Lincoln Tunnel Toll Rates, Payment & Traffic Guide 2025
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Lincoln Tunnel Toll Guide
Location: Connects Midtown Manhattan (39th Street) to Weehawken, New Jersey
Operator: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Opened: 1937 (Center Tube), 1945 (North Tube), 1957 (South Tube)
Daily Traffic: 120,000+ vehicles (pre-pandemic: 130,000+)
Payment: E-ZPass, Tolls by Mail (100% cashless since 2020)
Lincoln Tunnel Toll Rates 2025
The Lincoln Tunnel uses time-of-day pricing with different rates for peak and off-peak hours. All payments are electronic - there are no cash toll booths.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Peak Hours E-ZPass | Off-Peak E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & Motorcycles | $15.00 | $12.50 | $17.00 / $14.50 |
| 2-Axle Trucks & Large SUVs | $15.00 | $12.50 | $17.00 / $14.50 |
| 3-Axle Vehicles | $30.00 | $25.00 | $34.00 / $29.00 |
| 4-Axle Vehicles | $45.00 | $37.50 | $51.00 / $42.50 |
| 5-Axle Vehicles | $60.00 | $50.00 | $68.00 / $56.50 |
| 6+ Axle Vehicles | $75.00 | $62.50 | $85.00 / $70.50 |
Peak vs Off-Peak Hours
Peak Hours (Higher Rates):
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Monday-Friday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Rates):
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 PM - 11:00 AM
How to Pay Lincoln Tunnel Tolls
The Lincoln Tunnel has been 100% cashless since March 2020. You can pay using the following methods:
1. E-ZPass (Recommended):
- $2.00 savings per trip versus Tolls by Mail
- Works in dedicated E-ZPass lanes for faster travel
- Compatible with E-ZPass from all 17 participating states
- Can be obtained online, by phone, or at 600+ retail locations
2. Tolls by Mail:
- License plate photographed, bill mailed to registered owner
- Higher rates than E-ZPass ($2.00 additional per trip)
- Bills typically arrive 5-7 days after crossing
- Payment due within 30 days to avoid violation fees
3. Rental Car Arrangements:
- Most rental companies offer toll transponders for $3.95-15.00/day
- Some include unlimited toll usage, others charge tolls + daily fee
- Alternative: Purchase temporary E-ZPass for visits over 3-4 days
Calculate exact Lincoln Tunnel toll costs for your vehicle and travel time using the TollGuru toll calculator:
Traffic Patterns & Best Times to Cross
Typical Wait Times
| Time Period | To NJ (Westbound) | To NY (Eastbound) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Morning (7-9 AM) | 5-15 minutes | 20-45 minutes | Heavy inbound to Manhattan |
| Weekday Evening (5-7 PM) | 25-60 minutes | 5-20 minutes | Heavy outbound from Manhattan |
| Midday (10 AM-3 PM) | 2-8 minutes | 2-8 minutes | Best time for quick crossing |
| Weekend Days | 10-25 minutes | 8-20 minutes | Moderate delays, events can impact |
| Late Night (10 PM-6 AM) | 1-3 minutes | 1-3 minutes | Fastest crossing times |
Money-Saving Travel Tips
- Time your trip: Save $2.50 by traveling during off-peak hours
- Use E-ZPass: Save $2.00 per trip versus Tolls by Mail
- Combine savings: Off-peak + E-ZPass = $4.50 total savings per trip
- Avoid Friday evenings: Worst traffic, highest rates
- Consider alternatives: Holland Tunnel or free bridges during peak hours
Lincoln Tunnel Layout & Access Points
Manhattan (East) Side Access
Entrance Points:
- 39th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues (main entrance)
- 40th Street westbound approach
- 38th Street approach (limited access)
Exit Points (from NJ):
- 39th Street eastbound
- 42nd Street northbound
- 36th Street southbound
New Jersey (West) Side Access
Entrance Points:
- Route 495 eastbound (main approach)
- JFK Boulevard East northbound
- Park Avenue southbound
Exit Points (from Manhattan):
- Route 495 westbound
- JFK Boulevard East (north/south access)
- Weehawken local streets
Alternatives to Lincoln Tunnel
Other Hudson River Crossings
| Crossing | Distance from Lincoln | Toll Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Tunnel | 1.5 miles south | Same as Lincoln | Downtown/Financial District |
| George Washington Bridge | 4 miles north | Same as Lincoln | Upper Manhattan, Bronx |
| PATH Train | 33rd Street Station | $2.75 | Peak hour alternative |
| NYC Ferry | West Side piers | $4.00 | Scenic, seasonal option |
When to Consider Alternatives
- Friday evening rush: Consider PATH train or delay trip to off-peak
- Special events: Madison Square Garden events can cause extra delays
- Construction: Periodic lane closures for maintenance
- Weather: Fog can cause significant delays; bridges may be better option
- Cost savings: Public transit saves $10+ per trip during peak hours
Recent Changes & Updates (2025)
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced license plate recognition system deployed in 2024
- Improved traffic flow monitoring and real-time updates
- Mobile payment app integration for rental car users
Infrastructure Updates:
- Ongoing tile replacement project in Center Tube (minimal traffic impact)
- LED lighting upgrades completed in all three tubes
- Ventilation system improvements for air quality
Traffic Management:
- Dynamic lane management during peak hours
- Improved incident response times
- Better coordination with NYC surface street traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash at Lincoln Tunnel?
No, the Lincoln Tunnel has been 100% cashless since March 2020. You must use E-ZPass or pay by mail through license plate billing.
What happens if I don't have E-ZPass?
Your license plate will be photographed and you'll receive a "Tolls by Mail" bill within 5-7 days. The rate is $2.00 higher than E-ZPass rates, and you have 30 days to pay before violation fees apply.
Which tube should I use?
Traffic is dynamically managed across all three tubes. Follow overhead signs - during peak hours, the center tube may reverse direction to handle the heaviest traffic flow. E-ZPass users typically have dedicated lanes in the north tube.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
E-ZPass provides the main discount ($2.00 per trip). There's no additional frequent user discount, but traveling during off-peak hours saves an additional $2.50 per trip.
Can trucks use Lincoln Tunnel?
Yes, but with restrictions. Maximum height is 13 feet 6 inches, and hazardous materials are prohibited. Trucks pay higher tolls based on axle count. For unrestricted truck access, use the George Washington Bridge.
Related New York Toll Information
NYC Area Crossings:
- Holland Tunnel - Downtown Manhattan to New Jersey
- George Washington Bridge - Upper Manhattan to New Jersey
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel - Midtown to Queens
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel - Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge - Brooklyn to Staten Island
Payment & Account Information:
- E-ZPass New York - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll New York - All NY payment methods
- New York Toll Violations - Resolving unpaid tolls
- NY Toll Calculator - Trip cost planning
Official Resources:
- Port Authority of NY/NJ: (212) 435-7000 - Lincoln Tunnel operations
- E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-800-333-8655 - Account support
- Real-time traffic: 511NY or Lincoln Tunnel mobile app
- Tolls by Mail: (516) 393-3015 - Payment questions
