How Much Money Does the Lincoln Tunnel Make a Day?

The Lincoln Tunnel connects Weehawken, New Jersey, with Midtown Manhattan in New York City. This 1.5-mile tunnel serves millions of commuters and commercial vehicles daily. Its operation and maintenance are funded through a toll collection system, generating substantial revenue.

Toll Structure and Collection

The Lincoln Tunnel uses an all-electronic tolling system; drivers use E-ZPass or are billed via Tolls by Mail. Tolls are collected exclusively in the eastbound direction, for vehicles entering New York. This cashless system, in place since March 2020, aims to improve traffic flow and reduce environmental impact.

Toll rates vary based on vehicle type, time of day, and payment method. For a standard two-axle car, E-ZPass users pay lower rates, with peak hour tolls set higher than off-peak hours. As of July 6, 2025, a two-axle vehicle with single rear wheels pays $16.06 during peak hours and $14.06 during off-peak hours with E-ZPass. Those paying via Tolls by Mail face a higher flat rate of $22.38, regardless of the time of day. A new mid-tier E-ZPass rate of $18.72 was introduced on July 6, 2025, for accounts where E-ZPass tags are not properly mounted, resulting in a higher processing cost.

Commercial vehicles are subject to significantly higher tolls based on their number of axles. For instance, a two-axle truck faces E-ZPass peak tolls of $43.36, while a five-axle truck’s peak E-ZPass toll is $108.40. Off-peak rates for commercial vehicles are lower, and an overnight rate is available for trucks from Sunday through Thursday evenings. Peak hours are defined as weekdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. All other times are considered off-peak, with specific overnight hours for trucks.

Daily Traffic and Revenue Estimates

The Lincoln Tunnel is one of the busiest vehicular tunnels in the world, facilitating a substantial volume of daily traffic. Current estimates indicate the tunnel handles over 120,000 vehicles each day, though pre-pandemic figures were even higher, exceeding 130,000 daily crossings. This consistent flow of vehicles, combined with the varying toll rates, contributes to its significant daily revenue.

Estimating the exact daily revenue is complex due to fluctuations in vehicle mix (cars, trucks, buses), time-of-day pricing, and the proportion of E-ZPass versus Tolls by Mail users. However, based on average daily traffic volumes and the established toll structure, a broad estimate can be made. If we consider an average toll per vehicle across all categories to be approximately $20 to $25, the daily revenue for the Lincoln Tunnel could range from $2.4 million to $3.0 million. This calculation takes into account the higher tolls paid by commercial vehicles and the premium charged for Tolls by Mail transactions, balancing them against the lower E-ZPass rates for passenger cars.

Daily traffic patterns also influence revenue, with weekdays seeing higher volumes, particularly during morning and evening peak hours, which command higher tolls. Weekend traffic, while still substantial, may have different composition and peak periods, impacting the overall daily revenue. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the tunnel, projects its overall bridge and tunnel toll revenues to increase, partly due to inflation-based adjustments and increased vehicular activity.

Factors Affecting Daily Revenue

Several factors can cause the daily revenue generated by the Lincoln Tunnel to fluctuate. Economic conditions play a role, as periods of economic growth may lead to increased personal and commercial travel, while downturns can reduce traffic volumes and, consequently, toll income. Changes in gasoline prices can also influence travel behavior, potentially deterring some drivers from using the tunnel if fuel costs are high.

Public holidays and major events in the New York metropolitan area significantly impact daily traffic. Holidays often result in altered commuting patterns, with fewer regular commuters but potentially more leisure travelers. Large-scale events, such as concerts or sporting events, can create surges in traffic on specific days, leading to higher revenue. Conversely, planned construction or maintenance work within the tunnel or on its approaches can cause temporary lane closures or diversions, reducing traffic flow and daily revenue.

Weather conditions are another variable. Severe weather, including heavy snow, ice, or dense fog, can lead to reduced traffic volumes as drivers opt to avoid travel or seek alternative routes. Unforeseen incidents, such as accidents or operational disruptions, can also temporarily halt or slow traffic, thereby impacting the day’s revenue collection.

Utilization of Toll Revenue

The revenue collected from Lincoln Tunnel tolls is managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This bi-state agency is financially self-sustaining, meaning it relies on revenues generated from its facilities rather than tax dollars to fund its operations and investments. Tolls from the Lincoln Tunnel, along with other Port Authority crossings and facilities like airports and seaports, contribute to the agency’s overall financial resources.

These funds are primarily allocated to the operation, maintenance, and security of the Lincoln Tunnel itself. This includes routine upkeep, repairs, and ensuring the safety of daily commuters and commercial traffic. Beyond the tunnel, the revenue also contributes to the broader Port Authority transportation network. For example, the Port Authority’s 2024 budget includes significant allocations for operating expenses and annual capital spending across all its facilities.

A portion of the toll revenue is reinvested into capital improvements and modernization projects across the Port Authority’s portfolio. This can include infrastructure upgrades to bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports, ensuring these assets remain in good working order and can meet future demands. For instance, approximately $110 million was specifically earmarked for improvements to roadways leading to the Lincoln Tunnel. These investments are designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and capacity throughout the region’s transportation system.