Current toll rates for the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll depends on your vehicle type and how you pay. As of 2024, a passenger car using E-ZPass (the electronic toll collection system) costs $17.76 during peak hours and $15.76 during off-peak hours. Without E-ZPass, you pay $19.76 at peak times and $17.76 off-peak. These rates change annually, usually in January.

Peak hours are weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Off-peak is all other times, including weekends and holidays. Trucks, buses, and motorcycles have different rates — motorcycles pay the same as cars, while commercial vehicles pay significantly more based on axle count.

The toll is collected only when traveling from Brooklyn to Staten Island (southbound). There is no toll for the northbound direction.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass saves you $2 per crossing compared to paying cash, and you don't have to stop at a toll booth.
  • Peak-hour tolls are $2 higher than off-peak, so timing your crossing can reduce what you pay.
  • You only pay when crossing from Brooklyn to Staten Island; the return trip is free.
  • Toll rates increase each January, so budget for higher costs if you cross regularly.
  • Getting an E-ZPass account takes about 10 minutes online and works across most toll roads in the Northeast.

How E-ZPass works and why it saves money

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that charges your account automatically as you drive through the toll plaza. You mount a small transponder on your windshield, and sensors read it as you pass. The toll is deducted from your prepaid account, and you receive a monthly statement.

E-ZPass saves $2 per crossing on the Verrazano compared to cash payment, and you never stop at a booth. You can set up an account online through the E-ZPass website in about 10 minutes. You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The transponder itself is free or costs a small deposit depending on your plan.

Your E-ZPass account works on most toll roads throughout the Northeast, including the New York Thruway, New Jersey Turnpike, and bridges in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This makes it useful even if you only cross the Verrazano occasionally.

Paying without E-ZPass

If you don't have E-ZPass, you can pay cash or credit card at the toll booths on the Brooklyn side. Cash payment costs $19.76 during peak hours and $17.76 off-peak. Credit and debit cards are accepted at all booths.

Paying without E-ZPass means you must stop at a toll booth, which slows traffic during rush hours. If you cross the bridge more than once or twice a year, E-ZPass becomes cheaper and faster. Even occasional users benefit from the convenience of not carrying cash.

Understanding peak and off-peak hours

Peak hours on the Verrazano are weekday mornings (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and evenings (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). All other times — including nights, weekends, and holidays — are off-peak. The difference is $2 per crossing for E-ZPass users and $2 for cash payers.

If you cross regularly for work or commuting, shifting your travel time by even 30 minutes can save you money. For example, leaving at 10:15 a.m. instead of 9:45 a.m. moves you into off-peak pricing. Weekends and holidays always have off-peak rates, regardless of time of day.

What happens if you don't pay the toll

If you cross without paying, the toll authority will identify your vehicle through the license plate and send a bill to the registered owner. Unpaid tolls accrue penalties and interest. If bills go unpaid for an extended period, the toll authority can place a hold on vehicle registration renewal or refer the debt to a collection agency.

Some drivers accidentally trigger unpaid tolls by using a broken E-ZPass transponder or by crossing in a rental car without setting up payment. If you receive a toll bill you believe is incorrect, contact the Verrazano Bridge toll authority directly with your vehicle information and crossing date. They can review the transaction and correct errors.

Toll rates for different vehicle types

Passenger cars and motorcycles pay the rates listed above. Trucks and commercial vehicles pay based on the number of axles. A two-axle truck costs more than a car, and rates increase for three-axle, four-axle, and five-or-more-axle vehicles. Buses also have a separate, higher rate.

If you drive a commercial vehicle regularly across the Verrazano, ask about commercial E-ZPass accounts, which may offer volume discounts or different billing arrangements. The toll authority website lists exact rates for each vehicle class.

Planning for toll costs in your budget

If you cross the Verrazano regularly, calculate your annual toll expense. A daily commuter using E-ZPass during peak hours pays roughly $17.76 × 2 (round trip, though only one direction is tolled) = $17.76 per day, or about $450 per month if crossing 25 days. Over a year, that's around $5,400 for a regular commuter.

Remember that toll rates increase each January. Budget for a 3 to 5 percent increase year to year, though the exact amount varies. If you're relocating or starting a job that requires regular Verrazano crossings, factor this cost into your decision. Some employers offer toll subsidies or reimbursement, so check with your HR department.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If your E-ZPass account shows a duplicate charge or you were billed twice for a single trip, contact the toll authority with your transaction date and time. They can review the toll plaza camera footage and issue a refund if an error occurred. Keep your monthly statements to track charges.

Do I have to pay the toll if I'm driving a commercial vehicle for work?

Yes, but commercial vehicles have different rates based on axle count. Some employers reimburse tolls or provide a fuel card that covers them. Check your employment agreement or ask your dispatcher about toll reimbursement policies.

What if my E-ZPass transponder stops working?

If your transponder malfunctions, you'll be charged the cash rate instead of the E-ZPass rate. Contact E-ZPass customer service to report the issue and request a replacement. They can also review your recent crossings and adjust charges if the transponder failed during a specific period.

Are there any discounts for frequent crossers?

E-ZPass itself is the main discount — it saves $2 per crossing. Some states offer additional discounts for low-income drivers or specific professions, but New York's Verrazano toll does not currently have these programs. Check the E-ZPass website for any promotional offers that may explore to new accounts.

Do I pay the toll both ways across the bridge?

No. You only pay when traveling from Brooklyn to Staten Island (southbound). The return trip from Staten Island to Brooklyn (northbound) is free. This is why commuters who work in Staten Island and live in Brooklyn pay less than those going the opposite direction.