Tolls jump on Thruway for first time in 14 years: How much will it cost to travel now?

The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that motorists will encounter revised toll rates on the New York State Thruway beginning today.

This change, approved by the Thruway Authority Board of Directors in September 2023 following a 10-month public review process, marks the first adjustment in toll rates since 2010 for NY E-ZPass users.

The updated structure includes a five percent increase in the base NY E-ZPass rate outside the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, with a subsequent five percent hike scheduled for January 2027. Meanwhile, standard toll rates for non-NY E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail customers will gradually rise to 8.6 cents per mile by 2027, still maintaining a competitive rate compared to many other national toll systems.

The revised rates distinguish between NY E-ZPass holders, who are frequent Thruway users benefiting from the most significant discounts and convenience, and non-NY E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail customers, who will now pay 75 percent more than their E-ZPass counterparts.

This difference reflects the additional processing costs associated with these payment methods and serves as an incentive for motorists to acquire a NY E-ZPass tag, ensuring the most economical and efficient toll payment option.

The Thruway Authority emphasizes that the NY E-ZPass remains the most cost-effective choice for travelers, encouraging drivers to sign up for the tag to benefit from these savings.