The AP-7 motorway in El Vendrell became toll-free in September 2021 as Spain ended private concessions, keeping highways free for motorists.
Credit : Shutterstock, Raul Photography
If you’ve been enjoying toll-free highways in Spain, here’s some good news: the government has no plans to bring back toll charges where they have already been removed.
That means key routes, including the popular AP-7 between France and Barcelona, will stay free—a huge relief for both locals and European travellers.
Spain’s toll-free Highways: Why the government is sticking to its plan
Since 2018, Spain has been removing tolls as motorway concessions expire, bringing around 1,000 kilometres of highways under state control. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government insists that this move helps reduce regional inequalities and makes road travel more affordable for everyone.
And now, despite pressure to align with EU road funding policies, the Transport Ministry has made it clear: there will be no tolls, no pay-per-use fees, and no extra charges on state-owned highways, expressways, or roads.
Spain’s toll-free highways save motorists €1.4 billion annually
By keeping highways toll-free, Spanish drivers save an estimated €1.4 billion annually—money that stays in their pockets rather than going to private road operators.
Of course, there’s been some debate about the cost. With 85% of Spain’s motorway network already toll-free, critics argue that taxpayers are now footing the bill for maintenance. But for now, the government is sticking to its guns: driving in Spain should stay free, fair, and accessible to all.
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