NYC Bridge Comparison Guide 2025

New York City's extensive network of bridges and tunnels connects the five boroughs across numerous waterways. While the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge stands as the most magnificent suspension bridge spanning New York Harbor, travelers have several alternatives for crossing between boroughs, each with distinct advantages, toll structures, and traffic patterns.

🌉 Staten Island Crossing Options

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Route: I-278 connecting Brooklyn (Bay Ridge) to Staten Island (Fort Wadsworth)

Toll (2025): $10.17 standard, $2.75 Staten Island residents

Traffic Volume: 220,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Direct Brooklyn-Staten Island travel, fastest route during off-peak hours

Goethals Bridge

Route: I-278 connecting Staten Island to New Jersey (Elizabeth)

Toll (2025): $18.72 Mid-Tier E-ZPass, $22.38 Tolls by Mail

Staten Island Resident Rate: $8.03 with Staten Island Bridges Plan (PASI)

Traffic Volume: 35,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Access to New Jersey airports, avoiding NYC traffic

Outerbridge Crossing

Route: Route 440 connecting Staten Island (Tottenville) to New Jersey (Perth Amboy)

Toll (2025): $18.72 Mid-Tier E-ZPass, $22.38 Tolls by Mail

Staten Island Resident Rate: $8.03 with Staten Island Bridges Plan (PASI)

Traffic Volume: 22,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Southern Staten Island access, New Jersey shore destinations

Bayonne Bridge

Route: Route 440 connecting Staten Island (Port Richmond) to New Jersey (Bayonne)

Toll (2025): $18.72 Mid-Tier E-ZPass, $22.38 Tolls by Mail

Staten Island Resident Rate: $8.03 with Staten Island Bridges Plan (PASI)

Traffic Volume: 28,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Northern Staten Island access, PATH train connections

🚢 Staten Island Ferry - Free Alternative

Route: Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan) to St. George Terminal (Staten Island)

Cost: FREE for passengers and vehicles

Schedule: Every 30 minutes during peak hours, every hour off-peak

Crossing Time: 25 minutes

Daily Ridership: 75,000+ passengers

Best For: Tourist visits, cost-conscious travel, Manhattan-Staten Island connection

Learn More: Complete Staten Island Ferry Schedule & Guide

🌉 Manhattan River Crossings

Brooklyn Bridge

Route: Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights

Toll: FREE for all vehicles

Features: Pedestrian promenade, historic landmark (1883)

Traffic Volume: 120,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Sightseeing, pedestrian access, free crossing

Manhattan Bridge

Route: Lower Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn

Toll: FREE for all vehicles

Features: Subway lines, bike paths

Traffic Volume: 78,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Downtown Brooklyn access, public transit connections

Williamsburg Bridge

Route: Lower East Side Manhattan to Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Toll: FREE for all vehicles

Features: Subway lines, pedestrian walkways

Traffic Volume: 92,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Brooklyn's trendy neighborhoods, free alternative

🚗 Major Tunnel Crossings

Holland Tunnel

Route: Lower Manhattan to Jersey City, NJ

Toll (2025): $18.72 Mid-Tier E-ZPass, $22.38 Tolls by Mail

Traffic Volume: 89,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Manhattan-New Jersey travel, avoiding bridge traffic

Lincoln Tunnel

Route: Midtown Manhattan to Weehawken, NJ

Toll (2025): $18.72 Mid-Tier E-ZPass, $22.38 Tolls by Mail

Traffic Volume: 120,000+ vehicles daily

Best For: Midtown access, New Jersey destinations

📊 Toll Comparison Table 2025

🕐 Traffic Patterns & Best Times

Peak Hours to Avoid

All NYC Bridges:

• Morning Rush: 7:00-9:30 AM
• Evening Rush: 4:30-7:00 PM
• Friday Evenings: Extended delays until 8:00 PM
• Sunday Evenings: Return traffic 5:00-8:00 PM

Optimal Crossing Times

Best Times for All Bridges:

• Early Morning: 5:00-6:30 AM
• Mid-Morning: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
• Late Evening: 8:00 PM-5:00 AM
• Weekends: Saturday mornings, Sunday late morning/early afternoon

🎯 Choosing the Right Crossing

For Cost-Conscious Travelers

Free Options: Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Residents: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with 73% discount ($2.75 vs $10.17)

For Speed and Convenience

Brooklyn-Staten Island: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (direct route)

Manhattan-Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge during off-peak

Staten Island-New Jersey: Goethals Bridge for northern destinations

For Avoiding Traffic

Alternative Routes: Consider Staten Island Ferry during peak hours

Real-Time Updates: Use Waze, Google Maps, or call 511 for current conditions

Construction Alerts: Check MTA Bridges & Tunnels for planned work

💡 Money-Saving Tips

E-ZPass Benefits

Discounted Rates: Lower tolls on most crossings compared to Tolls by Mail

Faster Transit: Dedicated lanes reduce wait times

Multi-State Use: Works across 19 states in the northeast

Staten Island Bridges Plan (PASI)

Eligibility: Staten Island residents crossing at least 3 times per month

Savings: $8.03 per trip vs $18.72 standard rate (57% discount)

Qualifying Bridges: Goethals, Outerbridge, Bayonne

📍 Bridge Locations & Access

Staten Island Access Points

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: I-278 at Fort Wadsworth

Goethals Bridge: I-278 at Port Richmond

Outerbridge Crossing: Route 440 at Tottenville

Bayonne Bridge: Route 440 at Port Richmond

Staten Island Ferry: St. George Terminal

Manhattan Access Points

Brooklyn Bridge: FDR Drive at South Street

Manhattan Bridge: Canal Street and Bowery

Williamsburg Bridge: Delancey Street

Holland Tunnel: Canal Street entrance

Lincoln Tunnel: Route 495 at 39th Street

Whether you're commuting daily or visiting New York City as a tourist, understanding the bridge and tunnel options helps you choose the most efficient and cost-effective route for your specific journey. Each crossing offers unique advantages depending on your destination, budget, and travel preferences.