Massachusetts Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass MA, Rates & Payment 2025
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Massachusetts Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: All-electronic tolling (EZDriveMA) - No cash accepted
Coverage: Mass Pike (I-90), Boston tunnels, Tobin Bridge
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass MA, Pay By Plate, license plate recognition
Operators: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Massachusetts? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to drive on Massachusetts toll roads - but you'll save significant money with E-ZPass MA. Massachusetts converted to 100% electronic tolling with no cash payment options anywhere in the state.
Key Reality: E-ZPass MA provides the lowest toll rates in Massachusetts. Out-of-state E-ZPass users pay higher "cash rates," and Pay By Plate users pay the highest rates plus processing fees.
2025 Update: Massachusetts maintains its all-electronic EZDriveMA system with no plans to return to cash collection. E-ZPass MA remains the most cost-effective payment method for regular users.
Massachusetts Toll Costs: Current Rates
Massachusetts operates toll facilities in the greater Boston area and along the Massachusetts Turnpike, with costs varying by payment method and location.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | E-ZPass MA | Out-of-State E-ZPass | Pay By Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Pike (Full Length) | $7.45 | $9.35 | $14.00 |
| Mass Pike (I-495 Section) | $3.50 | $4.05 | $5.00+ |
| Tobin Bridge (Each Direction) | $1.25 | $2.50 | $3.00 |
| Ted Williams Tunnel (Each Direction) | $1.75 | $3.50 | $4.25 |
| Sumner/Callahan Tunnels (Each Direction) | $1.75 | $3.50 | $4.25 |
Where You Pay Tolls in Massachusetts (2025)
Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90): All-electronic tolling with multiple gantries spanning 138 miles from Boston to New York border
Boston Harbor Tunnels: Ted Williams, Sumner, and Callahan tunnels connecting Boston to Logan Airport and East Boston
Tobin Memorial Bridge: US Route 1 bridge connecting Boston to Chelsea over the Mystic River
How to Pay Massachusetts Tolls
Massachusetts uses the EZDriveMA all-electronic tolling system with four payment options:
1. E-ZPass MA (Lowest Rates):
- Free transponder with account opening
- Discounted toll rates on all Massachusetts facilities
- Works on all E-ZPass roads nationwide
- Automatic account replenishment available
2. Out-of-State E-ZPass (Higher Rates):
- E-ZPass from other states accepted
- Charged higher "cash rates" - no Massachusetts discounts
- Convenient for occasional visitors
- Billed through your home state E-ZPass agency
3. Pay By Plate MA (Registered Account):
- License plate-based account (no transponder)
- Pre-paid or post-paid options available
- Higher rates than E-ZPass MA
- Only valid on Massachusetts toll roads
4. Pay By Plate MA (Invoice - Highest Rates):
- No account required - invoice mailed 7-10 days after travel
- Highest toll rates plus $0.60 processing fee per invoice
- Late fees apply if not paid by due date
- Vehicle registration suspension possible for non-payment
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Massachusetts toll roads, use TollGuru Massachusetts toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
EZDriveMA System Updates:
- Continued all-electronic tolling operations across all facilities
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology deployment
- Improved customer service portal and mobile app functionality
- Streamlined Pay By Plate invoice processing
Rate Structure Maintenance:
- E-ZPass MA continues to provide maximum savings
- Out-of-state E-ZPass users pay cash-equivalent rates
- Pay By Plate remains the highest-cost option
- Resident discount programs maintained for tunnels and Tobin Bridge
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Ongoing Massachusetts Turnpike maintenance and upgrades
- Boston Harbor tunnel system improvements
- Enhanced toll gantry reliability and accuracy
Massachusetts Toll Facilities
Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) - Major East-West Corridor:
- 138-mile controlled-access highway from Boston to New York border
- All-electronic tolling with distance-based pricing
- Major connection to Logan Airport via Ted Williams Tunnel
- Serves Boston, Worcester, Springfield metropolitan areas
Boston Harbor Tunnels - Airport & Downtown Connections:
- Ted Williams Tunnel: I-90 connection to Logan Airport and Route 1A
- Sumner Tunnel: Southbound traffic from East Boston to downtown Boston
- Callahan Tunnel: Northbound traffic from downtown Boston to East Boston
- All tunnels tolled in both directions since electronic tolling implementation
Tobin Memorial Bridge - Mystic River Crossing:
- US Route 1 bridge connecting Boston to Chelsea
- Two-level structure with northbound lower, southbound upper
- Tolled in both directions since electronic tolling conversion
- Resident discount program for Chelsea and Charlestown residents
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily Boston commuter tolls: $5-15 depending on route and payment method
- Cross-state Mass Pike travel: $7.45-14.00 for full length
- Airport connections: $3.50-8.50 for Logan Airport access via tunnels
- E-ZPass MA savings: 25-50% compared to Pay By Plate rates
Payment Method Strategy:
- Regular users: E-ZPass MA provides maximum savings
- Occasional visitors: Out-of-state E-ZPass acceptable but more expensive
- Rental cars: Check company toll policies - many charge admin fees
- One-time trips: Pay By Plate invoice most expensive but convenient
Alternative Routes:
- Free bridges: Tobin Bridge alternatives include Route 1 through Revere
- Tunnel alternatives: Free bridges across Boston Harbor (longer travel times)
- Mass Pike alternatives: US Route 20 and other surface roads (significantly slower)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay cash for Massachusetts tolls?
No, Massachusetts converted to 100% electronic tolling in 2016. Cash is not accepted anywhere. You must use E-ZPass or Pay By Plate.
What happens if I don't pay Massachusetts tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in Pay By Plate invoices with $0.60 processing fees. Late payment adds monthly fees, and continued non-payment can lead to vehicle registration suspension and collection agency referral.
Why do out-of-state E-ZPass users pay more?
Massachusetts offers discounted rates only to E-ZPass MA customers. Out-of-state E-ZPass users pay cash-equivalent rates as an incentive for Massachusetts residents to use the state's system.
Can I get E-ZPass MA if I live in another state?
Yes, E-ZPass MA is available to anyone regardless of residence. For frequent Massachusetts travel, it provides significant savings even for out-of-state residents.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Massachusetts?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same toll rates as passenger cars (2-axle vehicles) on all Massachusetts toll facilities.
Massachusetts vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | All-electronic (EZDriveMA) | $7.45-14.00 (Mass Pike) | I-90, Boston area |
| Rhode Island | Limited tolls | $6.00 (Pell Bridge) | 1 bridge only |
| Connecticut | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free statewide |
| Vermont | Limited tolls | $5.00-8.00 | Mountain access roads |
| New Hampshire | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free statewide |
| New York | Extensive toll system | $0.05-0.15/mile | Statewide network |
Useful Links & Resources
Massachusetts Transportation Information:
- EZDriveMA Customer Service: 1-877-627-7745
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation: (857) 368-4636
- EZDriveMA Website: mass.gov/ezdrivema
- Real-time traffic: mass511.com
Account Management:
- E-ZPass MA Account Setup: Online at mass.gov/ezdrivema
- Pay By Plate Invoice Payment: Online portal available
- Customer Service Chat: Available on EZDriveMA website
- Account Balance Management: Automatic or manual replenishment
Related Toll Information:
- US Toll Guide - Complete guide to toll roads in neighboring states
- E-ZPass Network: Information for multi-state travel
- Regional travel planning: New England toll facilities
