GWB Upper vs Lower Level
The toll is the same on both levels. The choice is about vehicle type, height, and traffic, not cost.
Verified 21 May 2026 | Source: Port Authority of NY and NJ
| Feature | Upper Level | Lower Level |
|---|---|---|
| Toll (car, E-ZPass peak) | $16.79 | $16.79 |
| Total lanes | 8 (4 each way) | 6 (3 each way) |
| Height clearance | Open air (no limit) | 13 feet 6 inches |
| Cars allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Trucks allowed | Yes | No |
| RVs / tall vehicles | Yes | Only if under 13ft 6in |
| With trailer | Yes | Generally no (axle limits) |
| Built | 1931 | 1962 |
| Bicycles / pedestrians | South sidewalk only | Not permitted |
Toll Is the Same on Both Levels
The Port Authority charges the same toll regardless of which level you use. A passenger car with E-ZPass pays $16.79 peak or $14.79 off-peak whether you cross on the upper deck or the lower deck. The toll gantry reads transponders on both levels at the same rate.
This was not always the case for other multi-level bridges, but the GWB has always priced both levels uniformly. If anyone tells you the lower level is cheaper, they are wrong.
Upper Level: Cars, Trucks, Tall Vehicles
The upper level opened with the bridge in 1931. It has 8 lanes (4 eastbound, 4 westbound) and no fixed height clearance because it is an open-air deck. Every vehicle class can use the upper level: passenger cars, trucks of all sizes, RVs, vehicles with trailers, motorcycles, and buses.
Upper-level lanes are wider than lower-level lanes, making the upper level the default choice for large vehicles. The upper level also has a south-side sidewalk that permits pedestrian and bicycle crossings (the lower level has no walkway).
Lower Level: Cars Only, 13ft 6in Limit
The lower level opened in 1962 to handle growing commuter demand. It has 6 lanes (3 each way) and a fixed clearance of 13 feet 6 inches. Trucks, RVs taller than 13ft 6in, and vehicles with trailers are prohibited on the lower level. Enforcement is by overhead clearance bars at the approach.
For passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks within the height limit, the lower level is a valid alternative. It often has lighter traffic than the upper level during peak hours because trucks (which slow upper-level flow) are not present.
How to Choose: Upper vs Lower
If you have a truck, RV, tall vehicle, or trailer: upper level is your only option. The toll plaza lane signage will route you there automatically.
If you have a passenger car within the height limit: choose based on current traffic. Real-time traffic apps (Google Maps, Waze, the Port Authority traffic feed) show both levels separately for the GWB. In general:
- Eastbound mornings (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM): upper level often faster, less merge friction at the Manhattan side
- Eastbound afternoons: roughly even
- Westbound afternoons (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM): lower level often faster, fewer truck slowdowns
- Late night and weekends: either is fine, lower level slightly faster on average
Bicycles and Pedestrians
The south sidewalk on the upper level is open to bicycles and pedestrians. The walkway is free (no toll for non-motorised crossings). The lower level has no walkway. The Port Authority publishes seasonal opening hours for the bicycle and pedestrian path on the upper level.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GWB upper level cheaper than the lower level?
No. The toll is identical on both levels. A passenger car with E-ZPass pays $16.79 peak / $14.79 off-peak / $23.30 by mail regardless of whether you use the upper level or the lower level. The toll gantry reads transponders and license plates on both decks at the same rate. Tariff effective 4 January 2026.
Can trucks use the GWB lower level?
No. The lower level is restricted to passenger cars and small commercial vehicles only. Trucks of all sizes, RVs, vehicles with trailers, and vehicles taller than 13 feet 6 inches must use the upper level. The lower clearance on the lower level is the binding constraint.
Which level is faster on the GWB?
It depends on the time of day and direction. Eastbound mornings, the upper level often moves faster because lower-level traffic backs up at the Manhattan approach where lower-level lanes merge before the deck. Westbound afternoons, the lower level is sometimes faster because it avoids upper-level commuter congestion. Real-time traffic apps show current conditions.
How many lanes are on each level of the George Washington Bridge?
The upper level has 8 lanes (4 in each direction). The lower level has 6 lanes (3 in each direction). Total bridge capacity is 14 lanes, making the GWB the only 14-lane suspension bridge in the world.
What is the height restriction on the GWB lower level?
The lower level has a clearance of 13 feet 6 inches. Vehicles taller than this must use the upper level. The upper level has no fixed height limit (it is an open-air deck). Most pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans fit comfortably on the lower level. Box trucks, large RVs, and tractor-trailers must use the upper level.