Intercounty Connector Maryland Complete Guide 2025: ICC MD 200 Tolls, E-ZPass & Routes
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Intercounty Connector Maryland Complete Guide
System: All-electronic variable toll facility with highway-speed collection
Coverage: 18.8 miles connecting I-270/I-370 in Gaithersburg to I-95/US 1 in Laurel
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, automatic license plate recognition, variable pricing
Operator: Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Intercounty Connector? 2025 Update
While E-ZPass is not mandatory to use the Intercounty Connector (ICC), it's highly recommended due to significant cost savings. The ICC operates as Maryland's first all-electronic toll road, meaning you'll pay either through E-ZPass or receive a bill by mail with substantial surcharges.
Key Reality: Without E-ZPass, you'll pay Video Toll Rates (VTR) that are 150% of base toll rates with a minimum $1 and maximum $15 surcharge above base rates. A full-length rush hour trip costs $3.86 with E-ZPass versus $5.79+ without it.
2025 Update: The ICC continues variable pricing with peak rates Monday-Friday 6 AM-9 AM and 4 PM-7 PM. Current toll rates remain at the lowest end of approved ranges, making E-ZPass even more valuable for regular users.
Intercounty Connector Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Intercounty Connector operates Maryland's first variable pricing system, where tolls change based on time of day to manage traffic flow and provide reliable travel times.
Current Toll Rates by Time Period (2025)
Time Period | E-ZPass (Cars) | Video Toll Rate | Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Peak Hours | $3.86 (full length) | $5.79+ (150% + fees) | Mon-Fri 6-9 AM, 4-7 PM |
Off-Peak Hours | $2.98 (full length) | $4.47+ (150% + fees) | Weekdays 9 AM-4 PM, 7-11 PM |
Overnight Hours | $1.23 (full length) | $2.84+ (150% + fees) | Weekdays 11 PM-6 AM |
Weekends & Holidays | $2.98 (full length) | $4.47+ (150% + fees) | All weekend hours, Federal holidays |
Vehicle Classifications & Axle-Based Pricing
Vehicle Type | Axle Count | Peak Rate | Off-Peak Rate |
---|---|---|---|
Cars, Motorcycles, Light Trucks | 2 axles | $3.86 | $2.98 |
Medium Trucks | 3 axles | $7.72 | $5.96 |
Large Trucks | 4 axles | $11.58 | $8.94 |
Heavy Trucks | 5 axles | $15.44 | $11.92 |
Extra Heavy Trucks | 6+ axles | $19.30 | $14.90 |
Note: Rates shown are for full-length travel from I-370 to US 1. Shorter trips are prorated by distance. Include all axles with wheels touching the ground, including trailers.
How to Pay Intercounty Connector Tolls
The ICC operates as an all-electronic toll facility with two payment options:
1. E-ZPass Electronic System (Recommended):
- Works on all Maryland toll facilities and 18+ other states
- Lowest toll rates available - base pricing with no surcharges
- Automatic payment as you drive through toll gantries
- Available at 500+ retail locations, online, or customer service centers
2. Video Tolling / Pay-By-Plate:
- Automatic license plate recognition system
- Bill mailed to registered vehicle owner
- 150% of base toll rates + minimum $1 / maximum $15 surcharge
- Not recommended for frequent travelers due to higher costs
3. Payment Methods Accepted:
- E-ZPass Maryland accounts for best rates
- Out-of-state E-ZPass transponders accepted
- Online payment at DriveEzMD.com for missed tolls
- Customer service centers for account setup and issues
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on the Intercounty Connector, use TollGuru Maryland toll calculator:
ICC Route & Exits: Complete Guide
The Intercounty Connector (MD 200) spans 18.8 miles with 8 major interchanges connecting Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Major Interchanges & Exits (West to East)
Exit/Location | Connecting Route | Key Destinations | Facilities |
---|---|---|---|
Western Terminus | I-370/I-270 | Shady Grove Metro, I-270, Rockville | Park & Ride, Metro Access |
Exit 1 | MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) | Rockville, Olney, Silver Spring | Park & Ride, MTA Bus Service |
Exit 2 | MD 28 (Norbeck Road) | Norbeck, Laytonsville | Local access |
Exit 3 | MD 182 (Layhill Road) | Wheaton, Aspen Hill | Northwest Branch Park access |
Exit 4 | US 29 (Colesville Road) | Silver Spring, Columbia, Baltimore | Major north-south connection |
Exit 5 | Briggs Chaney Road | Fairland, Calverton | Local communities |
Exit 6 | I-95 | Baltimore, Washington DC, Richmond | Major interstate connection |
Eastern Terminus | US 1 (Baltimore Avenue) | Beltsville, College Park | Local access, University of Maryland |
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Rate Stability:
- Toll rates remain at lowest end of approved ranges for 2025
- Variable pricing continues to effectively manage traffic flow
- E-ZPass savings remain substantial compared to video tolling
Technology & Payment Improvements:
- Enhanced E-ZPass interoperability with Florida and Minnesota added
- Improved DriveEzMD.com portal for online payments
- Continued all-electronic operations since August 2020
- Enhanced fraud protection against toll payment scams
Traffic & Performance:
- FY 2017: 32.6 million vehicles used the ICC
- Variable pricing successfully maintains 60 mph design speed
- Continued access to Metrorail, MARC, and BWI Airport connections
- Enhanced park-and-ride facilities supporting multimodal transportation
Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
The ICC represents one of the most comprehensive environmental stewardship programs in highway construction history, with $370 million dedicated to mitigation and environmental protection.
Environmental Features:
- Called "America's Most Sustainable Highway" due to comprehensive environmental program
- $370 million environmental stewardship investment addressing wetlands, wildlife, and air quality
- Extensive habitat restoration and creation programs
- Advanced stormwater management and erosion control systems
Community Impact Mitigation:
- Historic resource preservation and documentation
- Extensive noise barrier construction (68,000+ linear feet)
- Parkland compensation and enhancement programs
- Advanced design minimizing community disruption
Planning Your ICC Journey
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Get Maryland E-ZPass for lowest rates (up to 77% savings versus video tolling)
- Travel during off-peak or overnight hours for reduced rates
- Consider weekend travel for off-peak pricing all day
- Use DriveEzMD toll calculator to plan trip costs
Travel Time Benefits:
- Maintains reliable 60 mph travel speeds through variable pricing
- Connects I-270 and I-95 corridors efficiently
- Provides access to BWI Airport, Metro, and MARC services
- Reduces travel time between Montgomery and Prince George's counties
Alternative Routes:
- US 29 (Colesville Road) - Toll-free north-south route
- MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) - Free alternative with more traffic lights
- Capital Beltway (I-495) - Longer route but no additional tolls
- Local roads via MD 198, MD 212 - Free but significantly slower
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ICC cost for a full trip?
For cars with E-ZPass: $3.86 peak hours, $2.98 off-peak, $1.23 overnight. Without E-ZPass, expect 150% of these rates plus additional fees ($5.79+ peak, $4.47+ off-peak).
Can I pay cash on the ICC?
No, the ICC is all-electronic with no toll booths or cash payment options. You must use E-ZPass or pay by mail through video tolling with higher rates.
How does variable pricing work on the ICC?
Tolls are highest during peak commuting hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM weekdays) to manage traffic flow. Off-peak and overnight rates are lower to encourage travel during less congested times.
What happens if I don't pay ICC tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees. Maryland can suspend vehicle registration for chronic non-payment. It's much cheaper to get E-ZPass or pay online promptly.
Can I use out-of-state E-ZPass on the ICC?
Yes, E-ZPass from any of the 18+ member states works on the ICC. However, Maryland E-ZPass accounts receive the lowest toll rates and best customer service.
ICC vs. Regional Toll Facilities
Facility | Length | Typical Cost | Payment Methods |
---|---|---|---|
ICC (MD 200) | 18.8 miles | $1.23-$3.86 | E-ZPass, Video Toll |
Bay Bridge | 4.3 miles | $2.50-$4.00 | E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate |
I-95 Express Lanes | 15+ miles | $0.75-$8.00 | E-ZPass only |
Dulles Toll Road | 14 miles | $1.75-$6.00 | E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate |
I-66 Express Lanes | 22+ miles | $2.00-$40.00+ | E-ZPass only |
Useful Links & Resources
ICC Information & Services:
- DriveEzMD.com - Official Maryland toll payment portal
- Maryland Transportation Authority: (888) 321-6824
- E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service: (888) 321-6824
- ICC Traffic & Travel Information: 511 Maryland
Related Maryland Toll Pages:
- Maryland Toll Roads - Complete statewide toll information
- Bridge - Chesapeake Bay crossing
- Harbor Tunnel - I-895 tunnel
- I-95 Express Lanes - Variable toll lanes
Transit & Transportation:
- Washington Metro: (202) 637-7000 - Red Line Shady Grove Station
- MARC Train Service: (866) 743-3682 - Brunswick Line access
- MTA Maryland Bus Service: (410) 539-5000 - Local transit
- BWI Marshall Airport: (410) 859-7111 - Airport access via ICC