Verrazzano Bridge Toll Rates, Payment & Traffic Guide 2025
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Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Toll Complete Guide
Bridge: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (connects Brooklyn & Staten Island)
Length: 13,700 feet (4,176 meters) - World's 7th longest suspension bridge
Daily Traffic: 200,000+ vehicles (busiest in NYC)
Toll Collection: Eastbound only (entering Staten Island)
Operator: MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Opened: November 21, 1964
Current Verrazzano Bridge Toll Rates (2025)
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge operates with eastbound-only tolling, meaning you pay when entering Staten Island from Brooklyn but travel free when leaving Staten Island. This system was implemented in 1986 to reduce traffic congestion.
Key Reality: Staten Island residents with E-ZPass receive significant discounts, making the bridge affordable for daily commuters while tourists and occasional users pay premium rates.
2025 Toll Rates by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Staten Island Resident* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | $10.17 | $10.17 | $2.75 (73% discount) |
| Motorcycles | $4.50 | $4.50 | $2.75 (39% discount) |
| Commercial Vehicles (2-axle) | $10.17 | $10.17 | $2.75 |
| Trucks (3-axle) | $14.24 | $14.24 | $3.84 |
| Trucks (4-axle) | $18.31 | $18.31 | $4.93 |
| Trucks (5-axle) | $22.38 | $22.38 | $6.02 |
| Trucks (6+ axles) | $26.45 | $26.45 | $7.11 |
*Staten Island Resident Discount requires E-ZPass account registered to Staten Island address and minimum 10 trips per month
Toll Collection Direction
Eastbound (Brooklyn → Staten Island): Toll collected
Westbound (Staten Island → Brooklyn): Free travel
This one-way tolling system doubles the toll rate but eliminates the need to stop in both directions, reducing overall travel time and congestion.
How to Pay Verrazzano Bridge Tolls
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge operates with 100% electronic toll collection. Cash payments are not accepted.
1. E-ZPass (Recommended):
- Fastest payment method with dedicated lanes
- Required for Staten Island resident discount eligibility
- Works on all MTA bridges and tunnels plus 16 other states
- Automatic account replenishment available
2. Tolls by Mail:
- License plate recognition automatically bills vehicle owner
- Same rate as E-ZPass for non-Staten Island residents
- Bill arrives 7-14 days after crossing
- Can be paid online, by phone, or by mail
3. OMNY (Limited):
- MTA's contactless payment system
- Available at select toll plazas
- Tap phone, smart watch, or contactless card
- Same rates as standard E-ZPass
To calculate precise toll costs including Verrazzano Bridge for your specific vehicle and route, use TollGuru NYC toll calculator
Staten Island Resident Discount Program
Staten Island residents can save up to 73% on Verrazzano Bridge tolls through the MTA's resident discount program, making daily commuting affordable.
Eligibility Requirements
- Residency: E-ZPass account must be registered to a Staten Island address
- Minimum Usage: Must make at least 10 trips per month on the bridge
- Account Standing: E-ZPass account must be in good standing
- Vehicle Registration: Vehicle must be registered to the same Staten Island address
How to Apply
- Establish E-ZPass account with Staten Island address
- Use bridge at least 10 times in a calendar month
- Discount automatically applies starting the following month
- No additional application required if eligibility criteria are met
Annual Savings: Regular Staten Island commuters save approximately $2,000-3,500 per year compared to standard toll rates.
Traffic Patterns & Best Travel Times
Peak Traffic Hours
Eastbound (to Staten Island) - Heavy Traffic:
- Weekday evenings: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Friday evenings: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Weekend afternoons: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Westbound (to Brooklyn) - Heavy Traffic:
- Weekday mornings: 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Monday mornings: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Sunday evenings: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Optimal Travel Times
- Best overall: Late evening (9 PM - 6 AM) and mid-morning (10 AM - 2 PM)
- Weekend mornings: Before 11 AM for lightest traffic
- Weekday midday: 10 AM - 3 PM for minimal delays
- Avoid: Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings for leisure travel
Bridge Information & History
Technical Specifications
| Total Length | 13,700 feet (4,176 meters) |
| Main Span | 4,260 feet (1,298 meters) |
| Tower Height | 693 feet (211 meters) above water |
| Clearance | 228 feet (69 meters) above water |
| Lanes | 13 total (6 upper level, 7 lower level) |
| Construction Cost | $320 million (1964) / $3.2 billion (2025 dollars) |
Historical Significance
- Named after: Giovanni da Verrazzano, Italian explorer who discovered New York Harbor in 1524
- Engineering marvel: World's longest suspension bridge when opened in 1964
- Cultural impact: Featured in numerous films and is iconic symbol of NYC
- Economic importance: Crucial link enabling Staten Island's development
Alternative Routes & Connections
Alternative Routes to Staten Island
1. Staten Island Ferry (Free):
- Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan) ↔ St. George Terminal (Staten Island)
- 24/7 service, runs every 15-30 minutes
- Vehicles allowed: Cars, motorcycles, trucks
- Travel time: 25 minutes plus boarding/unloading
- Best for: Leisure travel, tourists, cost-conscious travelers
2. Goethals Bridge:
- Connects Staten Island to Elizabeth, NJ
- Port Authority operated with peak/off-peak pricing
- Alternative for travelers from New Jersey
- Current toll: $15.00 peak / $12.50 off-peak (E-ZPass)
3. Outerbridge Crossing:
- Connects Staten Island to Perth Amboy, NJ
- Southern route option for NJ travelers
- Same Port Authority pricing as Goethals
Route Comparison for Common Destinations
| Destination | Via Verrazzano | Via Ferry | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | $10.17, 15-30 min | Free, 60-90 min | Verrazzano (time) |
| Manhattan | $10.17, 45-75 min | Free, 40-60 min | Ferry (cost & time) |
| JFK Airport | $10.17, 45-60 min | Free, 90-120 min | Verrazzano (time) |
| New Jersey | $25.17 total, 30-45 min | $15.00 total, 60-90 min | Direct NJ bridges |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Verrazzano Bridge toll so expensive?
The toll reflects the bridge's massive construction and maintenance costs, plus it's collected in one direction only (doubling the rate). The bridge is the longest in NYC and requires extensive ongoing maintenance including deck replacement and cable work.
Can I pay cash on the Verrazzano Bridge?
No, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is 100% cashless. You need E-ZPass or will be billed by mail via license plate recognition. Cash booths were eliminated to improve traffic flow.
How do I qualify for the Staten Island resident discount?
Register your E-ZPass account to a Staten Island address and use the bridge at least 10 times per month. The discount applies automatically once you meet the requirements - no separate application needed.
What happens if I don't pay the Verrazzano toll?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices: $10.17 toll + $50 fine for first violation, increasing to $100+ for repeat violations. Unpaid violations can lead to license suspension and collection agency referral.
Is there a carpool discount on the Verrazzano Bridge?
No, unlike some Port Authority crossings, the Verrazzano Bridge does not offer carpool discounts. All passenger vehicles pay the same rate regardless of occupancy.
Can rental cars use E-ZPass on the Verrazzano?
Yes, but rental companies typically charge $3-15 per day for transponder use plus tolls. For stays longer than 3-4 days, buying a temporary E-ZPass is often cheaper than rental company fees.
Verrazzano vs. Other NYC Crossings
| Bridge/Tunnel | E-ZPass Rate | Connects | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verrazzano-Narrows | $10.17 | Brooklyn ↔ Staten Island | Resident discount, one-way toll |
| Brooklyn Bridge | FREE | Brooklyn ↔ Manhattan | Historic, pedestrian access |
| Queensboro Bridge | $8.36 | Queens ↔ Manhattan | Two-way tolling |
| Lincoln Tunnel | $15.00 peak | NYC ↔ New Jersey | Peak/off-peak pricing |
Useful Links & Resources
Related NYC Bridges & Tunnels:
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel - Alternative Staten Island connection via Manhattan
- Queensboro Bridge - Ed Koch Bridge connecting Manhattan & Queens
- Throgs Neck Bridge - Bronx to Queens connection
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge - Alternative Bronx-Queens crossing
- Manhattan Bridge - Free alternative Brooklyn-Manhattan crossing
- Williamsburg Bridge - Free Brooklyn-Manhattan option
Payment & Account Information:
- E-ZPass New York - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll NYC - Payment options for all NYC facilities
- Staten Island Resident Discount - Complete eligibility guide
- NYC Toll Violations - Understanding and resolving violations
Official Contacts:
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels: 511 or 311 - General information and current conditions
- E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-800-333-8655 - Account support and Staten Island discount
- Toll Violation Disputes: (646) 252-7275 - Contest violations and payment arrangements
- Staten Island Ferry: (718) 727-2508 - Free alternative transportation schedule
