About the M50 Toll Road
The M50 is a C-shaped orbital motorway that encircles Dublin. It's the busiest road in Ireland and serves as a crucial transport artery for the city and surrounding areas. The toll section is located between Junction 6 (Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (Lucan), where the motorway crosses the River Liffey on the West-Link Bridge.
Unlike many other toll roads in Ireland, the M50 toll uses a barrier-free system, meaning there are no toll booths where you stop to pay. Instead, cameras record your vehicle's license plate as you drive through the toll section, and you must pay separately.
Important Notice
Failure to pay the M50 toll by 8 PM the day after your journey results in an automatic penalty. These penalties increase significantly over time and can lead to legal action if left unpaid.
M50 Toll Rates (2025)
Toll rates vary depending on your vehicle type and whether you have an account. Here are the current rates:
| Vehicle Type | Tag Account | Video Account | Unregistered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | €2.10 | €2.70 | €3.20 |
| Small Vans/Buses | €3.50 | €4.30 | €4.90 |
| Large Trucks/Buses | €4.30 | €5.30 | €6.50 |
| Large Trucks (4+ axles) | €6.10 | €7.10 | €8.60 |
Note: Rates are subject to change. These prices were last updated in March 2025.
How to Pay the M50 Toll
There are several ways to pay the M50 toll:
1. Pay Online
The official payment website is eFlow.ie. You can make a one-time payment or set up an account for regular travel.
2. Pay by Phone
Call the eFlow customer service line at 01 4614000 (or +353 1 4614000 from abroad).
3. Pay at Retail Outlets
You can pay at Payzone outlets throughout Ireland. Look for the Payzone sign in participating shops, petrol stations, and convenience stores.
4. Electronic Tag
If you travel the M50 regularly, consider getting an electronic tag from providers like eFlow, TollTag, or DirectRoute. These tags work on all toll roads in Ireland.
Tourist Tip
If you've rented a car in Ireland, check with your rental company about their M50 toll policy. Many rental companies automatically charge for M50 tolls (plus an administrative fee) rather than expecting you to pay directly.
M50 Toll Payment Deadline
You must pay the M50 toll by 8 PM the day after your journey. For example, if you travel on Tuesday, you have until 8 PM on Wednesday to pay.
Penalty Structure for Late Payments
- Initial charge: If paid by 8 PM the next day - standard rate applies
- First penalty: If not paid by the deadline - standard rate + €3.00
- Second penalty: If not paid within 14 days - standard rate + €41.00
- Third penalty: If not paid within 56 days - standard rate + €103.00
- Legal proceedings: Continued non-payment may result in court proceedings
M50 Toll Location and Map
The M50 toll point is located between Junction 6 (Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (Lucan) as the motorway crosses the River Liffey on the West-Link Bridge.
M50 toll point location between Junction 6 and Junction 7
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I've passed through the M50 toll?
There are clear signs indicating the toll point as you approach it on the M50. The toll section is between Junction 6 (Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (Lucan) where the motorway crosses the River Liffey. If you've traveled on this section of the M50, you've passed through the toll point.
What happens if I forget to pay the M50 toll?
If you forget to pay by 8 PM the following day, you'll automatically receive a penalty. The first penalty adds €3.00 to the standard rate. If you still don't pay within 14 days, the penalty increases to €41.00 on top of the standard rate. After 56 days, it increases to €103.00. Continued non-payment may result in legal proceedings.
Do I need to pay if I'm driving a rental car?
Most rental car companies in Ireland have their own process for handling M50 tolls. Some automatically pay the toll and charge it to your rental bill (often with an additional administrative fee). Others expect you to pay the toll yourself. Always check the rental agreement or ask the rental company about their toll policy before traveling on the M50.
Can I pay the M50 toll in advance?
Yes, you can pay for future journeys up to 30 days in advance through the eFlow website or by calling their customer service. This is particularly useful for tourists who know they'll be using the M50 on specific dates. You'll need to provide your vehicle registration number and the date(s) of travel.
Are there any exemptions from the M50 toll?
Yes, certain vehicles are exempt from paying the M50 toll, including:
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles)
- Vehicles adapted for use by disabled persons who hold a valid disabled parking permit
- Motorcycles
- Defense Forces vehicles