The toll for crossing the Goethals Bridge, which connects Elizabeth, New Jersey, with Staten Island, New York, is an important cost to consider for daily commuters, occasional travelers, and commercial drivers. Goethals Bridge tolls are part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s system of cashless tolling, and they are only collected in one direction – eastbound into New York. These toll rates can vary based on payment methods like EZPass, peak or offpeak travel times, and special commuter plans, making it useful to understand all the pricing options if you plan to use this bridge regularly or occasionally.
Where Goethals Bridge Tolls Apply
The Goethals Bridge spans the Arthur Kill waterway and serves as a key route for traffic between New Jersey and New York City. Unlike some bridges that charge tolls in both directions, the Goethals Bridge only charges tolls when traveling eastbound from New Jersey toward Staten Island and New York. Westbound drivers going into New Jersey do not pay a toll. The bridge operates under cashless tolling, meaning all tolls are collected electronically either through EZPass transponder readers or by photographing license plates and billing the vehicle owner by mail.
Standard Passenger Vehicle Tolls
The cost to cross the Goethals Bridge depends on what type of toll payment method you use. Different rates apply to EZPass users versus drivers without EZPass (tolls by mail), and peak and offpeak hours can influence the price as well.
EZPass Toll Rates
EZPass is a prepaid electronic toll payment system that offers lower toll rates compared with billing by mail. For passenger cars and motorcycles
- During offpeak hours, EZPass users typically pay around $14.06.
- During peak hours, the toll increases to about $16.06.
- Some EZPass plans or commuter discount programs offer reduced rates if you use the bridge frequently.
Peak hours are generally designated for higher traffic periods, such as weekday mornings and afternoons, which can affect your total cost if you cross during those times.
Tolls by Mail or NonEZPass Users
If you do not have an EZPass transponder and your license plate is photographed instead, the toll is higher. This tollsbymail rate reflects the added processing cost for billing by mail and typically runs about $22.38 for passenger vehicles.
MidTier Rates
Some electronic toll plans, including certain prepaid or discount programs, may be categorized as midtier and slightly higher than basic EZPass rates but lower than tolls by mail. Midtier rates for passenger vehicles can be around $18.72.
Discount Plans and Frequent Use Considerations
For commuters or drivers who cross the Goethals Bridge multiple times per month, there are special discount programs that reduce the toll cost. One example is the Port Authority Staten Island Bridges Plan (PASI), which can lower tolls for frequent users who meet certain requirements. These plans are designed to help regular commuters save money compared with standard peak or offpeak EZPass rates.
Commuter Discount Programs
Under certain commuter or frequent user plans, eligible drivers can pay a reduced toll rate – sometimes nearly half the regular EZPass toll – if they travel across the bridge a minimum number of times in a given month. Such plans require enrollment and use of an EZPass account that meets the plan criteria. The exact discount depends on the program’s rules and current toll pricing structures.
Commercial Vehicle Tolls
Commercial trucks and larger vehicles pay higher tolls than passenger cars based on the number of axles and vehicle class. These tolls are significantly higher to account for the greater wear and tear they cause on infrastructure and their use of commercial freight routes. The toll rates for trucks vary widely and are structured according to vehicle size and axle number, often costing many times more than passenger vehicle tolls.
Typical Truck Toll Examples
Tolls for twoaxle trucks and vehicles with dual rear wheels, as well as larger commercial vehicles, can exceed $30 or more, with rates increasing for threeaxle or larger vehicles. These higher tolls reflect the weight, size, and potential road impact of commercial traffic. As these rates can change with periodic toll adjustments, it’s best to consult the latest official toll schedule for precise amounts based on your vehicle’s classification.
How Tolls Are Collected
Since cashless tolling was implemented, drivers no longer stop at toll booths on the Goethals Bridge. Instead, overhead gantries equipped with sensors and cameras collect tolls automatically. Vehicles with EZPass have their transponders read wirelessly as they drive under the gantry. Vehicles without EZPass are photographed, and the registered owner is sent a bill by mail. This system speeds traffic flow and reduces congestion at traditional toll plazas.
No Cash Payments
Because the Goethals Bridge has transitioned fully to cashless tolling, drivers cannot pay tolls with cash at the bridge itself. Planning ahead with EZPass or understanding the tollbymail process is important to avoid unexpected bills or fines.
When Toll Rates Change
Toll rates on the Goethals Bridge are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. These changes are often made to fund ongoing maintenance, support infrastructure projects, or manage operating costs. Toll schedules are updated annually or as approved by the relevant authorities, and they can vary slightly over time, so consulting official Port Authority resources before travel ensures accurate pricing.
Future Toll Increases
Scheduled or approved toll increases may take effect at the beginning of a calendar year or midyear, depending on policy decisions. For instance, adjustments set for July 2025 indicate increases in toll rates from previous years, with midtier and tollbymail rates rising accordingly. Staying informed about these changes helps frequent bridge users budget accordingly.
Tips for Drivers
If you plan to use the Goethals Bridge regularly, a few strategies can help you manage toll costs and reduce expenses over time.
- Sign up for an EZPass account to benefit from lower electronic toll rates compared to tollbymail charges.
- Consider enrolling in commuter discount plans if you cross the bridge frequently in a month.
- Travel during offpeak hours when possible to take advantage of lower EZPass toll rates.
- Review planned toll rate changes annually to prepare for possible increases and plan your budget.
The cost to cross the Goethals Bridge varies based on your payment method, time of travel, and vehicle type. For standard passenger cars and motorcycles, the EZPass toll is generally around $14.06 during offpeak hours and $16.06 during peak hours, while the tollbymail rate is approximately $22.38 with midtier options near $18.72. Tolls are collected only when traveling eastbound into Staten Island and New York, and cashless electronic tolling ensures smooth flow across the bridge. Commercial and larger vehicles pay higher tolls depending on their axle count, and frequent users may qualify for commuter discounts that significantly lower the cost per crossing. Staying informed about current toll schedules and using electronic payment methods like EZPass helps drivers manage costs effectively and avoid surprises when traveling across this key Hudsonarea crossing.