George Washington Bridge Toll: Everything You Need to Know

Traveling over the George Washington Bridge is one of the most popular routes between New York City and the New Jersey suburbs. While crossing it is free, motor vehicles traveling in the eastbound direction from New Jersey to New York are subject to tolls. In this article, we will unpack the various toll rates, payment methods, and discounts available for accessing this iconic bridge.

Overview of Tolls for Eastbound Travel

The tolls for the George Washington Bridge are managed and collected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Motor vehicles traveling in the eastbound direction from New Jersey to New York need to pay applicable tolls unless they are taking the pedestrian/bicycle walkway. Note that pedestrian and bicycle traffic is exempt from toll charges.

For those who prefer to traverse the bridge in a motor vehicle, the basic toll rate for a car is $15.00. However, the exact price can vary based on the time of day, the type of vehicle, and payment method. Let’s dive into the details:

Standard Tolls Based on Vehicle Size

Cars: $15.00 (cash) / $12.50 (Peak E-ZPass) / $10.50 (Off-peak E-ZPass) / $6.50 (carpooling with three or more people, using NY and NJ E-ZPass only) Trucks: $20.00 per axle (additional axles incur additional fees)

Note that the tolls for trucks are based on the number of axles. For instance, a single-axle truck would pay $20.00, while a larger truck with multiple axles would pay the toll for each additional axle.

Payment Methods and Discounts

To ensure a smooth and quick passage, it is highly recommended to use an E-ZPass, which is an electronic toll collection system. Here are the specific discounts and payment methods:

Peak E-ZPass: The toll is reduced to $12.50 during peak hours, which generally include the morning rush hour from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and the evening rush hour from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Off-peak E-ZPass: For travel outside of peak hours, the toll rate is $10.50, providing a 15% savings compared to the standard cash rate. Carpooling: Vehicles with three or more passengers can enjoy a significant discount of $6.50, further reducing the burden of the toll.

E-ZPass can be easily obtained by visiting the NYC Department of Transportation or E-ZPass official website. Once you have your E-ZPass, you can activate it directly on the bridge and save money on your toll payment.

Additional Information

Toll rates for the George Washington Bridge may change periodically based on various factors such as maintenance costs and traffic conditions. It is always a good idea to check the official Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's website for the most up-to-date information.

For those who are unable to use E-ZPass, the bridge has on-site cash-only toll booths. However, there may be a longer wait as traffic backs up due to the payment process.

Conclusion

While the George Washington Bridge offers a free crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, motor vehicle users must be aware of the tolls for eastbound traffic. By utilizing E-ZPass, you can significantly reduce your toll payment and ensure a smoother travel experience. Always check the latest toll rates and payment methods to plan your journey efficiently.

Keywords: George Washington Bridge toll, E-ZPass, toll rates