What Are New Jersey’s Toll Roads? Where They Are & How to Pay

If you've ever driven in New Jersey, you might have encountered the extensive network of toll roads across the state, from the bustling New Jersey Turnpike to the scenic Garden State Parkway. Understanding the ins and outs of these toll roads can make your journey smoother. Discover some intriguing insights that could improve your commute and change the way you approach toll roads in the Garden State.

Quick Points on New Jersey Toll Roads

• New Jersey has multiple toll roads, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway, with varying routes and rates.
• The Turnpike and Parkway use toll booths, while the Expressway uses toll gantries.
• Toll costs vary depending on toll road, distance traveled, type of vehicle, payment method, and even time of day. E-ZPass gives drivers the cheapest toll options.
• Payment methods include E-ZPass, cash, and toll-by-plate options, with specific requirements for each toll road.
• E-ZPass offers convenience, efficiency, and cost savings on major toll roads. It accepts transponders from other states.
• Cash payment is available on the Turnpike and Parkway. Be aware that unmanned booths require exact change in coins—you toss the coins in a basket.
• Don't have exact change? There are ATMs at rest stops along the tollway, or you can get a receipt at a full-service booth and pay online or by mail for a small fee.

What Toll Roads Are in New Jersey?

New Jersey's highway system includes several toll roads throughout the state. The New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway are the key ones you'll encounter during your travels. Each of these toll roads offers different routes and rates, so it's essential to plan your journey accordingly.

New Jersey Turnpike

Spanning 148 miles across multiple states, the New Jersey Turnpike is a major toll road that plays a crucial role in the region's transportation network. The Turnpike consists of various segments.

In New Jersey, the main part of the Turnpike runs from southwest to northeast. In the south, it ends at Pennsville Township, where it merges with I-295 and crosses Delaware Memorial Bridge to Wilmington, Delaware. In the north, the tolled portion ends in Ridgefield Park. The main line is 117.2 miles.

The I-95 Extension, while considered part of the New Jersey Turnpike, isn't actually tolled. It's the section between I-80 and George Washington Bridge, crossing over to northern Manhattan.

The Newark Bay Extension is part of I-78, branching off from the main Turnpike near Newark Liberty International Airport. It connects Newark to the Holland Tunnel in Jersey City, crossing into Lower Manhattan.

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Turnpike Extension (a.k.a. the Pennsylvania Turnpike Connector) branches off from the main Turnpike at exit 6 in Mansfield, where it turns west to cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. North of this connector (and on the connector itself), the main Turnpike is part of I-95. South of it, it's Route 700.

Between exits 15 and 18 (Newark to Ridgefield Park), the main Turnpike splits into the Eastern Spur and the Western Spur. The Eastern Spur crosses the Hackensack River to run through Secaucus. The Western Spur passes through Lyndhurst and East Rutherford.

The Garden State Parkway

The Garden State Parkway in New Jersey is a busy 173-mile toll road connecting Lower Township in Cape May County and Montvale in Bergen County, where it crosses into New York and merges with I-287. It runs the entire length of New Jersey's east coast, set back a few miles inland.

This toll road serves as a crucial route for travel within New Jersey, providing easy access to 50 cities and popular destinations throughout the state. Whether you're heading to the shore in Cape May or exploring the northern regions near Montvale, the Garden State Parkway provides a convenient and efficient route to your destination.

The Parkway and Turnpike may begin to leave toll plazas behind in the near future, moving to AET (all-electronic tolling) gantries. However, no dates have been put forward yet.

The Atlantic City Expressway

The Atlantic City Expressway, a vital 44-mile toll road, links Atlantic County to Philadelphia.

Toll rates for cars using E-ZPass range from $0.82 to $5 depending on toll zone. For Toll-by-Plate, rates are doubled.

E-ZPass users can also benefit from a frequent user plan if they use the Expressway 30+ days in a 35-day period. This reduces the E-ZPass toll by 30–40% depending on toll zone.

Unlike the Turnpike and Parkway, the Expressway is managed by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

Wherever you're headed, the Atlantic City Expressway ensures a smooth journey with well-maintained roads and clear signage.

Important Info for Driving the Atlantic City Expressway

• The Expressway finished transitioning to all-electronic tolling in January 2026. Tolling gantries will mark your entry and exit points automatically, so just keep driving.
• Those without an E-ZPass tag will pay via Toll-by-Plate, meaning you'll get a toll bill in the mail within about 30 days.
  • You can pay your bill online at ezpassnj.com, even if you don't have an account. Otherwise, pay by mail with check or money order. Cash payments for these bills are only accepted if you pay in person at a Customer Service Center.
  • You can't pay the toll the same day you use the Expressway. It takes about a week for the toll to be available for payment in the system.

How Much Do Tolls Cost in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, toll rates vary by toll road, distance traveled, type of vehicle, and time of day, and can range from less than $2.00 for passenger vehicles to $20.00 or more for commercial vehicles.

The Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Atlantic City Expressway all charge set tolls—i.e., there's no dynamic pricing depending on the number of cars on the road, which happens on some toll roads in other states. Entering the toll road during peak hours costs more than during off-peak hours, but the hours and rates for each period are consistent.

Utilizing a New Jersey E-ZPass can provide you with discounts on tolls, helping you save money, especially if you're a frequent traveler.

New Jersey and New York E-ZPasses also save you money at the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, the George Washington, Bayonne, and Goethals Bridges, and the Outerbridge Crossing. If you live in New Jersey and work in NYC, these discounts can easily save you more than $6 per day. ($16.79 E-ZPass pricing at peak hours vs. $23.30 toll-by-plate; the tolls are only charged entering into NYC.)

While it's not technically New Jersey, if you're commuting to NYC, it's also worth noting that NYC started a congestion relief zone in Manhattan in 2025. Passenger vehicles are tolled once per day, with peak and off-peak rates.

Understanding these toll costs and E-ZPass discounts can help you plan routes effectively and budget your travel expenses on New Jersey's toll roads.

How Do I Pay Tolls in New Jersey?

To pay tolls in New Jersey, you can utilize E-ZPass transponders, pay cash at select toll plazas, or opt for the license plate and invoice options. Toll roads here accept various payment methods, but E-ZPass is widely regarded as the best method for convenience.

If you miss a toll, you'll receive a toll violation notice. These violations can be paid online via your E-ZPass account, or by check, cash, cashier's check, or money order.

It's important to promptly address missed tolls, as failing to pay can result in invoices with late payment penalties.

Does E-ZPass Work in New Jersey?

E-ZPass does work on major toll roads and bridges in New Jersey, and it's the cheapest way to get around! It's estimated that around 90% of New Jersey drivers use E-ZPass.

New Jersey E-ZPass not only offers discounts but also accepts E-ZPass transponders from other states, making it versatile for travelers. These states include, but are not limited to, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, NJ's immediate neighbors. You can travel the entire Northeast region and beyond with the same E-ZPass tag.

You also get to use E-ZPass Only lanes, which move faster than cash lanes. A few rare exits are E-ZPass only.

Can I Pay Cash For Tolls in New Jersey?

Cash payment is accepted at almost all toll plazas in New Jersey. Whether traveling for a fun day trip or just your daily commute, you have the flexibility of using cash to pay your tolls.

Having exact change ready is essential when opting for cash payments at toll plazas. While some booths are full service and have human toll collectors, others only accept coins, which you toss in a coin collection basket.

If you don't have cash, the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway have service areas you can access without "exiting" the tollway. In addition to food and gas, you can withdraw cash from ATMs. Some service areas have park-n-ride commuter lots with NJ Transit or Academy bus stops.

The Atlantic City Expressway doesn't accept cash payments—it doesn't have toll plazas. Instead, you drive under a gantry, where the system logs your transponder or license plate for billing.

In the long term, New Jersey is likely to move toward cashless tolls on roads that currently allow cash, though no firm plans have been made. If plans move forward, current toll plazas may be replaced by gantries.

Using New Jersey's Toll Roads

Simplify the navigation of New Jersey's toll roads by understanding the routes, costs, and payment methods available. Remember to plan, consider using E-ZPass for discounts, and ensure timely payment to avoid violations. By staying informed and prepared, you can make your travel experience across New Jersey's counties smoother and more efficient.

Does E-ZPass work in other states?

It does! A New Jersey E-ZPass is interoperable with toll authorities in 18 other states. However, if you're commuting to NYC, be aware that the E-ZPass discount for Port Authority's bridges and tunnels only applies to New Jersey and New York passes. If you're moving from another state, consider getting an updated pass.

How do you pay toll roads in New Jersey?

To pay toll roads in New Jersey, you can use E-ZPass, pay cash (New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway), or receive an invoice based on your license plate. Remember, missed payments lead to violations and added fees, so pay promptly.

How much are toll roads in New Jersey?

Toll rates in New Jersey vary based on factors like vehicle type, time of day, distance traveled, and payment method. Toll costs begin at less than $2.00 for cars to more than $20.00 for commercial trucks traveling longer distances.

Do New Jersey tolls take credit cards?

Toll booths in New Jersey do not accept credit cards. To pay for tolls with a credit card, sign up for E-ZPass. You can sign up for autopay and have your account automatically pull from your card or bank account when it gets low.

What happens if you use an E-ZPass lane without an E-ZPass?

You'll get a toll violation notice in the mail, with a fine and a deadline to pay. Expect around $50. If it's your first offense and you call and pay immediately, you might be able to get the fine waived, but don't count on it.

If you have an E-ZPass account registered to your license plate, but don't have the transponder on the vehicle, it might be billed to your account as normal instead. Repeat violations may incur fees, even with an E-ZPass account, so make sure your transponder is properly mounted.

Some scams send texts pretending you're in violation of tolls. Don't click on any links. Go directly to the website to check for yourself.