Toll and Distance Frequently Asked Questions
- How are Tolls Calculated?
- How do I determine the height of my vehicle?
- How do I determine the number of axles on my vehicle?
- How do I calculate my toll?
- How can I obtain a Vehicle Classification and Toll Schedule Chart?
- Do E-ZPass customers get a discount?
- I am a commuter. What discount plans are available?
- I carry items, such as a kayak, on my roof rack. That makes my vehicle height over 7' 6". Will this affect my vehicle classification?
- I am carrying a refrigerator in the back of my 4X4 pick-up truck; does this make my vehicle high?
- I have dual rear wheels on my pickup truck. Does this affect my vehicle classification?
- I have a 15 passenger commercial van. What is my vehicle classification?
- I drive a conversion van. What is my vehicle classification?
- I tow a fifth wheel mounted camper/travel-trailer/horse-trailer. What is my vehicle classification?
- How do I find out more about discounts for motorcycles and/or motor homes?
- How can I apply for E-ZPass to make toll payment easier?
How are Tolls Calculated?
Tolls on the New York State Thruway are calculated according to the height of the vehicle, total number of axles of a vehicle, and distance traveled.
How do I determine the height of my vehicle?
Measurement is taken at the highest point of the vehicle over the first two axles. Typical home garages feature 7 feet high doors. If your vehicle fits in a standard garage, then it is probably under 7 feet 6 inches. If you are unable to measure the height of the vehicle, check your owner's manual or manufacturer documentation.
How do I determine the number of axles on my vehicle?
An axle is a shaft around which a wheel or a pair of wheels revolve. Most passenger cars are considered to have 2 axles for classification purposes. To determine the number of axles on the vehicle or vehicle combination, look at the vehicle from the side profile and count the number wheels or pair of wheels from front to back.
5 axles
2 axles
3 axles
How do I calculate my toll?
To calculate a toll, visit the toll and distance calculator for the ticketed system or see the downloadable cash and E-ZPass toll schedules for the Thruway's bridges and toll barriers.
How can I obtain a Vehicle Classification and Toll Schedule Chart?
Vehicle Classification information and Toll Schedule Charts are available online, by calling the Authority's Division of Toll Collection at (518) 436-2805, or by emailing the Authority by using the online contact form.
Do E-ZPass customers get a discount?
Yes. E-ZPass customers will receive a 5% discount off the cash toll rate. Sign up for E-ZPass today.
*Note: E-ZPass rates apply only to customer tags issued by New York E-ZPass Customer Service Center (This includes: MTA Bridges and Tunnels, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York State Thruway Authority, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge), and New York State Bridge Authority). Non-NY CSC customers will pay the Tolls by Mail rate. Anyone, regardless of residency, can apply for a New York Customer Service Center-issued E-ZPass tag. Visit www.ezpassny.com for more information or call 1-800-333-TOLL (8655) to use our automated system for account inquiries and general E-ZPass® New York information.
I am a commuter. What discount plans are available?
The Thruway’s $88 annual permit discount plan is available for commuters’ using the Thruway’s ticketed system. Commuter discount plans for the New York and Buffalo Regions fixed toll barriers and bridges (New Rochelle, Yonkers, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Harriman, and both Grand Island Bridges) are also available. View E-ZPass Discount Plans. To enroll in one of the various commuter plans, customers must first have an established E-ZPass account. Current E-ZPass customers must call 1-800-333-8655 to sign up for a commuter discount plan. Customers enrolling in E-ZPass for the first time may choose a commuter plan during the E-ZPass application process.
I carry items, such as a kayak, on my roof rack. That makes my vehicle height over 7' 6". Will this affect my vehicle classification?
No. Non-permanent items (examples: kayak, bicycles, ladder, snow board, luggage carrier) carried on a passenger vehicle's roof (Class 2L, 3L, or 4L) are not considered when determining vehicle classification.
I am carrying an item, such as a refrigerator, in the back of my 4X4 pick-up truck; does this make my vehicle high?
No. Non-permanent items carried in the bed of a pick-up truck (Class 2L, 3L, or 4L) are not considered when determining vehicle classification.
I have dual rear wheels on my pickup truck. Does this affect my vehicle classification?
No. Dual rear wheels are not a determining factor for vehicle classification. Classification will be based on height and axles regardless of the number of tires on each axle.
I have a 15 passenger commercial van. What is my vehicle classification?
The number of passengers is not a determining factor for vehicle classification. Classification is based on height and axles, regardless of the passenger capacity.
I drive a conversion van. What is my vehicle classification?
Conversion vans are classified as a passenger vehicle (Class 2L).
However, if your conversion van has features similar to a "motorhome," for example, a cook top/range, microwave, a sleeping area, or tub/shower/toilet amenities, this vehicle would not be classified as a traditional passenger vehicle (2L), but rather a motorhome, while traveling the New York State Thruway.
The Thruway Authority does offer a Thruway Motorhome Discount Plan via E-ZPass.
I tow a fifth wheel mounted camper/travel-trailer/horse-trailer. What is my vehicle classification?
Vehicle classification is based on the height of the vehicle over the first two axles, including any trailer, and the total number of axles. A vehicle's combination is considered HIGH if the height of the vehicle over the first two axles is 7'6" or greater.
For example, a 2-axle pick-up truck with a 2-axle 5th wheel trailer, 7'6" or greater, which extends forward over the rear axle, would be classified as a 4H. Using this same logic, a 2-axle pick-up truck with a 3-axle 5th wheel trailer, 7'6" or greater, would be classified as a 5H.
E-ZPass discounts are available for these vehicle combinations; however, special tags are required that must be programmed specifically for the specific vehicle combination. To be eligible, customers must first have an established E-ZPass account with the New York E-ZPass Customer Service Center.
There are no discounted rates available to cash customers.
How do I find out more about discounts for motorcycles and/or motor homes?
Discounts are available through the E-ZPass program. Proof of vehicle registration is required for both plans. Motorcycles are charged half of the cash toll rate. Motor homes receive the passenger vehicle rate based on the number of axles on the motor home. To enroll in the motorcycle or motor home discount plan, call 1-800-333-8655 or visit one of the Authority’s seven E-ZPass Service Centers.
How can I apply for E-ZPass to make toll payment easier?
E-ZPass is both convenient and cost-saving, offering a five percent toll savings on the Thruway. You can become an E-ZPass customer by applying through the mail, online at www.e-zpassny.com 
or by visiting one of the retail locations across the state.