Crossing Comparison
Every NYC crossing from New Jersey has different restrictions. Choosing the wrong one can result in being turned around, fined, or stuck.
| Crossing | Height Limit | Width Limit | Tractor-Trailers | Hazmat | 5-Axle Toll (E-ZPass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington Bridge | No posted limit | No posted limit | All permitted | Most classes | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
| Lincoln Tunnel | 13 ft 0 in | 8 ft 6 in | Permitted (not center tube) | Most prohibited | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
| Holland Tunnel | 12 ft 6 in | 8 ft 0 in | BANNED (3+ axles) | All prohibited | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
| Goethals Bridge | No posted limit | No posted limit | All permitted | Most classes | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
| Bayonne Bridge | No posted limit | No posted limit | All permitted | Most classes | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
| Outerbridge Crossing | No posted limit | No posted limit | All permitted | Most classes | ~$34 peak / ~$28 off-peak |
George Washington Bridge
The GWB is the most truck-friendly NYC crossing from NJ. All truck types are permitted. The lower level (I-95) is preferred for trucks — the upper level carries most passenger traffic. The bridge connects I-95 in NJ to I-95/Cross Bronx Expressway in New York.
Access: NJ Turnpike Exit 18W or I-80 East to I-95 North.
Lincoln Tunnel
The Lincoln Tunnel has three tubes. Trucks are permitted in the north and south tubes but NOT the center tube. Height is limited to 13 feet 0 inches and width to 8 feet 6 inches. Most hazmat classes are prohibited.
Access: NJ Route 495 from NJ Turnpike Exit 16W or I-95.
Holland Tunnel
The Holland Tunnel bans ALL trucks with more than 3 axles. Only 2-axle and 3-axle single-unit trucks are permitted, with a 12 foot 6 inch height limit and 8 foot 0 inch width limit. All hazmat is prohibited. GPS systems routinely direct trucks to the Holland Tunnel — do NOT follow GPS blindly on I-78 East approaching the tunnel.
Consequence of entering: You cannot turn around inside the tunnel. Oversized vehicles that enter are extracted by PANYNJ at the vehicle owner expense.
Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing
These three Staten Island crossings are the workhorses for port and Brooklyn/Queens-bound freight. All permit tractor-trailers and most hazmat classes.
- Goethals Bridge: I-278/NJ Turnpike Exit 13. Key route from NJ to Staten Island and Brooklyn via I-278.
- Bayonne Bridge: NJ 440. Recently raised clearance eliminated previous height restrictions.
- Outerbridge Crossing: NJ 440 from Perth Amboy to Staten Island.
Port Authority Toll Rates (2026)
All Port Authority crossings use the same toll schedule. Peak hours are weekdays 6-10 AM and 4-8 PM.
| Axles | Peak E-ZPass | Off-Peak E-ZPass | Toll By Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ~$17 | ~$13 | ~$19 |
| 3 | ~$25 | ~$21 | ~$28 |
| 4 | ~$30 | ~$25 | ~$33 |
| 5 | ~$34 | ~$28 | ~$38 |
| 6+ | ~$38 | ~$32 | ~$42 |
:::tip The Holland Tunnel trap is real. Every week, trucks follow GPS onto I-78 East and end up at the Holland Tunnel entrance with no legal way through. Know which crossing you need BEFORE you enter the approach roads. :::
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