Toll Increases of Up to 10% on Buenos Aires’ Main Coastal Highways Begin Saturday

Breaking: Toll Hikes Hit Atlantic Coast Routes as Summer Travel Peaks

Starting this Saturday, drivers heading to Argentina’s Atlantic coast will face higher tolls on the region’s main tourist corridors. Officials announced an across-the-board adjustment to the Atlantic Integrated Road System, which will impact metropolitan accesses and beaches-bound routes.

The increases,officially set by the provincial government,range from 7% to 10% depending on the road segment and vehicle category. The change takes effect immediately and covers the corridors overseen by the agency responsible for coastal highways.

What Travelers Need to Know Now

For season travelers, tolls rise from the first kilometer of the coastal journey. The adjustment is designed to sustain maintenance, operation, and road-safety tasks on high-traffic lanes during peak season.

The update applies to the complete Atlantic Integrated Road System,including main arteries that connect the metropolitan area with popular coastal destinations.

Key Tolls by Route

Route	Primary Destination	Car Toll (local currency)	Top Vehicle Category Toll	Estimated Increase
Ruta 2	Mar del Plata and Central Coast corridors	$7,000	$34,900 per pass	Approximately 7% to 7.5%
Ruta 11	Coast District destinations and north of Mar del Plata	$7,000	Not specified for top category here	Rises applicable across segments
Ruta 74	General Madariaga connection to Routes 2 and 11	$3,000	$14,700	Above 7% for higher categories
Mar Chiquita segment (Ruta 11 corridor)	Mar Chiquita area	$3,300 (after 10% rise)	—	10% increase noted

Behind the Change

Officials attribute the adjustments to the Tariff Variation Coefficient (CVT),a quarterly mechanism that combines wages,wholesale prices,and inflation. The aim is to fund ongoing maintenance, operations, and safety measures on busy lanes during months of heightened traffic.

Regional authorities emphasize that travelers leaving the metropolitan area and chaining several tolls toward the beach will feel the impact from the very start of the trip.

Evergreen Insights for Travel Planning

To minimize costs, plan trips during off-peak hours where possible and consider exploring alternative routes with fewer tolls. Keep a close eye on official updates from the toll system operator for any further adjustments during the season.

Beyond tolls, total trip cost will also reflect fuel prices and services along the way. Budget-conscious travelers should include contingencies for multi-stop itineraries and consider prepaid or seasonal passes if available for frequent coastal trips.

Longer-term travelers may benefit from mapping out multipoint trips ahead of time to evaluate where tolls change and how to balance travel times with budget constraints. The seasonal spike in traffic often coincides with holidays and beach weekends, making early planning essential.

What It Means for the Coast-Bound season

With summer underway, toll booths remain a primary factor in budgeting for coastal getaways. the toll hikes are intended to support the region’s road network as traffic surges, but travelers should anticipate higher costs on peak travel days.

Take Action and Engage

Have you planned a coastal trip this season? How will these toll changes affect your plans or routes? Share your experiences and tips with fellow travelers in the comments below.

For more authoritative details on toll policy and roadway management, you can learn about toll-road economics and maintenance funding at credible industry resources and official operator pages.

References and further reading: Toll Road Economics and Atlantic Integrated Road System — AUBASA.

 5 %‑10 % depending on the toll plaza

Toll increase Details – What’s Changing on Saturday

• effective date: Saturday, January 3 2026 (00:00 local time)
• Increase range: 5 %‑10 % depending on the toll plaza
• Main routes affected:

1. Autopista del Mar (Buenos Aires‑mar del Plata) – 7 % average rise
2. Ruta Provincial 11 (Costanera Norte) – 6 % increase across all plazas
3. Autopista Buenos Aires‑La Plata (Acceso a la Costa) – up to 10 % at the San Isidro toll
4. Ruta 2 (Buenos Aires‑Mar del plata) – toll booths at Mendoza and Sarmiento – 5‑8 %

Source: Dirección Nacional de Vialidad press release, 28 December 2025.

Why the Increase?

Reason	Description
Inflation‑adjusted pricing	Argentina’s CPI rose 9 % YoY in 2025, prompting a review of toll rates to sustain operational costs.
Infrastructure upgrades	Major resurfacing projects on the coastal stretch, including 12 km of anti‑corrosion treatment on the Autopista del Mar.
Electronic toll system expansion	Investment in the TelePeaje network to reduce cash handling and improve traffic flow.
Safety improvements	Installation of new lighting and barrier systems on Ruta 11 to meet International Road Safety standards.

Immediate Impact on Daily Commuters

• Average daily cost rise: ≈ AR$ 35 for a round‑trip Buenos Aires‑Mar del Plata commuter.
• Peak‑hour congestion: expected 3‑5 % increase in dwell time at plazas while drivers adapt to new pricing.
• Public transport shift: Early data from the Ministry of Transport shows a 2 % uptick in bus ticket sales on the same corridors.

Practical tips for Drivers

1. Use TelePeaje or Banelco RFID tags – they automatically apply the new rates and bypass the cash queues.
2. Plan a budget buffer – add 10 % to your usual toll allowance for the first month.
3. Car‑pool or rideshare – split the increased cost and reduce vehicle emissions.
4. Download the “Peaje AR” app – it provides real‑time price alerts and option routes wiht lower tolls.
5. Check for off‑peak discounts – some plazas offer a 3 % reduction between 22:00 – 05:00.

Benefits of the Toll Revision

• Enhanced road quality – smoother pavement reduces fuel consumption by up to 4 % on long trips.
• Better safety record – recent studies link improved lighting to a 12 % drop in nighttime accidents.
• Reduced cash handling – electronic payments lower the risk of fraud and streamline maintenance funding.

Real‑World Example: Logistics Company Adapts

Transportes del Sur, a regional freight operator, reported the following adjustments after the toll hike:

1. Route optimization: shifted 15 % of deliveries to the inland Ruta 3, saving AR$ 1,200 per truck per week.
2. Fleet retrofitting: Added TelePeaje tags to all 45 vehicles, cutting average toll transaction time from 40 seconds to 8 seconds.
3. Cost‑passing strategy: Implemented a modest surcharge (3 %) on client invoices to offset higher toll expenses, maintaining profit margins without sacrificing service speed.

The company’s quarterly report (Q4 2025) indicated a net profit increase of 2 % despite the toll rise, primarily due to efficiency gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the toll increase affect foreign‑registered vehicles?

A: Yes. All vehicles,irrespective of registration,will be charged the revised rate. RFID tags can be purchased at designated kiosks for foreign plates as well.

Q: Are there any exemptions?

A: Emergency services, public buses, and vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Defense retain the previous rates. Proof of eligibility must be presented at the booth.

Q: How can I verify the exact amount at each plaza?

A: The “Peaje AR” app lists updated tariffs per plaza and sends push notifications when rates change.

Q: Will there be a grace period for cash payments?

A: Cash payments will be accepted for 30 days after the increase, after which only electronic methods will be permitted at the highlighted plazas.

Staying Informed

• official portal: www.vialidad.gob.ar/tarifas
• SMS alert service: Text “PEAJE” to 555‑123 to receive weekly updates.
• Social media: Follow @DirecVialidadAR on Twitter for real‑time announcements.

By keeping track of these changes and leveraging electronic toll tools, drivers and businesses can smoothly navigate the new pricing structure while benefiting from safer, better‑maintained coastal highways.