How Many Tolls from Boston to Myrtle Beach?
Discover how many tolls you'll encounter driving from Boston to Myrtle Beach with tips on routes, toll costs, and travel planning.
Planning a road trip from Boston to Myrtle Beach? Knowing about tolls along the way can help you budget and plan better. This drive covers over 900 miles, crossing several states with different toll systems. I'll guide you through the toll points, costs, and the best routes to take.
Whether you want the fastest path or prefer to avoid tolls, this article breaks down what to expect. You'll also get tips on paying tolls and saving money on your trip. Let's explore the tolls from Boston to Myrtle Beach in detail.
Overview of the Boston to Myrtle Beach Route
The drive from Boston, Massachusetts, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, spans roughly 900 to 950 miles depending on your route. The trip usually takes about 14 to 16 hours without long stops.
Most travelers take the I-95 corridor for most of the journey. This interstate runs along the East Coast and passes through states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
While I-95 is the most direct and fastest route, it includes several toll roads and bridges. You can also consider alternative routes to reduce toll costs but may add time to your trip.
Toll Roads and Bridges Along the Route
Here are the main toll points you will encounter when driving from Boston to Myrtle Beach via I-95 and connecting highways:
Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) has tolls west of Boston, but if you start in Boston and head south on I-95, you avoid most tolls in Massachusetts.
Rhode Island: The Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge and the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge have tolls. The Pell Bridge toll is about $4.00 for passenger vehicles.
Connecticut: Connecticut has no tolls on I-95, but the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) is toll-free and scenic.
New York: The New England Thruway section of I-95 has tolls, including the George Washington Bridge ($16 cash, less with E-ZPass) and the Tappan Zee Bridge (Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) tolls.
New Jersey: The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road with multiple toll plazas. Expect to pay around $13 to $15 for passenger vehicles traveling the full length.
Delaware: The Delaware Turnpike (I-95) has a toll plaza near the state line. Toll is about $4 for cars.
Maryland: The John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) has tolls. The main toll plaza near Perryville charges about $4.
Virginia: I-95 has express lanes with tolls in Northern Virginia, but the main lanes are toll-free. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (if you take that route) has tolls around $18 one way.
North Carolina: I-95 is mostly toll-free. The Triangle Expressway near Raleigh has tolls but is off the direct route.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach area highways are toll-free.
Estimated Number of Tolls and Total Cost
In total, you can expect to pass about 8 to 10 toll points depending on your exact route. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Rhode Island: 1 toll bridge ($4)
New York: 2 toll bridges (George Washington Bridge $16, Tappan Zee Bridge $6)
New Jersey Turnpike: multiple toll plazas totaling about $14
Delaware: 1 toll plaza ($4)
Maryland: 1 toll plaza ($4)
Virginia: possible tolls if using express lanes or Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel ($18)
The total toll cost for a passenger car is approximately $30 to $50 depending on your route and payment method.
Tips for Paying Tolls on Your Trip
Here are some tips to handle tolls smoothly:
Use E-ZPass or compatible transponders: Most tolls along I-95 accept E-ZPass, which offers discounted rates and faster passage.
Check for cashless tolls: Some tolls are cashless and bill your license plate. Register your plate online to avoid fees.
Plan your route: Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze to see toll costs and choose toll-free alternatives if desired.
Budget for tolls: Keep some cash handy for tolls that do not accept cards or transponders.
Alternative Routes to Avoid or Reduce Tolls
If you want to avoid tolls, you can take alternative highways, but expect longer travel times.
Use US Route 1: Runs parallel to I-95 and is toll-free but slower.
Take I-295 around certain cities: Bypasses toll bridges in some areas.
Avoid New Jersey Turnpike: Use I-287 and local roads, but this adds time.
Keep in mind that avoiding tolls may add 1 to 3 hours to your trip.
Planning Your Trip: What to Know Before You Go
Before you hit the road, consider these points:
Check your vehicle’s compatibility with toll transponders.
Download toll payment apps or register your license plate online.
Plan rest stops and fuel stops along I-95 or alternate routes.
Watch for traffic updates, especially near toll plazas and major cities.
Consider travel times to avoid rush hours in Boston, New York, and Washington D.C.
Popular Hotels and Stays Along the Route
If you plan to break the trip into two days, here are some good places to stay:
New Haven, CT: Hotels like the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale offer comfort near I-95.
Newark, NJ: The Newark Liberty International Airport area has many hotels for easy access to the Turnpike.
Wilmington, DE: The Hotel Du Pont is a historic and charming option.
Baltimore, MD: Stay near the Inner Harbor at hotels like the Royal Sonesta Baltimore.
Fayetteville, NC: A convenient stop before reaching Myrtle Beach.
Final Thoughts on Driving from Boston to Myrtle Beach
Driving from Boston to Myrtle Beach is a long but rewarding trip. You’ll pass through many states and see diverse landscapes. Expect about 8 to 10 toll points, mostly on I-95 and major bridges.
Using an E-ZPass or similar toll transponder can save you money and time. If you want to avoid tolls, plan for extra travel time. With good planning, your road trip can be smooth and enjoyable.
FAQs
How many tolls are there from Boston to Myrtle Beach?
You will encounter about 8 to 10 toll points depending on your exact route, mostly on I-95 and major bridges in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
What is the total toll cost driving from Boston to Myrtle Beach?
The total toll cost ranges from $30 to $50 for a passenger car, depending on your route and whether you use an E-ZPass or pay cash.
Can I avoid tolls on the trip from Boston to Myrtle Beach?
Yes, you can avoid most tolls by using alternate routes like US Route 1 and bypasses, but this will add 1 to 3 hours to your travel time.
Is E-ZPass accepted on all toll roads between Boston and Myrtle Beach?
Most toll roads and bridges along I-95 accept E-ZPass, making it the easiest way to pay tolls and get discounts.
Where are good places to stop overnight on the way?
Popular stops include New Haven, CT; Newark, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Baltimore, MD; and Fayetteville, NC, all offering comfortable hotels near the highway.
