New Jersey may sometimes get overlooked in favor of its famous neighbor New York. However, this tiny state has a wide variety of experiences to offer, including outdoor activities, renowned culinary offerings, a strong arts and cultural scene, and untouched nature. New Jersey played a crucial role in American history and offers distinctive culture. If you are looking for seaside fun, you can easily find it across the island – taking a kayak out in Greve de Lecq, surfing at famous St Queen’s Bay, or exploring secluded beaches and coves are a few ways people enjoy New Jersey’s natural beauty.

New Jersey’s toll system

New Jersey has one of the most extensive toll networks in the entire country. The system is called New Jersey Turnpike (or NJ Turnpike) and it stretches over 122 miles across the state, from Philadelphia to New York City. This system of toll roads provides access to numerous locations not only in New Jersey but also in Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. NJ Turnpike is maintained and operated by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. It was built in only 21 months and opened to traffic in 1951. The New Jersey Turnpike provides a critical link in the transportation system of the Northeast. Currently, the NJ Turnpike is the US sixth-busiest toll road. It has two extensions (the Newark Bay Extension, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Extension, and the I-95 Extension) and two spurs (the Eastern Spur and the Western Spur).

All segments of the New Jersey Turnpike except for the I-95 Extension are tolled. The NJ Turnpike system is both unique in its construction and has a very high level of initiative toward patron safety. It includes many new technologies supporting communication with drivers like changeable message signs and weather reporting stations.

Two toll roads in New Jersey

Currently, there are two toll roads in New Jersey: Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.

Garden State Parkway

Garden State Parkway connects Cape May (near the southernmost point in the state) and Montvale. Garden State Parkway is 172 miles (277 km) long, which makes it the longest highway in the state, and it’s situated on New Jersey SR-9. At the north end, it becomes the Garden State Parkway Connector, part of the New York State Thruway system. The road is mainly for passenger vehicle use – trucks that weigh over 10,000 pounds are prohibited north of Exit 105. The highway has a posted speed limit of 65 mph (105 km/h) for most of its length.

The toll rate depends on how long you drive on the road – the longer you travel, the more you will pay for the toll. I-Pass and E-ZPass users are entitled to discounted toll rates. Garden State Parkway is different from most toll highways because drivers aren’t given a ticket when they get on and are required to pay when they exit. Instead, Garden State Parkway has multiple toll booths. Drivers pay tolls at each toll booth when they pass. Tolls can be paid by cash or via the electronic toll collection system.

Atlantic City Expressway

The Atlantic City Expressway is located on Route 446 and I-76. Stretching through 44 miles, it connects Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Atlantic City Expressway is the most direct route between these two cities. It has upwards of 10 entry and exit points along the route, as well as 3 lanes running in both directions. There are two mainline toll plazas with express E-ZPass lanes – Egg Harbor in Hamilton Township and Pleasantville). Atlantic City Expressway is managed and operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. It is used as an extension of the freeway part of Route 42 from Turnersville to Atlantic City. It has a speed limit of 65 miles per hour. Bicycles are prohibited as are motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters.

The toll rate on Atlantic City Expressway depends on how long you use the road. You can pay by cash at the toll booth or using E-ZPass. Paying with an E-ZPass is cheaper than with cash.

Bridges and tunnels in New Jersey

Besides toll roads in New Jersey, there are several toll bridges and tunnels situated across the state. Examples are Goethals Bridge and Bayonne Bridge. The list of toll bridges in New Jersey includes eleven bridges over the Delaware river (such as Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and Burlington-Bristol Bridge). There are also seven bridges on the south side of the state along the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, New Jersey also shares four bridges with New York (such as George Washington Bridge).

There are also two famous toll tunnels running under the Hudson River:

• Holland Tunnel – a vehicular tunnel connecting Lower Manhattan in New York with Jersey City in New Jersey. It covers Interstate 78. The tunnel was opened in 1927. In 1927, it was the longest continuous underwater tunnel for vehicular traffic in the world. Also, Holland Tunnel was the first mechanically ventilated tunnel, not only in the US, but in the entire world. The tunnel can only be paid electronically using E-ZPass.

• Lincoln Tunnel – a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) long tunnel connecting Weehawken, New Jersey to Midtown Manhattan in New York. It runs under the Hudson River, carrying New Jersey Route 495 on the New Jersey side and New York State Route 495 on the NY side. It consists of three vehicular tubes. There are two traffic lanes in each tube. Lincoln Tunnel was opened in 1937. Tolls can be paid electronically with E-ZPass and in cash as well.

The tolls are only collected while entering New York. Both tunnels have peak hours from 6-10 am and 4-8 pm on weekdays.

How to pay tolls in New Jersey

Toll prices in New Jersey mostly depend on the time of day, type of vehicle, and payment method. In most cases, prices vary between $1.00 and $16.00. New Jersey accepts both NJ E-ZPass and other E-ZPass transponders. At some plazas, you can also pay with cash during certain hours. However, keep in mind that most of the toll facilities in New Jersey are cashless.

*Cash tolls are possible on the following facilities: New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge. Paying with a tag is generally cheaper, though.

If you miss a toll in New Jersey, you will receive a toll violation notice in the mail. You can pay using various payment methods: check, cashier’s check, or money order. If you have an E-ZPass account, you can also pay online. If you don’t pay a toll and miss the due date, you will receive a second notice with fees added on.

How can I pay for toll roads in New Jersey without an E-ZPass?

If you are driving on a New Jersey toll road or need to cross a New Jersey bridge and do not have an E-ZPass on your vehicle, you have options.

You can pay using a toll road billing app such as Uproad. With Uproad, you simply need to download the app to your smartphone and register your vehicle. In most cases, your vehicle will be activated within 24 hours. Uproad covers the cost of your tolls and offers violation protection, as well as the ability to drive on other toll roads around the country.