Holland Tunnel Toll Rates, Payment & Traffic Guide 2025
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Holland Tunnel Toll Guide
Location: Connects Lower Manhattan (NYC) to Jersey City (NJ)
Operator: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Opened: 1927 (Historic underwater vehicular tunnel)
Length: 8,558 feet (2.6 kilometers)
Daily Traffic: 120,000+ vehicles (Pre-pandemic: 140,000+)
Payment: E-ZPass, Tolls by Mail (Cashless since 2017)
Holland Tunnel Toll Rates 2025
The Holland Tunnel uses time-of-day pricing with significant E-ZPass discounts. Tolls are collected eastbound only (entering Manhattan from New Jersey).
Current Toll Rates by Time and Payment Method
| Time Period | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | E-ZPass Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours 6:00-10:00 AM 4:00-8:00 PM (Weekdays) |
$15.00 | $17.00 | $2.00 (12%) |
| Off-Peak Hours All other times (Weekdays, Weekends) |
$12.50 | $14.50 | $2.00 (14%) |
Motorcycle and Commercial Vehicle Rates
| Vehicle Type | Peak E-ZPass | Off-Peak E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $7.50 | $6.25 | Add $2.00 |
| Commercial Vehicle (2-axle) | Same as cars | Same as cars | Same as cars |
| Note: Trucks over 13'0" prohibited | Height restriction strictly enforced | ||
How to Pay Holland Tunnel Tolls
The Holland Tunnel operates with 100% electronic toll collection. Cash is not accepted.
1. E-ZPass (Recommended):
- Lowest toll rates with $2.00 savings per trip
- Works in dedicated E-ZPass lanes for faster processing
- Compatible with E-ZPass from any of 17 participating states
- Available online, at retail locations, or Port Authority facilities
2. Tolls by Mail:
- License plate photographed for billing to registered owner
- Higher rates than E-ZPass ($2.00 premium)
- Bill sent within 30 days of travel
- Payment due within 30 days to avoid violations
3. Rental Car Options:
- PlatePass or similar programs: Toll + daily admin fee ($3.95-$8.99)
- Bring your own E-ZPass: Most cost-effective option
- Pay violation later: Most expensive option (toll + penalties)
Traffic Patterns & Best Times to Travel
Peak Traffic Hours (Eastbound to Manhattan):
- Morning Rush: 6:00-10:00 AM (Heaviest: 7:30-9:00 AM)
- Evening Rush: 4:00-8:00 PM (Heaviest: 5:00-6:30 PM)
- Average delay during peak: 15-30 minutes
Best Times for Faster Travel:
- Early Morning: 5:00-6:00 AM (5-10 minute transit)
- Mid-Morning: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Early Afternoon: 1:00-3:00 PM
- Late Evening: 8:00 PM-12:00 AM
- Weekends: Generally lighter traffic, but events can cause delays
Special Considerations:
- Major events at Madison Square Garden can increase tunnel traffic
- Holiday weekends typically see heavier than normal traffic
- Construction and maintenance usually scheduled for overnight hours
Vehicle Restrictions & Safety Information
Height Restrictions:
- Maximum height: 13 feet 0 inches (3.96 meters)
- Strictly enforced: Overheight vehicles subject to fines and towing
- Alternative for trucks: Use Lincoln Tunnel (13'6" clearance) or George Washington Bridge
Prohibited Items & Vehicles:
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials (use George Washington Bridge upper level)
- Propane tanks and compressed gas cylinders
- Overheight vehicles exceeding 13'0"
- Pedestrians and bicycles (use PATH train or ferry)
Safety Features:
- 24/7 Port Authority Police patrol
- Advanced fire suppression systems
- Emergency call boxes every 200 feet
- Comprehensive CCTV monitoring
- Carbon monoxide detection systems
Tunnel Entrances & Directions
New Jersey Entrance (Westbound - FREE):
- Address: 200 Holland Tunnel, Jersey City, NJ 07302
- Access from: I-78, US-1/9, NJ Route 139
- GPS Coordinates: 40.7280° N, 74.0433° W
- Nearby landmarks: Exchange Place, Newport Centre Mall
Manhattan Entrance (Eastbound - TOLLED):
- Address: 399 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
- Access from: Canal Street, Broome Street, West Side Highway
- GPS Coordinates: 40.7243° N, 74.0056° W
- Nearby landmarks: SoHo, TriBeCa, One World Trade Center
Alternative Routes & Crossings
Other Hudson River Crossings:
| Crossing | Distance from Holland | Toll (E-ZPass Peak) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Tunnel | 1.2 miles north | $15.00 | Midtown Manhattan access |
| George Washington Bridge | 10 miles north | $15.00 | Upper Manhattan, Bronx |
| Staten Island Ferry | 2 miles south | FREE (passengers only) | Pedestrians, tourists |
| PATH Train | Multiple stations | $2.75 | Public transit alternative |
Recent Changes & Updates (2025)
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced license plate recognition systems reducing processing delays
- Improved LED lighting throughout tunnel for better visibility
- Upgraded ventilation systems for air quality management
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Tile replacement program continues in south tube
- Roadway resurfacing scheduled for spring 2025
- Fire safety system upgrades ongoing
Historical Significance
The Holland Tunnel, opened in 1927, was the world's first mechanically ventilated underwater vehicular tunnel. Named after chief engineer Clifford Milburn Holland, it represented a revolutionary achievement in engineering and urban transportation.
Engineering Milestones:
- First tunnel to use mechanical ventilation to remove vehicle exhaust
- Revolutionary shield tunneling method used in construction
- Two separate tubes allow for directional traffic flow
- Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a toll both ways through the Holland Tunnel?
No, tolls are collected eastbound only (entering Manhattan from New Jersey). Westbound travel from Manhattan to New Jersey is free.
Can I still pay cash at the Holland Tunnel?
No, the Holland Tunnel converted to cashless tolling in 2017. You must use E-ZPass or receive a Tolls by Mail bill based on your license plate.
What's the height limit for trucks in the Holland Tunnel?
The maximum height is 13 feet 0 inches. Trucks exceeding this height should use the Lincoln Tunnel (13'6" clearance) or George Washington Bridge instead.
Are there carpool discounts for the Holland Tunnel?
No, the Holland Tunnel does not currently offer carpool or HOV discounts. All passenger vehicles pay the same rate regardless of occupancy.
What happens if I don't pay the Holland Tunnel toll?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with penalties: $50 violation fee + original toll amount. Continued non-payment can lead to collection agency involvement and vehicle registration holds.
Contact Information & Support
Port Authority Customer Service:
- Phone: (212) 435-7000
- E-ZPass: (800) 333-8655
- Toll Violations: (973) 648-6006
- Website: panynj.gov
Related Resources:
- Lincoln Tunnel - Adjacent tunnel alternative
- George Washington Bridge - Northern crossing option
- New York Toll Roads - Complete NY toll guide
- E-ZPass New York - Electronic toll payment setup
- Pay Toll New York - Payment methods and procedures
