Tappan Zee Bridge Toll 2025: Mario Cuomo Bridge Complete Guide
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Tappan Zee Bridge Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (E-ZPass) + Tolls by Mail
Coverage: Hudson River crossing between Tarrytown (Westchester) and Nyack (Rockland)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, License plate recognition, Fixed toll gantries
Operators: New York State Thruway Authority
Do I Need E-ZPass for Tappan Zee Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge (Mario Cuomo Bridge) - but you'll save significantly with one. The bridge operates with cashless tolling, accepting E-ZPass at discounted rates and charging premium rates for license plate billing.
Key Reality: E-ZPass users pay $6.75 (2025) while Tolls by Mail users pay $9.61 - a $2.86 savings per crossing. For daily commuters, this can save $1,400+ annually.
2025 Update: Tolls increased to $6.75 for NY E-ZPass users, continuing annual 50-cent increases through 2027. Resident and commuter discounts remain available for qualified users.
Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Mario Cuomo Bridge operates with fixed tolls collected southbound only, with rates varying by payment method and eligibility for discount programs.
Current Toll Rates by Payment Method (2025)
| Payment Method | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate | 2027 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY E-ZPass (Standard) | $6.75 | $7.25 | $7.75 |
| NY E-ZPass (Commuter Discount) | $4.05 | $4.35 | $4.65 |
| NY E-ZPass (Resident Discount) | $5.40 | $5.80 | $6.20 |
| Non-NY E-ZPass | $7.76 | $8.26 | $8.76 |
| Tolls by Mail | $9.61 | $10.11 | $10.61 |
| Commercial Vehicles | Proportional increases | Based on vehicle class | See Thruway rate schedule |
Discount Program Eligibility (2025)
Commuter Discount (40% off): 20+ trips per month with NY E-ZPass
Resident Discount (20% off): Rockland and Westchester County residents with NY E-ZPass
Toll Collection: Southbound only (Nyack to Tarrytown direction)
How to Pay Tappan Zee Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at the Mario Cuomo Bridge:
1. NY E-ZPass (Recommended):
- Lowest toll rates with eligible discounts
- Works on all NY Thruway facilities
- Automatic account deduction
- Compatible with all E-ZPass states
2. Non-NY E-ZPass:
- E-ZPass from other states accepted
- Higher rates than NY E-ZPass
- No discount program eligibility
3. Tolls by Mail:
- License plate recognition system
- Highest toll rates
- Bills sent to registered vehicle owner
- 30-day payment period
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across NY Thruway facilities, use TollGuru New York toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
2025 Toll Increases:
- January 1, 2025: Tolls increased by $0.50 to $6.75 (NY E-ZPass standard)
- Second of four annual increases planned through 2027
- Final rate of $7.75 scheduled for 2027
Infrastructure Updates:
- Ongoing cable retrofit project: 61 of 192 stay cables being replaced
- Legal dispute with contractors over cable durability specifications
- Bridge remains safe for all traffic during retrofit work
Discount Programs:
- Commuter discount maintained at 40% off for 20+ monthly trips
- Resident discount increased from 17% to 20% off
- Over 30% of tolls collected through discount programs
NY Thruway System Toll Information
Mario Cuomo Bridge - Hudson River Crossing:
- 3.1-mile twin cable-stayed bridge opened 2017-2018
- Replaced original 1955 Tappan Zee Bridge
- Carries I-87/I-287 New York State Thruway traffic
- Includes shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
Related NY Thruway Facilities:
- NY State Thruway - 496-mile toll highway system
- Grand Island Bridges - North & South Grand Island crossings
- Newburgh-Beacon Bridge - I-84 Hudson River crossing
- Rip Van Winkle Bridge - Route 23 Hudson River crossing
NYC Area Crossings:
- George Washington Bridge - Major NYC-NJ Hudson River crossing
- Lincoln Tunnel - Manhattan to New Jersey tunnel
- Holland Tunnel - Historic Manhattan-NJ tunnel
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuting: $6.75 southbound only (2025 rates)
- With commuter discount: $4.05 per crossing (40% savings)
- Annual savings with NY E-ZPass: $1,400+ versus Tolls by Mail
Travel Tips:
- Tolls collected southbound only (Nyack to Tarrytown)
- Northbound travel is free
- Bridge includes bus lanes during rush hours
- Pedestrian and bicycle path available
Alternative Routes:
- Bear Mountain Bridge: $2.00 toll (cash accepted)
- Newburgh-Beacon Bridge: Part of NY Thruway system
- George Washington Bridge: Higher tolls ($15+ E-ZPass)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Tappan Zee Bridge tolls completely?
No direct toll-free alternative exists for this Hudson River crossing. The Bear Mountain Bridge ($2.00) is the nearest alternative, but adds 30+ miles to most journeys.
What happens if I don't pay Tappan Zee Bridge tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices: base toll + $50 administrative fee (30 days), potential license suspension (60+ days), and collection agency referral.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Tappan Zee Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same passenger car rates. With NY E-ZPass, motorcycles pay $6.75 (2025), same as cars.
Why is the bridge called both names?
Officially named "Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge" (2017), but commonly called "Tappan Zee Bridge" by locals. The original 1955 bridge was named after the Tappan Native American tribe and Dutch "zee" (sea).
Do tourists get different toll rates?
No, tourists pay the same rates. However, only NY E-ZPass holders qualify for resident and commuter discounts. Out-of-state visitors pay Non-NY E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail rates.
Tappan Zee Bridge vs. Hudson River Crossings
| Bridge | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) | $6.75 | $9.61 | Tarrytown-Nyack |
| George Washington Bridge | $15.00 (Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) | Manhattan-NJ |
| Bear Mountain Bridge | $2.00 | $2.00 | Bear Mountain-Cortlandt |
| Newburgh-Beacon Bridge | $1.75 | $2.71 | Newburgh-Beacon |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NY State Thruway - Complete Thruway system information
- George Washington Bridge - Alternative Hudson River crossing
- Grand Island Bridges - Western NY Thruway crossings
- Newburgh-Beacon Bridge - I-84 Hudson River crossing
- E-ZPass New York - Account setup and discount programs
- Pay Toll New York - NY Thruway payment methods
Official Resources:
- NY Thruway Authority: 1-800-THRUWAY - Bridge operations and toll information
- E-ZPass New York: 1-800-333-8655 - Account setup and customer service
- Thruway Mobile App: Real-time traffic and toll information
- NY511: Travel conditions and incidents
