M6 Toll Guide 2025: Costs, Charges, Receipts & How to Pay

Quick Answer: The M6 Toll costs £7.60 for cars during the day (6am-11pm) and £6.40 at night (11pm-6am). You can pay by cash, card, contactless, or TAGFlow at the toll plaza. Receipts are available at the plaza, online at m6toll.co.uk, or by calling 0345 111 1234.

The M6 Toll is Britain's first toll motorway, offering a faster alternative to the often-congested M6 through the West Midlands. Whether you're a regular commuter or an occasional user, this comprehensive 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about M6 Toll costs, charges, payment methods, and how to get your receipt.

Quick Reference: M6 Toll Prices 2025

| Vehicle | Day (6am-11pm) | Night (11pm-6am) | |---------|----------------|------------------| | Cars | £7.60 | £6.40 | | Vans | £10.70 | £9.40 | | Caravans | £12.30 | £10.90 | | HGVs/Coaches | £13.80 | £12.50 |

Last updated: November 2025

Askable Questions About the M6 Toll

"How much is the M6 Toll?"

The M6 Toll costs £7.60 for cars during the day (6am to 11pm) and £6.40 at night (11pm to 6am). This is for the full 27-mile route from Junction 3a to Junction 11a. Vans pay £10.70/£9.40, and HGVs pay £13.80/£12.50.

"How much is the M6 Toll road for a car?"

Cars pay £7.60 during daytime hours and £6.40 at night. Motorcycles pay the same rate as cars. If you only use part of the route, you'll pay less.

"How do you pay on the M6 Toll road?"

You can pay at the toll plaza using cash (exact change in automatic lanes), debit/credit card, or contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Regular users can set up TAGFlow for automatic payment. You can also pay online or by phone before travelling.

"How to pay M6 Toll without stopping?"

Use TAGFlow - a small electronic tag on your windscreen that automatically charges your account. You drive through dedicated TAG lanes without stopping. Set up an account at m6toll.co.uk.

"Can I pay the M6 Toll with contactless?"

Yes. All toll plazas accept contactless payment including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Just tap your card or phone at the payment terminal.

"How do I get an M6 Toll receipt?"

Request a receipt at the toll plaza (staffed lanes or press the receipt button), download from m6toll.co.uk using your registration number, access via your TAGFlow account, or call 0345 111 1234. VAT receipts are available for business users.

"Is the M6 Toll worth it?"

It depends on traffic. During rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays), the M6 Toll typically saves 30-60 minutes and is worth the cost. Off-peak or late at night, the free M6 may flow well enough to save your money.

"Is there an M6 Toll discount?"

There's no direct discount, but you can save by travelling at night (£1.20 cheaper), using only part of the route, or setting up TAGFlow for faster crossings. Some business accounts may negotiate volume discounts.

What is the M6 Toll?

Overview

The M6 Toll (officially known as the M6 Toll motorway) is a 27-mile stretch of toll motorway in the West Midlands that runs parallel to the free M6 motorway. It's often called the "Birmingham bypass" as it routes traffic around the congested city centre.

Key Facts:

Length: 27 miles (43 km)
Route: Connects Junction 3a to Junction 11a of the M6
Location: Bypasses Birmingham, Walsall, and Wolverhampton
Opened: December 2003
Operator: Midland Expressway Limited (owned by IFM Investors)
Speed Limit: 70 mph (national speed limit)
Lanes: 3 lanes in each direction (mostly)

Why Use the M6 Toll? Is It Worth the Cost?

Time Savings: Avoid the heavily congested M6 through Birmingham (save 30-60 mins at peak times)
Reliability: More predictable journey times for business trips
Lower Stress: Less stop-start traffic means a more relaxed drive
Fewer Lorries: Lighter commercial vehicle traffic than the free M6
Better Conditions: Well-maintained road surface with less wear
Fuel Savings: Less idling in traffic can offset some of the toll cost

How Much is the M6 Toll? Current Charges 2025

The M6 Toll charges vary depending on vehicle type and time of day. Here are the current M6 Toll costs for the full 27-mile route:

M6 Toll Price for Cars 2025

Daytime (6am to 11pm): £7.60 Night-time (11pm to 6am): £6.40

The M6 Toll car price is the same whether you're driving a small hatchback, SUV, or sports car. Motorcycles also pay the car rate.

M6 Toll Cost for Vans 2025

Daytime (6am to 11pm): £10.70 Night-time (11pm to 6am): £9.40

This applies to vans and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (Class 2 vehicles). Transit vans, Sprinters, and similar vehicles fall into this category.

M6 Toll Price for HGVs, Lorries & Coaches 2025

Daytime (6am to 11pm): £13.80 Night-time (11pm to 6am): £12.50

Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and coaches pay the highest rate. Many haulage companies factor M6 Toll charges into delivery costs.

M6 Toll Caravan & Trailer Charges 2025

Daytime (6am to 11pm): £12.30 Night-time (11pm to 6am): £10.90

If you're towing a caravan, trailer, horsebox, or boat, you'll pay the caravan rate. This applies regardless of what you're towing.

Complete M6 Toll Charges Table 2025

| Vehicle Type | Day (6am-11pm) | Night (11pm-6am) | Saving at Night | |-------------|----------------|------------------|-----------------| | Cars & Motorcycles | £7.60 | £6.40 | £1.20 | | Vans (up to 3.5t) | £10.70 | £9.40 | £1.30 | | Caravans & Trailers | £12.30 | £10.90 | £1.40 | | HGVs (over 3.5t) | £13.80 | £12.50 | £1.30 | | Coaches | £13.80 | £12.50 | £1.30 |

M6 Toll Partial Journey Charges

You don't have to use the full M6 Toll route. If you join or leave at intermediate junctions (T1-T8), you'll pay reduced charges based on the distance travelled:

Short journeys (T1 to T3): Approximately 40% of full fare (~£3.00 for cars)
Medium journeys (T3 to T6): Approximately 60% of full fare (~£4.50 for cars)
Part journeys (T6 to T8): Approximately 50% of full fare (~£3.80 for cars)

Pro tip: If you only need to bypass part of Birmingham, using a partial journey can save you money.

Note: M6 Toll charges are subject to change. Prices correct as of November 2025. Always check the official M6 Toll pricing page for the most current charges.

How to Pay the M6 Toll

There are several convenient ways to pay your M6 Toll charges. Unlike the Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge), you must pay at the time of crossing — there's no option to pay before or after online without an account.

1. Pay at the Toll Plaza

The Traditional Method

When you reach the toll plaza, you can pay at:

Staffed Lanes: Pay with cash, card, or contactless payment
Automatic Card Lanes: Insert or tap your card
Exact Change Lanes: Cash payments with exact change only

Accepted Payment Methods at Plazas:

Cash (exact change in automatic lanes)
Debit cards
Credit cards
Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
M6 Toll TAGFlow (automatic payment)

2. M6 Toll Accounts (Lite, Breeze & Fleet)

Best for Regular Users

The M6 Toll offers three account types for frequent users:

Lite Account (NEW):

No Deposit Required: Sign up with no upfront cost
Automated Receipts: Receipts sent automatically after each journey
Easy Setup: Register your vehicle and payment method online
Best For: Occasional users who want hassle-free receipts

Breeze Account:

Discount on Every Trip: Save money on every journey
Dedicated Lanes: Use TAG lanes without stopping at barriers
No Extra Charge: Fast-track lanes included free
Best For: Regular commuters and frequent users

Fleet Account:

Multiple Vehicles: Manage your entire fleet from one account
Self-Service Portal: Online management tools
Business Invoicing: Simplified expense management
Best For: Businesses, haulage companies, couriers

Setting Up an Account:

Visit www.m6toll.co.uk
Choose your account type (Lite, Breeze, or Fleet)
Register your vehicle(s)
Add a payment method
For Breeze/Fleet: Receive your TAG and attach to windscreen
Use dedicated lanes for faster crossings

🚗 Set Up an M6 Toll Account →{:target="_blank"} - Choose between Lite, Breeze, or Fleet accounts on the official M6 Toll website.

3. Pay Online Before Travel

Convenient Pre-Payment Option

You can pay for your M6 Toll journey in advance online:

Website: www.m6toll.co.uk
When: Up to 24 hours before your journey
What You Need: Vehicle registration, date, and time of travel
Confirmation: Receive email confirmation

4. Pay by Phone

24/7 Phone Payment

Phone Number: 0345 111 1234
When: Before or after your journey (within 24 hours)
Payment Methods: Debit or credit card
Information Needed: Vehicle registration, date, and time

5. M6 Toll App

Modern Mobile Payment

The M6 Toll app offers convenient payment and account management:

Available: iOS and Android
Features: Pay tolls, view journey history, manage account
Pre-Payment: Pay before you travel
Notifications: Reminders and updates

How to Get an M6 Toll Receipt

Getting your M6 Toll receipt is straightforward, with several options available:

Request Receipt at Toll Plaza

Staffed Lanes: Request a receipt from the attendant
Automatic Lanes: Press the receipt button before payment completes

Request Receipt Online

Visit www.m6toll.co.uk/receipt
Enter your vehicle registration
Select the date of travel
Download or print your receipt

🧾 Get Your M6 Toll Receipt →{:target="_blank"} - Download receipts instantly from the official M6 Toll receipt portal.

TAGFlow Account Holders

Automatic Receipts: Receipts available in your online account
Email Receipts: Option to receive email receipts after each journey
Monthly Statements: Comprehensive monthly statement option
Download History: Access all historical receipts

Request Receipt by Phone

Call: 0345 111 1234
Provide: Vehicle registration and date of travel
Options: Email, post, or reference number

Business Users

For business expense claims and VAT purposes:

VAT Receipts: Available on request
Multiple Vehicle Reports: Fleet management options
Account Statements: Detailed monthly/quarterly statements
Download Options: CSV, PDF formats available

M6 Toll Route and Junctions

M6 Toll Junction Guide

The M6 Toll has several junctions connecting to major routes:

| Junction | Connects To | Key Destinations | |----------|------------|------------------| | T1 | M42, A446 | Birmingham Airport, NEC | | T2 | A446, A4097 | Coleshill, Sutton Coldfield | | T3 | A38, A5127 | Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield | | T4 | A5 | Cannock, Tamworth | | T5 | A5 | Cannock, Brownhills | | T6 | A460 | Cannock, Wolverhampton | | T7 | A34 | Cannock, Walsall | | T8 | M6 Junction 11 | M6 North, Wolverhampton |

Toll Plaza Locations

There are two main toll plazas on the M6 Toll:

Great Wyrley Toll Plaza (Northern)
- Located between T6 and T7
- Full payment facilities
Weeford Toll Plaza (Southern)
- Located between T3 and T4
- Full payment facilities

Is the M6 Toll Worth It?

Cost vs Time Analysis

Consider these factors when deciding whether to use the M6 Toll:

When the M6 Toll is Worth It:

Rush hour traffic (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays)
Incident or roadworks on the M6
Time-sensitive journeys
Long-distance travel (fuel savings from avoiding congestion)
Business journeys where time = money

When Free M6 May Be Better:

Off-peak travel (late evening, early morning)
Weekends with lighter traffic
Budget-conscious journeys
When M6 is flowing freely

Time Savings

Typical time savings with the M6 Toll:

Peak Hours: 30-60 minutes saved
Off-Peak: 15-30 minutes saved
Incidents on M6: Potentially hours saved
Average Journey: 20-30 minutes faster

M6 Toll Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the M6 Toll for a car?

The M6 Toll costs £7.60 for cars during the day (6am-11pm) and £6.40 at night (11pm-6am) for the full 27-mile route. Partial journeys cost less.

How much is the M6 Toll road from start to end?

The full M6 Toll journey costs £7.60 for cars during daytime hours, covering all 27 miles from Junction 3a to Junction 11a.

How do you pay on the M6 Toll road?

You can pay at the toll plaza (cash, card, contactless), use TAGFlow for automatic payment, pay online before travel, by phone, or via the M6 Toll app.

Can you pay the M6 Toll by card?

Yes, you can pay the M6 Toll by debit card, credit card, or contactless payment (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) at the toll plazas.

Can you pay the M6 Toll with cash?

Yes, cash is accepted at staffed lanes and exact-change automatic lanes. Make sure you have the correct amount for automatic lanes.

Is there a discount for regular M6 Toll users?

While there's no direct discount, TAGFlow offers convenience and faster crossings. Some business accounts may negotiate volume discounts. Travel at night to save £1.20.

What happens if I don't pay the M6 Toll?

You must pay the toll at the plaza to use the road. There's no free passage option. If barriers don't lift, staff will assist with payment. Unlike Dart Charge, there's no post-payment system.

Can I get an M6 Toll receipt for expenses?

Yes, receipts are available at toll plazas, online through your account, or by calling customer services. VAT receipts are available for business users claiming expenses.

How do I get a VAT receipt for M6 Toll?

Request a VAT receipt at a staffed lane, through your TAGFlow account online, or by calling 0345 111 1234. The receipt includes all details needed for business expense claims.

Is the M6 Toll open 24 hours?

Yes, the M6 Toll is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Night-time rates (11pm-6am) are lower.

Can motorcycles use the M6 Toll?

Yes, motorcycles can use the M6 Toll and pay the same rate as cars (£7.60 daytime, £6.40 night-time).

Is the M6 Toll faster than the M6?

Generally yes, especially during peak hours. The M6 Toll typically saves 20-60 minutes compared to the congested M6 through Birmingham.

How long is the M6 Toll?

The M6 Toll is 27 miles (43 km) long, running from Junction 3a near Coleshill to Junction 11a near Cannock.

What's the speed limit on the M6 Toll?

The national speed limit of 70 mph applies on the M6 Toll. Average speed cameras are in operation at toll plazas.

Can I use the M6 Toll with a caravan?

Yes, caravans and trailers can use the M6 Toll. The charge is £12.30 during the day and £10.90 at night, regardless of what you're towing.

Is there an M6 Toll app?

Yes, the official M6 Toll app is available for iOS and Android. You can pay tolls, view journey history, and manage your TAGFlow account.

Tips for Using the M6 Toll

Save Money on M6 Toll Charges

Travel at Night: Save £1.20+ with night-time rates (11pm-6am)
Use Partial Journeys: Only pay for the section you need
Consider TAGFlow: Faster crossings, better lane access
Check Traffic First: Verify M6 is actually congested
Car Share: Split the cost with passengers

Smooth Crossings

Prepare Payment: Have card or exact cash ready
Choose the Right Lane: TAG lanes for TAGFlow users, staffed for queries
Follow Signs: Lane guidance starts well before plazas
Keep TAG Visible: Ensure TAG is properly mounted
Check Speeds: Slow down safely for toll plazas

M6 Toll Service Areas

The M6 Toll has one main service area:

Norton Canes Services

Location: Between T6 and T7
Facilities: Fuel, food, toilets, shops
Operator: Roadchef
24 Hours: Yes
Electric Charging: Available

M6 Toll Near Me: Location Guide

The M6 Toll runs through the West Midlands, providing a bypass for several major towns and cities:

Cities & Towns Near the M6 Toll

Directly Served:

Birmingham - The M6 Toll bypasses the city to the northeast
Walsall - Junction T7 connects via A34
Wolverhampton - Access via T6 (A460) and T8
Cannock - Multiple junctions (T4, T5, T6, T7)
Lichfield - Junction T3 (A38)
Tamworth - Junction T4 (A5)
Sutton Coldfield - Junctions T2 and T3

Within 30 Minutes:

Coventry (via M6/M42)
Dudley (via A460)
Stafford (via M6 north)
Burton upon Trent (via A38)

When to Use the M6 Toll by Destination

| From → To | Use M6 Toll? | Why | |-----------|--------------|-----| | London → Manchester | ✅ Yes (peak) | Avoids Birmingham congestion | | London → Liverpool | ✅ Yes (peak) | Saves 30-60 mins at rush hour | | Birmingham → Stoke | ⚠️ Maybe | Depends on M6 J7-16 traffic | | Coventry → Wolverhampton | ✅ Yes | Direct bypass saves time | | M42 → M6 North | ✅ Yes | Avoids Spaghetti Junction |

Alternatives to the M6 Toll

Free M6 Through Birmingham (The "Free" Route)

Cost: Free
Distance: Similar to M6 Toll
Traffic: Often heavy, especially peak hours (7-9am, 4-7pm)
Congestion Hotspots: Spaghetti Junction (J6), Great Barr (J7-8), M5 merge
Best For: Off-peak travel, Sunday mornings, budget journeys

M54/A5/A449 Route (Western Bypass)

Cost: Free
Distance: Slightly longer (add ~15 mins without traffic)
Traffic: Generally lighter than M6
Route: M6 J10a → M54 → A5 → Cannock or A449 → Wolverhampton
Best For: Destinations in Telford, Shrewsbury, or western Wolverhampton

M42/A42/A50 Route (Eastern Bypass)

Cost: Free
Distance: Alternative eastern route
Traffic: Variable, can be busy near East Midlands Airport
Route: M6 J4 → M42 → A42 → M1 or A50
Best For: East Midlands destinations (Derby, Nottingham, Leicester)

Related Information

Planning your journey? Check out our other toll and road charge guides:

Dart Charge Guide 2025 → - Complete Dartford Crossing guide
Blackwall & Silvertown Tunnel Charges → - London tunnel crossing costs

Conclusion

The M6 Toll offers a valuable alternative to the congested M6 through the West Midlands, particularly during peak hours. While the M6 Toll charges may seem significant at £7.60 for cars, the time savings, reduced stress, and more reliable journey times often make it worthwhile for commuters and business travellers alike.

Key Takeaways:

M6 Toll costs £7.60 for cars during the day, £6.40 at night
Multiple payment options: cash, card, contactless, TAGFlow, online, phone
Get receipts at plazas, online, or through TAGFlow accounts
Best value during peak hours when M6 is congested
27-mile route bypassing Birmingham saves 20-60 minutes typically

Stay Updated: Always check the official M6 Toll website for current charges and any route updates before travelling.

Official Resources

M6 Toll Official Website: www.m6toll.co.uk - Official information on charges, payment methods, account options, and route updates.

Quick Links:

M6 Toll Pricing Guide →{:target="_blank"} - Current charges for all vehicle types
Get a Receipt →{:target="_blank"} - Download receipts using your registration
Open an Account →{:target="_blank"} - Set up Lite, Breeze, or Fleet account
Payment Notice →{:target="_blank"} - Settle any outstanding payments
Contact M6 Toll →{:target="_blank"} - Customer service enquiries

Traffic Updates: Check National Highways or your preferred traffic app for real-time conditions on both the M6 and M6 Toll. The M6 Toll website shows live time savings compared to the M6.

Toll Roads & Charges:

Dart Charge Guide 2025 - Dartford Crossing payment guide
Blackwall & Silvertown Tunnel Charges 2025 - London tunnel crossings

Vehicle Management:

Car Tax VED 2025 Complete Guide - Understanding vehicle tax
What Does a Full Car Service Include - Complete service guide

Driving Guides:

Essential Winter Car Checks for UK Drivers - Prepare for winter driving
Best Winter Tyres 2025 UK Guide - Tyre buying guide

About the Author: The AutoChain Team includes UK motoring experts with extensive knowledge of Britain's toll roads and motorway network. Our team is dedicated to helping UK drivers navigate road charges and make informed decisions about their journeys.