Starting April 1, 2025, the ETC time-based toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line will undergo major changes. This will see the introduction of new time-based tolls on the outbound lanes, a more complex toll system, instead of the previous social experiment that only applied to the inbound lanes. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the changes and summarizes some tips for getting the most out of your toll.
Major changes from April 2025
1. Fares revised for the up line (Kisarazu → Kawasaki direction)
Change from current price
- Increased price period (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 13:00-19:00) : 1,200 yen → 1,600 yen (400 yen increase)
- Discount hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 0:00-4:00, 20:00-24:00) : 600 yen → 400 yen (200 yen discount)
2. First introduction of time-based fares on the outbound line (Kawasaki to Kisarazu direction)
Starting in April 2025, a new ETC time-based toll system will be introduced on outbound lanes.
New fare system for outbound lanes
- Increased price period (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 5:00-7:00) : 1,000 yen (a 200 yen increase from the usual 800 yen)
- Discounted hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 0:00-4:00) : 400 yen (normally 800 yen, reduced by 400 yen)
- Regular hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 4:00-5:00, 7:00-24:00) : 800 yen (no change)
Detailed price list (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)
Upbound (Kisarazu → Kawasaki direction) regular car fare
| Time Zone | weekdays | Weekends and holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00-4:00 | 800 yen | 400 yen |
| 4:00-13:00 | 800 yen | 800 yen |
| 13:00-19:00 | 800 yen | 1,600 yen |
| 19:00-20:00 | 800 yen | 800 yen |
| 20:00-24:00 | 800 yen | 400 yen |
Downbound (Kawasaki → Kisarazu direction) regular car fare
| Time Zone | weekdays | Weekends and holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00-4:00 | 800 yen | 400 yen |
| 4:00-5:00 | 800 yen | 800 yen |
| 5:00-7:00 | 800 yen | 1,000 yen |
| 7:00-24:00 | 800 yen | 800 yen |
Reference: ETC toll fees by time of day
Price list by vehicle type
Upbound Weekend and Holiday Fares (Except for Standard Cars)
| Car model | 0-4am/8-12am | 4am-1pm/7pm-8pm | 13-19:00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicles, etc. | 320 yen | 640 yen | 1,280 yen |
| medium size car | 480 yen | 960 yen | 1,920 yen |
| large car | 660 yen | 1,320 yen | 2,640 yen |
| oversized car | 1,100 yen | 2,200 yen | 4,400 yen |
Down line weekend and holiday fares (excluding standard cars)
| Car model | 0-4 o’clock | 4-5am/7-12am | 5-7 o’clock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicles, etc. | 320 yen | 640 yen | 800 yen |
| medium size car | 480 yen | 960 yen | 1,200 yen |
| large car | 660 yen | 1,320 yen | 1,650 yen |
| oversized car | 1,100 yen | 2,200 yen | 2,750 yen |
Reference: ETC toll fees by time of day
2025 Edition: The most economical time slots
Up line (Kisarazu → Kawasaki direction)
- Cheapest time : Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 0:00-4:00 and 20:00-24:00 (400 yen)
- Best time : Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 13:00-19:00 (1,600 yen)
- Price difference : Maximum difference of 1,200 yen
Down line (Kawasaki → Kisarazu direction)
- Cheapest time : Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 0:00 to 4:00 (400 yen)
- Best time : 5:00-7:00 on weekends and holidays (1,000 yen)
- Price difference : Maximum difference of 600 yen
Implementation period and target dates
Implementation period : April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026
Applicable days : Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, January 2nd, January 3rd, and substitute holidays
Applicable section : Kisarazu Kaneda IC to Ukishima IC
Important points to note and tips for saving money
1. Timing of fee determination
- Upbound : Kisarazu Main Line toll gate passing time
- Downbound : Passing time at Umihotaru toll gate
2. Precautions when using Umihotaru U-turn
If you make a U-turn at Umihotaru, the inbound lane toll will apply.
3. Use across days
If you are driving from a holiday to a weekday and pass through the toll gate after midnight on a weekday, ETC time-based tolls will not apply.
4. Discounts for people with disabilities
During peak times on weekends and holidays (13:00-19:00 on the up line, 5:00-7:00 on the down line), the fare after applying the disability discount (490 yen for a standard car) may be more economical.
Smart ways to avoid crowds
Morning use (downbound)
- Time to avoid : 5:00-7:00 (1,000 yen)
- Recommended times : 0:00-4:00 (400 yen), 7:00 onwards (800 yen)
Nighttime use (upbound)
- Time to avoid : 13:00-19:00 (1,600 yen)
- Recommended times : 20:00-24:00 (400 yen), 0:00-4:00 (400 yen)
Background and effects of the social experiment
This time-of-day pricing system is being implemented as a social experiment aimed at easing traffic congestion. Experiments to date have confirmed certain effects, such as traffic being dispersed before and after the toll hike period, reducing maximum lost time.
The changes from 2025 will set larger fare differences in order to further promote transportation shifts.
Summary: Key points for using the Aqua-Line in 2025
- The fare difference is even greater on the inbound lanes : from 400 yen to 1,600 yen
- First time-based pricing introduced on outbound lanes : Be careful during peak morning hours (5:00-7:00)
- Late night and early morning (0:00-4:00) is the cheapest in both directions : 400 yen
- Weekdays: Same as before, flat rate of 800 yen : No change
- Pay attention to the timing of toll determination : Kisarazu Main Line toll gate (inbound), Umihotaru toll gate (outbound)
Be sure to understand the new system coming into effect in 2025 and use the Aqua-Line wisely. By avoiding peak times, you can save money and enjoy a comfortable journey.
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