Lanes / Peach Pass signs
• Usually physically separated or lined off from the free lanes

Who Should Consider Using Atlanta’s Toll/Express Lanes?

The express lanes can be useful for:

• Daily commuters into and out of Atlanta who want a more predictable travel time.
• Airport trips when you’re worried about missing a flight and traffic looks heavy (especially from the south and northwest suburbs).
• Visitors coming from the suburbs during rush hour who are comfortable using toll systems.

People who often do not need the express lanes:

• Drivers who mostly travel midday, late evening, or weekends when traffic is lighter.
• Locals who stay on intown surface streets and avoid peak commute corridors.

Costs: How Much Do Tolls Typically Run?

In Atlanta, toll rates on express lanes are usually:

• Variable: They change automatically based on real-time traffic.
• Designed so that the express lanes stay moving faster than the general lanes.

You might see:

• Very low rates during off-peak times.
• Higher rates during heavy rush hour, especially near key interchanges like I‑285.

The exact price you pay depends on:

• Time of day
• How far you travel in the express lane
• Traffic levels when you enter

Most drivers treat the lanes as a pay-when-it’s-worth-it option, not something they use every single trip.

Using the Lanes: Practical Tips for Atlanta Drivers

1. Look for the Signs

Express lanes are clearly signed with:

• “Express Lanes” or “Peach Pass Only”
• Overhead electronic boards that show current toll rates
• Specific entrance and exit zones

🚗 Tip: You can’t legally cross the solid double lines to jump in or out; use the designated access points.

2. Keep an Eye on Direction (Reversible Lanes)

On I‑75 South and I‑75/I‑575 Northwest Corridor, the express lanes change direction depending on the time of day.

• Morning: typically toward Atlanta
• Evening: typically away from Atlanta

Electronic signs before you enter will show:

• Which direction the lanes are open
• Whether they are “Closed” or “Open to Traffic”

3. Don’t Enter If You Don’t Have a Peach Pass

In most cases:

• No Peach Pass = no legal access to these express lanes.
• Some violations could result in fines or penalties.

If you accidentally enter without a Peach Pass:

• You may receive a toll violation notice in the mail based on your license plate.

Renting a Car in Atlanta: What to Know About Tolls

If you’re visiting Atlanta and using a rental car, toll use can be more complicated:

• Many rental companies offer toll programs that automatically bill you for tolls plus additional service or convenience fees.
• Peach Pass is tied to license plates, so if the rental company has a program, your tolls may go through that system rather than your own Peach Pass.

Before driving:

1. Ask at the rental counter how tolls and express lanes are handled.
2. Decide whether you’re comfortable using the express lanes with their fee structure.
3. When in doubt, you can avoid the express lanes entirely and stay in the free general lanes.

Common Questions About Toll Roads in Atlanta

Is GA‑400 Still a Toll Road?

Historically, GA‑400 north of Atlanta had a traditional toll plaza.
That toll plaza was removed, and GA‑400 is now toll-free in its general lanes.

However, GA‑400 may be connected to the wider express lane network and projects, so:

• General lanes = free
• Any future or connected express lanes may require Peach Pass

Are There Any Places Where You Must Pay a Toll?

Within Atlanta’s core highway system:

• You can always choose free lanes instead of paying a toll, as long as you avoid the express lanes.

There are no mandatory toll-only bridges or tunnels that everyone must pay to use in the city.

What If I Enter an Express Lane By Mistake?

If you:

• Miss a sign or enter at an access point unintentionally,
• And you do not have a Peach Pass,

You may:

• Be billed by mail for the toll plus possible administrative fees.
• Want to check your vehicle registration address to ensure you receive any notices.

Key Takeaways: Atlanta and Toll Roads at a Glance

If You Need Help or More Local Information

For official, up-to-date details about tolls and express lanes in the Atlanta area, residents and visitors typically look to:

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
TransComm Building (Main Offices – not a walk-up toll service center)
600 W. Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Phone: 404-631-1990

State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA)
(Oversees Peach Pass and many express lanes)
245 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Suite 2200
Atlanta, GA 30303
General Phone: 404-893-6100

These agencies provide:

• Detailed maps of express lanes
• Peach Pass account setup options
• Customer service for billing and lane usage questions

For day-to-day driving in Atlanta, you can absolutely get around without ever paying a toll. If you do choose to use the express lanes, having a Peach Pass and a basic understanding of how dynamic tolling works will make your trip smoother and more predictable.