NYC to Boston Drive: Complete Toll Calculator & Route Guide 2025
Interactive toll calculator, route comparison, and expert tips for the 215-mile journey between America's most historic cities
Quick Summary
Distance
215 miles
Via I-95 (fastest)
Drive Time
3.5-4 hrs
Off-peak traffic
Tolls (E-ZPass)
$16.75
Standard vehicle
The drive from New York City to Boston is one of America's most traveled routes, connecting two historic cities along the Northeast Corridor. Whether you're making a quick business trip, heading to college, or planning a weekend getaway, understanding your route options and toll costs is essential for a smooth journey.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: three main route options, exact toll breakdowns, payment methods, money-saving strategies, and the best places to stop along the way. Use our interactive calculator below to estimate your specific toll costs.
Best for Speed
I-95
Fastest route with most tolls. Heavy traffic near NYC and Providence. Best for weekday morning departures.
Most Scenic
Merritt
Beautiful parkway with zero tolls. No trucks allowed. Perfect for leisurely Sunday drives through Connecticut.
Best Balance
I-84
Fewer tolls, less traffic, inland route. Adds 15 miles but often faster during peak hours. Great alternative.
Interactive Toll Calculator
Calculate your exact toll costs based on your vehicle type, route choice, and payment method:
Your Trip Estimate
Total Toll Cost
$16.75
Distance
215 miles
Total driving distance
Drive Time
3.5-4 hours
Without stops
Detailed Route Comparison
Route 1: I-95 Coastal
Most PopularRoute Details
- Distance: 215 miles
- Off-peak time: 3.5-4 hours
- Peak time: 4.5-5.5 hours
- E-ZPass tolls: $16.75
- Cash tolls: $21.50
Major Cities
- • Stamford, CT
- • Bridgeport, CT
- • New Haven, CT
- • Providence, RI
- • Boston, MA
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Fastest route in off-peak hours
- ✓ Most direct path
- ✓ Best food and gas options
- ✓ Scenic coastal views in spots
Disadvantages
- ✗ Highest toll costs
- ✗ Heavy traffic near NYC & Providence
- ✗ Construction zones common
- ✗ Can be very slow during rush hour
Best for: Weekday mid-morning departures (9-11 AM), Sunday afternoons, travelers prioritizing speed over scenery, anyone with E-ZPass
Route 2: Merritt Parkway
Most ScenicRoute Details
- Distance: 220 miles
- Off-peak time: 4-4.5 hours
- Peak time: 5-6 hours
- E-ZPass tolls: $0.00
- Cash tolls: $0.00
Key Features
- • No commercial trucks
- • Historic Art Deco bridges
- • Tree-lined parkway
- • 8-foot height limit
- • 55 mph speed limit
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Zero tolls - save $16-21
- ✓ Beautiful scenic drive
- ✓ No trucks = less traffic stress
- ✓ Historic architecture
Disadvantages
- ✗ 30-60 min slower than I-95
- ✗ Fewer rest stops/services
- ✗ Two-lane sections can be slow
- ✗ Not suitable for trucks/RVs
Best for: Sunday drives, budget travelers, scenic photography enthusiasts, anyone avoiding tolls, spring/fall foliage viewing
Route 3: I-84 Inland
Best AlternativeRoute Details
- Distance: 230 miles
- Off-peak time: 4-4.5 hours
- Peak time: 5-6 hours
- E-ZPass tolls: $8.50
- Cash tolls: $12.00
Major Cities
- • Danbury, CT
- • Hartford, CT
- • Sturbridge, MA
- • Worcester, MA
- • Boston, MA
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ 50% less tolls than I-95
- ✓ Less traffic congestion
- ✓ Good truck/RV route
- ✓ Often faster during peak hours
Disadvantages
- ✗ 15 miles longer
- ✗ Fewer dining options
- ✗ Less scenic than Merritt
- ✗ More rural stretches
Best for: Friday afternoon departures, truck drivers, winter travel (better maintained), budget-conscious travelers wanting to avoid I-95 traffic
Detailed Toll Breakdown
Here's exactly what you'll pay at each toll point along the I-95 corridor:
I-95 Toll Points (South to North)
1. George Washington Bridge
New York/New Jersey border
$0.00
Entering NY (free)
Note: You'll have already paid this toll coming from NYC. Eastbound (to NYC) is tolled, westbound is free.
2. Connecticut Turnpike Tolls
Multiple gantries across CT
$5.00
E-ZPass rate
E-ZPass: $5.00
Variable by gantry location
Cash/Mail: $6.50
Tolls-by-mail invoice
3. Rhode Island Tolls
Truck-only tolls (cars free!)
$0.00
Passenger vehicles
Good news: Rhode Island only tolls trucks on I-95. Cars, SUVs, and pickups pass through free!
4. Massachusetts Tolls
Mass Pike & tunnels
$11.75
E-ZPass rate
Massachusetts Turnpike: $6.30
I-90 from Sturbridge to Boston
Sumner/Ted Williams Tunnel: $5.45
Entering Boston
Total I-95 Toll Cost
$16.75
With E-ZPass
Without E-ZPass
$21.50
Tolls-by-mail rate
Savings with E-ZPass: $4.75 (22% discount)
Important Notes
- • All tolls are cashless - No toll booths exist. You need E-ZPass or will receive mail invoice
- • Rental cars: Ask about toll plans before departure. Some charge $5-15/day service fees
- • Invoice timing: Tolls-by-mail arrive 2-4 weeks later with additional processing fees
- • Peak pricing: Some tolls vary by time of day (weekday rush hours cost more)
Payment Methods Explained
E-ZPass (Recommended)
How It Works
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that works across 19 states in the Northeast and Midwest. A small transponder on your windshield automatically pays tolls as you drive.
- ✓ Save 20-30% compared to tolls-by-mail
- ✓ Drive through tolls at highway speed
- ✓ Works in NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, and 14 other states
- ✓ Automatic account replenishment
Getting E-ZPass
New York
e-zpassny.com
$0-25 deposit, $10 prepaid
Massachusetts
e-zpassma.com
$20 deposit, $20 prepaid
Connecticut
ct-ezpass.com
$0 deposit, $10 prepaid
Tolls-By-Mail (Pay Later)
How It Works
If you don't have E-ZPass, cameras photograph your license plate and mail an invoice to the registered owner. This is the most expensive option.
- • 20-30% higher rates than E-ZPass
- • Invoice arrives 2-4 weeks after travel
- • Additional admin fees may apply ($1-3 per toll)
- • Payment deadline typically 30 days
Warning: Rental cars often charge $5-15/day toll service fees on top of the actual tolls. A $17 toll trip can become $100+ with rental company fees!
Rental Car Toll Programs
What Rental Companies Offer
Hertz PlatePass
$4.95/day (max $24.75/month) + tolls
Enterprise TollPass
$3.95/day + tolls
Avis e-Toll
$3.95/day (charged for each day you use a toll) + tolls
Better Option: Bring your own E-ZPass or buy one before your trip. Even purchasing a new E-ZPass ($40 total) is cheaper than rental company fees for a week.
Example: 7-day rental with toll roads = $27.65 in rental fees + $16.75 in tolls = $44.40 total vs. $16.75 with your own E-ZPass
How to Save Money on Tolls
Strategy 1: Get E-ZPass
Save $4.75
Per trip compared to tolls-by-mail
- ✓ Pays for itself in 3-4 trips
- ✓ Annual savings: $100+ for monthly travelers
Strategy 2: Take Merritt Parkway
Save $16.75
Zero tolls on the entire route
- ✓ Add only 30 minutes
- ✓ Best for weekend/off-peak travel
Strategy 3: Take I-84 Route
Save $8.25
50% less tolls than I-95
- ✓ Good compromise option
- ✓ Often faster during peak hours
Strategy 4: Travel Off-Peak
Save Time
Up to 90 minutes saved
- ✓ Best times: 9-11 AM, 7-9 PM
- ✓ Sundays typically lightest traffic
Annual Savings Calculator
If you make this trip regularly:
Monthly (4 round trips)
$134
Saved with E-ZPass vs cash
With Merritt Route
$268
Total toll savings per year
Own E-ZPass vs Rental
$100+
Per week rental savings
Essential Travel Tips
Best Times to Travel
Best Times
- ✓ Sunday 2-6 PM: Lightest traffic all week
- ✓ Weekday 9-11 AM: After morning rush
- ✓ Weekday 7-9 PM: After evening rush
- ✓ Early Saturday: Before 9 AM
Avoid These Times
- ✗ Weekday 6-9 AM: Peak morning rush
- ✗ Weekday 4-7 PM: Peak evening rush
- ✗ Friday 2-8 PM: Weekend exodus
- ✗ Sunday 4-8 PM: Weekend return traffic
Traffic Hotspots to Watch
1. Bronx/I-95 Split (NYC)
Exit 15-18 area where I-95 and I-87 split
Solution: Use GPS/Waze for real-time routing
2. Bridgeport Area (CT)
I-95 bottleneck through downtown Bridgeport
Solution: Consider Merritt Parkway parallel route
3. Providence (RI)
Downtown I-95 congestion, especially near Exit 20-22
Solution: Travel outside 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM
4. Route 128 (MA)
I-95/Route 128 merge near Boston
Solution: Allow extra 30 minutes during rush hour
Seasonal Considerations
Winter (Dec-Mar)
- • Check weather forecasts - nor'easters can close roads
- • I-95 is priority for snow removal vs. Merritt
- • Add 1-2 hours buffer for weather delays
- • Keep emergency kit in car
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- • Heavy weekend traffic to Cape Cod/beaches
- • Construction zones most active
- • Friday PM and Sunday PM especially crowded
- • Consider very early morning departures
Fall (Sep-Nov)
- • Peak foliage weekends = heavy traffic
- • Merritt Parkway especially beautiful
- • College move-in/out weekends congested
- • Generally best weather for driving
Essential Apps & Tools
Navigation
- Google Maps: Best for route planning
- Waze: Best for real-time traffic alerts
- Apple Maps: Good alternative
Tolls & Gas
- E-ZPass App: Check balance, manage account
- GasBuddy: Find cheapest gas stations
- Tollsmart: Calculate toll costs
Best Stops Along the Way
Planning a pit stop? Here are the best places to refuel, eat, and stretch your legs:
Connecticut Stops (I-95 Route)
Darien Rest Area
I-95 Northbound, Mile 13
Full-service plaza with multiple restaurants
Milford Service Plaza
I-95 Northbound, Mile 38
Modern plaza, popular halfway stop
Madison Service Plaza
I-95 Northbound, Mile 61
Smaller but clean, good for quick stops
Off-Highway Dining (Worth the Detour)
New Haven Pizza
Exit 47 off I-95
World-famous New Haven apizza (ah-BEETZ)
Add 30-45 minutes to your trip, but worth it for pizza lovers
Mystic, CT
Exit 90 off I-95
Charming coastal village with restaurants and shops
Perfect for 1-2 hour lunch break
Providence, RI
Exit 22A off I-95
Vibrant downtown with excellent dining scene
Good for meal break if you have extra time
Gas Price Tips
Where to Fill Up
Pro tip: Fill up in CT before entering MA to save $3-5 per tank
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from NYC to Boston?
3.5-4 hours in off-peak traffic via I-95. During rush hour or on busy weekends, plan for 4.5-5.5 hours. Sunday afternoons and mid-morning weekdays are typically fastest.
What are the total tolls from NYC to Boston?
$16.75 with E-ZPass or $21.50 with tolls-by-mail via I-95. The Merritt Parkway route has zero tolls, while I-84 route costs about $8.50 with E-ZPass.
Can I pay cash at tolls?
No. All tolls on this route are cashless. You need E-ZPass or will receive a tolls-by-mail invoice sent to your license plate's registered owner.
Which route is fastest?
I-95 is fastest in off-peak hours (3.5-4 hours). However, during rush hour, I-84 or Merritt Parkway can be faster despite being longer distances due to less traffic.
Is E-ZPass really worth it?
Yes. You'll save $4.75 per trip compared to tolls-by-mail. If you make this drive even twice a year, it pays for itself. Plus, rental car toll programs charge much more.
What's the best day to drive?
Sunday between 2-6 PM has the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when weekend travelers are on the road.
Are there any free routes?
Yes! The Merritt Parkway route has zero tolls but adds about 30-45 minutes. It's scenic and less stressful, making it great for non-urgent trips.
How much does gas cost for the trip?
For a typical car getting 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon, expect $25-30 in gas one-way. SUVs or trucks will cost $35-50 depending on fuel efficiency.
Plan Your Perfect NYC to Boston Drive
The drive from New York City to Boston is one of America's classic road trips, connecting two of the nation's most historic and vibrant cities. Whether you prioritize speed (I-95), savings (Merritt Parkway), or a balance of both (I-84), there's a route that fits your needs.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose I-95 if:
You're traveling mid-morning weekdays, have E-ZPass, and want the fastest route
Choose Merritt Parkway if:
You have extra time, want to save $17 in tolls, and enjoy scenic drives
Choose I-84 if:
You're traveling during rush hour, want fewer tolls, or need a truck-friendly route
Most importantly, get E-ZPass before your trip. Whether you're a frequent traveler or visiting once, the savings over tolls-by-mail and rental car programs make it worthwhile. You can order online and receive your transponder within a week.
Safe travels, and enjoy the journey between these two incredible East Coast cities!
About the Author
David Chen is a transportation analyst and frequent Northeast Corridor traveler who has made the NYC-Boston drive over 200 times in the past decade. He specializes in route optimization and toll cost analysis for both personal and commercial travelers.
David maintains a blog focused on Northeast travel efficiency and has helped thousands of drivers save time and money on their I-95 corridor journeys.
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