NYC Bridge & Tunnel Toll Guide
For Charter & Tour Buses
2026 toll rates, crossing restrictions, congestion pricing rules, and route guidance for charter, motorcoach, and tour bus operators.
On This Page
Two agencies set toll rates for buses crossing into New York City. A third governs congestion pricing for all vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
MTA Bridge & Tunnel Rates — Buses
MTA Bridges & Tunnels operates nine crossings in New York City. Rates shown are the New York E-ZPass rates effective January 4, 2026, reflecting the 7.5% systemwide toll increase.
MTA Major Crossings — 2026 Bus Rates
| Crossing | Operator | Bus Size | New York E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail / Non-New York E-ZPass |
Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Manhattan · Queens · Bronx · One toll covers all spans
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle Standard motorcoach |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | BDTolls charged in both directions at all MTA crossings. | 📍 |
4+ Axle Double-decker |
See footnote ² | See footnote ² | !MTA publishes franchise bus rates for 2–3 axle buses only. Operators should contact MTA at 511 for applicable 4+ axle charges. | |||
|
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
Bronx ← → Queens · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | 📍 | |
4+ Axle
| See footnote ² | See footnote ² | ||||
|
Throggs Neck Bridge
Bronx ← → Queens · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | 📍 | |
4+ Axle
| See footnote ² | See footnote ² | ||||
|
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Brooklyn ← → Staten Island · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | 📍 | |
4+ Axle
| See footnote ² | See footnote ² | ||||
|
Queens Midtown Tunnel
Queens ← → Midtown Manhattan · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | CZEntering Manhattan via this tunnel triggers congestion pricing. Charter buses with a New York E-ZPass receive a tunnel credit up to $7.20 during peak hours, pending agency confirmation for this bus category. | 📍 |
4+ Axle
| See footnote ² | See footnote ² | ||||
|
Hugh L. Carey Tunnel
Brooklyn ← → Lower Manhattan · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$6.42 | See footnote ¹ | CZEntering Manhattan via this tunnel triggers congestion pricing. Charter buses with a New York E-ZPass receive a tunnel credit up to $7.20 during peak hours, pending agency confirmation for this bus category. | 📍 |
4+ Axle
| See footnote ² | See footnote ² |
¹ Tolls by Mail / Non-New York E-ZPass rate — The MTA’s published franchise bus toll schedule lists New York E-ZPass rates only. Operators without a New York E-ZPass should call 511 or visit new.mta.info for current Tolls by Mail rates, or enroll at e-zpassny.com to qualify for the published rate.
² 4+ Axle buses — The MTA’s published franchise bus rate schedule covers 2–3 axle buses only. Contact MTA Bridges & Tunnels directly at 511 for applicable rates before crossing.
Franchise bus terminology — The MTA classifies charter buses, tour coaches, and motorcoach operators under the “franchise bus” rate category. This is MTA toll terminology — not a reference to a franchise agreement.
BD — Both directions tolled at all six MTA major crossings listed above.
CZ — Tunnel entries into Manhattan below 60th Street trigger congestion pricing in addition to the tunnel toll. See the Congestion Pricing section below for rates and tunnel credit details.
Source: MTA Bridges & Tunnels — Franchise Bus Toll Rates, effective January 4, 2026
MTA Secondary Crossings — 2026 Bus Rates
| Crossing | Operator | Bus Size | New York E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail / Non-New York E-ZPass |
Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge
Queens ← → Rockaway Peninsula · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$3.39 | See footnote ¹ | RThese secondary bridges serve the Rockaway Peninsula and are not typical routes for Manhattan-bound bus groups. | 📍 |
|
Marine Parkway–Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge
Brooklyn ← → Rockaway Peninsula · Tolls in both directions
|
MTA | 2–3 Axle |
$3.39 | See footnote ¹ | 📍 |
These bridges primarily serve the Rockaway Peninsula and are rarely used by charter or tour operators. Rates are for 2–3 axle buses with a New York E-ZPass. The Tolls by Mail rate is not published by the MTA — see footnote ¹ above.
Source: MTA Bridges & Tunnels — Franchise Bus Toll Rates, effective January 4, 2026
Port Authority Rates — Buses
The Port Authority of NY/NJ operates six crossings between New Jersey and New York. Rates increased 3% effective January 4, 2026. Bus rates at Port Authority crossings do not have separate peak and off-peak tiers — the same rate applies at all hours.
Port Authority — 2026 Bus Rates
| Bus Class | Axles | New York E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail | Holland Tunnel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2-Axle Bus
Mini-bus · Standard 40-ft motorcoach
|
2 | $25.50 | $35.40 See footnote ³ |
✓ Permitted | NPNo peak/off-peak differentiation for buses at Port Authority crossings. Same rate applies at all times of day. |
|
3-Axle Bus
45–55 ft motorcoach · Double-decker
|
3 | $30.00 | $42.81 See footnote ³ |
✗ Restricted | HHolland Tunnel restricts 3-axle and larger buses. These vehicles must use the Lincoln Tunnel or the George Washington Bridge upper level. |
No peak/off-peak distinction for buses — Unlike cars and trucks, Port Authority bus tolls do not vary by time of day. The rates above apply at all hours.
Holland Tunnel restriction — Three-axle buses and larger are not permitted through the Holland Tunnel. Two-axle buses (standard motorcoach, mini-bus) may use the Holland Tunnel. Operators with 3-axle or larger vehicles must route through the Lincoln Tunnel or the George Washington Bridge upper level.
E-ZPass eligibility at Port Authority crossings — The Port Authority accepts both New York and New Jersey E-ZPass accounts for the discounted rate at all six crossings. This differs from MTA crossings, which require a New York-issued E-ZPass specifically. An NJ Turnpike-issued E-ZPass qualifies at Port Authority crossings; it does not qualify at MTA crossings.
³ Tolls by Mail rates — The Tolls by Mail rates shown ($35.40 / $42.81) are based on pre-2026 published figures adjusted for the 3% January 2026 increase and are pending direct confirmation from the Port Authority. To verify current rates, contact Port Authority at (800) 221-9903 or visit the Port Authority bus tolls page.
Return trip — Port Authority tolls are collected entering New York only. No charge when crossing from New York to New Jersey.
Source: Port Authority NY/NJ — Bus Tolls, effective January 4, 2026
Congestion Pricing for Buses
Buses entering Manhattan below 60th Street are subject to congestion pricing — but the rules for buses are more nuanced than for cars or trucks. Some buses are fully exempt. Others pay based on their classification as charter or tour bus. Unlike cars, there is no daily cap — each zone entry is a separate charge.
Charter Bus
Tour Bus
Tunnel credits: Buses using a New York E-ZPass and entering Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel, or Hugh L. Carey Tunnel during peak hours receive a credit against the congestion charge. Charter buses receive up to $7.20; tour buses receive up to $12.00. Credits do not apply overnight.
Exemptions exist. Certain bus types are fully exempt from congestion pricing. The MTA’s exemptions page covers organizations transporting people with disabilities, emergency vehicles, and specific qualifying categories. Bus operators should verify their eligibility directly.
Phase-in schedule: Charter bus rates are set to increase to $19.20 in 2028 and $24.00 in 2031. Tour bus rates will rise to $28.80 in 2028 and $36.00 in 2031.
Check the NYC DOT Gridlock Alert calendar when planning group trips on peak days.
Congestion Pricing Checker
Answer two quick questions to find out what your bus will likely pay — or whether you may qualify for an exemption — when entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
What Will My Bus Pay?
Based on vehicle type and entry time — gives you a likely rate or exemption status.
Route Advisor
Not all crossings are open to all buses — and some routes are dramatically cheaper than others. Select your starting region and destination to get a recommended crossing and cost estimate.
Find Your Best Crossing
Recommendations based on cost, routing efficiency, and crossing restrictions for buses.
- Holland Tunnel: 2-axle buses only. 3-axle or larger buses must use the Lincoln Tunnel or GWB upper level.
- Henry Hudson Bridge: Not typically used by charter/tour buses due to weight and height restrictions — verify with MTA before routing.
- East River bridges (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg, Queensboro): No toll booth — congestion pricing applies entering Manhattan below 60th St.
- GWB Upper Level: The preferred route for larger buses crossing from New Jersey to upper Manhattan or the Bronx.
Recommended Route
What Every Operator Should Know
Critical intelligence for charter and tour bus operators — things that affect your costs and routing before you ever leave the depot.
What Every Operator Should Know
The things that will catch you off guard if you don’t know them going in.
The Holland Tunnel is off-limits for most full-size coaches
The Port Authority prohibits 3-axle and larger buses from using the Holland Tunnel. A standard 45- or 55-foot motorcoach is typically a 3-axle vehicle. This means most full-size charter and tour coaches coming from New Jersey to Lower Manhattan or Midtown cannot use the Holland Tunnel — they must route through the Lincoln Tunnel instead.
Two-axle mini-buses and smaller coaches may use the Holland Tunnel, subject to height and weight restrictions. If you’re unsure about your vehicle, contact the Port Authority before your trip at (800) 221-9903.
Port Authority bus tolls have no peak/off-peak pricing — but congestion pricing does
Unlike car or truck tolls at Port Authority crossings, bus tolls at the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and the three Staten Island bridges — the Bayonne Bridge, Goethals Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing — do not vary by time of day. A 2-axle bus pays $25.50 at any hour.
The separate congestion pricing charge for entering Manhattan below 60th Street is, however, very much time-dependent — $14.40 during peak hours versus $3.60 overnight for charter buses. Planning a trip that avoids peak congestion hours can save a charter operator more than $10 per zone entry on top of bridge or tunnel tolls.
Your New York E-ZPass is required at MTA crossings — Port Authority accepts NJ E-ZPass too
At MTA Bridges & Tunnels (Verrazzano-Narrows, RFK, Bronx-Whitestone, Throggs Neck, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Hugh L. Carey Tunnel), only a New York E-ZPass account qualifies for the $6.42 discounted bus rate. Non-New York E-ZPass tags — including NJ Turnpike, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and other out-of-state accounts — pay the Tolls by Mail rate.
At Port Authority crossings, both New York and New Jersey E-ZPass accounts qualify — the Port Authority accepts both NY and NJ-issued tags for the discounted rate. Operators running routes that cross both MTA and Port Authority crossings should confirm their tag type before assuming they qualify for discounts at every facility.
Open a New York E-ZPass account at e-zpassny.com for a tag that works everywhere in the system.
Each zone entry is a separate congestion charge — plan your Manhattan stops accordingly
Buses have no daily cap on congestion pricing, unlike passenger cars. If your group is doing a Broadway show and a dinner in the Theater District with a midday excursion back to the hotel in New Jersey, every re-entry into Manhattan below 60th Street is a fresh $14.40 (or $21.60 for tour buses).
For operators planning multi-stop Manhattan itineraries, consolidating entries — having the bus remain in the city between stops rather than exiting and re-entering the zone — can meaningfully reduce total congestion costs.
Exemptions exist — verify yours before assuming you owe
The MTA’s congestion pricing program includes exemptions for buses transporting people with disabilities and other qualifying categories. If your operation involves any specialized transportation, verify your eligibility through the MTA’s exemption process before assuming the standard congestion rate applies. Documentation and pre-approval are required — exemptions are not automatic.
Visit the MTA Congestion Relief Zone discounts and exemptions page for current eligibility requirements.
Bus parking in Midtown is a separate planning challenge
Getting across a bridge or tunnel is one thing. Parking a motorcoach in Midtown Manhattan is another problem entirely. NYC DOT designates specific motorcoach standing zones, particularly in the Theater District and around major tourist destinations. Many operators use the Midtown Bus Compound or coordinate with venues directly. Plan your drop-off and pickup logistics before the trip — street parking for full-size coaches is generally not an option in Midtown.
The NYC DOT charter bus guidelines page has current zone maps, route slip requirements, and parking regulations.
A route slip is legally required — and police can ask to see it
New York City traffic rules require bus operators to prepare a detailed route slip before every trip into the city. This is a written record of your planned route through the streets of New York. It is not optional — route slips are required by law.
A police officer can request to see your route slip if your bus is operating on streets other than designated truck or bus routes. Operators who cannot produce one, or whose route differs from what’s documented, can face violations. Plan your route in advance, write it down, and keep it with the driver.
The NYC DOT charter bus guidelines page has route slip requirements and downloadable street maps for common bus routes.
Sources & Official References
All toll rates and rules on this page are sourced from official agency publications:
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels — Franchise Bus Toll Rates — MTA bus crossing rates, effective January 4, 2026; confirms non-New York E-ZPass customers pay Tolls by Mail rates
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels — Tolls by Vehicle (Rate Confirmation) — MTA parent toll page confirming New York E-ZPass rule system-wide
- Port Authority NY/NJ — Bus Tolls — Port Authority bus rates at all six crossings, effective January 4, 2026
- MTA — Congestion Relief Zone Toll Rates — bus and charter rates, tunnel credits, phase-in schedule
- MTA — Congestion Relief Zone Discounts & Exemptions — exemption eligibility for qualifying bus operators
- NYC DOT — Charter Bus Guidelines — bus parking zones, standing regulations, Midtown bus compound, route slip requirements
Rates effective January 4, 2026. Always verify current rates with the relevant agency. Under a New Sun makes every effort to keep this information current and accurate but is not responsible for changes made after the page’s last update.
♪ The NYC Crossings Playlist
Every crossing has a song. Some obvious, some surprising, all unmistakably New York.
Toll data sourced from official MTA, Port Authority NY/NJ, and NYC DOT sources · Rates effective January 4, 2026 · Page last updated April 12, 2026