North Texas toll roads 101
DNT, SH 121, the Bush Turnpike: what they are, how billing works and why a TollTag pays for itself.
Published 2026-10-15 · 3 min read · Source: Editorial (DREI). See NTTA for current rates.
If you live north of Dallas, toll roads will likely be part of your week. The main ones are the Dallas North Tollway (DNT), the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) and the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT).
How paying works
- Most North Texas toll roads are cashless. Cameras and tags do the work.
- A TollTag from NTTA (or a compatible TxTag or EZ TAG) gets the lowest rate.
- Without a tag, you're billed by mail at a higher rate.
Why it matters when choosing where to live
Two homes with similar prices can mean very different commuting costs. Before you buy, map your daily drive. Note whether it's toll road or free highway (US 75, I-35E, I-635), and estimate the monthly toll cost alongside the mortgage.
Check current rates and tag options at ntta.org.