I-80 tolls

If you are headed to D.C. area (or even southern Pennsylvania) a still-little-known route is I-70 East into Washington PA, then I-79 South to Morgantown WV and then I-68 through western Maryland. I-68 rejoins I-70 in Hancock MD south of the PA Turnpike. We have done it many times (used to live in Baltimore and kids in Indiana) and as recently as 2 weeks ago. No tolls, beautiful scenery, no winding, barrier-prone PA Turnpike and virtually the same distance...and less stressful.

Hank
GS Lifetime
2005 Mandalay DP
On the road in Fort Wayne, Indiana

bukhrn wrote:
Not really sure if there is a toll on I-80 in PA, except for the Delaware Water Gap Bridge between PA and NJ, they've tried a few times, but it was shot down (for the third time) in 2010.

Last time we drove I80 across PA, in 2016, the only toll was at the Delaware River bridge. The toll is westbound only, free going eastbound.

Not really sure if there is a toll on I-80 in PA, except for the Delaware Water Gap Bridge between PA and NJ, they've tried a few times, but it was shot down (for the third time) in 2010.

Scottiemom wrote:
We just came west from Breezewood, PA, to Goshen, Indiana on the turnpike last week. I-80 in Indiana was absolutely awful roadbed wise. I would avoid it.

Technically it's I-90 (Indiana Tollroad)

Thanks to all for the input

A few years ago we drove from western Iowa to Washington, DC. We took I80 out and we spent $49.00 on tolls and $42.00 on gas for my wife's Prius. On the way home we dropped south to I70 and spent almost nothing on tolls, the little we did spend was just getting out of DC. On the way out we tried to purchase a E-ZPass transponder, but we were told that there was no such thing as an "instant purchase" and that it had to be ordered and mailed to us. I think tolls are about half price with the E-ZPass.

Here, west of the Mississippi tolls are not typical, other then the Kansas Turnpike which I think is funded solely with tolls......no tax dollars are used.

After the trip east I felt like the state of Iowa should charge every car with plates from eastern states that have toll roads $25 or $50 to use our interstate system.:)

We just came west from Breezewood, PA, to Goshen, Indiana on the turnpike last week. I-80 in Indiana was absolutely awful roadbed wise. I would avoid it. Ohio was good roads all the way as was Pennsylvania with a couple of construction sites.

We were 4 axles, Class A DP with a toad 4-down, class 5 in one state, class 4 in another. Maybe you were looking at the class designation. . . not necessarily axles.

Breezewood, PA, to Ohio, $57.80

Ohio to Indiana, $44.50

Indiana west to exit 96 (Goshen), $11.60

Fuel was cheaper in Ohio by 30 cents a gallon (diesel fuel)

We tried to buy an EZ Pass when we first got on. The story is that 7-11 has bought out all the concessions at the service plazas and were "redoing" the system, so NO devices were available anywhere along the turnpike. We didn't try in Indiana because we were almost done, but that would reduce the tolls considerably. I do think the charge is based on axles. . . I would argue if they charged me for more than I had.

We did overnight at one of the service plaza RV areas. $20 for 50 amp and water with a dump station. Nice and quiet actually with the overhead fan running.

WE normally never run the turnpike, but my 93 year old Mom had suffered a fall and was in the hospital and we wanted to get to her.



Dale

When we can we avoid the interstates, toll or no toll. When we need to get from A to B & avoiding the interstate is too complex we simply pay up, if that is what it takes & go. The reasoning is the avoidance of the toll is going to cost more in fuel along with wear & tear with the stopping & starting at all the intersections.

For your consideration, this is the route we like.

I80 east to I65 south to route 30 across IN and OH, then I71 to I76 to join I80 or the PA Turnpike near Youngstown. No tolls except south of Chicago before I65 and on the PA Turnpike. We take I80 across PA as the PA Turnpike tolls have become too expensive for our liking.

Route 30 is all divided highway. Between I65 and Valparaiso there are some traffic lights and some traffic. Once east of Valparaiso route 30 passes through farm country and there is little traffic and few trucks. A very pleasant drive, especially after the craziness on I80 south of Chicago.

We avoid the interstates also and have found that most US Highways work well for us. We are also retired and would rather add miles to avoid traffic and congestion. Small town are part of the enjoyment of this lifestyle.