Quick answer: congestion pricing NJ to Manhattan car trips are affected if the ride enters, leaves, or passes through the Congestion Relief Zone, which covers Manhattan at and below 60th Street. A regular passenger car with E-ZPass NY pays $9 during peak hours and $2.25 overnight, once per day. Licensed taxis and for-hire vehicles pay a smaller per-trip charge instead, and the passenger pays it.
This guide is built to be kept current. The rates below come from the MTA, and we update the table and the change log at the bottom when anything changes.
Congestion Relief Zone rates at a glance
| Vehicle type | Peak rate | Overnight rate | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger car (E-ZPass NY) | $9.00 | $2.25 | Once per day |
| Taxis, green cabs, and black cars licensed by the NYC TLC | $0.75 | $0.75 | Per trip, paid by the passenger |
| High-volume for-hire vehicles (app rideshare) | $1.50 | $1.50 | Per trip, paid by the passenger |
Peak hours: 5 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, and 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends.
Overnight: all other hours, at 75% less than the peak rate for passenger cars.
Without E-ZPass, standard passenger car rates are higher, since Tolls by Mail rates run above E-ZPass rates.
Does congestion pricing apply to a ride from New Jersey?
Yes, if the trip touches the zone. The charge is based on where the vehicle goes in Manhattan, not where it starts. A ride from Jersey City to a Midtown or Lower Manhattan address enters the zone. A ride to a destination north of 60th Street, such as the Upper East Side or Upper West Side, generally does not, unless the route passes through the zone.
Vehicles entering through the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel with a valid E-ZPass during peak hours can also receive a crossing credit toward the congestion toll. The credit amount depends on the vehicle type.
Two separate costs: the tunnel toll and the zone charge
These are not the same thing, and it helps to keep them apart when you compare quotes.
- Tunnel or bridge toll: the Port Authority toll for crossing into New York through the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel.
- Congestion Relief Zone charge: the MTA charge for entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street.
A ride into Midtown or Lower Manhattan from Jersey City can involve both. For tunnel timing and rush hour planning, see our guide to Jersey City to Manhattan car service.
How to avoid surprises when you book
The charge that applies to your ride depends on how the vehicle is licensed and how the operator handles tolls. Before you confirm any car service, ask:
- Are tunnel tolls included in the quoted price, or added later?
- Is any Congestion Relief Zone charge included, or billed separately?
- Does the quote cover a drop-off inside the zone, outside it, or both?
- Is the rate flat, or does it change with traffic and demand?
A clear, written quote answers all four before the ride, which is the main reason many riders prefer a pre-booked service. If you are comparing options, our breakdown of black car service vs limo, taxi, and rideshare explains how pricing differs across each.
Will the toll go up?
The MTA’s approved schedule raises the passenger car peak toll from $9 to $12 in 2028 and to $15 in 2031. Overnight rates stay 75% below peak. Per-trip charges for taxis and for-hire vehicles are set separately.
What about airport trips?
Trips to Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia only involve the zone if the route passes through Manhattan at or below 60th Street. A ride from Jersey City to EWR does not enter Manhattan at all. Routes to JFK that go through Manhattan can, which is one reason the Staten Island route is often the cleaner option. See our EWR vs JFK vs LGA comparison and our airport transportation page for more.
Book with clear pricing
Empire State Transport is based in Jersey City and provides chauffeured transportation into Manhattan and to the major airports, with flat, transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Tell us your pickup and drop-off addresses and we will confirm what your quote covers.
Ready to book? Call +1 551 697 9157 or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is congestion pricing for a car from NJ to Manhattan?
A regular passenger car with E-ZPass NY pays $9 at peak and $2.25 overnight, once per day. Licensed taxis and for-hire vehicles pay a per-trip charge of $0.75 or $1.50 instead, depending on the vehicle type.
Where does the congestion pricing zone start?
It covers Manhattan at and below 60th Street.
What hours is congestion pricing highest?
5 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends.
Do I pay congestion pricing if I go to Newark Airport?
No, a trip from Jersey City to EWR does not enter the Congestion Relief Zone.
Is the tunnel toll the same as the congestion charge?
No. The tunnel toll is a Port Authority charge for crossing into New York, and the congestion charge is an MTA charge for entering the zone. A Manhattan trip can include both.
Will congestion pricing rates change?
Yes. The MTA schedule raises the passenger car peak toll to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031.
Does Empire State Transport include tolls in the quote?
Ask when you request your quote. We confirm what is included for your pickup and drop-off before you book.