New Jersey Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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New Jersey Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass electronic toll collection + Cash/License plate recognition
Coverage: NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, Bridges & Tunnels
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, License plate billing, Cash collection
Operators: NJ Turnpike Authority (NJTA), Port Authority NY/NJ, Delaware River authorities
Do I Need E-ZPass for New Jersey? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to use New Jersey toll roads - but you'll save money and time with one. Most New Jersey toll facilities accept E-ZPass, cash, and license plate billing, though some bridges have converted to cashless operations.
Key Benefits: E-ZPass users save approximately 6-15% on tolls versus cash rates, plus access to HOV discounts and off-peak pricing on major facilities. New Jersey E-ZPass holders qualify for additional state-specific discounts.
2025 Update: Tolls increased 3% on January 1, 2025, continuing the annual index-based increases. Several Delaware River bridges completed conversion to all-electronic tolling, eliminating cash collection.
New Jersey Toll Costs: Current Rates
New Jersey operates multiple toll systems with different pricing structures, from distance-based turnpike tolls to flat-rate parkway fees and bridge/tunnel charges.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | E-ZPass Rate | Cash Rate | System Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Turnpike (Cars) | Distance-based | Distance-based | Closed system |
| Garden State Parkway | $1.09-$2.17 | $1.15-$2.30 | Open system |
| Atlantic City Expressway | $0.75-$6.00 | $1.00-$6.25 | Distance-based |
| George Washington Bridge | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
| Holland Tunnel | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
| Lincoln Tunnel | $15.00 (Peak) / $12.50 (Off-Peak) | $17.00 (Peak) / $14.50 (Off-Peak) | Port Authority |
Major Route Costs (Current 2025 Rates)
- Full NJ Turnpike (Delaware Bridge to GW Bridge): $13.85 E-ZPass / $18.85 Cash
- Garden State Parkway (Cape May to NY border): $2.17-$8.68 E-ZPass total
- Atlantic City to Camden: $4.75 E-ZPass / $6.00 Cash
- Newark to NYC (Holland Tunnel): $15.00 E-ZPass Peak / $17.00 Cash
2025 Toll Increases
Effective January 1, 2025: 3% increase on NJ Turnpike (+16¢ average), Garden State Parkway (+8¢ main plazas, +3¢ ramps), and Atlantic City Expressway. This marks the 5th consecutive year of 3% annual increases.
How to Pay New Jersey Tolls
New Jersey offers multiple payment options depending on the facility:
1. E-ZPass Electronic System (Best Value):
- NJ E-ZPass: Qualifies for all state-specific discounts and programs
- Other state E-ZPass: Accepted but no NJ-specific discounts
- Peak/off-peak pricing on major facilities
- Senior (65+) and Green Vehicle discounts available
2. Cash Payment:
- Available at most NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway toll plazas
- Higher rates than E-ZPass (typically 6-15% more)
- Some facilities have eliminated cash collection
3. License Plate Billing (Toll by Plate):
- Automatic license plate recognition and billing
- Available on cashless facilities and as backup payment
- Higher rates than E-ZPass, bills sent to registered owner
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across New Jersey toll roads, use TollGuru New Jersey toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Annual Toll Increases:
- 3% toll increase effective January 1, 2025 on all NJTA facilities
- NJ Turnpike average increase: 16 cents per trip
- Garden State Parkway: 8 cents at main plazas, 3 cents at ramps
- Atlantic City Expressway: proportional 3% increase
System Modernization:
- Delaware River bridges completed conversion to all-electronic tolling
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology deployment
- Expanded Toll by Plate service across multiple facilities
- Continued cashless conversion at select locations
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Ongoing Garden State Parkway bridge reconstruction projects
- Enhanced interchange improvements and safety features
- $2.7 billion annual budget supporting infrastructure maintenance
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- NJ E-ZPass pays for itself after 8-10 trips with discounts
- Peak hour pricing: 7-9 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM weekdays, all weekend
- Senior discount: 10% off off-peak E-ZPass rates for 65+ drivers
- Green vehicle discount: 10% off for qualifying high-efficiency vehicles
Alternative Routes:
- US Route 1, US Route 9: North-south alternatives (slower, toll-free)
- Local roads: Available but significantly longer travel times
- Public transit: NJ Transit for NYC connections
Travel Tips:
- Speed limits: 65 mph NJ Turnpike, 65 mph Garden State Parkway
- Service areas: 11 full-service plazas on Garden State Parkway
- Emergency assistance: 511 for traffic information
- Cashless facilities: Carry E-ZPass or expect license plate billing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid New Jersey tolls completely?
Yes, you can use US Route 1, US Route 9, or local roads for north-south travel. However, these routes add 45-90 minutes to cross-state trips and lack the convenience of limited-access highways.
What happens if I don't pay New Jersey tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees. The license plate billing system will send invoices to the registered vehicle owner, with escalating penalties for non-payment.
Do I need NJ E-ZPass for discounts?
Yes, NJ-specific discounts (Senior, Green Vehicle, Volume) require a New Jersey E-ZPass account. Out-of-state E-ZPass works for basic toll payment but doesn't qualify for NJ discount programs.
Are tolls the same in both directions?
NJ Turnpike tolls are the same both ways (closed system). Garden State Parkway has different patterns. NYC bridges/tunnels collect tolls only in one direction (typically entering Manhattan).
Do motorcycles pay tolls in New Jersey?
Yes, motorcycles pay car rates on most NJ facilities. Some bridges and tunnels have specific motorcycle rates, typically lower than passenger car rates.
New Jersey vs. Regional States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.04-0.15/mile | Extensive network |
| New York | E-ZPass + Cashless | $0.06-0.15/mile | Statewide network |
| Pennsylvania | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.08-0.20/mile | Turnpike system |
| Delaware | E-ZPass + Cash | $1.00-4.00/crossing | Limited facilities |
| Connecticut | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
Contact Information
NJ Turnpike Authority:
- Customer Service: (732) 750-5300
- E-ZPass NJ: (888) 288-6865 (AUTO-TOLL)
- Website: NJTA.com
- Violation Inquiries: (732) 750-5300
Port Authority NY/NJ:
- Customer Service: (212) 435-7000
- E-ZPass Customer Service: (718) 313-9300
- Website: PanYNJ.gov
- GW Bridge, Lincoln & Holland Tunnels
Delaware River Port Authority:
- Customer Service: (856) 968-2000
- E-ZPass Discount Plans: (215) 218-3750
- Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, Commodore Barry Bridges
Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission:
- Customer Service: (609) 883-7300
- Toll Information: DRJTBC.org
- 8 bridges between NJ and PA
Traffic & Emergency Information:
- 511 - Traffic and travel information
- NJ State Police: *77 from mobile phones
- Emergency Services: 911
