When traveling in Pennsylvania, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: What is the most expensive toll in Pennsylvania? Tolls are a common part of road trips, and understanding the cost can help drivers plan ahead, especially if they are using an EZ Pass PA.
The Most Expensive Toll in Pennsylvania: Overview
Several toll roads exist in Pennsylvania, the most noteworthy of which include the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This is one of the high tolls in the state, but before we get into specifics, it would be prudent to explain how a toll rate is derived.
The toll rates on the state’s turnpike are determined by the distance covered by the car, the type of the vehicle and the use of an EZ Pass PA or cash.
So, what is the most expensive toll in America and which roads should you pay attention to as you plan your travel considering turn out to be the costliest in Pennsylvania.
What Makes a Toll Expensive?
But before we let you know the answer to the big question, “What is the most expensive toll in Pennsylvania?”, there are certain aspects which we need to understand, one of them is the why some tolls are more expensive than others. Some of the factors include:
- Distance Traveled: With longer distances, the level of tolls goes higher and higher.
- Type of Vehicle: There is a difference when Standard passenger vehicles and Trucks, buses or RVs are paying tolls.
- EZ Pass PA Toll Collection: It has been observed most people prefer using an EZ Pass PA device as it tends to charge lower rates than cash.
It is wise to know the toll costs for certain routes in Pennsylvania and the state in general as these amounts can range and differ drastically.
Pennsylvania Turnpike: Most Expensive Toll
What is the most expensive toll in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania turnpike is the principal. This road runs in a straight line throughout the state starting from the New Jersey border all the way to Ohio.
The highest toll charge is located on the above mentioned road. this specifically applies to the stretch between Exit 343 (Morgantown) and Exit 76 (Bensalem) which have the highest toll cost.
The following table lists toll prices for different types of vehicles.
| Route (Morgantown to Bensalem) | EZ Pass | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | $13.30 | $17.30 |
| 2-Axle Truck | $40.60 | $53.10 |
| 3-Axle Truck | $60.90 | $81.20 |
| 4-Axle Truck | $81.20 | $109.40 |
A lot of heavy commercial vehicles tend to cross through this pass and it gets heavily used. Hence it is understandable why the Pennsylvania turnpike is thought to be one of the most expensive tolls in the United States.
Why Is This Section So Expensive?
So, why does this section of the Turnpike cost so much? There are numerous factors to consider:
- Distance: This stretch is long and connects two key cities, making it a high-traffic region.
- Maintenance Costs: It’s common practice for a state to invest considerably on the upkeep of a toll road, and this has a direct effect on the charge.
- Economic Factors: These include adoption of new technologies and stricter practices however, this is one of the most travelled toll road in the state so the price is somewhat proportional to the demand in the market.
Alternative Routes to Avoid Expensive Tolls
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is known for its high tolls, which is why it would be beneficial to consider these alternatives:
- Route 22: Non-toll route, this runs parallel to the turnpike but this non toll route may take more time.
- Route 30: This is another road to consider, but it could be a long drive.
These are some of the worst tolls of the state Pennsylvania but these options help in avoiding getting to pass these tolls as well, but you may not reach your destination as quick or as easily.
Tips for Saving on Tolls in Pennsylvania
After responding to the question What is the most expensive toll in Pennsylvania? next, we would direct our focus towards addressing the most interesting part of the Pennsylvania tolls, ways to save on the tolls within the state:
1. Use an EZ Pass PA
- Getting an EZ Pass PA is easy and it would help you financially because tolls will be less when paid via this device. It also speeds up the tolling process, making it a more hassle-free method since you do not have to wait at toll booths.
2. Plan Your Route
- In case you’re heading to a distant point quite high up on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, check whether alternate routes such as Route 22 or Route 30 can save you from hitting the more costly areas.
3. Avoid Peak Hours
- This somewhat links with the previous point as well, but for example, if you are using gated turnpikes like New Jersey’s, try avoiding travelling during peak hours as you are subsequently charged higher, so scheduling the trip for non-peak hours would help you in reducing most of your tolls.
If you make use of these tips, the next time you have to travel to Pennsylvania, you won’t have to worry as much about paying the tolls, let alone the higher tolls.
Conclusion
So, What is the most expensive toll in Pennsylvania? The answer lies in the Pennsylvania Turnpike, specifically the section between Exit 343 (Morgantown) and Exit 76 (Bensalem). With a toll cost of up to $17.30 for passenger cars, this stretch is the priciest in the state.
