# getting in and out of NYC for free **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 29, 2002, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546 "2002-12-29T21:24:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/21 "2002-12-30T09:03:40Z")
:smack: rather, you can cross the Hudson River _into_ New Jersey (going westbound of course) before reaching Albany by taking one of those bridges which are close to the Taconic. ---
**Author:** ![RM\_Mentock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/22 "2002-12-30T09:11:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by postcards \* > **Unless you hitchhike, I don’t think there’s a way to enter NYC from Jersey without paying a toll (and if you hitchhike without offering to pay tolls you’re an ass).** I suppose you’re supposed to buy gas too? What about general upkeep and maintenance? Shouldn’t you offer to spring for a lub and oil change? ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/23 "2002-12-30T13:23:00Z")
To get from Jersey to NYC to free, you have to go through Albany, and use the Dunn Memorial Bridge. All other Hudson River Bridges are tolls, and all charge when going east. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/24 "2002-12-30T13:37:56Z")
Dunns Mem bridge is the 1st free one but rt 90 is easier to use (interstate)to go to/from Staten Island (via car) you must pay tolls (at least one way) ---
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/25 "2002-12-30T17:55:06Z")
When trying to remember when you pay tolls, remember this: “No one would pay to get into New Jersey–but they’ll pay to get out.” You have to pay to cross the Hudson from the mainland (NJ, Orange County, etc.) to the east (Manhattan, West Chester, Staten Island), but not the other way (GWB free to NJ, Lincoln Tunnel free to NJ, Holland Tunnel free to NJ, Goethals Br. free to NJ, Outerbridge Cr. free to NJ). Likewise, Delaware River crossings NJ-\>PA cost you, but PA-\>NJ are free. ---
**Author:** ![Sxyzzx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sxyzzx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sxyzzx)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/26 "2002-12-30T18:09:03Z")
I have to say, this thread gives me a new appreciation for driving in Los Angeles. ---
**Author:** ![stuyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2002, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/27 "2002-12-30T19:37:30Z")
Everyone who’s posted about driving to/from NJ has neglected to include another option: the Bayonne Bridge. (It’s a toll bridge just like the rest. It’s just that no one mentioned it, so I figured I’d add it to the list for the sake of completeness. Hey, it’s my job here, right?) ---
**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/28 "2002-12-31T00:52:37Z")
> [@](#): > > Very possible, but trans-Manhattan Expressway sounds like an oximoron. Actually I never heard of the T.M.E. but would buy into the GWB Extention. If I heard of the TME I would assume they were talking about the proposed connector from the LIE to Lincon Tunnel. Check out this link and see if you change your mind . . . [http://www.nycroads.com/roads/trans-manhattan/](http://www.nycroads.com/roads/trans-manhattan/) * * * And by the way, I think I’ve figured out a way to drive from New Jersey into New York City without paying a toll and without using a bridge or tunnel. Start on one side of Ellis Island!! ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/29 "2002-12-31T01:21:14Z")
> [@](#): > > Check out this link and see if you change your mind . . . Makes me want to just run out and drive on it - then I realise it’s just (to me) the cross bronx expressway. Great site though. Also it will always be the Interboro. ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/30 "2002-12-31T14:53:57Z")
Take advantage of the “free” (meaning free to the individual user, but not to taxpayers) bridges while you can. It’s quite likely that they’ll get tolls b/c of NYC’s fiscal crisis. (The only reason they didn’t before is that the toll plazas would’ve been more trouble than they’re worth. Thanks to EZ Pass, that’s not such a big deal anymore.) ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/31 "2002-12-31T20:36:34Z")
> [@](#): > > , I think I’ve figured out a way to drive from New Jersey into New York City without paying a toll and without using a bridge or tunnel Possibly not. Reason one is that there is no demarcation line through Ellis - it is jointly owned. Reason 2 - not owned by NYC, just NYS. I don’t know if these hold up as I just got it looking a a map so I could be way off. ---
**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/32 "2002-12-31T22:15:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by k2dave \* > **Possibly not. Reason one is that there is no demarcation line through Ellis - it is jointly owned.** Disagree. IIRC, the “filled” part of the island is 'Jersey; the rest is NY. \*\* > [@](#): > > Reason 2 - not owned by NYC, just NYS.\*\* Possibly, you’d need to check whatever statute or statutes define the City of New York. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised either way. ---
**Author:** ![stuyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/33 "2002-12-31T23:23:03Z")
I can state with certainty that as of 1938 Liberty Island (nee Bedloe’s Island) was part of New York City (Manhattan Borough to be exact). Unless something was passed relating to the recent NY-NJ spat, I have no reason to suspect that it (or at least the NYS portion) is no longer officially part of NYC. ---
**Author:** ![fusoya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@fusoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fusoya)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/34 "2003-01-01T20:34:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EasyPhil \* > \*\ ***fusoya** , you said NYC now you’re talking about Long Island, I would ask where are you starting from? If it’s from Long Island, your best bet is the Queensboro Bridge, to the FDR to the Willis Ave Bridge, and get on 87 north(Major Deegan) \*\* well, technicallly Queens and Brooklyn are part of Long Island. The only two scenerios where I ever drive to NYC are from Connecticut to Manhattan, and from Connecticut to Queens/Brooklyn…USUALLY to just get to the airports. ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/35 "2003-01-01T20:44:02Z")
There’s your answer then. Take the Deegan down to the Willis Ave. Bridge to the FDR. To get to the airports, take the Queensborough Bridge and go from there. If you’re going to Newark Liberty, though, I think you’re SOL, at least if you want to stop in the city on the way. ---
**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2003, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/36 "2003-10-01T01:46:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by stuyguy \* > \*\*I can state with certainty that as of 1938 Liberty Island (nee Bedloe’s Island) was part of New York City (Manhattan Borough to be exact). Unless something was passed relating to the recent NY-NJ spat, I have no reason to suspect that it (or at least the NYS portion) is no longer officially part of NYC. \*\* For what it’s worth, I was just flipping through a statute book and randomly came upon the following, from Laws of 1882, Chapter 410, Section 1: > [@](#): > > The city and county of New York shall contain the islands called Manhattan island, North Brother’s island, Great Barn or Ward’s island, Little Barn or Randall’s island, Manning’s or Blackwell’s island, Nutten or Governor’s island, Bedloe’s island, Bucking or Ellis island, and the Oyster islands . . . . ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2003, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/37 "2003-10-01T04:08:42Z")
Sneak on to a Metro-North train and stow away in the bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![Sofa\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/58956e/32.png) [@Sofa\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofa_King)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2003, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/38 "2003-10-01T06:05:01Z")
…And everyone knows that Hutchinson Elementary School is in _Herndon_, not Reston. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2003, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/39 "2003-10-01T11:02:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by manhattan \* > \*\*There’s your answer then. Take the Deegan down to the Willis Ave. Bridge to the FDR. Nope, when you’re going down the Deegan (I-87) it’s either the Madison Ave Bridge or the 3rd Ave Bridge. I only think you get on the Willis Ave into Manhattan during morning rush hour, from the 3rd ave bridge exit. They open it to southbound traffic in the am to help with the rush. Normally the Willis Ave is northbound only, and you can access it from either the FDR drive or 2nd Ave. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2003, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546/40 "2003-10-01T12:14:50Z")
The best way to drive to Manhattan for free and never pay tolls is to drive one of [these.](http://www.amphibiousvehicle.net/amphi/A/AmphiCar.jpeg) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-in-and-out-of-nyc-for-free/145546.md?page=3)