Massachusetts State Toll Guide
Everything you need to know
A Tourist’s Guide to Toll Roads in Massachusetts
If you’re headed to Boston from New York, you will likely find yourself on the Massachusetts Turnpike. This toll road spans from east to west. The Massachusetts toll system is fully automated, and there are no toll booths to slow you down. Avis rental car drivers will be automatically enrolled in our e-Toll system, including your tolls and fees on your final rental bill.
How Do Tolls Work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts tolls are electronically configured to bill drivers using an E-ZPass transponder or by sending a paper bill to registered license plate owners. There are no toll booths for cash, credit, or debit payments.
Massachusetts has several toll highways throughout the state including the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Tobin Memorial Bridge, and the tunnels under Boston Harbor.
- Toll road systems: E-ZPass, E-ZPass MA
- Accepted payment methods: E-ZPass transponder, Pay by Plate invoice (source) Toll roads in Massachusetts do not accept cash or credit payments of any type.
- Official resources:
Avis E-Toll Services
To make your visit as pleasant as possible, Avis locations in Massachusetts offer e-Toll services. Think of Avis e-Toll as your all-access pass to electronic toll lanes, a must in Massachusetts where cash toll booths are not available.
Standard e-Toll service costs $6.95 each day, plus the actual toll fees accumulated. You also have the option to enroll in the Avis e-Toll Unlimited program. e-Toll Unlimited covers every toll you drive through for a set rate, calculated daily or weekly depending on how long you’ll be renting.
Many renters prefer the predictability of e-Toll Unlimited, while others opt for the standard service if they know they’ll be driving through fewer tolls. The choice is yours.
Learn MoreMajor Tollways in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)
- Direction: East-West
- Route: West border of Massachusetts near Stockbridge to the Boston area and eastern border.
- Length: 138.1 miles (222.3 km)
- Speed Limit: 40-65 mph (Source)
- Tunnels have reduced speeds to 40-45 mph
- Along the Way: Stockbridge, Springfield, Worcester, Boston
The Massachusetts Turnpike is a fast and convenient way to go road-tripping in Massachusetts. You’ll also encounter the Berkshire Botanical Garden, The Norman Rockwell Museum, Blandford Ski Area, Dr. Seuss Park, and Boston Harbor Islands National Rec Area. It is the favored route from Albany, NY, to Boston, MA, and also offers an easy route to the Logan International Airport. (Source) (Source)
Sumner & Callahan Tunnels (SH 1A)
- Direction: Northeast-Southwest
- Route: Connecting Downtown Boston with East Boston.
- Length: 1.079 mi (1.736 km)
- Speed Limit: 40 mph
- Along the Way: Boston
The Sumner and Callahan Tunnels are part of State Highway 1A (SH 1A) and connect downtown Boston with East Boston. The tunnels run parallel and traverse the Charles River. The Callahan Tunnel serves northbound commuters heading to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), whereas the Sumner Tunnel serves commuters traveling southbound to the heart of Boston. (Source) (Source)
Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90)
- Direction: North-South
- Route: Connecting South Boston Waterfront to Jeffries Point.
- Length: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
- Speed Limit: 45 mph
- Along the Way: South Boston Waterfront, Jeffries Point, and East Boston
The Ted Williams Tunnel grants direct access to and from the South Boston Waterfront and Jefferies Point. Heading east, the tunnel provides access to East Boston and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Heading west, the tunnel connects to East Boston, Chinatown, and I-93 to downtown Boston. (Source)
Tobin Memorial Bridge (Mystic River Bridge) (US 1)
- Direction: Northeast-Southwest
- Route: Northeast border of Charlestown connecting to Chelsea.
- Length: 1.98 miles (3.2 km)
- Speed Limit: 30 mph
- Along the Way: Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Revere
The Tobin Memorial Bridge replaced the Chelsea Bridge in 1950 and connects downtown Boston with Route 1. The Tobin Bridge does not have toll booths, so drivers must pay with E-ZPass (or Avis e-toll) or Pay By Plate. Travel north on Tobin Bridge to reach Chelsea, Everett, and Revere. Head south to visit Charlestown and easily connect to major highways leading to downtown Boston. (Source)
FAQs about Toll Roads in Massachusetts
If you drive on a toll road in Massachusetts with an Avis rental car, you will automatically enroll in our e-Toll program to cover your tolls and fees. There is nothing more to worry about!
If you are traveling in your personal vehicle, you will be mailed a final bill according to your license plate address and registration.
Toll prices in Massachusetts can vary according to the time of day and amount traveled. Toll rates range from $0.15 to $2.95 for 2-axle vehicles. Review toll rates before your commute.
If you have an active E-ZPass account and transponder, this may be an option as well. You can verify your usage choice at the time of rental and register your rental car on your existing account when you pick it up.
*Toll road information provided on this page is current as of June 2024. Toll road information is subject to change without notice.
