Heading to the beach? We all know the Chesapeake Bay Bridge traffic can test your patience. Here are the official tips to beat it.
Quick answer: To beat Chesapeake Bay Bridge traffic, cross off-peak. MDTA suggests, for example, going eastbound on Saturday before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m. The car toll is paid eastbound only: $2.50 with Maryland E-ZPass, $4 for other E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate, and $6 by video toll. Tolling is cashless.
Contents
- Best Times to Cross
- Tolls for Cars
- Two-Way Traffic
- Quick Facts
- Special Loads
- Frequently asked questions
Best Times to Cross
MDTA lists the best weekend times.[1]
| Day | Eastbound | Westbound |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Before 10 a.m., after 9 p.m. | Before 10 a.m., after 8 p.m. |
| Saturday | Before 7 a.m., after 6 p.m. | Before 9 a.m., after 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | Before 10 a.m., after 7 p.m. | Before 11 a.m., after 10 p.m. |
Tolls for Cars
| How you pay | 2-axle car |
|---|---|
| Commuter plan | $1.40 |
| E-ZPass Maryland | $2.50 |
| Pay-By-Plate | $4 |
| E-ZPass from other states | $4 |
| Video toll | $6 |
Source: MDTA.[2] You pay in one direction only.[2] All MDTA toll sites are cashless. You do not stop to pay.[3]
Two-Way Traffic
The older span carries two lanes eastbound. The newer span has three lanes westbound. When eastbound traffic is heavy, one westbound lane is switched to carry eastbound cars.[1]
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Opened | July 30, 1952 (eastbound) and June 28, 1973 (westbound) |
| Length, shore to shore | About 4.35 miles |
| Clearance for ships | 186 feet |
| Traffic in 2019 | 27.6 million vehicles |
Source: MDTA.[1]
Special Loads
Vehicles with Class 1 explosives or radioactive materials need an escort to cross. Call 410-537-6601 for details.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cross the Bay Bridge? Off-peak. On Saturday, for example, eastbound before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
How much is the Bay Bridge toll? For a car: $2.50 with Maryland E-ZPass, $4 with other E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate, $6 by video toll.
Do you pay the Bay Bridge toll both ways? No. Tolls are collected in one direction only.
References
- [1] Maryland Transportation Authority, William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Maryland Transportation Authority, Toll Rates Tables – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] Maryland Transportation Authority, Toll Rates and All Electronic Tolling – last checked 11/08/2026
Check the water and wind on our tides page before you go.