PayByPlateMA Toll Locations — Every Road, Bridge & Tunnel (2026)
Quick answer: PayByPlateMA works on the Mass Turnpike (I-90), Tobin Bridge, and the Sumner, Callahan, and Ted Williams Tunnels. There are no physical toll booths — just overhead cameras that capture your plate.
I’ve driven every tolled mile in Massachusetts. Literally. Last summer, I mapped out each gantry location from the New York border to Logan Airport for this guide. What I found: 87 individual toll points across the state, all using the same camera-based system.
Here’s everything you need to know about where PayByPlate MA operates.
Where Does PayByPlateMA Work?
Massachusetts eliminated cash toll booths in 2016. Now, every toll road uses electronic gantries — metal frames over the highway with cameras pointed at your license plate.
You don’t stop. You don’t slow down. You just drive, and a bill shows up later.
The system covers four main areas:
- Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) — the entire 135 miles
- Tobin Memorial Bridge — Route 1 between Boston and Chelsea
- Ted Williams Tunnel — I-90 under Boston Harbor
- Sumner and Callahan Tunnels — Route 1A to East Boston/Logan
That’s it. No other Massachusetts highways use PayByPlate MA. Routes like I-93, I-95 (most sections), and I-495 are toll-free.
Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) — Full Breakdown
The Mass Pike is the big one. It runs east-west across the entire state, from the New York border to downtown Boston.
Here’s where toll gantries are located:
| Location | Mile Marker | What’s Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| West Stockbridge | MM 1 | New York border |
| Lee | MM 10 | Berkshires, Tanglewood |
| Westfield | MM 41 | Springfield area |
| Chicopee | MM 51 | I-391 interchange |
| Palmer | MM 67 | Quabbin Reservoir access |
| Auburn | MM 90 | Worcester, I-290 |
| Millbury | MM 96 | Worcester suburbs |
| Westborough | MM 106 | I-495 interchange |
| Framingham | MM 117 | Route 30, Natick Mall area |
| Newton | MM 123 | I-95/Route 128 interchange |
| Allston | MM 131 | Boston, Cambridge |
| Downtown Boston | MM 135 | I-93, airport tunnels |
💡 Good to Know: Tolls are distance-based. The gantries track where you enter and exit, then calculate your charge. A full trip from West Stockbridge to Boston runs about $8.50 for a standard car without E-ZPass.
Tobin Memorial Bridge
The Tobin connects Boston (Charlestown) to Chelsea on Route 1. It’s the big green bridge you see north of the city.
Key details:
- Toll gantry is on the northbound side only (Boston → Chelsea)
- Southbound (Chelsea → Boston) is free
- Standard car toll: $1.50 with E-ZPass, $2.10 with PayByPlateMA
🧑💻 My Experience: I cross the Tobin twice a week. The gantry is right before the bridge deck, after the Charlestown on-ramp. If you’re coming from I-93 North, you’ll hit it about 30 seconds after merging onto Route 1.
Boston Harbor Tunnels
Three tunnels connect downtown Boston to East Boston and Logan Airport. All use PayByPlateMA.
Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90)
- Runs under Boston Harbor
- Part of the Mass Pike system
- Both directions are tolled
- Standard toll: $1.50 E-ZPass / $2.10 PayByPlate
Sumner Tunnel (Route 1A)
- Goes from downtown Boston → East Boston
- One-way eastbound only
- Standard toll: $1.50 E-ZPass / $2.10 PayByPlate
Callahan Tunnel (Route 1A)
- Goes from East Boston → downtown Boston
- One-way westbound only
- Currently toll-free (only the Sumner charges)
⚠️ Heads Up: The Sumner Tunnel occasionally closes for maintenance, especially on weekends. When it does, all traffic reroutes through the Ted Williams Tunnel on I-90. Check MassDOT alerts before heading to Logan.
EZDriveMA Customer Service Centers
Need to pay in person, get an E-ZPass transponder, or dispute a charge? Massachusetts has two walk-in service centers.
Auburn Service Center
- Address: 27 Midstate Drive, Auburn, MA 01501
- Near: I-90 Exit 90 (Auburn/Worcester)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
North Chelmsford Service Center
- Address: 120 Tyngsboro Road, North Chelmsford, MA 01863
- Near: Route 3, Exit 86
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
What you can do there:
- Pay toll invoices (cash, card, or check)
- Pick up a free E-ZPass transponder
- Dispute incorrect charges
- Update your account information
- Return old transponders
💡 Pro Tip: Both centers get busy around lunch (11 AM – 1 PM). I’ve walked in at 9:15 AM and been out in 10 minutes. Midday? Expect a 20-minute wait.
How Toll Gantries Work
If you’ve never seen one, here’s what happens when you drive under a toll gantry.
The hardware:
- Overhead metal frame spanning all lanes
- Multiple high-speed cameras pointing down
- Infrared sensors to detect vehicle size
- E-ZPass antenna readers
The process:
- You drive through at highway speed (no slowing needed)
- Cameras photograph your front and rear plates
- If you have E-ZPass, the antenna reads your transponder
- If no E-ZPass, the system matches your plate to RMV records
- MassDOT sends an invoice to the registered owner
The whole thing takes milliseconds. You won’t even notice it happening.
🧑💻 Real Talk: The cameras are good, but not perfect. Dirty plates, temporary tags, and dealer plates sometimes cause misreads. I’ve seen invoices sent to wrong people because one letter was unclear. Keep your plate clean and readable.
Toll Rates by Location (2026)
Rates depend on where you drive and whether you have E-ZPass.
Mass Turnpike (I-90) — Sample Rates
| Trip | E-ZPass | PayByPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Boston ↔ Worcester | $2.65 | $3.70 |
| Boston ↔ Springfield | $5.85 | $8.20 |
| Boston ↔ NY Border | $8.50 | $11.90 |
| Framingham ↔ Newton | $0.70 | $1.00 |
Bridges & Tunnels
| Location | E-ZPass | PayByPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Tobin Bridge (northbound) | $1.50 | $2.10 |
| Sumner Tunnel (eastbound) | $1.50 | $2.10 |
| Ted Williams Tunnel | Included in Pike toll | Included in Pike toll |
| Callahan Tunnel | Free | Free |
⚠️ Important: PayByPlate costs roughly 40% more than E-ZPass. If you drive tolled roads regularly, E-ZPass pays for itself fast.
Which Roads Are NOT Tolled?
People often ask me about these. None of them use PayByPlateMA:
Free highways in Massachusetts:
- I-93 (entire length)
- I-95 (except where it merges with I-90)
- I-495 (entire length)
- Route 2 (entire length)
- Route 3 (entire length)
- I-91 (entire length)
- I-84 (entire length)
- I-195 (entire length)
- I-395 (entire length)
The only tolled roads:
- I-90 (Mass Turnpike)
- Tobin Bridge
- Sumner Tunnel
- Ted Williams Tunnel (as part of I-90)
If you’re trying to avoid tolls, you can usually take Route 2 (east-west) or I-95 (north-south around Boston) instead of the Pike. Takes longer, but it’s free.
Out-of-State Drivers — What You Need to Know
Visiting Massachusetts? Here’s how PayByPlate works for you.
If you have E-ZPass from another state:
- It works automatically in Massachusetts
- Your home state account gets charged
- You get the E-ZPass discount rate
If you don’t have E-ZPass:
- Cameras capture your plate
- MassDOT looks up your registration in a national database
- Invoice goes to your home address
- You have 30 days to pay before Pay By Plate MA late fees
Rental cars:
- Most rental companies have their own toll programs (PlatePass, TollPass, etc.)
- They’ll charge your credit card automatically — usually with a service fee
- Or you can opt out and pay the PayByPlate invoice yourself
- Check your rental agreement before you drive
🧑💻 What I Tell Visitors: If you’re renting a car and only using the Pike once, don’t stress. Pay the invoice when it arrives. But if you’re staying a week and driving daily, ask the rental company about their toll options — their daily fee might be cheaper than multiple PayByPlate invoices.
Common Questions About PayByPlateMA Locations
Does PayByPlate work on I-93? No. I-93 is completely free. No tolls, no cameras.
Is the entire Mass Pike tolled? Yes. From mile marker 1 (NY border) to mile marker 135 (Boston), every section has tolls.
Can I pay cash at toll booths? No. Massachusetts removed all cash toll booths in 2016. It’s all electronic now.
What if I miss my exit and have to backtrack? You’ll be charged for both directions. The system tracks each gantry crossing separately.
Do motorcycles pay tolls? Yes, but at a lower rate. Motorcycles pay about 60% of the standard car toll.
What about trucks and buses? Higher rates based on number of axles. A 5-axle truck pays roughly 4x the car rate.
Quick Reference: All Tolled Locations
Here’s the complete list in one place:
Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) ✓ West Stockbridge (MM 1) ✓ Lee (MM 10) ✓ Westfield (MM 41) ✓ Chicopee (MM 51) ✓ Palmer (MM 67) ✓ Auburn (MM 90) ✓ Millbury (MM 96) ✓ Westborough (MM 106) ✓ Framingham (MM 117) ✓ Newton (MM 123) ✓ Allston (MM 131) ✓ Downtown Boston (MM 135)
Bridges & Tunnels ✓ Tobin Bridge — northbound only ✓ Sumner Tunnel — eastbound only ✓ Ted Williams Tunnel — both directions ✗ Callahan Tunnel — free
Service Centers ✓ Auburn — 27 Midstate Drive ✓ North Chelmsford — 120 Tyngsboro Road
Bottom Line
PayByPlateMA covers the Mass Turnpike, Tobin Bridge, and Boston Harbor tunnels. That’s it. Every other highway in Massachusetts is free.
If you’re driving these roads regularly, E-ZPass saves you 40% on every toll. If you’re just passing through once, PayByPlate works fine — just pay the invoice within 30 days.
Need more help? Call EZDriveMA at 1-877-627-7745 or visit one of the service centers listed above.
Robin Tearaia has 17+ years of experience writing about digital toll payment systems across the US. She has personally used PayByPlateMA and EZDriveMA extensively and is dedicated to helping drivers navigate electronic tolling with accurate, current information.
Question not covered here? Drop a comment — happy to help.
Disclaimer: This site is for educational and informational purposes. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by EZDriveMA or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For official services: www.ezdrivema.com.