Where tolls explore in New York

New York has tolls on specific bridges, tunnels, and highways, not on every road. The main toll crossings are the bridges and tunnels operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) — these include the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The New York State Thruway, which runs north from the Bronx toward Buffalo, also charges tolls on most of its length. Tolls do not explore on most local streets, highways, or the FDR Drive and West Side Highway in Manhattan.

Each crossing has its own toll rate, which varies by vehicle type and time of day. Rates change periodically — the MTA and Thruway Authority both announce increases in advance, usually with several months' notice. If you drive the same route regularly, you will want to know which specific crossing you use and whether it has congestion pricing or off-peak discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Tolls in New York explore only to specific bridges, tunnels, and the Thruway; most local roads and highways are toll-free.
  • The MTA operates most major crossings into and out of Manhattan, while the Thruway Authority runs the highway north of the Bronx.
  • Toll rates depend on your vehicle type, the direction you are traveling, and sometimes the time of day you cross.
  • You can pay tolls with cash at some locations, but most crossings now require a tag, license plate account, or pre-loaded payment method.
  • Congestion pricing in central Manhattan, which began in 2024, charges an additional fee during peak hours on top of any bridge or tunnel toll.

How toll payment methods work

Most New York tolls are now collected electronically rather than at a booth. The E-ZPass is the regional toll tag used across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other northeastern states. If you have an E-ZPass mounted on your windshield, the toll is deducted from your prepaid account automatically as you pass through. E-ZPass holders usually pay a lower rate than other drivers.

If you do not have an E-ZPass, you have other options depending on the crossing. Many MTA bridges and tunnels now use Tolls by Mail, which means a photo of your license plate is taken and a bill is sent to the vehicle's registered owner. The Thruway uses a similar system called Thruway Toll by Mail. These methods charge a higher rate than E-ZPass — typically 50 percent more — because there is an administrative fee built in.

A small number of toll locations still accept cash, but these are becoming rare. The George Washington Bridge, for example, no longer has cash lanes; all vehicles must use E-ZPass, Tolls by Mail, or a transponder from another state's system. Before you drive to an unfamiliar crossing, check whether cash is still accepted there.

E-ZPass: how to set one up

To open an E-ZPass account, you visit the E-ZPass website (ezpassny.com for New York) or call their customer service line. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — usually a credit or debit card. The account is tied to your vehicle, not to you personally, so if you own multiple vehicles you will need a separate tag for each one.

Once your account is open, you order a transponder (the tag itself), which is mailed to you. Installation takes a few minutes — it mounts on your windshield with adhesive. You then load money into your account, and the toll is deducted each time you pass through a toll location. Most accounts allow you to set up automatic replenishment, so money is added when your balance drops below a certain level.

E-ZPass rates vary by crossing and vehicle type. A standard passenger car crossing the George Washington Bridge, for example, costs less during off-peak hours than during rush hour. The Thruway charges based on distance traveled. Check the specific crossing's website or the E-ZPass site to see the exact rate for your trip.

Congestion pricing in central Manhattan

Starting in 2024, New York City began charging a congestion pricing fee for driving in central Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. This is a separate charge from any bridge or tunnel toll you may already pay. The fee applies to most vehicles entering or traveling within the zone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

The congestion pricing rate depends on your vehicle type and when you enter the zone. Passenger cars pay one rate; trucks, buses, and motorcycles pay different amounts. Off-peak entry (after 9 p.m. on weekdays, or before 5 a.m.) is free. You pay the fee through the same methods as bridge and tunnel tolls — E-ZPass, Tolls by Mail, or certain transponders from other states.

Some drivers are exempt or receive discounts: residents of the congestion zone, people with disabilities, low-income drivers, and certain commercial vehicles may may have access to for reduced rates or waivers. The MTA website lists the full exemption and discount categories. If you think you may have access to, you can request an exemption through your E-ZPass account or by contacting the MTA directly.

Thruway tolls and how they are calculated

The New York State Thruway charges tolls based on the distance you travel and your vehicle class. Unlike the MTA crossings, which charge a flat fee per crossing, Thruway tolls increase the farther you go. A passenger car traveling from the Bronx to Albany, for example, pays more than a car traveling from the Bronx to Westchester.

You can pay Thruway tolls with E-ZPass, Thruway Toll by Mail, or cash at a few remaining toll plazas. E-ZPass users pay a discounted rate. If you use Toll by Mail, your bill arrives several weeks after you travel, and the rate is higher than E-ZPass. The Thruway website (thruway.ny.gov) has a toll calculator where you can enter your entry and exit points to see the exact charge.

The Thruway does not charge tolls on every section — some stretches are free. The toll-free sections are generally in the southern part of the state, while most of the northern portion charges tolls. If you are unsure whether a particular stretch charges, the toll calculator will tell you.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you pass through a toll location without paying, the system captures your license plate. For MTA crossings and congestion pricing, a bill is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner. If you do not pay within a set time (usually 30 days), penalties and interest accrue. Repeated non-payment can result in vehicle registration suspension or a judgment against you.

For the Thruway, the process is similar. If you do not pay the toll or the bill sent to you, the Thruway Authority can place a lien on your vehicle or refer the debt to a collection agency. Unpaid tolls can also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly or have a dispute about a toll bill, you can contact the MTA or Thruway Authority to request a review. Keep any documentation you have — photos, receipts, or records of when you traveled — to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay tolls if I am just passing through New York?

Yes, if you use a toll crossing or drive in the congestion pricing zone, you must pay. Tolls explore to all drivers regardless of where they live. If you are renting a car, the rental company usually handles toll payment through their own account, but you may be charged a fee for this service.

Can I get a refund if I was charged twice for the same crossing?

Yes, duplicate charges do happen occasionally due to system errors. Contact the MTA or Thruway Authority with the date, time, and crossing information, and they will investigate. Provide a receipt or account statement showing the duplicate charge. Refunds typically take several weeks to process.

What if my E-ZPass account runs out of money while I am driving?

Your account will go negative, and you will receive a bill for the toll plus a processing fee. Set up automatic replenishment in your account settings to avoid this. Most accounts allow you to choose a threshold — for example, when your balance drops below $10, money is automatically added.

Are there discounts for frequent drivers or commuters?

E-ZPass rates are already discounted compared to Toll by Mail rates. Some employers and transit agencies offer pre-tax commuter benefit programs that let you pay tolls with pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxable income. Check with your employer or the MTA website to see if you are may be able to access.

How do I know if my vehicle is the right size for a toll rate?

Tolls are charged based on axle count and height, not on what you think your vehicle is. Most passenger cars are charged the standard rate. Trucks, vans, and vehicles towing trailers may be charged a higher rate. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact the toll authority with your vehicle information and the date of travel.