Tolls in Spain and France are one of the main concerns for those planning a getaway, whether for a motorhome holiday, a business trip, or simply crossing the border.
The good news is that Via Verde works in both Spain and France, provided you activate the correct service before departure. Without this preparation, you may end up wasting time at toll booths or, even worse, travelling without knowing how to pay.
In this article, discover how tolls work in Spain and France, how to use Via Verde, and which motorways are toll roads or free before starting your journey.
How Do Tolls Work In Spain And France?
The Spanish system is mostly a closed system: there is a barrier at the entrance and another at the exit of the section, and the amount to pay is calculated based on the distance travelled between both points.
In France, most motorways also operate under a closed toll system, although some sections use free-flow tolling.
Unlike the open gantries used in Portugal, in Spain and France you will almost always need to slow down or stop at the toll booth, except when using the electronic lane with Via Verde activated.
What Types Of Tolls Exist In Spain And France?
The toll systems in Spain and France are not as homogeneous as in Portugal, as there are several types of tolled roads depending on the infrastructure and managing entity:
1. Motorways (“Autopistas” and “Autoroutes”)
Roads designated with AP and a number in Spain (for example, AP-1) and motorways identified with the letter A in France are generally operated by private companies.
They have tolls along their routes, and prices are based on the distance travelled, similarly to toll roads in Portugal.
2. Toll Roads
As a rule, they are located on road sections close to major cities. The price to pay varies according to the distance travelled.
3. Tolls On Bridges And Tunnels
Common examples include the Cádiz Bay Bridge in Spain or the Millau Viaduct and the Mont Blanc Tunnel in France.
4. Urban Tolls
Some cities, such as Barcelona and Paris, have restricted traffic zones where vehicles with higher pollutant emissions may have to pay access charges or meet environmental requirements.
Which Motorways Are Free In Spain And France?
Contrary to what many people think, Spain has an extensive network of free motorways, known as autovías (prefix “A”). Among the main ones:
- A-1: connects Madrid to the French border via Burgos and Vitoria;
- A-2: connects Madrid to Barcelona, passing through Zaragoza;
- A-3: connects Madrid to Valencia;
- A-4: links Madrid to Seville;
- A-5: connects Madrid to Badajoz, near the Portuguese border;
- A-6: connects Madrid to A Coruña;
- A-7: runs along the eastern coast from the French border to Algeciras;
- A-8: crosses the northern coast from the French border to southern Galicia.
France also has several free motorway sections, particularly around major urban areas and some regional roads. However, most long-distance motorways remain tolled.
In recent years, some Spanish autopistas (AP) whose private concessions ended have also become free after being taken over by the Spanish State.
The AP-68 (Bilbao – Zaragoza) is one of the most recent examples, with its concession ending in November 2026.
How Much Do Tolls Cost In Spain And France?
There is no fixed price, as toll charges in Spain and France vary depending on the section, concessionaire, and vehicle type.
As a reference, the average price in Spain is around €9.50 per 100 km travelled by a passenger car.
As a rule, the most expensive tolls in Spain are found in the Basque Country and Catalonia, where some sections may cost up to €0.50 per kilometre. The cheapest are generally located in Galicia.
In France, toll costs are usually higher, especially on long-distance motorways operated by private concessionaires.
Some motorways also apply higher seasonal rates during summer and Easter.
How Can I Calculate Tolls In Spain And France?
To know how much you will pay before travelling, there are several useful tools, such as:
- Via Verde Toll Calculator: allows route simulations between Portugal, Spain, and France;
- ViaMichelin: calculates toll costs by route and indicates tolled sections;
- Waze: provides real-time toll estimates based on the selected route;
- Concessionaire websites: for specific motorway routes, consult the responsible concessionaire directly.
Is There An Online Toll Map Available For Spain And France?
Yes. Before travelling, use the Official Road Map provided by the Spanish Ministry of Transport and the official motorway information websites in France.
Alternatively, you may use GPS applications such as ViaMichelin, Waze, or Google Maps.
How Are Tolls Paid In Spain And France?
Unlike the electronic tolls without stopping commonly used in Portugal, the Spanish and French systems mainly rely on physical barriers.
At each toll station, there are generally three types of lanes available:
- Electronic lane (Via-T/Via Verde activated): pass without stopping and the amount is automatically charged;
- Automatic card lane: payment by debit or credit card;
- Staffed lane: accepts cash and, in some cases, card payments.
Does Via Verde Work In Spain And France?
Yes, Via Verde works in Spain and France, but an additional service must be activated before travelling.
Unlike Via Verde in Portugal, where the device works automatically throughout the entire network, for Spain and France you must have either Via Verde Traveller or Via Verde Roaming activated.
What Is Via Verde Traveller?
Via Verde Traveller is an additional service that allows automatic payment on 11 Spanish motorways. It is sufficient for travellers heading to specific destinations, such as Galicia or Navarre.
The motorways covered by Traveller include, among others:
- AP-9 (Autopistas del Atlántico, from A Coruña to Vigo);
● AP-66 (Campomanes – León);
● AG-55 (A Coruña – Carballo);
● AG-57 (Puxeiros – Val Miñor);
● AP-15 (Autopistas de Navarra);
● AP-6 (Villalba/Adanero);
● AP-68 (Bilbao – Zaragoza);
● AP-51 (Villacastín/Ávila);
● AP-61 (San Rafael/Segovia);
● AP-53 (Santiago de Compostela – Ourense);
● AP-71 (León – Astorga).
What Is Via Verde Roaming?
Via Verde Roaming is a broader service, launched for customers with new-generation devices (after December 2024). It allows automatic payment on all motorways in Spain and, for light vehicles, also in France.
Via Verde Traveller vs Via Verde Roaming: What Is The Difference?
Both services allow the use of Via Verde in Spain, but with different coverage.
Before travelling, understand which one best suits your journey.
| Via Verde Traveller | Via Verde Roaming | |
| Coverage | 11 Spanish motorways | All motorways in Spain and France (light vehicles) |
| Parking | No | Yes. More than 300 in Spain and 400 in France |
| Cost | Free (you only pay tolls) | €1.99/month during months of use + tolls |
| Device type | MDR (Medium Data Rate) | New generation (post-December 2024) |
| Compatible plans | Motorway, Mobility and Mobility Light | Motorway, Mobility, Mobility Light and Go Toll & Beyond |
| Available for purchase option? | No | No |
How To Activate Via Verde For Use In Spain And France?
The activation process is simple and can be completed online. However, you should do it in advance, as activation may take up to 24 hours to become operational.
To Activate Traveller
- Access your customer area on the Via Verde website;
- Go to “Vehicles and Devices”;
- Click on the Traveller icon and follow the instructions.
To Activate Roaming
If you subscribed to Via Verde after December 2024, the Roaming service is already active by default on your device. You can confirm this in “Vehicles and Devices”.
If you subscribed before December 2024, your device is not compatible. You will need to request a replacement device following the steps indicated in the customer area.
How To Use Via Verde At Tolls In Spain And France?
Once the service is active, operation is simple and similar to what you are used to in Portugal:
- At toll stations, look for lanes identified with Via-T or Télépéage;
- Slow down when approaching the barrier and wait for it to open automatically;
- The journey will be recorded and the amount charged together with the other Via Verde services to the associated bank account.
Does Via Verde Also Work In Car Parks In Spain And France?
Yes, but only with the Via Verde Roaming service activated.
This service includes access to more than 300 car parks in Spain and 400 in France compatible with electronic payment systems, some of which use automatic number plate recognition (ALPR).
The process is similar to toll roads: simply slow down at the barrier and wait for it to open automatically, with the amount charged together with the other Via Verde services.
Avoid surprises and parking fines by ensuring that the car park you wish to use accepts Via Verde.
What Important Precautions Should You Take To Avoid Problems With Tolls In Spain And France?
To ensure that your journey runs smoothly and without traffic fines, keep the following points in mind:
- Activate the service in advance: Traveller or Roaming activation may take up to 24 hours. Do not leave it until the day of travel;
- Confirm the type of device: Traveller requires an MDR device and Roaming requires devices purchased after December 2024. Check yours before activating;
- Choose the correct toll lane: if Via Verde is active, use only lanes signposted with Via-T or Télépéage;
- Always carry a bank card: even with Via Verde activated, it is advisable to have a card as an alternative should the device fail to be read;
- Check your route before departure: not all motorways in Spain and France are tolled. Check your itinerary in advance to avoid surprises.
In addition, it is advisable to carry out preventive maintenance before travelling. This ensures your safety, that of your passengers, and that of other road users.
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