Planning a road trip and wondering if you need to budget for tolls? 37 states currently operate toll roads, bridges, or tunnels as of 2026. That number keeps growing, so knowing what to expect before you hit the road can save you real money and real headaches.
- Quick Answer: Which States Have Toll Roads?
- States With Zero Tolls
- How US Toll Roads Actually Work in 2026
- Which Transponder Do You Actually Need?
- The Best Options for Multi-State Travelers
- 2026 Toll Rate Increases: What Changed and Why
- NYC Congestion Pricing: Is It Working?
- Big New Projects Opening in 2026
- What Happens If You Skip a Toll?
- Planning a Cross-Country Drive? Here Is What to Know
- Special Cases Worth Knowing
- Drive Smart, Pay Less
Quick Answer: Which States Have Toll Roads?
Here is the short version. If you are in the Northeast, the South, or driving through the Midwest, there is a good chance you will hit a toll at some point. The Mountain West and Great Plains are largely toll-free, but even that is starting to change.
The table below gives you a full picture of every state with active toll infrastructure right now.
States With Active Toll Roads in 2026
| State | What You Will Find |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 private toll bridges (Freedom Pass only) |
| Alaska | Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel |
| California | Bay Area bridges, managed lanes, toll roads |
| Colorado | Express lanes and regional tollways |
| Delaware | Major interstate corridors |
| Florida | Extensive statewide network |
| Georgia | Managed lanes including I-285 expansion |
| Illinois | Statewide tollway system including I-294 |
| Indiana | Indiana Toll Road and river bridges |
| Kansas | Kansas Turnpike and 69 Express |
| Kentucky | Interstate river bridges |
| Louisiana | Bridges and causeways (GeauxPass) |
| Maine | Maine Turnpike |
| Maryland | Tunnels, bridges, and I-95 |
| Massachusetts | MassPike and tunnels |
| Michigan | International bridges and local spans |
| Minnesota | International and regional bridges |
| Missouri | Lake of the Ozarks Bridge |
| Nebraska | Regional river bridges |
| New Hampshire | Turnpike system |
| New Jersey | NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway |
| New York | Thruway, bridges, tunnels, congestion pricing |
| North Carolina | Managed lanes on I-95 and I-77 |
| Ohio | Ohio Turnpike |
| Oklahoma | Comprehensive turnpike network |
| Oregon | Hood River and Cascade Locks bridges |
| Pennsylvania | PA Turnpike and river bridges |
| Rhode Island | Claiborne Pell Bridge |
| South Carolina | Southern Connector and Cross Island Pkwy |
| Texas | Extensive regional toll authorities |
| Utah | Adams Avenue Parkway |
| Vermont | Mountain access roads (selective) |
| Virginia | Managed lanes and tunnels |
| Washington | SR 520, I-405, and SR 167 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Turnpike |
States With Zero Tolls
Good news if you live in the right place. 15 states and Washington D.C. have no toll roads at all. They represent about 26% of the country, mostly in the Mountain West and Great Plains.
| State | Key Toll-Free Interstates |
|---|---|
| Arizona | I-10, I-17, I-40 |
| Arkansas | I-30, I-40, I-49 |
| Connecticut | I-84, I-91, I-95 |
| Hawaii | H-1, H-2, H-3 |
| Idaho | I-15, I-84, I-86 |
| Iowa | I-29, I-35, I-80 |
| Mississippi | I-10, I-20, I-55 |
| Montana | I-15, I-90, I-94 |
| Nevada | I-15, I-80 |
| New Mexico | I-10, I-25, I-40 |
| North Dakota | I-29, I-94 |
| South Dakota | I-29, I-90 |
| Tennessee | I-24, I-40, I-65, I-75 |
| Wisconsin | I-39, I-41, I-43, I-90 |
| Wyoming | I-25, I-80 |
A word about Tennessee: It is technically toll-free right now, but the state passed the Transportation Modernization Act in 2026, which opens the door for optional express toll lanes. Construction on the first project along I-24 near Nashville is expected to start in 2027. So enjoy the free roads while you can.
How US Toll Roads Actually Work in 2026
Understanding the basics before you drive can save you from a surprise bill in the mail two weeks later. Most toll systems in 2026 operate without cash booths.
The Three Ways Tolls Get Collected
- Transponder (E-ZPass, SunPass, TxTag, etc.): A small device on your windshield auto-pays as you drive through. This is almost always the cheapest option.
- Toll by Plate: Cameras photograph your license plate. A bill shows up by mail or online. You usually pay more this way compared to a transponder.
- Mobile Apps: Some states let you pay through apps like Uproad or Peasy, which use your plate number instead of a physical device.
Why Transponders Save You Money
The gap between transponder rates and toll-by-plate rates can be surprisingly large. Here are a few real examples from 2026:
| Facility | E-ZPass Rate | Toll by Plate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington Bridge (NY/NJ) | $14.79 | $19.55 |
| DRJTBC Bridges (NJ/PA) | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Oregon Hood River Bridge | $1.75 | $3.50 |
That George Washington Bridge difference adds up fast if you cross it regularly. A transponder pays for itself quickly.
Which Transponder Do You Actually Need?
This is where things get a little complicated. The US does not have one universal toll pass. Instead, it has regional systems that overlap in some areas but not others.
Here is a breakdown of the three main regional networks:
The E-ZPass Network
E-ZPass works in 19 states, mostly covering the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest. If you drive through any of the following states regularly, getting an E-ZPass makes a lot of sense:
- New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware
- Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine
- Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
You can get one through the E-ZPass Group website.
The Central US Hub
Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma all operate their own systems, but they work together pretty well:
- TxTag covers Texas toll roads
- K-TAG covers Kansas
- PikePass covers Oklahoma
These three are interoperable across the mid-continent. If you are driving through all three states, one of these will cover you.
The West Coast Hub
California uses FasTrak, which is mostly a regional system. It works across Bay Area bridges, express lanes around LA, and various toll roads statewide. You can learn more at the Bay Area FasTrak site. It is not widely accepted outside California yet.
The Best Options for Multi-State Travelers
If you drive across multiple regions, here are the two most practical options available right now.
Uni by E-PASS
This is a portable, suction-cup transponder accepted in 19 states. It covers the full E-ZPass network plus Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. It is probably the most versatile single device for drivers moving between the Southeast and Northeast. More info at Central Florida Expressway Authority.
SunPass PRO
This one is great for Florida residents who also drive in the Northeast. SunPass PRO bridges the gap between the SunPass network and the full E-ZPass system. Find it at SunPass.com.
Mobile App Alternatives
If you do not want a physical transponder at all, these apps work as a solid alternative:
- Uproad Available in 19 states. Charges a 4.9% transaction fee. Provides violation protection by linking directly to tolling agency systems.
- Peasy Active in 19 states. Bills your credit card automatically with no pre-funding required.
- Ecotoll Lets you track toll expenses and offset your carbon footprint.
These apps are especially handy for rental cars. Instead of paying a rental company’s daily “convenience fee” for their toll tag, you can just register the rental plate on your own app account.
2026 Toll Rate Increases: What Changed and Why
Several major toll agencies raised their rates at the start of 2026. This is not random. Most increases are tied to either debt obligations or construction cost inflation.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
On January 4, 2026, the Pennsylvania Turnpike implemented a 4% toll increase. This was the 18th consecutive annual adjustment. For E-ZPass users, the most common per-axle toll moved from $1.86 to $1.94. These increases are locked in through 2053 because of borrowing the state did under Act 44 of 2007 to fund non-turnpike road maintenance.
New York and New Jersey Crossings
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey applied a 3% increase on January 4, 2026, plus an extra $0.25 per axle for commercial vehicles. The MTA added a 7.5% increase across its facilities. Off-peak E-ZPass discounts are also being reduced by $0.50 per year until they disappear entirely in 2030.
Delaware River Bridges (NJ/PA)
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission set a new uniform rate structure starting January 1, 2026. All passenger vehicles now pay $2.00 with E-ZPass or $5.00 by plate across seven bridge crossings.
NYC Congestion Pricing: Is It Working?
New York City launched its Central Business District Tolling Program on January 5, 2025. One year in, the results are hard to argue with.
Here is what the data shows so far:
- 11% drop in vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street
- Roughly 71,500 fewer vehicles per day in the zone
- $548 million generated in the first year, beating projections
- Average bus speeds inside the zone improved noticeably
The program charges drivers entering lower Manhattan based on vehicle type and time of day. The MTA is now exploring additional measures like per-minute fees for ride-share vehicles waiting without passengers and delivery van charges for occupying curb space.
Big New Projects Opening in 2026
A few projects worth knowing about if you travel in these areas.
Gordie Howe International Bridge (Michigan to Canada)
This $4.6 billion bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. It is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. The tolls are notably cheaper than the older Ambassador Bridge nearby.
| Vehicle Type | Gordie Howe Rate | Gordie Howe Breakaway Discount | Ambassador Bridge Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicle | $5.75 | $4.35 | $10.00 |
| Commercial (per axle) | $8.75 | $6.90 | $15.00 |
The “Breakaway” business account launched in March 2026 for commercial fleets.
Kansas 69 Express
New express toll lanes opened on February 21, 2026, along US 69 in Overland Park. This is the first major municipal express lane project in Kansas, running between 103rd and 151st Streets.
Oregon BreezeBy Bridges
Two bridges in the Columbia River Gorge now share a single electronic system called BreezeBy.
| Bridge | BreezeBy Rate | Cash or Plate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hood River to White Salmon | $1.75 | $3.50 |
| Bridge of the Gods | $1.25 | $3.00 |
The Hood River bridge went fully electronic in April 2025. The Bridge of the Gods still accepts cash at a toll booth.
What Happens If You Skip a Toll?
Skipping a toll is not a freebie. It is a deferred bill with extra charges attached. Here is what typically happens:
- Cameras photograph your plate at the toll gantry
- A bill gets mailed to the registered vehicle owner
- If unpaid, administrative fees get added quickly
- Continued non-payment can lead to vehicle registration suspension in states like New York and Pennsylvania
Rental car companies also charge their own processing fee on top of the actual toll amount. A $2.00 toll can turn into a $12.00 charge after the rental company’s “convenience fee.” Using your own transponder or a mobile app whenever possible avoids this entirely.
Planning a Cross-Country Drive? Here Is What to Know
Thinking about road trip routes and toll costs? The route you pick makes a big difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The cheapest cross-country route for tolls: The I-10 corridor running from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, is 100% toll free from coast to coast.
The most expensive corridor: A trip from Boston to Washington D.C. can cost anywhere from $25 to $75 in tolls depending on the time of day and whether you use managed express lanes.
Pre-trip checklist:
- Check your route at TollGuru to estimate toll costs
- Get an E-ZPass if you are driving in the Northeast or Midwest
- Download a state-specific app if you are in Florida, Texas, or California
- Keep your address updated with your toll account so bills reach you
- Ask your rental car company exactly how they handle toll billing before you drive off
Special Cases Worth Knowing
Alabama
Alabama does not accept E-ZPass at all. The state runs four private toll bridges through a system called Freedom Pass, managed by American Roads LLC. You can pay through the Freedom Pass app on iOS or Android.
| Facility | Route | 2-Axle Toll Range |
|---|---|---|
| Foley Beach Express | I-10 to Orange Beach | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Montgomery Expressway | Millbrook to Montgomery | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Emerald Mountain Expressway | Wetumpka to E. Montgomery | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Tuscaloosa Bypass | US 82 to I-20/I-59 | $1.50 to $3.00 |
Louisiana
Louisiana uses GeauxPass for its toll bridges and causeways, including the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The new Belle Chasse Bridge in Plaquemines Parish is now tolled, but local residents with GeauxPass pay just $0.26 per crossing.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico runs on AutoExpreso, which is completely separate from any mainland US system. The major highways including PR-52, PR-53, PR-66, and PR-20 are tag-only. If you rent a car and drive these roads without a tag, expect fines of up to $25 per violation. Tourists can pick up a MóvilCash prepaid card at over 150 gas stations including Puma and Total.
Drive Smart, Pay Less
The US toll system in 2026 is a patchwork of regional networks, mobile apps, and state-specific rules. No single rule applies everywhere. But a little preparation goes a long way.
Here is the short version of what you should do:
- Get an E-ZPass if you drive in the East or Midwest
- Get a SunPass PRO or Uni transponder if you travel between the Southeast and Northeast
- Use a mobile app like Uproad or Peasy if you prefer not carrying a device
- Check your route on TollGuru before any long road trip
- Never assume a missed toll disappears because it never does
The more you drive toll roads, the more those transponder savings stack up. A little planning before you leave the driveway beats a mailbox full of toll invoices when you get back.
Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.