Maryland Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Bridges and Tunnels 2026
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Maryland Toll Roads, Bridges & Tunnels Complete Guide
System: All Electronic Tolling (AET) — E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, Video Tolling; no cash accepted anywhere
Coverage: 8 major facilities: Bay Bridge, Baltimore Harbor & Fort McHenry Tunnels, I-95 Express Lanes, ICC/MD-200, Hatem Bridge, Nice/Middleton Bridge
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders (free for MD residents), license plate cameras; Video Toll = 1.5× base rate (min +$1, max +$15)
Operator: Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) — self-sufficient; no gas tax or motor vehicle fees used
Do I Need E-ZPass for Maryland? 2026 Update
E-ZPass is not required — you can drive through Maryland toll facilities and receive a Video Toll invoice by mail — but without E-ZPass you pay 1.5× the base rate (minimum $1 above base, maximum $15 above base). For the Chesapeake Bay Bridge alone, this means $8.00 Video Toll versus $3.00 E-ZPass — a 167% difference.
Key Reality: Maryland converted all 8 MDTA facilities to All Electronic Tolling (AET) in 2021. No cash is accepted anywhere. Interior transponders are free for Maryland residents. E-ZPass is used in 88% of MDTA transactions — drivers without a transponder pay significantly more and receive bills in the mail.
2026 Update: Maryland toll rates remain unchanged from April 29, 2021, when current AET rates were established. MDTA projects a systemwide toll increase will be needed during the six-year forecast period (through approximately 2027) primarily due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild costs and revenue losses. The Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024 and remains closed — the rebuilt bridge is targeted to open in fall 2028, at a cost of at least $1.7 billion (90% federal, 10% Maryland). Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel continue handling diverted Key Bridge traffic. Free E-ZPass transponders remain available for Maryland residents through the DriveEzMD program.
Maryland Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
All rates effective April 29, 2021 (unchanged as of 2026). Video Toll rates = 1.5× base rate (min $1 / max $15 above base).
MDTA Facility Rates — 2-Axle Passenger Vehicles
| Facility | E-ZPass Rate | Video Toll Rate | Direction / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50/301) | $3.00 | $8.00 | Eastbound only (toward Eastern Shore) |
| Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) | $4.00 | $7.00 | Handling diverted Key Bridge traffic; both directions |
| Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) | $4.00 | $7.00 | Primary I-95 route under Baltimore; both directions |
| Francis Scott Key Bridge | CLOSED | CLOSED | Collapsed March 26, 2024; rebuild targeted fall 2028 |
| ICC / MD-200 (Intercounty Connector) | Variable (mileage-based, time-of-day) | Variable (Video Toll rate applies) | E-ZPass required for best rates; peak/off-peak/overnight pricing |
| I-95 Express Toll Lanes (I-895 to MD-152) | Variable (dynamic pricing) | Video Toll rate applies | NE Baltimore corridor; 2 northbound + 2 southbound ETL lanes |
| Thomas J. Hatem Bridge (US-40) | $3.00 | $7.50 | Susquehanna River crossing (Havre de Grace); cashless only |
| Nice/Middleton Bridge (US-301) | $4.00 | $7.00 | Potomac River; southern Maryland to Virginia |
Bay Bridge Discount Programs (E-ZPass Maryland Accounts)
| Program | Cost | Rate per Trip | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter Discount Plan | $35.00 for 25 trips | $1.40/trip | MD E-ZPass account; 2-axle vehicles; expires 45 days or when trips used |
| Shoppers Discount Plan | $20.00 for 10 trips | $2.00/trip | MD E-ZPass account; Sun–Thu only; valid 90 days |
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Maryland toll facilities, use the TollGuru Maryland toll calculator:
How to Pay Maryland Tolls
No cash accepted anywhere in Maryland's toll system.
1. E-ZPass Maryland (Lowest rates):
- Interior transponders are FREE for Maryland residents — the $25 minimum to open an account goes entirely toward tolls (no maintenance fees for MD addresses)
- Out-of-state accounts: $1.50/month maintenance fee unless account is used on Maryland facilities 3+ times per statement period
- Any E-ZPass transponder from the 19-state network also works at Maryland facilities at base E-ZPass rates
- Open at DriveEzMD.com | phone: 1-888-321-6824
- Walk-in Customer Service Centers available at multiple Maryland locations; cash payments accepted in-person only
2. Pay-By-Plate:
- Register your plate and link a payment method — tolls charged at Pay-By-Plate rates (slightly above base)
- Available online at DriveEzMD.com
3. Video Tolling (most expensive):
- Cameras photograph plate; Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) mailed to registered vehicle owner within 3–6 weeks
- Rate: 1.5× base toll (minimum $1 above base, maximum $15 above base) — Bay Bridge $8.00 vs $3.00 E-ZPass
- Pay within 30 days to avoid late fees; after 30 days, civil penalties added ($25–$50)
- Unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration suspension
4. NextPass (third-party app):
- Register vehicle plate and pay-as-you-go without a physical transponder; no activation fee or minimum balance
- Works for all Maryland MDTA facilities; convenient for occasional or rental car use
- Remove vehicle from previous E-ZPass accounts before using NextPass to avoid duplicate charges
Francis Scott Key Bridge — Status & Impact
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024 after being struck by the cargo vessel Dali. The bridge remains closed to all traffic as of May 2026. Key facts for 2026 planning:
- Rebuild cost: at least $1.7 billion; approximately 90% federal funding, 10% Maryland responsibility
- Targeted reopening: fall 2028 — the new bridge will be a full replacement of the original
- MDTA received $350 million in property and business interruption insurance proceeds as of August 2024
- Federal ER Program funds: $60 million quick-release approved; an additional $217+ million in ER funds in process
- Traffic diversion: estimated $131.8 million in lost net toll revenue 2024–2029; partially offset by increased revenue at Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (+$35M) and Fort McHenry Tunnel (+$99M)
- Key Bridge previously handled ~12.5 million toll transactions annually and contributed ~5% of total MDTA revenue
- Commercial truck restrictions: the tunnels limit truck heights — oversized loads must use alternate routing; contact MDTA for commercial vehicle guidance
I-95 Express Toll Lanes & ICC
I-95 Express Toll Lanes: Two northbound and two southbound express lanes provide congestion-free travel between I-895 (Baltimore area) and just north of White Marsh Boulevard (MD-43). Variable pricing applies based on time of day with peak, off-peak, and overnight periods. Pricing periods exclude federal holidays. E-ZPass is essential for ETL use — video toll customers are billed at the higher Video Toll rate.
ICC / MD-200: The 18-mile Intercounty Connector links I-270 near Gaithersburg to I-95 near Laurel, entirely cashless. E-ZPass required for best rates; Video Toll customers pay 1.5× rate. Baltimore Regional Plan offers a 50-trip discount program for frequent users with valid Maryland E-ZPass accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my out-of-state E-ZPass in Maryland?
Yes. All E-ZPass transponders from the 19-state network work in Maryland at base E-ZPass rates. However, Maryland E-ZPass accounts offer the best discount programs (commuter plan, shoppers plan) and free transponders for MD residents, so regular users benefit most from a Maryland account.
When will the Key Bridge reopen?
The rebuilt Francis Scott Key Bridge is targeted to open in fall 2028. The rebuild costs at least $1.7 billion and is largely federally funded. Until then, all traffic must use the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) or Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or route around Baltimore via I-695.
Are Maryland toll rates going up?
Current rates are unchanged since April 29, 2021. MDTA has projected the need for a systemwide toll increase during its current six-year forecast period — likely around 2027 — to maintain bond rating compliance and fund Key Bridge reconstruction. No specific rate increase has been formally approved as of May 2026. Check DriveEzMD.com for the latest updates.
Is the Bay Bridge toll collected in both directions?
No. The Bay Bridge (William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge) collects tolls eastbound only — when traveling toward the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Westbound travel from the Eastern Shore into Annapolis/Baltimore is free.
Maryland vs. Neighboring States (2026)
| State | System | Tag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 8 AET facilities — bridges, tunnels, express lanes | E-ZPass (free for MD residents) | No cash; Key Bridge closed until 2028; rates stable since 2021 |
| Delaware | I-95, Route 1, US-301, Memorial Bridge | E-ZPass (DE account for Route 1 discount) | Aug 2025 rate increases; DRJTBC bridges $2 E-ZPass/$5 plate |
| Virginia | Dulles Toll Road, express lanes, bridges | E-ZPass | Extensive Northern VA express lane network |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Turnpike; most expensive in US | E-ZPass | Annual 5% increases; $0.14–0.20/mile |
Useful Links & Resources
- US Toll Guide - All 37 toll states overview
- Maryland Toll Calculator - Calculate tolls for any Maryland route
- DriveEzMD - Open E-ZPass MD account, pay toll bills, view all MDTA rates; phone: 1-888-321-6824
- MDTA Official Toll Rate Tables - Complete rate tables for all 8 facilities
- Bay Bridge Rates & Discount Plans - Commuter and Shoppers discount plan details
- NextPass Maryland - Third-party pay-as-you-go alternative to E-ZPass
- ICC/MD-200 Guide - Detailed ICC toll rates and access information
