Elizabeth River Tunnels Virginia Complete Guide: Toll Relief, Rates & Payment 2025
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Elizabeth River Tunnels Virginia Complete Guide
System: All-Electronic Tolling (AET) connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth
Operator: Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) in partnership with VDOT
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Tunnels: Downtown Tunnel (I-264) and Midtown Tunnel (US-58)
Technology: E-ZPass, mobile payment apps, license plate billing
Do I Need E-ZPass for Elizabeth River Tunnels? 2025 Update
No, E-ZPass is not mandatory, but it provides significant savings. The Elizabeth River Tunnels use all-electronic tolling with no toll booths, offering multiple payment options including E-ZPass, mobile apps, and license plate billing.
Payment Options (by savings level):
- E-ZPass (67% savings): Maximum savings, works across 18 states
- Mobile Apps (60%+ savings): GoToll, Slora, Uproad apps
- Pay by Plate (most expensive): License plate billing with $4.18 processing fee
2025 Update: Expanded toll relief program provides 50% discounts for Hampton Roads residents earning under $65,000, and 100% discounts for Norfolk and Portsmouth residents earning under $50,000.
Elizabeth River Tunnels Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Elizabeth River Tunnels connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth have toll rates that vary by time of day, vehicle type, and payment method. Rates increased 4.3% on average in January 2025.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass Off-Peak | E-ZPass Peak | Pay by Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicle (2-axle) | $2.34 | $3.23 | $7.00 (off-peak) $7.89 (peak) |
| Heavy Vehicle (3+ axles) | $7.00 | $12.90 | $11.66 (off-peak) $17.56 (peak) |
| Motorcycle | $1.17 | $1.62 | $5.18 (off-peak) $5.80 (peak) |
Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours
Peak Hours (higher rates):
- Monday-Friday: 5:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- Monday-Friday: 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours (lower rates):
- Midnight - 5:30 AM
- 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- 7:00 PM - Midnight
- All weekend hours
- Major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
How to Pay Elizabeth River Tunnels Tolls
The Elizabeth River Tunnels offer multiple payment options to accommodate different user needs:
1. E-ZPass (Maximum Savings - 67%):
- Works across 18 states, no monthly fees
- $35 initial cost (all credited to account)
- Free transponder device included
- Available at E-ZPass centers or online at ezpassva.com
2. Mobile Payment Apps (60%+ Savings):
- GoToll, Slora, and Uproad apps
- Register license plate before travel
- Significant savings over Pay by Plate
- Convenient smartphone payment option
3. Pay by Plate (Automatic Billing):
- License plate captured by overhead cameras
- Bill mailed within 30 days to registered owner
- Includes $4.18 processing fee per trip
- Pay online at DriveERT.com or call 757-837-0840
Toll Relief Program 2025
The Elizabeth River Tunnels Toll Relief Program provides substantial discounts for Hampton Roads residents, funded by Elizabeth River Crossings and the Commonwealth of Virginia with $3.5 million in 2025.
Toll Relief Eligibility & Benefits
| Eligibility Category | Income Requirement | Discount | Trip Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton Roads Residents | Under $65,000/year | 50% | 14 trips/week |
| Norfolk & Portsmouth Residents | Under $50,000/year | 100% | 14 trips/week |
Eligible Hampton Roads Areas:
- Chesapeake, Gloucester County, Hampton, Isle of Wight County
- James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson
- Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg
- York County, Franklin, Surry County, Southampton County
How to Apply:
- In-person enrollment required at E-ZPass centers or DriveERT Customer Care
- Norfolk E-ZPass Service Center: Available for enrollment
- Portsmouth E-ZPass Service Center: Available for enrollment
- DriveERT Customer Care Center: County Street, Portsmouth
- Required documents: Proof of residency and income (driver's license, pay stubs, tax returns)
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Rate Increases (January 1, 2025):
- 4.3% average increase across all vehicle types
- E-ZPass passenger vehicles: $2.34 off-peak (+8¢), $3.23 peak (+17¢)
- Pay by Plate passenger vehicles: $7.00 off-peak (+23¢), $7.89 peak (+32¢)
- Annual increases continue per comprehensive agreement through 2070
Expanded Toll Relief (2024-2025):
- Income eligibility increased from $50,000 to $65,000 for 50% discount
- Trip limit increased from 10 to 14 trips per week
- 100% discount program for Norfolk and Portsmouth residents under $50,000
- $101 million state funding allocation through 2036
Infrastructure & Operations:
- $2.1 billion infrastructure improvements completed in 2017
- New Midtown Tunnel westbound opened
- MLK Expressway and 51 lane miles of roadway maintained
- Continued focus on safety and fire life safety standards
Tunnel Routes & Access
Downtown Tunnel (I-264):
- Connects downtown Norfolk to Portsmouth
- Major route for I-264 traffic between cities
- 0.9 miles/1.4 kilometers in length
- Key connection for Norfolk business district
Midtown Tunnel (US-58):
- Connects Norfolk and Portsmouth via US-58
- Two-bore tunnel with eastbound and westbound tubes
- New westbound tunnel opened in 2017
- Alternative route to Downtown Tunnel
Regional Connections:
- MLK Expressway provides tunnel approach roads
- Integration with Hampton Roads transportation network
- Connection to Norfolk Naval Station and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Access to Norfolk International Airport and Virginia Beach
Planning Your Journey
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- E-ZPass provides 67% savings compared to Pay by Plate
- Travel during off-peak hours for lower rates
- Mobile payment apps offer 60%+ savings for occasional users
- Hampton Roads residents: Apply for toll relief program
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Jordan Bridge - Alternative Portsmouth-Chesapeake connection (also tolled)
- Berkley Bridge - Free bridge option (longer route)
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel - Free regional crossing (significant detour)
- Local surface streets within Norfolk and Portsmouth (slower)
Travel Time Considerations:
- Both tunnels provide faster connection than free alternatives
- Peak hour congestion can slow tunnel approaches
- Electronic tolling eliminates stopping delays
- Consider tunnel choice based on destination within Norfolk
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with the toll relief program?
Hampton Roads residents earning under $65,000 save 50% on up to 14 trips per week. Norfolk and Portsmouth residents earning under $50,000 get 100% free trips (14 trips/week). With the 50% discount, you'll pay only $1.17 per trip during off-peak hours.
What happens if I drive through without paying?
Overhead cameras capture your license plate and a bill is mailed within 30 days to the registered vehicle owner. You'll pay the higher Pay by Plate rate plus a $4.18 processing fee. Payment can be made online at DriveERT.com or by calling 757-837-0840.
Which tunnel should I use - Downtown or Midtown?
Both charge the same toll rates. Choose based on your destination: Downtown Tunnel (I-264) for downtown Norfolk and Virginia Beach access, Midtown Tunnel (US-58) for Norfolk neighborhoods and alternate route options.
Can students get toll relief?
Students are eligible for the toll relief program if they meet residency and income requirements. All Hampton Roads residents earning under $65,000 annually qualify for 50% discounts, regardless of student status.
Do mobile payment apps really save money?
Yes, mobile apps like GoToll, Slora, and Uproad provide over 60% savings compared to Pay by Plate billing. They're convenient for occasional users who don't want to purchase an E-ZPass transponder.
Why are tolls charged in both directions?
Tolls help finance the $2.1 billion infrastructure improvements completed in 2017, ongoing operations and maintenance of both tunnels, the MLK Expressway, and 51 lane miles of roadway. The comprehensive agreement with VDOT extends through 2070.
Elizabeth River Tunnels vs. Regional Crossings
| Crossing | Route | Cost (E-ZPass) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tunnel | I-264 | $2.34-$3.23 | Norfolk-Portsmouth, toll relief available |
| Midtown Tunnel | US-58 | $2.34-$3.23 | Norfolk-Portsmouth, dual bore, toll relief available |
| Jordan Bridge | Portsmouth-Chesapeake | $2.00-$3.00 | Alternative route, no toll relief |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | I-64 | FREE | Regional crossing, longer distance |
| Berkley Bridge | Local access | FREE | Free alternative, longer route |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Virginia Toll Roads - Complete Virginia toll system overview
- Hampton Roads Tolls - Regional toll network information
- Jordan Bridge - Alternative Portsmouth-Chesapeake connection
- Norfolk Transportation - City transportation options
- Portsmouth Transportation - City access routes
- E-ZPass Virginia - Account setup and management
- Virginia Toll Relief - Statewide toll assistance programs
Hampton Roads Regional Connections:
- Chesapeake Tolls - Regional toll road network
- Virginia Beach Transportation - Beach access routes
- Newport News Transportation - Peninsula connections
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel - Free regional crossing
- Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel - I-664 regional access
Regional Toll Systems:
- US Toll Roads - National toll road network
- North Carolina Toll Roads - Southern neighbor connections
- Maryland Toll Roads - Northern neighbor system
- Delaware Toll Roads - Regional corridor connections
Official Resources:
- DriveERT Customer Service: 757-837-0840
- E-ZPass Virginia: 1-877-762-7824
- Toll Relief Program: www.VDOTTollRelief.com
- Elizabeth River Crossings: www.DriveERT.com
