The Delaware River Port Authority runs four toll bridges between Pennsylvania and New Jersey

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) operates the Ben Franklin Bridge, Betsy Ross Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge, and Commodore Barry Bridge. These four crossings connect Philadelphia and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania to New Jersey. If you cross any of these bridges, you pay a toll to DRPA — the amount depends on which bridge you use, what type of vehicle you drive, and whether you have a prepaid account.

DRPA is a government agency created by a compact between Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1952. It owns and maintains these bridges and uses toll revenue to pay for operations, repairs, and improvements. Unlike some toll authorities, DRPA does not operate a single unified toll tag system across all four bridges — each bridge has its own toll collection method, though you can set up prepaid accounts for most of them.

The toll you pay changes based on the direction you travel, the time of day, and your vehicle class. DRPA charges different rates for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicle types. Some bridges also charge different tolls depending on whether you are traveling eastbound (into New Jersey) or westbound (into Pennsylvania).

Key Takeaways

  • DRPA operates four toll bridges: Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman, and Commodore Barry, connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
  • Toll amounts vary by bridge, vehicle type, direction of travel, and time of day — there is no single rate across all four.
  • You can pay tolls with cash at toll booths, by credit card at some locations, or through prepaid accounts that often offer discounts.
  • Prepaid accounts like E-ZPass and DRPA's own toll tag systems typically cost less per crossing than paying cash at the booth.
  • If you cross regularly, setting up a prepaid account usually saves money compared to paying per trip.

Current toll rates for each DRPA bridge

DRPA publishes toll rates on its website, but the amounts change periodically. As of the most recent update, toll rates vary significantly between the four bridges. The Ben Franklin Bridge, which is the most heavily used, charges different rates than the Betsy Ross Bridge or Walt Whitman Bridge. Commodore Barry Bridge, which carries less traffic, has its own rate structure.

Rates also depend on vehicle class. A standard passenger car pays one rate, while a motorcycle pays less and a truck or commercial vehicle pays more. Some bridges charge different tolls for eastbound and westbound travel — for example, the Walt Whitman Bridge charges higher tolls for westbound traffic (into Pennsylvania) during peak hours.

DRPA occasionally adjusts toll rates to cover operating costs and fund maintenance. When rates change, DRPA announces the new amounts in advance. To find the exact current toll for your vehicle type and bridge, visit the DRPA website or call their customer service line — rates are too variable to list here without risk of providing outdated information.

How to pay tolls: cash, card, and prepaid accounts

You can pay DRPA tolls in multiple ways depending on which bridge you cross. At most DRPA toll plazas, you can pay cash at a toll booth staffed by an attendant. Some locations also accept credit or debit cards at the booth. If you pay cash or card at the booth, you pay the full posted rate with no discount.

Prepaid accounts offer lower per-crossing rates than paying at the booth. DRPA accepts E-ZPass, the regional toll tag used across the Northeast, at all four bridges. E-ZPass is a small electronic device mounted on your windshield that automatically deducts tolls from a prepaid account as you pass through the toll plaza. You do not have to stop or interact with a toll booth.

DRPA also operates its own toll tag system called DRPA Toll Tag for customers who prefer not to use E-ZPass. Both systems require you to set up an account, add funds, and register your vehicle. The discount you receive with a prepaid account varies by bridge and vehicle type, but is typically 10 to 20 percent lower than the cash rate.

If you do not have a prepaid account and do not pay at the booth, DRPA can bill you later. Some bridges use license plate recognition cameras to photograph vehicles that do not stop at the toll booth. DRPA then sends an invoice to the vehicle owner's address. This invoice toll is usually higher than the cash rate and includes a processing fee.

Setting up E-ZPass or DRPA Toll Tag

To open an E-ZPass account, you can register online through the E-ZPass website or visit a customer service center in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, and vehicle information. E-ZPass charges an initial tag fee (typically $25 to $35) and requires a minimum prepaid balance. Once your account is active, you can use the same tag at DRPA bridges and at toll facilities throughout the Northeast.

DRPA Toll Tag works similarly. You register online or by phone, provide vehicle and payment information, and receive a toll tag in the mail. The setup process takes a few business days. Like E-ZPass, DRPA Toll Tag requires a prepaid balance and charges a tag fee. The main difference is that DRPA Toll Tag works only at DRPA bridges, while E-ZPass is accepted at hundreds of toll facilities across multiple states.

Both systems allow you to manage your account online. You can check your balance, view crossing history, add funds automatically, and update your vehicle or payment information. If your tag is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through your account.

What happens if you do not pay a DRPA toll

If you cross a DRPA bridge without paying and do not have a prepaid account, DRPA's license plate recognition system photographs your vehicle. DRPA then mails an invoice to the registered owner's address. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, which increases the total cost above what you would have paid at the booth.

If you receive an invoice and do not pay it, DRPA can pursue collection. This may include sending the debt to a collection agency, reporting it to credit bureaus, or taking legal action. Some states allow DRPA to suspend vehicle registration or withhold tax refunds for unpaid tolls, though the specific consequences depend on your state of residence.

If you believe an invoice is incorrect — for example, if you paid at the booth but were still billed, or if your vehicle was misidentified — you can dispute it. Contact DRPA customer service with your invoice number and explanation. DRPA will review the crossing record and may adjust or cancel the invoice if an error occurred.

Discounts and special programs

DRPA offers discounted toll rates for frequent users with prepaid accounts. The discount percentage varies by bridge and vehicle type. Some bridges offer higher discounts during off-peak hours to encourage travel during less congested times. Motorcycles typically receive a lower toll rate than cars at all four bridges.

Certain vehicle types may be exempt or receive reduced rates. For example, emergency vehicles and some government vehicles may be exempt from tolls. If your vehicle falls into a special category, contact DRPA to ask about exemptions or reduced rates.

DRPA does not currently offer blanket discounts for seniors, disabled drivers, or low-income users across all bridges. However, policies vary by bridge and may change. Check the DRPA website or call customer service to ask whether any special programs explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same E-ZPass tag at all four DRPA bridges?

Yes. E-ZPass works at all four DRPA bridges — Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman, and Commodore Barry. You can also use the same tag at toll facilities in other states that accept E-ZPass. DRPA Toll Tag works only at DRPA bridges.

What is the difference between paying cash and using E-ZPass?

Paying cash at the toll booth costs more per crossing than using E-ZPass or DRPA Toll Tag. E-ZPass typically saves 10 to 20 percent per crossing. E-ZPass also lets you pass through without stopping, while cash payment requires you to stop at a toll booth. If you do not pay at the booth, DRPA bills you later at a rate higher than cash.

Do I have to use a toll tag, or can I always pay cash?

You can pay cash at toll booths on all four DRPA bridges. However, not all toll plazas have staffed cash booths at all times. If a booth is closed, you can pay by credit card if available, or your vehicle will be photographed and you will receive an invoice by mail. Prepaid accounts are optional but save money if you cross regularly.

What if I lost my E-ZPass tag?

Contact E-ZPass customer service or log into your account online to report the lost tag. You can request a replacement, which will be mailed to your address. Your account balance transfers to the new tag. There may be a replacement fee depending on your E-ZPass provider.

How do I know which bridge to use?

Your choice depends on where you are starting and where you need to go. The Ben Franklin Bridge connects Center City Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey. The Betsy Ross Bridge connects Northeast Philadelphia to New Jersey. The Walt Whitman Bridge connects South Philadelphia to New Jersey. The Commodore Barry Bridge is south of Philadelphia. Check a map or GPS to determine which bridge is most direct for your route.