So You Wanna Brave the Toll Troll of Seattle's Bridges? A Guide for the Fiscally Faint of Heart
Let's face it, Seattle's bridges are pretty darn impressive. They float on water, defy gravity (probably), and offer stunning views of the Emerald City. But all that majesty comes at a cost, my friend. A cost measured in cold, hard cash, also known as tolls.
How Much Is Seattle Toll Bridge |
The Great Toll Debate: How Much is This Bridge Gonna Cost Me?
The answer, my friend, is it depends. Buckle up, buttercup, because Seattle's tolling system is more complex than a Kardashian family tree. Here's the skinny:
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
- There's just one toll bridge in Seattle: The mighty SR 520, also known as the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge (because, well, it floats).
- The tolls are like a game of whack-a-mole: They change depending on the time of day, your vehicle type (motorcycles get a sweet deal!), and whether you have a magic "Good To Go! Pass" that makes the tolls slightly less painful.
- Generally, tolls are highest during rush hour: Think $4.50 during peak times, which is enough to make you consider taking up paddleboarding as your main mode of transportation.
Here's a handy dandy cheat sheet (but prices are subject to change, so don't blame me if you end up mortgaging your house):
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Time of Day | Two-Axle Vehicle (Car) Good To Go! Pass | Two-Axle Vehicle (Car) Pay By Mail |
---|---|---|
Midnight to 5:00 AM | $1.25 | $3.25 |
Rush Hour Blues (Ugh) | $3.05 - $4.50 | $5.05 - $6.50 |
Evening Chill | $2.35 - $3.05 | $4.35 - $5.05 |
Late Night (Who Even Goes Out This Late?) | $1.25 - $1.60 | $3.25 - $3.60 |
Important Note: If you don't have a Good To Go! Pass, there's a $2 penalty fee added to each toll you pay by mail. So, that $4.50 rush hour toll quickly becomes a $6.50 gut punch.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
So, How Can You Save Some Green on This Green Bridge?
- Become a Night Owl: Those late-night tolls are significantly cheaper. Just make sure you have enough coffee to stay awake for the drive.
- Befriend a Motorcycle Owner: Hitch a ride and split the (very cheap) motorcycle toll. Just be sure they wear a helmet (safety first, people!).
- Invest in a Good To Go! Pass: While it has an upfront cost, it can save you money in the long run, especially if you're a frequent bridge crosser.
Toll Bridge FAQs
How to Avoid Tolls Altogether? Take public transportation! Seattle has a decent bus system and ferries that can get you across the water. Plus, you can avoid the whole bridge-traffic mess.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
How to Pay the Toll if You Don't Have a Good To Go! Pass? You'll get a bill in the mail. Just be prepared to cough up that extra $2 penalty fee.
How to Check Current Toll Rates? The Washington State Department of Transportation has you covered. Check out their website (
How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Toll Traffic? Use a traffic app to see how things are flowing before you head out. A little planning goes a long way (and saves you from some serious road rage).
How to Mentally Prepare for the Toll Booth? Deep breaths and positive affirmations. You got this!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.