Golden Gate Bridge Commuter Discount Programs
Regular Golden Gate Bridge commuters have several options to reduce their toll costs. The most effective is the carpool FasTrak discount, which reduces the per-crossing toll from $8.75 to $5.75 for vehicles carrying 3 or more occupants.
Discount programs available
Carpool FasTrak
$5.75The carpool discount is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You must have a switchable FasTrak transponder, not a standard sticker transponder. Set the transponder to carpool mode before crossing. The carpool designation is on the honor system and subject to enforcement.
Vanpool FasTrak
$5.75Registered vanpools with a Bay Area FasTrak account can use the carpool rate. Vanpool vehicles must be registered with the program. Contact 511 RideShare or your employer commuter benefits coordinator for more information.
Transit Pass Program
Free bridge crossingGolden Gate Transit buses cross the bridge and fare is charged per ride, not per toll. Buses from Marin County into San Francisco run regularly throughout the day. The bus fare is typically $5-$10 per trip, less than the car toll for a solo driver.
Annual cost by commuter profile
Based on 10 southbound crossings per week, 52 weeks per year.
| Commuter profile | Crossings/week | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solo driver (pay-by-plate) | 10x | $5,070 |
| Solo driver (FasTrak) | 10x | $4,550 |
| Carpool driver, 3 occupants (FasTrak) | 10x | $2,990 |
| Carpool passenger (each person's share) | 10x | $997 |
Transit alternatives
| Service | Routes | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Transit Bus | Multiple routes from Marin to SF | Every 15-60 min | $5.50-$9.25 |
| Golden Gate Ferry (Larkspur) | Larkspur to San Francisco Ferry Building | Hourly approx. | $12.90 each way |
| Golden Gate Ferry (Sausalito) | Sausalito to San Francisco Ferry Building | Hourly approx. | $12.90 each way |
Employer commuter benefits
Many Bay Area employers offer pre-tax commuter benefit programs that allow you to pay for transit passes, vanpool memberships, or parking with pre-tax dollars. For employees commuting from Marin County, check with your HR department about Commuter Check or similar programs. Pre-tax benefits can reduce your effective commute cost by 20-30% depending on your tax bracket.