The average toll cost in New York NY (2026) ranges from $2 to $21, depending on the bridge or tunnel. Tourists and residents pay tolls using E-ZPass, cash, or credit cards at select locations. The most expensive toll is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at $21 for standard cars. Cash is increasingly rare as most bridges and tunnels have switched to cashless electronic tolling, but temporary exceptions exist. Toll prices vary by borough, distance, and vehicle type. Planning your route with toll calculators or E-ZPass ensures savings and avoids fines for unpaid tolls in New York.
Tolls in New York range from $2–$21 in 2026. Learn how tourists pay, the priciest bridges, cashless tolls, and borough-wise toll costs across NYC.
How do tourists pay tolls in New York [2026]
Tourists driving into or around New York typically pay tolls electronically using E-ZPass or temporary “pay by mail” systems. Many bridges and tunnels are cashless or moving toward cashless, so cash is often not accepted. If the vehicle doesn’t have an E-ZPass, cameras capture the license plate and send a bill to the vehicle’s registered owner. Rental cars often include toll charges plus administrative fees. Visitors should check with their rental agency about toll payment rules to ensure they are not hit with hidden charges.
Tourists in New York can pay tolls electronically or by cash (limited locations). Most NYC bridges and tunnels are cashless, using E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail systems.
Payment Options for Visitors:
- E-ZPass Rental: Short-term E-ZPass rentals are available at airports or online, allowing tourists to use toll lanes and avoid fines.
- Tolls by Mail: Cameras record license plates and send a bill to the registered vehicle address; rental car companies often add processing fees.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Some toll points accept card payments directly, though most major bridges are fully electronic.
Tip: Using E-ZPass or rental car toll programs is cheaper than Tolls by Mail, which can charge $2–$5 extra per toll for administrative fees.
What’s the most expensive toll in New York [2026]
The most expensive tolls in New York usually apply to crossings connecting to New Jersey or long span bridges or tunnels. For example, tolled crossings at major bridges or tunnels—especially for non-E-ZPass or cashless billing or heavy vehicles—can reach high single-trip rates when factoring in surcharges. The actual maximum depends on location, type of vehicle (car, truck), and whether you lack a prepay account. The top toll in a single direction for a large vehicle or for crossing a major river may be the most expensive in normal use.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn is NYC’s most expensive toll:
- Standard car toll (2026): $21
- Peak hours (some vehicles): Same flat rate; no cash lanes
- E-ZPass discount: $16.00
Other expensive tolls include:
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel: $12.00 cash, $9.50 E-ZPass
- Lincoln Tunnel: $12.00 cash, $10.50 E-ZPass
- Queens Midtown Tunnel: $11.00 cash, $9.50 E-ZPass
The high Verrazzano toll is due to its length, heavy traffic, and its role as the main Staten Island–Brooklyn connector.
Do I need cash for tolls in NY [2026]
You generally do not need cash for most tolls in New York now. Many toll facilities have gone fully cashless, relying on electronic tolling via transponders (like E-ZPass) or license plate recognition with billing by mail. In cases where cash was previously accepted, those lanes may no longer exist. Drivers without a transponder will receive a toll invoice in the mail linked to the license plate. If traveling by car, it’s smart to arrange electronic payment or confirm with your rental agency how tolls will be handled.
For most tolls in New York, cash is not required in 2026 because nearly all bridges and tunnels are cashless. Vehicles without E-ZPass are billed automatically via Tolls by Mail.
Cash considerations:
- Some smaller bridges or older toll booths may accept cash, but they are rare.
- Driving without any electronic toll method on major bridges may result in fines of $50–$100 per violation.
- Using rental car toll packages or purchasing a temporary E-ZPass avoids these penalties.
Tip: Plan ahead and check whether your route has toll-only lanes. Electronic tolling ensures faster travel and avoids delays at former cash booths.
Tolls Cost in New York by Borough [2026]
Toll costs vary by borough mostly in terms of which bridges, tunnels, and crossings apply. In Manhattan, many tunnels and bridges (e.g. East River bridges, Midtown/Lincoln tunnels) demand tolls for crossing in or out. In Brooklyn and Queens, tolls apply on bridges crossing to Manhattan or crossing major water bodies. In The Bronx, tolls appear on crossings to New Jersey or over major rivers. Staten Island drivers often pay tolls on the Verrazzano or Goethals Bridges. Borough-to-borough intra-travel often avoids tolls, but interborough or interstate crossings incur them.
Toll costs vary depending on the borough, bridge, tunnel, or expressway used. Here’s a borough-wise overview:
1. Manhattan
- Bridges/Tunnels: George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel
- Average Toll: $10–$12 per crossing
- Notes: Midtown tunnels are busiest during rush hours; use E-ZPass to save $1–$2 per crossing.
2. Brooklyn
- Bridges: Brooklyn Bridge (no toll), Verrazzano-Narrows (to Staten Island)
- Average Toll: $21 at Verrazzano; free at other local bridges
- Notes: Verrazzano is one-way eastbound (Staten Island → Brooklyn); westbound is free.
3. Queens
- Bridges/Tunnels: Queens Midtown Tunnel, Triborough Bridge, Whitestone Bridge
- Average Toll: $9.50–$11 per crossing (E-ZPass), $11–$12 cash
- Notes: Triborough (RFK) connects Queens, Bronx, Manhattan; toll varies by entry/exit points.
4. Bronx
- Bridges/Tunnels: George Washington Bridge, Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge
- Average Toll: $10–$16
- Notes: GW Bridge is heavily trafficked and among the costliest bridges in the U.S.; E-ZPass reduces toll by $1–$2.
5. Staten Island
- Bridges: Verrazzano-Narrows, Staten Island bridges (free for local crossings)
- Average Toll: $21 at Verrazzano; local bridges free
- Notes: Staten Island residents often pay only the Verrazzano toll for city access; all other borough connections are cashless or free.
📊 Summary of Tolls Costs in New York NY [2026]
| Borough | Major Bridges/Tunnels | Avg. Toll (E-ZPass) | Cash Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel | $9.50–$12 | Limited | Busy rush hours; E-ZPass recommended |
| Brooklyn | Verrazzano-Narrows, Brooklyn Bridge | $16–$21 | Rare | Verrazzano eastbound only; other bridges free |
| Queens | Queens Midtown Tunnel, Triborough Bridge | $9.50–$11 | Few | Connects to Bronx & Manhattan; E-ZPass preferred |
| Bronx | GW Bridge, Whitestone, Henry Hudson | $10–$16 | Rare | Heavy commuter traffic; E-ZPass saves time |
| Staten Island | Verrazzano, local bridges | $21 / free local | Rare | Most local travel free; one-way toll at Verrazzano |
❓FAQ on Tolls Cost in New York NY
Q1. Do I need E-ZPass to drive across New York bridges?
Not required but strongly recommended. Vehicles without E-ZPass are billed via Tolls by Mail, often with extra fees.
Q2. What is the priciest toll in NYC?
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at $21 per car is the most expensive toll in New York.
Q3. Can tourists pay tolls with credit cards?
Yes, some toll lanes accept cards, but most crossings are electronic; E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail is more convenient.
Q4. Are there toll discounts in NYC?
Yes, E-ZPass users save $1–$5 per toll depending on bridge/tunnel. Certain local residents may qualify for additional discounts.
Q5. How can I avoid paying toll fines in NYC?
Use E-ZPass, rent a car with a toll package, or pay the Tolls by Mail invoice promptly to avoid penalties ranging from $50–$100.