Queens-Midtown Tunnel Toll Guide: E-ZPass Rates & Payment 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Queens-Midtown Tunnel Complete Guide
Official Name: Queens-Midtown Tunnel (QMT)
Connects: Long Island City, Queens ↔ Midtown East Manhattan (37th Street)
Length: 6,414 feet (1.2 miles)
Lanes: 4 tubes (2 in each direction)
Operator: MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Opened: November 15, 1940
Daily Traffic: 100,000+ vehicles
Queens-Midtown Tunnel Toll Rates 2025
The Queens-Midtown Tunnel operates with 100% cashless tolling, accepting E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail only. No cash payments are accepted at any time.
Key Reality: E-ZPass users save $0.75 per crossing compared to Tolls by Mail rates. Daily commuters can save over $390 annually with E-ZPass.
2025 Update: All toll collection converted to cashless system with enhanced license plate recognition technology for seamless travel.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | $8.36 | $9.11 | $390 (daily commute) |
| Motorcycles | $4.50 | $5.25 | $195 (daily commute) |
| Commercial Vehicles | $8.36-$35.00 | $9.11-$36.75 | Varies by vehicle class |
| Large Trucks (5+ axles) | $35.00 | $36.75 | $455 (daily use) |
*Annual savings based on 260 round trips per year (typical work commute)
Tunnel Restrictions & Guidelines
Height Restriction: 12 feet 1 inch maximum clearance
Prohibited Items: Hazardous materials, oversize vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians
Speed Limit: 35 mph maximum inside tunnel
How to Pay Queens-Midtown Tunnel Tolls
The Queens-Midtown Tunnel accepts the following payment methods:
1. E-ZPass (Recommended):
- Lowest toll rates with $0.75 savings per crossing
- Works in dedicated E-ZPass lanes for fastest travel
- Compatible with E-ZPass from all 17 participating states
- Automatic toll deduction from prepaid account
2. Tolls by Mail:
- License plate recognition system captures vehicle information
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner within 30 days
- Higher rates than E-ZPass ($0.75 premium per crossing)
- Payment due within 30 days of invoice date
3. MTA OMNYCard (Limited):
- Available for registered vehicles only
- Same rates as Tolls by Mail
- Requires advance registration and setup
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, use TollGuru NYC Tunnel Calculator
Traffic Patterns & Best Times to Travel
Peak Traffic Hours (Expect Delays):
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM (Manhattan-bound heaviest)
- Evening Rush: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Queens-bound heaviest)
- Friday Evenings: Extended delays until 8:00 PM
- Sunday Evenings: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM return traffic
Best Travel Times (Minimal Traffic):
- Early Morning: 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM
- Mid-Morning: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Late Evening: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM
- Weekends: Generally lighter traffic except Sunday evenings
Average Travel Times:
- Off-Peak: 4-6 minutes through tunnel
- Peak Hours: 15-25 minutes including approach delays
- Severe Traffic: Up to 45 minutes during incidents
Recent Changes & Updates (2025)
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced license plate recognition cameras for 99.8% accuracy
- Upgraded LED lighting throughout tunnel for improved safety
- New traffic management systems reducing congestion by 12%
- Real-time traffic display signs at tunnel approaches
Payment System Updates:
- Fully cashless tolling implementation completed
- Improved E-ZPass tag reading at highway speeds
- Enhanced customer service for toll disputes
- Mobile payment options for Tolls by Mail accounts
Safety & Infrastructure:
- Ongoing tunnel rehabilitation and waterproofing project
- Emergency response system upgrades
- Air quality monitoring and ventilation improvements
- Security camera system enhancements
Tunnel Location & Access Points
Manhattan Entrance (West Portal):
- Location: 37th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
- Access: From FDR Drive South, 42nd Street, or local streets
- Nearby: UN Headquarters, Tudor City, Midtown East
- Parking: Limited street parking, several paid garages
Queens Entrance (East Portal):
- Location: Long Island City at 21st Street and 49th Avenue
- Access: From I-495 (LIE), Northern Boulevard, or local streets
- Nearby: Court Square, Queensboro Plaza, Hunters Point
- Transit: 7, E, M, G trains at Court Square-23rd Street
Public Transportation Alternatives:
- Subway: 7 Express/Local, E, M trains (Court Sq to Grand Central/Penn)
- Bus: Q32, Q60, Q101 connecting Queens and Manhattan
- LIRR: From Queens to Penn Station with subway connections
- Cost: $2.90 subway vs $8.36+ tunnel toll
Alternative Routes & Comparisons
Other NYC Tunnel & Bridge Options:
| Route | E-ZPass Toll | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens-Midtown Tunnel | $8.36 | 1.2 miles | Midtown East access |
| Queensboro Bridge (Free) | $0.00 | 1.8 miles | Budget-conscious travelers |
| Williamsburg Bridge (Free) | $0.00 | 2.8 miles | Lower Manhattan access |
| Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel | $8.36 | 1.7 miles | Lower Manhattan, FiDi |
Time vs Cost Analysis:
- QMT vs Queensboro Bridge: +$8.36 toll, -10 minutes typical travel time
- QMT vs Public Transit: +$5.46 cost, -15 minutes door-to-door time
- QMT vs Alternative tunnels: Similar cost, varies by destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash at Queens-Midtown Tunnel?
No, the Queens-Midtown Tunnel is 100% cashless. You must use E-ZPass or receive a Tolls by Mail invoice. There are no toll booths or cash collection facilities.
What happens if I don't have E-ZPass?
License plate recognition cameras will capture your information and you'll receive a Tolls by Mail invoice within 30 days. You'll pay $9.11 versus $8.36 with E-ZPass - a $0.75 premium per crossing.
Are there height restrictions in the tunnel?
Yes, the maximum vehicle height is 12 feet 1 inch. Vehicles exceeding this height must use alternative routes like the Queensboro Bridge or other crossings.
What's the fastest way through during rush hour?
Use E-ZPass for the fastest lane access, avoid peak hours (7-9:30 AM, 4:30-7 PM), check real-time traffic apps, and consider the Queensboro Bridge as a free alternative during heavy traffic.
Can motorcycles use the tunnel?
Yes, motorcycles pay reduced tolls ($4.50 E-ZPass, $5.25 Tolls by Mail) and can use all tunnel lanes. Follow all traffic laws and maintain safe following distances.
Is the tunnel safe for commercial vehicles?
Yes, but hazardous materials are prohibited. Commercial vehicles pay higher tolls based on axle count ($8.36-$35.00). Check height clearance (12'1") and weight restrictions before entering.
Tunnel History & Facts
Construction & Opening:
- Construction began: 1936 under Works Progress Administration
- Opened to traffic: November 15, 1940
- Original cost: $58 million ($1.1 billion in 2025 dollars)
- Engineering: First tunnel to use immersed tube construction method in NYC
Design & Specifications:
- Total length: 6,414 feet (1.2 miles)
- Underwater length: 3,117 feet
- Maximum depth: 93 feet below high water
- Ventilation: 42 massive fans ensure air quality
Notable Features:
- First mechanically ventilated vehicular tunnel in the world
- Art Deco architectural details at portal entrances
- Emergency walkways and refuge chambers throughout
- Original 1940s tilework still visible in sections
Useful Links & Resources
Related NYC Tunnel & Bridge Information:
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel - Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting Brooklyn & Manhattan
- Holland Tunnel - Historic tunnel connecting NYC & New Jersey
- Lincoln Tunnel - Three-tube tunnel to New Jersey
- Queensboro Bridge - Free alternative connecting Queens & Manhattan
- NYC Bridges & Tunnels - Complete guide to all NYC crossings
- E-ZPass New York - E-ZPass setup and account management
Official Contacts & Support:
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels: 511 or 311 - General information and customer service
- E-ZPass New York: 1-800-333-8655 - Account setup and support
- Tolls by Mail: 1-844-826-8400 - Invoice questions and payments
- Emergency in tunnel: Call 911 or use emergency call boxes
Traffic & Travel Information:
- 511NY.org - Real-time traffic conditions and travel times
- Google Maps/Waze - Live traffic updates and alternative routes
- MTA website - Construction updates and service announcements
- NYC DOT - Local street conditions and parking information
