Quick Summary:
- Cars can use either level, choose based on your exit.
- Use the lower level for Palisades Parkway or local NJ exits.
- Avoid bus and truck-only lanes by reading overhead signs early.
- Commit to your NYC or NJ approach lanes before the toll plaza.
If you are driving a car hire in New York, the George Washington Bridge can feel intimidating because decisions come fast. There are two decks, multiple approach ramps, frequent lane splits, and strict lane-use rules. The good news is that for most car drivers, the bridge is simple once you know one key idea: your best choice of upper or lower level depends less on “traffic” and more on which exit you need immediately after the bridge.
This guide explains the difference between the upper and lower levels, how to recognise truck and bus-only lanes, and how to avoid the classic mistake: a last-second merge that forces you into the wrong direction for either New York City or New Jersey.
Upper vs lower level, what is the real difference for cars?
The George Washington Bridge (GWB) links Upper Manhattan with Fort Lee, New Jersey. The upper level is the main deck most people picture, and the lower level (often called the “lower” or “second” deck) carries additional traffic beneath it. Both levels connect the same two sides of the Hudson River, but they do not always feed into the same lanes and ramps on the New Jersey side.
For a standard car hire, you can generally use either level. The practical difference is what happens just after you cross. On the New Jersey side, ramps quickly split towards the New Jersey Turnpike extension (I-95), local Fort Lee roads, and other routes. The lower level tends to offer more direct access to some local connections, while the upper level is often the default flow for through traffic. Signage will tell you which level to choose for specific destinations, but you must be ready earlier than you think.
If you are picking up a rental at Newark and approaching from New Jersey into Manhattan, it can help to review your route before you set off from car hire at Newark Airport (EWR). If you are arriving at JFK and planning a cross-river drive later, it is still worth understanding the bridge before you find yourself in heavy traffic with limited lane changes.
Which deck should a car choose for common journeys?
Use this as a practical decision framework. You are not choosing “the faster deck” in a reliable way, you are choosing the deck that lines you up correctly for your next move.
1) Going into Manhattan (NYC bound)
When you are heading from New Jersey into Manhattan, watch for signs for the “GWB Upper Level” or “Lower Level” as you approach Fort Lee. Both levels bring you into Manhattan at the bridge plaza area, where lanes then sort for the Cross Bronx Expressway connections and local streets. If your navigation says you will immediately take a specific ramp (for example towards the Harlem River Drive or local uptown streets), pick the lanes that match that instruction well before you reach the bridge entrance. The last half mile is where most wrong turns happen.
2) Heading to the New Jersey Turnpike or I-95 south
Many drivers find the upper level aligns naturally with the mainline flow that continues towards major highways. If your next step is “stay on I-95” or head towards the Turnpike extension, follow overhead signs for I-95 and keep to the lanes that remain “through” rather than “local.” The most important thing is not the deck, it is staying out of lanes that peel off for local Fort Lee streets.
3) Heading to the Palisades Interstate Parkway
This is where deck choice can matter more. If your route is taking you quickly onto the Palisades Parkway, you may see clearer guidance to use the lower level, depending on current lane configurations and signs. The Palisades ramps appear quickly, so use the deck and approach lanes that place you near that exit and avoid being trapped in a through-lane stream.
4) Going local in Fort Lee or approaching a hotel nearby
Local access can be easier from the lower level because it may feed more directly into local roads and ramps. If you are in a car hire and your accommodation is just off the bridge in Fort Lee, choose lanes signed for “Local” rather than “I-95,” and treat the lower level as a sensible option when signage indicates.
How to spot truck-only and bus-only lanes
On the GWB approaches you will see several types of restricted lanes. The rule of thumb is simple: if the overhead sign names a vehicle type, believe it. Do not assume a lane is “just faster” because it looks emptier.
Look for these cues:
Overhead gantries and lane-control signs
Approaching the bridge, overhead signs will label lanes for “Cars,” “Trucks,” “Buses,” or specific destinations. If you are driving a standard rental car, stay in general traffic lanes labelled for cars or for the destination you need.
Pavement markings and lane separation
Some restricted lanes may have different paint markings, physical separators, or a different approach alignment. If you see a lane that seems separated and is labelled for buses or trucks, do not enter it. These lanes are designed for vehicle size, weight, and operational needs, not for general convenience.
Dedicated bus facilities near the bridge
In this area, bus priority measures can appear during busy periods. If signage indicates a bus lane, it is not for a car hire, even if your vehicle is a large SUV. Treat “bus” as a strict restriction.
When you are unsure, prioritise “local” clarity over speed
If you are not sure whether a lane is restricted, stay with clearly marked general-purpose lanes. Missing one “faster” lane is better than being forced into an incorrect approach that leads to a complex reroute.
Avoiding last-second merges, the three-step approach
Most GWB stress comes from late decisions. Use this three-step approach to keep your drive calm and legal.
Step 1: Decide your next highway before you see the bridge
“Crossing the bridge” is not the full objective. Your objective is what happens immediately after the bridge: I-95 south, local Fort Lee, Palisades Parkway, or Manhattan surface streets. Set your navigation to that exact next point, not just “New York” or “New Jersey.”
Step 2: Move early, one lane at a time
When signs begin listing destinations, start moving gradually. Avoid multiple-lane sweeps, especially in heavy traffic. Other drivers are also trying to sort themselves out, and sudden moves create the kind of braking waves that make this corridor feel worse than it is.
Step 3: If you miss it, continue safely and loop back
There is no prize for forcing a merge. If you miss the correct ramp or deck entry, continue in your lane and let your navigation recalculate. In a dense network like this, a safe “wrong” turn is usually only minutes from a correction, but a risky merge can cause a collision or a ticket.
Practical lane-reading tips that work at GWB
Trust overhead signs more than road names
Local road names in Fort Lee and Upper Manhattan can be confusing if you are unfamiliar. Overhead signs that list I-95, US routes, or specific parkways are more reliable for through navigation.
Count your sign confirmations
A useful habit in a car hire is to look for three confirmations: one sign a mile out, another at the final approach, and a third at the split. If you have not seen your destination three times, slow down mentally and re-check lane arrows and wording.
Watch the lane arrows at splits
At the final divergence, lanes may be marked with arrows pointing to different decks or exits. If your lane arrow does not match your destination, do not wait until the cones begin, change earlier if it is safe.
Keep a buffer around large vehicles
Buses and trucks are common here. Give them space, particularly near lane splits where they need room to track their turns. This makes your lane changes smoother and reduces sudden braking.
Planning your trip around airport pick-ups and cross-river driving
Many visitors first encounter the bridge soon after collecting a vehicle. If you are arriving via Newark, you are likely to be on the New Jersey side quickly, so it helps to understand the approach roads and your bridge strategy in advance. Hola Car Rentals provides options that can suit different plans, whether you are comparing Alamo at Newark (EWR) or looking at Enterprise car hire at Newark for a similar pick-up area.
If your arrival is via JFK, you may first drive within New York City and later decide to head to New Jersey for day trips. In that case, it is helpful to familiarise yourself with typical New York driving patterns before tackling cross-river routes. You can also compare providers such as Budget car hire at New York JFK when planning your overall transport.
For travellers carrying extra luggage or equipment, a larger vehicle can change how you think about restricted lanes, tight merges, and visibility. If you are evaluating a bigger option, review size and suitability ahead of time, for example via van rental in New Jersey (EWR), then drive with extra caution near split points and keep more following distance.
Common mistakes first-time drivers make on the George Washington Bridge
Following a fast lane without reading the sign
Some lanes move faster because they are feeding a different destination, not because they are better. If you follow traffic without confirming the route, you can end up committed to an exit you did not want.
Assuming upper level is always “for cars”
The upper level is common for cars, but cars can use both levels. The better approach is to choose the level that matches your post-bridge exit and the signs on the approach.
Over-correcting when the GPS changes
In dense corridors, navigation can update quickly. Do not let a sudden instruction trigger a sharp move. Confirm with overhead signs and lane arrows, then reposition safely.
Not leaving time for the last two miles
The final stretch to the bridge often feels like “almost there,” but it is where the lane choices matter most. Build in a few extra minutes so you do not feel forced into aggressive merges.
FAQ
Can a rental car use both the upper and lower levels of the George Washington Bridge?
Yes. A standard car hire can typically use either level, and the best choice depends on your intended exit immediately after crossing.
Is the lower level only for trucks?
No. Trucks may be directed to specific lanes and sometimes specific approaches, but the lower level is not automatically truck-only. Always follow overhead lane signs.
How do I avoid accidentally entering a bus-only or truck-only lane?
Read overhead signs early, stay in clearly marked general-purpose lanes, and do not move into separated lanes labelled for buses or trucks.
Which level should I choose to avoid last-second merges?
Choose the level that aligns with your next highway or local exit, then move into the correct approach lanes well before the final split.
What should I do if I pick the wrong lane or end up on the wrong level?
Continue safely without forcing a merge, follow the route you are in, and let your navigation recalculate to loop back using the next legal opportunity.
