AutoPASS prepayment vs tag: what is worth it?
Two different things
Many people confuse two terms. Here is the difference:
- The AutoPASS tag is the toll transponder on your windscreen. If you have it but no prepayment agreement, you get a 10 percent discount on ferries.
- The AutoPASS prepayment agreement (APFF) is a separate agreement where you pay an amount in advance. In return you get a 50 percent discount as a private customer and 40 percent as a business.
So you can have a tag without a prepayment agreement, but you do not get the large discount until you also have the agreement.
What does the prepayment agreement cost?
The prepayment amount is tiered by the vehicle's length. It is lowest for an ordinary car and increases for larger vehicles. The money is not lost; you use it up as you travel, but it is tied up in advance.
When is the agreement worth it?
It depends on how many ferry trips you will take. The total 50 percent saving has to exceed what you tie up in prepayment before the agreement pays off. On a long coastal road trip with many ferries, you quickly earn back the prepayment. With only one or two ferries, it rarely pays off.
The ferry calculator works this out for you. Enter how many crossings you plan, and you will see whether the prepayment agreement saves you money or ties up more than you gain.
For tourists
For a short trip with few ferries, FerryPay is usually the simplest: full price, but no commitment and no invoice fee. Consider a prepayment agreement only if you will take many crossings during your trip.
FAQ
How much discount does an AutoPASS tag give on ferries?
A tag without a prepayment agreement gives 10 percent. With a prepayment agreement, private customers get 50 percent.
Do I get the prepayment money back?
The prepayment is used up as you travel. It is not a fee, but an amount tied up in advance.
Is the prepayment agreement worth it for a short holiday trip?
Usually not. For few crossings, FerryPay is better. Use the calculator to see what applies to your trip.