Toll roads and e-passes for rental cars in Sydney and Melbourne
Dec 9th, 2010, 10:15 AM
#1
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Toll roads and e-passes for rental cars in Sydney and Melbourne
I am utterly confused by the toll roads, bridges, tunnels, etc. and E-tags and passes. We leave for Australia in less than a week and will be renting a car from Avis for our sojourn to the Blue Mtns (from Sydney) and the Great Ocean Road (from Melbourne). I have just emailed Avis to see if their rental cars come with E-passes and don't know when I'll hear back. I have no idea whether we will have to figure this out ourselves or whether Avis will take care of it for us! Any insights would be appreciated.
Dec 9th, 2010, 12:35 PM
#2
Just spoke with Avis.
In Melbourne, there are e-tags available in their cars ($11/day - same cost as the day pass).
http://www.citylink.com.au/1526.jsp
In Sydney, about 1/2 the Avis fleet has e-tags. Ask for one when you book.
However: If Avis aren't able to supply a car with an e-tag in Sydney, don't worry.
There are options for Visitors Passes and payment after you pass the tolls (credit card). http://www.roam.com.au/
In Melbourne, there are e-tags available in their cars ($11/day - same cost as the day pass).
http://www.citylink.com.au/1526.jsp
In Sydney, about 1/2 the Avis fleet has e-tags. Ask for one when you book.
However: If Avis aren't able to supply a car with an e-tag in Sydney, don't worry.
There are options for Visitors Passes and payment after you pass the tolls (credit card). http://www.roam.com.au/
Dec 9th, 2010, 04:55 PM
#3
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Thank you so much and I can't tell you how excited I am to visit Australia, in large part due to how friendly and helpful all the locals have been! I never heard back from Avis but you came through. The whole toll system sounds very complicated to me, even after I checked the roam website. Ideally I'd like to just pay for what I use, instead of a set fee.
Dec 9th, 2010, 08:50 PM
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Hi martharap
Have you looked at the website www.roam.com.au ?
You can either set up to pay 48 hours before you use the toll roads, or you can take the option of paying after you've travelled.
Hope this helps! I know the feeling of stressing about foreign toll roads, but experience has shown me that it all works out quite simply once you experience the system. Di
Have you looked at the website www.roam.com.au ?
You can either set up to pay 48 hours before you use the toll roads, or you can take the option of paying after you've travelled.
Hope this helps! I know the feeling of stressing about foreign toll roads, but experience has shown me that it all works out quite simply once you experience the system. Di
Dec 10th, 2010, 08:59 AM
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Or do what we did have the necessary change to drop in the hopper and forget about it. I think we paid around 3-5 AUS$ to get out of Sydney and we paid nothing on the Ocean Road however we did leave the car at the Melbourne airport and took the shuttle into town as we didn't want to deal with parking did the same on return airport.
Be aware its pretty scarry when the cars all cram into the toll pass through we saw two cars crammed into one one space causing a huge back up
Be aware its pretty scarry when the cars all cram into the toll pass through we saw two cars crammed into one one space causing a huge back up
Dec 10th, 2010, 11:34 AM
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It seems that there are only a few roads that still accept coins!
And it all does seem very complicated to me. There doesn't even seem to be a standard for how much time you have if you chose to call after the fact. And it seems that you have to set up an account which is automatically topped off when it gets too low, so instead of paying for what we need, it seems it will be a crap shoot. And it seems that Sydney and Melbourne differ in how long they give you to call "after the fact." I think one is 48 hours and one is 72 hours. Of course we're not going to be using the toll roads on consecutive days either. In Melbourne it's a Friday and a Tuesday, in Sydney it's a Saturday and a Wednesday!
How does it work if we call after the fact? Do we give credit card info on the telephone?
I agree that once we're familiar with it all there will be no stress (for any future trips to Australia).
And it all does seem very complicated to me. There doesn't even seem to be a standard for how much time you have if you chose to call after the fact. And it seems that you have to set up an account which is automatically topped off when it gets too low, so instead of paying for what we need, it seems it will be a crap shoot. And it seems that Sydney and Melbourne differ in how long they give you to call "after the fact." I think one is 48 hours and one is 72 hours. Of course we're not going to be using the toll roads on consecutive days either. In Melbourne it's a Friday and a Tuesday, in Sydney it's a Saturday and a Wednesday!
How does it work if we call after the fact? Do we give credit card info on the telephone?
I agree that once we're familiar with it all there will be no stress (for any future trips to Australia).
Dec 10th, 2010, 12:44 PM
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martharap - you do need a credit card to make your payment after travelling; this can be done over the phone.
As far as I know there are no longer any Sydney toll roads that allow you to make a cash payment at the toll booths - this was discontinued to allow for smoother flow of traffic.
If you are set against using toll roads, there are generally other routes to get to your destination - they just take you through the regular streets and roads, so generally take longer and more navigating skills! Di
As far as I know there are no longer any Sydney toll roads that allow you to make a cash payment at the toll booths - this was discontinued to allow for smoother flow of traffic.
If you are set against using toll roads, there are generally other routes to get to your destination - they just take you through the regular streets and roads, so generally take longer and more navigating skills! Di
Dec 10th, 2010, 02:34 PM
#9
Martha, it's not that complicated once you get here. Just read the signs as you approach and depart the toll points and note the numbers to call, if you don't get a tag or day pass ahead of your journey.
You do not have to set up an imprest account. That's for locals or others who are planning to use toll roads over an extended time.
You do not have to set up an imprest account. That's for locals or others who are planning to use toll roads over an extended time.
Dec 11th, 2010, 01:18 AM
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Martha, I don't know about Sydney but for the Victorian ones you can buy a day pass, either beforehand or up to 3 days after you travel, at Post Offices. You just need to be able to give them the number plate of your car and pay by cash, credit card etc.
My father does this when he goes to and from the Great Ocean Road. He doesn't travel it often enough to warrant getting an account. The only cautionary note I would add to this is that some small post offices which aren't near the toll routes may have to look up just how to do it because they aren't familiar enough with the procedure. Dad uses the Post Office at Anglesea (the first town on the GOR) and they are very used to people buying the passes.
It may well be simpler just to ring the phone number you see displayed but, if for some reason you miss out on getting the number, there is no need to panic - just pop into a post office. Even if you travel on a Friday, you can still wait till Monday if the local Post Office doesn't open Saturday morning.
My father does this when he goes to and from the Great Ocean Road. He doesn't travel it often enough to warrant getting an account. The only cautionary note I would add to this is that some small post offices which aren't near the toll routes may have to look up just how to do it because they aren't familiar enough with the procedure. Dad uses the Post Office at Anglesea (the first town on the GOR) and they are very used to people buying the passes.
It may well be simpler just to ring the phone number you see displayed but, if for some reason you miss out on getting the number, there is no need to panic - just pop into a post office. Even if you travel on a Friday, you can still wait till Monday if the local Post Office doesn't open Saturday morning.
Dec 11th, 2010, 04:50 PM
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Martha, for the Melbourne part of the trip are you just simply heading straight from the city or airport to the GOR in which case you won't need to go on the tolls roads? They nearly all relate to travelling in the opposite direction. The West Gate Bridge itself is toll free.
However, if you are driving from the airport into the city at the start or end of the trip you really do need to take a toll road. But consider that to have a car whilst you are in the city itself is basically of no benefit. It is much easier to get round on public transport and parking costs are horrendous. I would not be picking up the hire car until you are ready to leave Melbourne.
However, if you are driving from the airport into the city at the start or end of the trip you really do need to take a toll road. But consider that to have a car whilst you are in the city itself is basically of no benefit. It is much easier to get round on public transport and parking costs are horrendous. I would not be picking up the hire car until you are ready to leave Melbourne.
Dec 11th, 2010, 06:06 PM
#12
Same thing in Sydney, Martha. A car in the CBD & suburbs within a 10-20k radius is just an expensive, time wasting nuisance. Public transport is the way to go, particularly when you're a visitor who wants to see as much as possible with minimum fuss & expense.
Once you decide you want to do a day trip, just pick up a car for that day/days and return it when you get back to the city.
Truly. It will cost you $50 or more to park for 4+ hours in many of the CBD car parks, and getting street parking is like winning the Lottery. And will cost you about $80 if you over stay the time limit. (Spoken by she whose lunch bill with another Fodorite a fortnight ago had an unexpected & unwelcome increase
)
Once you decide you want to do a day trip, just pick up a car for that day/days and return it when you get back to the city.
Truly. It will cost you $50 or more to park for 4+ hours in many of the CBD car parks, and getting street parking is like winning the Lottery. And will cost you about $80 if you over stay the time limit. (Spoken by she whose lunch bill with another Fodorite a fortnight ago had an unexpected & unwelcome increase
)
Dec 11th, 2010, 08:43 PM
#13
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In Melbourne we're picking up a car close to our hotel in South Melbourne, getting groceries, then picking our son up at the airport and heading directly out of town. I realize we'll have to pay to park at the airport, but that is probably cheaper than taking a taxi to the airport and then getting the car there. On the return we'll go directly to the airport.
In Sydney we're picking up a car and then heading directly to the Blue Mountains. When we return we will park at our hotel and then drive ourselves to the airport the next morning.
In Sydney we're picking up a car and then heading directly to the Blue Mountains. When we return we will park at our hotel and then drive ourselves to the airport the next morning.
Dec 14th, 2010, 10:20 PM
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Martha, in relation to picking up your son have you considered getting him to simply take the Skybus into town which leaves every 10 mins from right outside the terminal. It would cost $16. He could then take a short taxi ride to you or you pick him up somewhere pre-arranged. You then don't have to worry about your e-tag considerations and avoid the expensive car parking at the airport or taxi ride in from the airport.
I remember that it is Christmas Eve that he is flying in, so traffic to and from the airport is likely to horrendous with so many people travelling to their families for Christmas Day so it might not be the greatest time to be driving somewhere unfamiliar anyway.
I remember that it is Christmas Eve that he is flying in, so traffic to and from the airport is likely to horrendous with so many people travelling to their families for Christmas Day so it might not be the greatest time to be driving somewhere unfamiliar anyway.
Dec 15th, 2010, 07:38 AM
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We just really messed this part of the trip up and I don't think there's any great solution. We need to be out of our hotel in South Melbourne by 11am, and we'll already have our rental car, and our son doesn't arrive until 15:35 on Christmas Eve! So I don't know what we'll find to do until we pick him up. I also don't understand which roads are the toll roads and when we'll need to be on them. When we return from GOR directly to the airport, will we be on a toll road? I agree that driving "on the wrong side of the road" (this will be the first time for us) and in unfamiliar territory and on Christmas Eve is the trifecta of poor planning.
We leave for our trip in 24 hours!
We leave for our trip in 24 hours!
Dec 15th, 2010, 11:26 AM
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martharap
Either your hotel in Melbourne or the local Visitor Information Centre should be able to give you directions and information about local toll roads.
If your Avis car doesn't come with an up-to-date local street directory, it would be worthwhile purchasing one so that you can be sure of where you are intending to go. We use a GPS, but even so I still like to have the street map to double check with. Then if we do get off the right path, I at least have an idea of where we are!
Please don't stress too much - I'm sure it will all work out OK once you get here. Enjoy your stay, Di
Either your hotel in Melbourne or the local Visitor Information Centre should be able to give you directions and information about local toll roads.
If your Avis car doesn't come with an up-to-date local street directory, it would be worthwhile purchasing one so that you can be sure of where you are intending to go. We use a GPS, but even so I still like to have the street map to double check with. Then if we do get off the right path, I at least have an idea of where we are!
Please don't stress too much - I'm sure it will all work out OK once you get here. Enjoy your stay, Di
Dec 15th, 2010, 03:16 PM
#17
Martha,
Christmas Eve shopping is a zoo, so if you are planning to buy your groceries then, I suggest you go early. You would think people were stocking up for a 40 year famine, not 2 days.
OTOH, it can be fun if you don't mind the crowds, and go somewhere like Victoria Markets, South Melbourne Markets http://www.southmelbournemarket.com.au/ or Prahran Market http://www.prahranmarket.com.au/www/...-home-page.asp
Go early, though. We usually go for seafood & antipasti items around 6:30 - 7 and have breakfast afterwards.
Thinking about the time between checking out of your hotel and picking up your son at the airport.
You could take a drive down to Brighton, wander along the beach - the Victorian Bathing Boxes are charming, http://www.brightonbathingbox.org.au/Location.html
Brighton village has some lovely shops, lots of places for lunch. Not far from St. Kilda.
I'd allow a good hour, probably a bit more, to get to the airport as there will be a stream of people leaving for their Christmas Holidays from lunch time onwards.
Christmas Eve shopping is a zoo, so if you are planning to buy your groceries then, I suggest you go early. You would think people were stocking up for a 40 year famine, not 2 days.
OTOH, it can be fun if you don't mind the crowds, and go somewhere like Victoria Markets, South Melbourne Markets http://www.southmelbournemarket.com.au/ or Prahran Market http://www.prahranmarket.com.au/www/...-home-page.asp
Go early, though. We usually go for seafood & antipasti items around 6:30 - 7 and have breakfast afterwards.
Thinking about the time between checking out of your hotel and picking up your son at the airport.
You could take a drive down to Brighton, wander along the beach - the Victorian Bathing Boxes are charming, http://www.brightonbathingbox.org.au/Location.html
Brighton village has some lovely shops, lots of places for lunch. Not far from St. Kilda.
I'd allow a good hour, probably a bit more, to get to the airport as there will be a stream of people leaving for their Christmas Holidays from lunch time onwards.
Dec 15th, 2010, 05:11 PM
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Avis will fully explain the toll roads at the desk, I'm sure - we have experience renting cars into Melbourne and usually most companies give you an A3 size map for free and will highlight the roads you need to beware of. You can usually also get a street directory or a GPS as an added cost (maybe $5 - 7 dollars for a street directory), so it's worth the investment. Last year we managed to drive from Tullamarine into Melbourne avoiding the toll roads in both directions thanks to the explanations of our rental company (who I forget now).
Lavandula
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Dec 16th, 2010, 12:59 AM
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It is almost impossible to get to Melb airport without going on a toll road. If your son takes the Skybus to the city, then a cab to South Melb, it will cost him about $8.00 for the cab. It sounds as though you have to"kill" a day in South Melbourne - try lunch at O'Connels Hotel, corner on Coventry and Montague Strets, and there is ample parking there.
From South Melbourne to the freeway out of town (to the Grt Ocean Rd) is pretty easy - about three sets of traffic lights, and then you are on it. You can get onto the freeway (Westgate Bridge) without tolls.
From South Melbourne to the freeway out of town (to the Grt Ocean Rd) is pretty easy - about three sets of traffic lights, and then you are on it. You can get onto the freeway (Westgate Bridge) without tolls.
