If you are one of those who use Android Auto as a trusted copilotYou'll already know that it doesn't just serve to guide you to your destination. This tool has become an essential ally for many drivers, especially when planning long or unfamiliar routes. One of the factors that can affect our routes are tolls, both due to the economic cost and the time savings they can represent. Therefore, knowing How to view toll prices directly from Android Auto is increasingly useful.
Thanks to applications like Waze and Google MapsIt's possible to get an estimate of the cost of tolls before you even begin your trip. This guide compiles the latest and most comprehensive information so you can take advantage of all the available features and easily decide whether or not it's worth paying that extra fee on the road.
Why is it useful to know the price of tolls before traveling?
Tolls may seem like a minor expense, but if they're not planned for, they can be an unexpected surprise, especially if you're taking a long trip or are on a tight budget. The possibility of see in advance how much a trip will cost including tolls allows for more accurate calculations and more efficient decisions.
This makes even more sense when you decide whether to take a toll road to save time or opt for free alternative routes. Also, knowing the price of each available route It helps you compare not only by duration or distance, but also by economic cost, including the amount you could spend on more gasoline by extending the route to avoid paying.
Waze: The go-to app for viewing toll prices on Android Auto
Waze stands out mainly for its active user community, which shares all kinds of traffic information in real time: accidents, traffic jams, speed cameras and, of course, the price of tolls in Android AutoThis feature has become one of the app's biggest draws, and best of all, it's natively available on Android Auto.
Steps to activate the toll feature in Waze
In order for Waze to show you the approximate cost of tolls, you must first check that you do not have the option to avoid tolls activatedHere's how to set it up:
- Open the Waze app on your mobile.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
- Sign in «Settings» and then access the section "Navigation".
- Make sure to disable the option «Avoid tolls».
Once this is done, simply connect your phone to the car (either via cable or wirelessly if your vehicle allows it), open Waze from Android Auto, and type in your destination. By pressing "To go" The available routes will be displayed, and if any include toll roads, You will see the estimated price of those tolls next to it.
How accurate are Waze toll prices?
Toll information on Waze does not come from official sources, but rather from the driving community. This means that The figure shown is an estimate based on crowdsourcingAlthough there may be slight variations, according to various tests carried out by specialized media such as Xataka Android or ADSLZone, these differences do not usually exceed a few cents.
That is to say, The tool is reliable enough to make informed decisionsPlus, it offers you the ability to compare routes with and without tolls based on duration, distance, and cost, allowing you to further fine-tune your planning.
Using Waze without Android Auto
If your car isn't compatible with Android Auto, or you prefer to use your phone directly in a cradle, you can also access this feature. The process is the same: after entering your destination and selecting "View routes," the prices for those that include toll-free access will appear. So, whatever your configuration, you will be able to benefit from this feature.
Google Maps also estimates the price of tolls
Although Waze is preferred by many, Google Maps has also incorporated a function to show the approximate price of tollsThis capability has been gradually rolled out since 2022, and while still geographically limited, it is available in several countries and is constantly expanding.
How to activate toll pricing in Google Maps
Google has proposed this feature as a useful addition to route planning. To see toll prices on routes in Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps app on Android or iPhone.
- Access your profile in the upper right corner.
- Sign in «Settings» and then in "Navigation Settings".
- Activate the option «See electronic toll prices».
Also, before calculating the route, make sure to also disable the option "Avoid "Tolls" from the "Trip Options." This way, Google Maps can consider toll roads when calculating routes and show you their estimated cost.
Where does Google get its toll prices?
In this case, unlike Waze, Google Maps bases its estimates in official sources such as governments, traffic agencies, and the highway concessionaires themselves. In addition, the calculations take into account other factors such as the day of the week, the estimated time of passage through the toll, and any other variables that may influence the final price.
Of course, it must be borne in mind that this feature is not yet available in all countriesIn Spain, for example, it is not fully deployed, although Google has assured that it will gradually expand coverage. For now, it is known to be fully operational in the United States, India, Japan, and Indonesia, among other countries.
Comparing routes with and without tolls: an economic decision
One of the advantages of both applications is that they allow view alternative routes without having to start the journey, making it easy to compare the cost of a toll with the potential increase in time or fuel consumption if you choose to avoid it.
This is especially useful for those who value their time as much as their money: on journeys where the difference is minimal, you may choose to avoid the toll. In other cases, paying a few euros can mean save you several kilometers and an hour of travelIt's also important to consider that avoiding tolls can translate into higher gas costs, so it's important to take all factors into account.
Which app should I choose to view tolls on Android Auto?
The choice between Waze and Google Maps will depend on the country you are in, compatibility with your vehicle, and your own navigation preferences. Waze offers a more dynamic experience, with user-generated information, which can be more useful if you face changing traffic conditions. Google Maps, on the other hand, provides official data and planning more closely aligned with real conditions, with variants such as the time or day of passage.
In any case, both options already offer a solid basis for making decisions more informed and personalized on your trips.
Thanks to the features available today in apps like Waze and Google Maps, you no longer have to hit the road wondering how much your trip will cost in tolls. With a few simple settings, you can view this information directly on your dashboard thanks to Android Auto, or even from your phone itself.
It may seem like a small help, but it will make a difference when you are planning your trips, adjusting your budget or simply assessing whether it is worth paying a toll or take a small detour. Share the information so other interested parties know the price of tolls using Android Auto..
