Navigating the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge—widely known as the Triborough Bridge—requires knowing current toll rates and payment structures. Operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels, this multi-span crossing connects Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx via Randalls and Wards Islands. Because the entire facility is completely cashless, traditional toll booths are gone. Overhead gantries capture your vehicle information electronically at highway speeds, meaning you'll need a clear strategy to handle your crossing fees without racking up penalty fines.
For standard passenger vehicles, the current toll is $7.46 if you use a New York Customer Service Center E-ZPass, $9.79 for the mid-tier rate (typically non-NY E-ZPass tags), and $12.03 if you rely on Tolls by Mail. Unlike some river crossings that only charge when entering a specific borough, the RFK Bridge collects tolls in both directions, meaning a standard round trip doubles your cost.
Current RFK Bridge Toll Rates
Understanding how the MTA structures its pricing helps you avoid paying the highest tier. Rates depend strictly on your vehicle classification, axle count, and how your account or license plate is registered.
Passenger Cars and SUVs
For standard 2-axle passenger vehicles, pick-ups, and SUVs under 7,000 pounds:
- NY E-ZPass: $7.46 per crossing
- Mid-Tier (Non-NY E-ZPass): $9.79 per crossing
- Tolls by Mail: $12.03 per crossing
Motorcycles and Commercial Vehicles
- Motorcycles: $3.02 with NY E-ZPass; higher rates apply for out-of-state tags or camera billing.
- Commercial Trucks and RVs: Multi-axle vehicles face scaling rates based on weight and axle count. A standard 3-axle commercial truck climbs significantly higher than passenger vehicle rates, so fleet operators must track tags closely to avoid heavy invoice penalties.
How Cashless Tolling Works on the RFK Bridge
The transition to all-electronic tolling eliminated physical cash lanes entirely. Gantries mounted above the roadway read transponders or photograph rear license plates as drivers pass.
If you have a valid E-ZPass transponder properly mounted on your windshield, the system deducts the correct rate directly from your prepaid balance. If you don't have a transponder, cameras capture your license plate, and the registered owner receives a paper invoice in the mail via the Tolls by Mail program.
Payment Options and Managing Invoices
Drivers who receive a Tolls by Mail invoice have multiple avenues to settle their accounts before late fees apply. You can manage these payments through official channels without leaving your desk.
- Online Portal: Visit the official E-ZPass New York platform to look up bill numbers using your license plate and ZIP code, then pay securely using a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account.
- Mobile App: Download the official Tolls NY mobile application to scan payment barcodes, track active bills, and reload your transponder balance on the go.
- Phone Automated System: Call the customer service line at 1-800-333-8655 to pay via an automated telephone menu.
- In-Person Retailers: Bring your printed invoice containing the payment barcode to participating local retail stores that accept cash payments for municipal toll bills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drivers unfamiliar with New York toll structures frequently make avoidable financial errors.
- Assuming Out-of-State E-ZPass Gets the Local Discount: If you use an E-ZPass issued by a state other than New York, the system often defaults to the higher mid-tier or mail rate. If you frequently drive in NYC, registering for a New York Customer Service Center tag saves money.
- Ignoring Bi-Directional Tolling: Many motorists calculate their commute assuming a single daily charge. Because the RFK Bridge bills in both directions, your morning commute and evening return count as two separate transactions.
- Failing to Update License Plate Info: When you buy a new car or get a temporary plate, update your E-ZPass profile immediately. If your transponder fails to read and your plate doesn't match your active account files, you'll get hit with a Tolls by Mail invoice plus potential administrative fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a congestion pricing fee on the RFK Bridge?
No. Because the Manhattan landing of the bridge is located at 125th Street—well north of the lower Manhattan congestion relief zones—crossing the RFK Bridge does not trigger a congestion pricing surcharge.
What happens if I miss a Tolls by Mail invoice?
Unpaid invoices lead to secondary notices, administrative fees, and potential registration suspensions through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Always check the online portal if you suspect a bill was lost in transit.
Can I pay cash at the bridge?
No cash is accepted on the RFK Bridge. All lanes are completely automated for electronic transponders and license plate image capture.
How do I mount my E-ZPass properly to avoid camera billing?
Attach the transponder directly to the inside of your windshield near the rearview mirror using the provided adhesive strips, following the specific placement instructions included in your tag welcome packet.
