Tolls & Bridge Status
The figures below reflect the MTA's 2026 toll schedule for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, effective January 4, 2026. For live confirmation before you travel, see the official MTA toll-by-vehicle table and the MTA resident programs page.
💡 Key 2026 Changes to Know
- Split tolling is in effect: the Verrazzano toll is charged in both directions, not on one side only.
- Properly mounted NY E-ZPass tags get the lowest base rate.
- Tolls by Mail is the highest-priced option because the trip is billed from your plate.
🚗 Passenger Cars
| Payment method | 2026 rate | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| NY E-ZPass | $7.46 | Properly mounted NY-issued E-ZPass tag |
| Mid-Tier | $9.79 | NY E-ZPass account charged from plate or unread tag |
| Tolls by Mail / non-NY E-ZPass | $12.03 | License plate billing or out-of-state E-ZPass |
| Staten Island Resident rebate rate | $2.75 | Eligible personal vehicles enrolled in the MTA SIR plan |
🏍️ Motorcycles
| Payment method | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| NY E-ZPass | $3.25 |
| Mid-Tier | $4.18 |
| Tolls by Mail / non-NY E-ZPass | $5.06 |
🚛 Commercial Vehicles & Trucks
| Vehicle type | NY E-ZPass | Mid-Tier | Tolls by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-axle commercial | $13.49 | $18.87 | $24.07 |
| 3-axle truck | $22.10 | $31.00 | $39.62 |
| 4-axle truck | $28.26 | $39.08 | $49.54 |
| 5-axle truck | $36.84 | $51.19 | $65.10 |
| 6-axle truck | $42.98 | $59.26 | $75.00 |
Extra axles: For vehicles with more than six axles, the MTA publishes additional per-axle charges on its official toll-by-vehicle page.
🏠 Discount Programs
Staten Island Resident plan: Eligible Staten Island residents pay $2.75 per trip with a NY E-ZPass account in good standing and a personal vehicle registered to a Staten Island address.
If rebate funding is exhausted: The MTA says the rate reverts to $4.19 for enrolled residents until rebate funding returns.
Recertification: The MTA reviews residency periodically and asks drivers to recertify about every two years to keep the discount active.
Commercial vehicles: They are not eligible for the Staten Island resident program.
Former resident carpool discount: The separate $1.70 Staten Island resident carpool plan ended in 2021. The bridge still has HOV access rules, but there is no separate 2026 carpool toll program listed by the MTA.
💳 How to Pay
E-ZPass (Best value)
For regular users: Mount a NY E-ZPass transponder correctly on the windshield so the MTA can read it in open-road tolling lanes. Learn how to sign up.
Why it matters: A properly mounted NY tag gets the $7.46 base car rate. If your tag is missing or unreadable, the charge can move up to the $9.79 Mid-Tier rate.
Tolls by Mail
For occasional users: If no NY E-ZPass is read, the toll is billed from your license plate at the $12.03 passenger-car rate. Payment instructions arrive by mail.
Payment options: Manage bills online at e-zpassny.com, by phone at 1-800-333-8655, or by mail.
🚦 Is the Bridge Open Today?
Current status: The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge normally operates 24/7, but the MTA can close lanes or restrict certain vehicles when conditions turn unsafe.
When restrictions happen
Special events: The NYC Marathon and the Five Boro Bike Tour can close or limit part of the bridge for several hours.
Severe weather: High winds can trigger restrictions for motorcycles, empty trailers, buses, and other high-profile vehicles.
Overnight work: Planned maintenance usually happens during lighter traffic periods, with lane closures rather than full shutdowns.
Check current conditions: MTA Bridges & Tunnels | live status page | call 511 for regional traffic updates
🚴♂️ Bicycles & Pedestrians
Bicycles: NOT permitted on the bridge except during special events such as the Five Boro Bike Tour. Use alternatives:
- Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (free pedestrian/bike path)
- Henry Hudson Bridge (pedestrian walkway)
- Staten Island Ferry (FREE, accepts bikes)
Pedestrians: NO pedestrian access. Use Staten Island Ferry for free walking access between boroughs.
💡 Skip Bridge Tolls Completely - Use Staten Island Ferry FREE
Save the bridge toll entirely by using the Staten Island Ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island instead of driving. It is ideal for visitors, cyclists, and anyone who does not need a car on the trip.
🚗 Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Cost: $7.46 with NY E-ZPass or $12.03 by mail, charged in both directions
- Time: 5-15 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Views: Driver focused on road
- Experience: Standard commute
🚢 Staten Island Ferry
- Cost: Completely FREE
- Time: 25 minutes crossing
- Views: Spectacular harbor & bridge views
- Experience: Scenic tour with Statue of Liberty
Schedule: 24/7 service, departures every 15-30 minutes during peak hours. View complete schedule and terminal information.
⏰ Best Times to Cross
Peak Traffic Hours to Avoid:
• Eastbound (to Staten Island): 7:00-9:00 AM, 4:00-7:00 PM
• Westbound (to Brooklyn): 6:30-8:30 AM, 5:00-7:30 PM
Best Times for Quick Crossing: Mid-morning (10 AM-2 PM), late evening (after 8 PM), weekends
🏠 Staten Island Resident Discounts
Lowest available toll: Eligible residents pay $2.75 per crossing through the MTA's rebate-backed Staten Island Resident program.
Requirements: NY E-ZPass account, personal vehicle registered to a Staten Island address, and successful enrollment in the resident program.
Apply: MTA Resident Discount Program
📌 Official Sources
MTA tolls by vehicle: mta.info/fares-tolls/tolls/vehicle-types
MTA resident plans: mta.info/fares-tolls/tolls/resident-programs
Construction update: The bridge's cable dehumidification project continues through 2029 with overnight work and limited lane impacts.