The cost of traveling by car between Madrid and Seville if the new tolls are implemented

The Spanish high-capacity road network is characterized by being one of the largest in Europe, as well as one of the few that is mostly free in the EU , which means that the State must use its resources to maintain it, generating a deficit according to SEOPAN .

For this reason, the Association of Construction and Infrastructure Concessionaire Companies (SEOPAN) proposed a sustainable financing model in early July to support the maintenance of the roads' proper condition, as well as to address the necessary investment in replacements, estimated at more than €38 billion over 25 years .

What does SEOPAN want this toll model to be?

The construction industry association has produced a report titled "Alternatives for Pricing the Use of High-Capacity Roads on the Spanish Highway Network ," which specifies a pricing model for the 13,674 kilometers of intercity highways that are currently free .

As for the proposed toll prices, we find that they would be €0.03/km for light vehicles such as cars or motorcycles, and €0.14/km for heavy vehicles , so many have considered the amount to pay for regular routes such as those between Madrid and Seville.

What will the toll cost between Madrid and Seville?

Specifically, Google Maps offers two routes connecting both cities: the first, via the A-5 (Southwest Highway) and the A-66 (Ruta de la Plata Highway) through Extremadura, is 531 kilometers long and has an estimated travel time of 5 hours and 10 minutes . This route through Extremadura would cost €15.93 for light vehicles and €74.34 for trucks or trailers.

The journey along the A-4 (Southern Highway) is shorter, at 528 km, but takes up to 5.5 hours . However, if the proposed tolls are approved, the price for this route would be €15.84 for passenger cars and €73.92 for heavy goods vehicles.

When could this measure be applied?

The proposal to implement a toll system on highways, promoted by the infrastructure construction industry association, is for now only a proposal they want the Government to study for possible future approval. Currently, there is no set date for its entry into force .

It's worth remembering that the government already attempted to introduce tolls in 2023 , although the initiative failed . However, given the high cost to the government of maintaining and building the highway network, the Sánchez government could be in favor of the model proposed by SEOPAN .