Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Toll 2025: E-ZPass Rates & Payment Complete Guide
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Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Complete Guide
System: Cashless electronic toll collection only
Coverage: Both directions between Bronx and Queens
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, license plate recognition (Tolls by Mail)
Operators: MTA Bridges and Tunnels (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Bronx-Whitestone Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to cross the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge - but you'll save up to 36% on toll costs with one. The bridge operates with 100% cashless tolling, accepting E-ZPass or billing by mail via license plate recognition.
Key Reality: Without E-ZPass, you'll pay $10.17 per crossing versus $6.55 with E-ZPass - that's $3.62 more per trip. For daily commuters, this adds up to over $1,800 annually in extra costs.
2025 Update: The bridge converted to 100% cashless tolling in September 2017. All toll booths have been removed, with overhead gantries now collecting tolls at highway speeds without stopping.
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge charges tolls in both directions with rates based on vehicle type and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | E-ZPass NY Rate | Tolls by Mail | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars (2-axle, under 7,000 lbs) | $6.55 | $10.17 | $3.62 (36% savings) |
| Motorcycles | $3.28 | $5.09 | $1.81 (36% savings) |
| Trucks (3-axle) | $11.09 | $14.88 | $3.79 (25% savings) |
| Trucks (4-axle) | $15.63 | $19.59 | $3.96 (20% savings) |
| Trucks (5-axle) | $20.17 | $24.30 | $4.13 (17% savings) |
| Trucks (6+ axles) | $24.71 | $29.01 | $4.30 (15% savings) |
Toll Collection Points (2025)
Both Directions: Tolls collected traveling from Bronx to Queens and Queens to Bronx
Cashless System: Overhead gantries at former toll plaza location (Bronx side)
How to Pay Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge:
1. E-ZPass Electronic System:
- NYC E-ZPass (NYCSC): Best rates - $6.55 for cars
- Other E-ZPass agencies: Pay higher "Tolls by Mail" rates ($10.17)
- Automatic account deduction as you cross at highway speeds
- Must be properly mounted on windshield for best rates
2. Tolls by Mail (License Plate Billing):
- Cameras capture license plate images automatically
- Bills mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Premium rates: $10.17 for cars (55% higher than E-ZPass)
- No stopping required - drive through at normal speeds
3. Mid-Tier Rates (E-ZPass NY with Issues):
- Improperly mounted E-ZPass transponders
- License plate-based billing for E-ZPass account holders
- Rate between E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail pricing
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across NYC bridges, use TollGuru NYC toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
MTA Toll Rate Updates:
- Current rates effective from August 6, 2023 toll increase
- E-ZPass rates: $6.55 for cars (increased from $6.12)
- Tolls by Mail rates: $10.17 for cars (increased from $9.50)
- All vehicle classes affected by proportional increases
Technology and Operations:
- Continued cashless operations - no cash accepted since 2017
- Enhanced license plate recognition accuracy
- TransCore overhead gantry system maintenance ongoing
- Mobile app improvements for account management
Bridge Infrastructure:
- Ongoing maintenance of 2,300-foot main suspension span
- Fiberglass fairing system installed in 2003 continues to perform well
- Regular inspection and maintenance of 377-foot towers
- Q44 SBS and Q50 Limited bus routes continue service
NYC Bridge/Tunnel Toll Information
MTA Bridges and Tunnels - Same Toll System:
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge - $6.55 E-ZPass, connects Bronx and Queens
- Throgs Neck Bridge - $6.55 E-ZPass, parallel crossing alternative
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge - $6.55 E-ZPass, Brooklyn-Staten Island
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - $6.55 E-ZPass, Manhattan-Queens
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel - $6.55 E-ZPass, Manhattan-Queens tunnel
Special Rate Bridges:
- Henry Hudson Bridge - $3.40 E-ZPass (lower rate)
- Cross Bay Bridge - $3.40 E-ZPass (lower rate)
- Marine Parkway Bridge - $3.40 E-ZPass (lower rate)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Round-trip cost: $13.10 with E-ZPass, $20.34 with Tolls by Mail
- Daily commuter annual cost: $3,400 E-ZPass vs $5,300 Tolls by Mail
- Monthly savings with E-ZPass: $158 for daily commuters
- Break-even point: E-ZPass pays for itself after 7 round trips
Alternative Routes:
- Throgs Neck Bridge: Same $6.55 E-ZPass rate, 3 miles east
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge: Same rate, connects to Manhattan
- Toll-free options: None direct between Bronx and Queens
- RFK Bridge: Higher rates due to multi-span structure
Traffic Patterns:
- Peak hours: 6-10 AM and 4-8 PM weekdays
- Cashless tolling eliminates delays at toll collection points
- Both directions charged - plan for tolls each way
- Weekend traffic lighter but tolls remain the same
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Bronx-Whitestone Bridge tolls?
No direct toll-free alternatives exist between the Bronx and Queens. The Throgs Neck Bridge nearby has the same toll rates. You'd need to use surface streets through Manhattan, adding significant time and distance.
What happens if I don't pay the bridge toll?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees. The MTA sends bills to registered vehicle owners, and continued non-payment can lead to license/registration suspension.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Bronx-Whitestone Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles pay $3.28 with E-ZPass or $5.09 with Tolls by Mail. This is exactly half the car rate, following MTA's standard motorcycle pricing policy.
Can I pay cash on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge?
No, cash payment has been eliminated since September 2017. All toll booths were removed and replaced with cashless electronic toll collection using overhead gantries.
Do tourists get different toll rates?
No, tourists pay the same rates as residents. However, rental car companies may charge administrative fees ($5-15/day) for toll transponder usage on top of actual toll costs.
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge vs. Other NYC Bridges
| Bridge | E-ZPass Rate | Tolls by Mail | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronx-Whitestone Bridge | $6.55 | $10.17 | Bronx ↔ Queens |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | $6.55 | $10.17 | Bronx ↔ Queens |
| Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge | $6.55 | $10.17 | Manhattan ↔ Queens |
| Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | $6.55 | $10.17 | Brooklyn ↔ Staten Island |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Throgs Neck Bridge - Alternative Bronx-Queens crossing with same rates
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - Manhattan-Queens connection
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge - Brooklyn-Staten Island crossing
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel - Manhattan-Queens tunnel alternative
- NYC Bridges & Tunnels - Complete guide to metropolitan area crossings
- E-ZPass New York - Account setup and management guide
Official Resources:
- MTA Bridges and Tunnels: 511 - Traffic and toll information
- E-ZPass New York: 1-800-333-8655 - Account support and setup
- Tolls NY App: Available on iOS and Android for account management
- MTA Customer Service: 511 - General bridge and tunnel inquiries
