Quick Summary
- All major NYC bridges and tunnels use cashless tolling, so plate reads will work with a rental.
- E ZPass is optional. It can speed lanes and sometimes cost a bit less for frequent crossings.
- Avoid double billing if you bring your own device by keeping it in a shielded pouch when not in use.
Cashless crossings across the city
Think RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck, Henry Hudson and the Verrazzano. They all run all electronic tolling. Cameras read the plate as you pass and the bill goes to the vehicle owner. With a rental, the supplier then charges your card with the toll plus a processing fee. If you want to lock in the vehicle first, explore our JFK area car rental availability, then weigh up whether a device helps.
Do you need E ZPass on a rental
Not strictly. Plate tolling is enough to cross bridges and tunnels during a short break in the city. If you expect multiple round trips to Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island in rush hour, a transponder can help you move into dedicated lanes and sometimes reduce the per crossing price. If you bring your own device, store it in a shielding bag in the glove box unless you want it to read. If you use the rental supplier’s device, charges will post to your booking automatically.
How to keep costs predictable
Count your likely crossings and pick the simpler setup. Visitors who stay in Manhattan and take the subway most of the time may cross only to and from the airport. In that case, plate tolling is usually sufficient. Travellers who will be in and out of the boroughs all week may prefer a transponder for convenience. For a wider context on rules, see our guide to NYC bridges and toll rules.
Choosing the right pickup and class
If you land at JFK, review SUV choices at JFK for space and visibility in outer borough traffic. Families who need three rows can check minivan pick ups at JFK that keep buckling simple on tight kerbs. Staying in New Jersey. You can compare pricing at EWR using our Newark pick up alternative and choose the route that avoids the busiest spans.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals gives you transparent choices for tolls, including pay as you go plate billing and optional devices on selected fleets. Many deals include Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up, No additional fees with savings of up to 60 percent, and Cashback on tolls to ease city driving costs. Pick your plan, collect your keys and enjoy your New York driving experience without surprises.
Sort your NYC wheels the easy way. Book with Hola Car Rentals and cross the bridges with confidence.
