Chicago-LA Summer 24

[UKCraig]

Correct. We weren't able to go over the Golden Gate Bridge last summer as I'd rejected the toll tag thing (they ripped me off instead by adding a $10 a day 'premium breakdown cover' or some other BS so beware!!) Going back this year so we'll have to take the kids across the bridge this time - maybe we'll pay the extra for the tag or maybe we'll just see if there's some sort of bus. Either way definitely no cash!

[BillyGr]

Have another question re Toll Roads.
My car hire is through Hertz - we intend on avoiding toll roads as much as we can, but will no doubt encounter them somewhere (SF to LA? GG Bridge?) - will I need cash in the car to pay at the booth (if so how much would you recommend keeping close by), or is the system cashless and payable by CC? Or do I need a tag thing in the car that will get scanned by the toll?

Hertz and other major car rental firms have open accounts for tolls around the USA. Typically, you will receive a bill sent to the email address you used to rent the car about 30 days after your rental is ended. There is often a small surcharge added to the bill -- a couple of dollars per toll.
Most toll booths don't even accept cash payments anymore.

Not sure if they are still doing it that way (or it may depend on different areas of the country) - the last couple times I had a rental here (NY State), they had a pass in the vehicle.

It was inside a small box that kept the readers from sensing it unless you opened the box.

That way, you could choose to pay cash yourself (if the road/bridge accepted that), use your own existing EZ Pass (which is what most places in the northern/eastern US use) that you brought along, or have it done by the license plate (which is what Mark was describing).

If you used their pass, they added a small fee (but only per day, no matter how many tolls you passed through), while using the bill by plate would add a fee to each toll.

Also to note - I don't know if there are any out in the areas where you are going, but at least last I knew there were still a few places on this side of the US that do take cash payments (though they mostly take the passes as well - seems there was one (maybe 2) small private bridge that only did cash, just can't find it at the moment), so not necessarily bad to have a little money on hand (if not for that, for other small purchases, rather than using a card repeatedly).

[BillyGr]

Correct. We weren't able to go over the Golden Gate Bridge last summer as I'd rejected the toll tag thing (they ripped me off instead by adding a $10 a day 'premium breakdown cover' or some other BS so beware!!) Going back this year so we'll have to take the kids across the bridge this time - maybe we'll pay the extra for the tag or maybe we'll just see if there's some sort of bus. Either way definitely no cash!

As Mark suggested in a prior post, you can just drive across and the rental company will get the toll by the license plate (which they will then pass along to you with an extra fee, you'd have to ask them what it would be).

Though it does say (on the bridge site) you can call them and give them the dates you rented the car and a credit card and they will charge the tolls directly to your card (which would save the rental company fee). Other groups may do the same, but not certain if all offer this option.

[DonnaR57]

EZ Pass is good in Delaware, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

SunPass is good in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, parts of Texas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

California uses FasTrak.

Toll Guru, what toll pass is used in what state



Donna

[Mattyn1]

Two weeks to go now - getting nervously excited - wondering what I have forgotten to plan for!

Only thing that is a hinderance at the moment is the seemingly still closed PCH (or rather just a small section of it). It might be open in the next six weeks I suppose...!!

[Southwest Dave]

Oh yes, the anticipation and excitement stage! The time seems to fly by, and departure day will be upon you! If you have any last minute questions, just ask. I for one look forward to hearing all about your trip on your return! Have a great time!

Dave.

[Mattyn1]

Thanks Dave

I think, apart from the concern I have bitten off more than I can chew for the first few days the biggest concern (or rather bugbear) is the closure on part of CA-1.

I have 2 days to drive from SF to LA - it seems I can get as far as just before Dolan Creek Bridge and thus will be diverted at Monterey down the 101 to get back on the coast road at Cambria. I know I can do very little about it but just frustrated considering the closure seems to be only about 12 miles of CA-1 (between Dolan and Limekiln).

I can see one possibility coming off 101 at Pine Canyon and heading through Jolon and on to Placket - but google mentions a restricted road - some sort of military place maybe? However it also seems to say doing that x-country bit takes twice as long than staying on 101 to get to Cambria.

At least that is what Goggle maps is telling me!! I just cannot see a better diversion - I have been using this - is this the best link? https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/hig...onditions.html

[glc]

I can see one possibility coming off 101 at Pine Canyon and heading through Jolon and on to Placket - but google mentions a restricted road - some sort of military place maybe?

Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd is closed.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/...telprdb5347980

[Mattyn1]

I will keep my eye on what's what but it does look risky with road closures and that x-country bit will take ages!

The 101 looks reasonably picturesque though so that will have to be what it is! At least south of San Simeon it is still open.

[Southwest Dave]

I wouldn't worry to much. As scenic as Big Sur is, you will still have the chance to drive South of San Simeon, through seaside towns like Pismo beach and Santa Barbara. Perhaps visit one of the lesser known Redwood parks south of SF, or head to Monterey. Then there is Hearst castle near San Simeon that you could tour. Stroll along Santa Monica pier and see the 'End of route 66' sign. There is certainly lots of alternative ways to spend your time.