Tips for CityLink users
Trip cap
Account holders - don't forget that if you travel the full length of CityLink and don't exit, you will only be charged the trip cap. A trip cap is the maximum amount you will pay for a one way continuous trip on CityLink. If you exit CityLink and re-enter at another point, you will be charged for two trips.
Account holders - don't forget that if you travel the full length of CityLink and don't exit, you will only be charged the trip cap. A trip cap is the maximum amount you will pay for a one way continuous trip on CityLink. If you exit CityLink and re-enter at another point, you will be charged for two trips.
All CityLink passes are a fixed price, which means the trip cap does not apply.
Register up to four vehicles per account
Even with only one e-TAG® device on your account, you can cover family and friends. Provided their vehicles are registered on your CityLink Everyday account before travel, family and friends don’t need an e-TAG. As long as your account does not exceed the maximum of four vehicles, you can add and remove registration numbers as often as you like.
When your vehicle is registered to an account and you travel on CityLink without the e-TAG device in the vehicle you will be charged for the CityLink toll section(s) you travelled as well as a no tag in vehicle fee.
Registering a vehicle
You have up until midnight on the first day of travel to nominate a vehicle to your CityLink account.
Transferring your e-TAG between vehicles
The e-TAG may be used in more than one vehicle, provided the vehicle registration number is registered with CityLink and the e-TAG is for the same class as the vehicle.
One e-TAG may be shared among up to four vehicles of the same class. If a vehicle registered to a CityLink account uses CityLink without an e-TAG an additional fee will be charged for each trip.
Purchasing a CityLink pass
If you have an account, you can still enjoy the benefits of up to 12 CityLink passes per year when this option suits you best. If you buy a pass, simply remove your e-TAG for the travel you are covered by the pass, so the tolls aren’t also charged to your account.
A CityLink pass can be purchased in advance or up until midnight on the third day after the actual day of travel.
Metallic windscreens
If your vehicle has a metallic windscreen you will need to place the e-TAG holder in a certain position on the windscreen to enable proper detection or you may be charged an administration fee per trip. Your vehicle manufacturer or distributor should be able to advise where to place the e-TAG holder.
CityLink Pass or account
If you use CityLink more than twelve times a year, a CityLink account may be the most economical and convenient option. Once you have opened your account tolls are automatically deducted and for every continuous trip you make on CityLink the price is capped.
Maximum number of passes
You can only buy a maximum of 12 CityLink passes per vehicle in any rolling 12-month period. This includes the 24-Hour, Weekend and Tulla passes.
Getting the best value from your e-TAG
Every e-TAG on your account is subject to a minimum annual payment of $27.50 worth of CityLink trips every 12 months, for the first three years from issue of the e-TAG.
If some of your e-TAGs are used minimally, you may want to consider swapping e-TAGs between vehicles. Don’t forget to link the e-TAG to the correct vehicle type on your account.
Avoid being charged twice
If you currently hold tags from more than one toll road operator, make sure that you have only one tag in your vehicle to ensure you are only charged once.
Keep your account topped-up
Automatic top-up: Paying automatically via your bank account or credit card is the easiest way to keep your account in credit. As soon as your balance falls to $10 or below, your account is topped-up by your pre-selected amount.
SMS service
Our SMS top-up service offers the convenience of letting you know when your balance is low and allows you to quickly top up.
e-TAG beeps
If you pay manually, listen to your e-TAG device each time you pass under a toll point so you know when you need to top-up your account:
- No beeps means you should contact us. Your e-TAG may be incorrectly fitted or have a flat battery
- One beep means all is fine
- Three beeps means your account balance is low and you should top-up
- Four beeps means you need to contact us immediately
Travelling on toll roads, other than CityLink
See our section on 'Travelling on other toll roads'.
Special tips for visitors to Melbourne
Rental cars
Travelling by taxi
When travelling in a taxi the CityLink toll will be added to your fare. Refer to the CityLink stickers inside the taxi to check the amount.
Interstate roaming on CityLink
If you hold a toll account and have an e-TAG (or an equivalent tag) in your vehicle you are covered for travel on any toll road in Australia, including CityLink.
- Make sure your tag is in the correct position (refer to your toll road operator).
- You can be in any lane to use your tag on CityLink.
- You don’t need to slow down when you are approaching a CityLink toll gantry.
- If you buy a CityLink pass, remove your tag so tolls are not also charged to your account.
- If your tag doesn’t beep when you pass under each CityLink toll gantry you need to call your toll road operator immediately to avoid being issued a Late Toll invoice or a fine.
Please be aware that charges incurred while travelling on other toll roads are not always processed to your CityLink account immediately.