Queens-Midtown Tunnel Toll: Rates, Hours & Payment Guide 2025
Queens-Midtown Tunnel Toll Guide
Official Name: Queens-Midtown Tunnel (QMT)
Connects: Manhattan (East 34th-40th Streets) ↔ Queens (Long Island City)
Length: 6,414 feet (1.2 miles)
Operator: MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Daily Traffic: ~80,000 vehicles
Payment: E-ZPass, Tolls by Mail (100% cashless since 2017)
Current Toll Rates (2025)
The Queens-Midtown Tunnel operates with all-electronic tolling, offering different rates based on your payment method and vehicle type.
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/SUV/Pickup | $8.36 | $9.11 | $390 (daily commute) |
| Motorcycle | $3.57 | $4.32 | $195 (daily commute) |
| Commercial Vehicle | $33.57 | $36.57 | $1,560 (daily use) |
*Based on 520 annual trips (2 trips/day, 5 days/week, 52 weeks)
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Daily commuters save $0.75 per trip with E-ZPass - that's $390 annually for a typical Manhattan-Queens commute!
How to Pay Queens-Midtown Tunnel Tolls
The Queens-Midtown Tunnel converted to 100% cashless tolling in 2017. Here are your payment options:
1. E-ZPass (Recommended)
- Best rates: $8.36 for cars vs $9.11 Tolls by Mail
- Instant payment: No delays or additional processing
- Multi-state coverage: Works on all NY toll facilities plus 16 other states
- Where to get: 500+ retail locations, online, or AAA offices
2. Tolls by Mail
- How it works: License plate photographed, bill mailed to registered owner
- Payment time: 30 days from invoice date
- Higher cost: $0.75 more per trip than E-ZPass
- Payment methods: Online, phone, mail, or walk-in centers
3. One-Time Payment Options
- Temporary E-ZPass: Available for visitors and tourists
- Prepaid toll account: Set up temporary account for short-term use
- Rental car arrangements: Many rental companies offer toll programs
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Tunnel Entrances & Exits
Manhattan Side (Midtown East)
- Primary entrance: East 34th Street and FDR Drive
- Alternative access: East 37th Street via 2nd Avenue
- Exit options: 34th Street, 37th Street, or continue on FDR Drive
- Nearby landmarks: UN Headquarters, Tudor City, Murray Hill
Queens Side (Long Island City)
- Primary exit: Queens Boulevard (NY-25)
- Highway connections: Direct access to I-495 (Long Island Expressway)
- Local access: 21st Street, 23rd Street connections
- Nearby areas: Court Square, Hunters Point, Sunnyside
Traffic Patterns & Best Times to Travel
Peak Hours (Expect Heavy Traffic)
| Direction | Morning Rush | Evening Rush | Typical Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens → Manhattan | 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Light traffic | 15-25 minutes |
| Manhattan → Queens | Light traffic | 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM | 20-35 minutes |
Best Travel Times (Lighter Traffic)
- Early morning: 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM (5-8 minute crossing)
- Mid-morning: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM (8-12 minute crossing)
- Late evening: 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM (6-10 minute crossing)
- Weekends: Generally lighter except during events or holidays
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use real-time traffic apps (Google Maps, Waze) to check current conditions before traveling. Construction and incidents can add 30+ minutes to your trip.
Alternative Routes & Toll-Free Options
Free Alternatives (No Tolls)
- Queensboro Bridge (Ed Koch): 59th Street bridge - longer route but toll-free
- Williamsburg Bridge: Lower Manhattan connection, adds 10-15 minutes
- Manhattan Bridge: Brooklyn route to Queens via surface streets
- Public Transit: 7, E, M, N, Q, R, W trains connect Manhattan-Queens
Other Toll Options
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel: $8.36 E-ZPass, southern Manhattan access
- Triborough Bridge: $8.36 E-ZPass, connects to Bronx and Manhattan
- 59th Street Bridge approach: Free bridge with toll plaza approach (confusing)
Construction & Updates (2025)
Current Projects:
- Tunnel rehabilitation: Ongoing tile and lighting improvements (minimal traffic impact)
- Ventilation system upgrades: Enhanced air quality systems installation
- Electronic toll system maintenance: Periodic overnight lane closures
2025 Technology Updates:
- Enhanced license plate recognition accuracy
- Improved real-time traffic monitoring systems
- Mobile payment integration pilot program
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash at Queens-Midtown Tunnel?
No, the tunnel has been 100% cashless since 2017. You must use E-ZPass or receive a Tolls by Mail invoice for $0.75 more per trip.
What happens if I don't have E-ZPass?
Your license plate will be photographed and you'll receive a Tolls by Mail invoice within 30 days. You have 30 days to pay before additional fees apply.
Is there a carpool discount?
No, MTA facilities including Queens-Midtown Tunnel do not offer carpool discounts. This differs from Port Authority crossings like George Washington Bridge.
Can motorcycles use the tunnel?
Yes, motorcycles pay reduced tolls ($3.57 E-ZPass vs $8.36 for cars) and can use all lanes. However, use extra caution due to tunnel ventilation and lighting conditions.
What's the vehicle height limit?
The maximum vehicle height is 12 feet 6 inches. Oversized vehicles must use alternative crossings like the Queensboro Bridge or obtain special permits.
Tunnel History & Facts
- Opened: November 15, 1940
- Construction cost: $58 million (1940 dollars = ~$1.1 billion today)
- Engineering: First tunnel to use the shield method under the East River
- Daily capacity: Designed for 78,000 vehicles, currently handles ~80,000
- Emergency features: 24/7 emergency services, fire suppression system
- Ventilation: Four massive fans provide air circulation every 90 seconds
Related New York Crossings
| Crossing | Route | E-ZPass Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens-Midtown Tunnel | Midtown ↔ LIC | $8.36 | Midtown business district |
| Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel | FiDi ↔ Brooklyn | $8.36 | Lower Manhattan access |
| Queensboro Bridge | 59th St ↔ Queens | FREE | Budget-conscious travelers |
| RFK/Triborough Bridge | Multiple connections | $8.36 | Bronx connections |
Contact Information & Resources
Emergency & Information:
- Emergency: 911 or tunnel emergency phones
- MTA Customer Service: 311 (within NYC) or (212) NEW-YORK
- E-ZPass NY: 1-800-333-8655
- Tolls by Mail: 1-844-826-8400
Related Pages:
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel (Hugh L. Carey Tunnel)
- New York E-ZPass Guide
- NYC Bridges & Tunnels Complete Guide
- Manhattan Traffic Patterns
- Queens Transportation Hub
Found outdated toll rates or tunnel information? Help us keep information accurate.
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