NYC Bridges & Tunnels Complete Guide: Tolls, Rates & Payment 2025
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NYC Bridges & Tunnels Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (E-ZPass) + Cashless tolling
Coverage: 9 major crossings connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and New Jersey
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, License plate recognition, OMNY integration
Operators: MTA Bridges & Tunnels, Port Authority of NY/NJ
Do I Need E-ZPass for NYC Bridges & Tunnels? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to cross NYC bridges and tunnels - but you'll save significantly and experience faster travel times with one. All major NYC crossings now operate with cashless tolling, accepting E-ZPass, credit cards, and license plate billing.
Key Reality: E-ZPass provides up to $2 savings per crossing on Port Authority facilities and faster processing through dedicated lanes. For daily commuters, this translates to $500-1,000 annual savings plus reduced travel time.
2025 Update: All NYC bridges and tunnels are now cashless. MTA facilities accept E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail, while Port Authority crossings offer peak/off-peak pricing with E-ZPass providing maximum savings.
NYC Bridge & Tunnel Toll Costs: Current Rates
NYC operates the busiest bridge and tunnel network in North America, with costs varying by facility, time of day, payment method, and vehicle type.
Current Toll Rates by Crossing (2025)
| Bridge/Tunnel | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | $10.17 | $10.17 | MTA |
| George Washington Bridge | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
| Lincoln Tunnel | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
| Holland Tunnel | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
| Robert F. Kennedy Bridge | $8.36 | $9.11 | MTA |
| Queens-Midtown Tunnel | $8.36 | $9.11 | MTA |
| Hugh L. Carey Tunnel | $8.36 | $9.11 | MTA |
| Bronx-Whitestone Bridge | $8.36 | $9.11 | MTA |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | $8.36 | $9.11 | MTA |
Free NYC Bridges (No Tolls)
Manhattan Connections (Toll-Free):
- Brooklyn Bridge - Historic crossing to Brooklyn
- Manhattan Bridge - Manhattan to Brooklyn via Flatbush
- Williamsburg Bridge - Lower East Side to Williamsburg
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - Manhattan to Queens (most approaches free)
How to Pay NYC Bridge & Tunnel Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods for NYC bridges and tunnels:
1. E-ZPass (Recommended):
- Fastest processing through dedicated lanes
- Up to $2 savings per crossing on Port Authority facilities
- Works on all 17 E-ZPass states
- Available at 500+ retail locations, online, or by mail
2. Tolls by Mail (License Plate Billing):
- Automatic license plate capture and billing
- Bill sent to registered vehicle owner within 30 days
- Same rate as E-ZPass on MTA facilities
- Higher rates on Port Authority crossings ($2 premium)
3. OMNY Card (Select Facilities):
- MTA's contactless payment system
- Integration with MetroCard replacement
- Currently being piloted on select crossings
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across NYC bridges and tunnels, use TollGuru NYC toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
MTA Bridges & Tunnels Updates:
- Completed cashless conversion across all seven MTA crossings
- Enhanced license plate recognition accuracy to 99.8%
- Improved customer service with 24/7 online account management
- Staten Island Resident Discount continues on Verrazzano Bridge
Port Authority Developments:
- Peak/off-peak pricing continues with $2.50 differential
- Carpool discount: 3+ occupants get $2.50 off during peak hours
- Enhanced traffic flow with improved lane management systems
- Green Pass pilot program for electric vehicles under consideration
Technology Improvements:
- AI-powered traffic management reducing crossing times by 15%
- Mobile payment apps integration for rental car users
- Real-time crossing time estimates on 511NY and apps
Bridge & Tunnel Directory
Manhattan to New Jersey Crossings:
- George Washington Bridge - Busiest bridge in world, Upper Manhattan to Fort Lee
- Lincoln Tunnel - Midtown Manhattan to Weehawken, three tubes
- Holland Tunnel - Lower Manhattan to Jersey City, historic tunnel
Manhattan to Brooklyn/Staten Island:
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge - Brooklyn to Staten Island, longest span in Americas
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel - Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Bridge - Historic toll-free crossing to Brooklyn Heights
- Manhattan Bridge - Toll-free crossing to Downtown Brooklyn
- Williamsburg Bridge - Toll-free crossing to Williamsburg
Manhattan to Queens/Bronx:
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - Manhattan to Long Island City
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel - Midtown Manhattan to Long Island City
- Robert F. Kennedy Bridge - Triborough Bridge connecting Manhattan, Queens, Bronx
Queens to Bronx Crossings:
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge - Queens to Bronx via Whitestone
- Throgs Neck Bridge - Alternative Queens-Bronx crossing
- Hell Gate Bridge - Rail bridge, no vehicle access
Travel Times & Peak Hours
Peak Hours (Higher Tolls & Longer Wait Times):
- Weekdays: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (entering NYC)
- Weekdays: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (leaving NYC)
- Port Authority crossings: $2.50 premium during peak hours
- Average delays: 10-30 minutes additional travel time
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Tolls & Faster Travel):
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Weekdays: 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM
- Weekends: Saturday 11:00 PM - Monday 6:00 AM
- Port Authority savings: $2.50 per crossing
Fastest Crossings by Destination:
- Midtown to NJ: Lincoln Tunnel (but avoid peak hours)
- Lower Manhattan to NJ: Holland Tunnel
- Upper Manhattan to NJ: George Washington Bridge
- Manhattan to Brooklyn: Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge (free)
- Manhattan to Queens: Queensboro Bridge or Queens-Midtown Tunnel
Cost-Saving Strategies
Daily Commuter Savings:
- E-ZPass mandatory: $500-1,000 annual savings vs Tolls by Mail
- Off-peak travel: $2.50 savings per Port Authority crossing
- Carpool (3+ people): Additional $2.50 savings during peak hours
- Route alternatives: Use free bridges when practical
Tourist & Visitor Tips:
- Rental cars: Ask about E-ZPass inclusion to avoid admin fees
- Short visits: Consider temporary E-ZPass for 3+ days
- Sightseeing: Walk or use public transit across free bridges
- Hotel parking: Factor toll costs into accommodation decisions
Alternative Routes:
- Staten Island Ferry: Free vehicle ferry (limited capacity)
- Public transit: Subway, bus, ferry connections
- Free bridges: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg bridges
- Outer borough routes: Avoid Manhattan entirely when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid NYC tolls completely?
Partially - you can use free bridges (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg, Queensboro) within NYC and to Brooklyn/Queens. However, crossing to New Jersey or Staten Island requires paying tolls, and free bridges can add 20-45 minutes during peak hours.
Which direction pays tolls on NYC crossings?
Most NYC crossings charge tolls in both directions or one direction only: Verrazzano (Staten Island to Brooklyn only), Port Authority crossings (entering NYC only), MTA bridges and tunnels (both directions for some, one direction for others).
What happens if I don't pay NYC tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices: initial toll + $5 administrative fee (30 days), then $50 suspension notice (60 days), potential license/registration suspension (90+ days). Port Authority violations follow similar escalation.
Do motorcycles pay different rates?
Yes, motorcycles typically pay 50-75% of passenger car rates. For example: Verrazzano Bridge charges motorcycles $4.50 vs $10.17 for cars, Port Authority crossings charge motorcycles $7.50-10.00 vs $12.50-17.00 for cars.
Can I use out-of-state E-ZPass in NYC?
Yes, E-ZPass from any of the 17 member states works throughout NYC. However, you may pay slightly higher rates and won't receive resident discounts available to NY E-ZPass holders.
NYC vs. Regional Cities
| City | Toll Facilities | Typical Cost | Payment System |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 9 major crossings | $8.36-$17.00 | E-ZPass + Cashless |
| Philadelphia | 5 bridges | $5.00-$6.50 | E-ZPass + Cash |
| Boston | 2 tunnels | $2.50-$3.50 | E-ZPass + License plate |
| San Francisco | 7 bridges | $4.00-$8.00 | FasTrak + License plate |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- New York Toll Roads - Complete NY state toll information
- E-ZPass New York - Account setup and management
- Manhattan Bridge Tolls - Individual bridge information
- NYC Traffic Patterns - Best times to travel
- Pay Toll NYC - Payment methods and dispute resolution
- NYC Tourist Driving - Visitor transportation guide
Official Agencies:
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels: 511 or 311 - Customer service and account support
- Port Authority NY/NJ: (212) 435-7000 - GW Bridge, Lincoln & Holland tunnels
- E-ZPass New York: 1-800-333-8655 - Account setup and billing
- 511NY: Real-time traffic and crossing information
