How many days are highways free during National Day?
2 Answers
Highways are free for 8 days during National Day. The free period starts at 00:00 on the first day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday and ends at 24:00 on the last day of the holiday. For ordinary roads, the time is based on when the vehicle passes through the toll lane of the toll station, while for highways, the time is based on when the vehicle exits the toll lane. The vehicles eligible for free highway passage are passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer traveling on toll roads, including motorcycles allowed on ordinary toll roads. The scope of toll roads eligible for free passage on airport highways must comply with regulations, including toll roads (including toll bridges and tunnels) approved by law. Whether airport highways implement free passage is decided by the provincial (regional, municipal) governments.
The National Day holiday expressway toll-free period usually lasts for 7 days. As someone who frequently drives for travel, I saved several hundred yuan last year by enjoying the full toll-free benefit from October 1st to 7th. Planning ahead is key—avoid rushing on the first or last day of the holiday when traffic jams turn roads into parking lots. I recommend starting early to dodge peak hours, such as departing on the eve of October 1st or on October 6th. The savings are substantial, allowing you to allocate that money toward meals or attractions. For safety, don’t forget to check your tires and brakes, as accidents spike during the toll-free period—new drivers especially should drive cautiously. With heavy holiday crowds, choosing less-traveled routes can make the trip more enjoyable. Overall, this policy is a boon for drivers; with smart planning, you can enjoy a fantastic vacation.
