So You Wanna Brave the 520 Bridge? Here's the Lowdown on Tolls (and Avoiding a Toll Booth Tumbleweed Moment)
Ah, the 520 bridge. A majestic Seattle landmark that whisks you over Lake Washington in style (well, most of the time). But before you channel your inner Kenny Loggins and blast "Danger Zone," there's a little detail to consider: the toll.
Yes, like a dragon guarding a treasure (or maybe a really delicious cup of coffee), the 520 has a toll system. But fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will have you navigating those tolls like a seasoned toll booth veteran (even if you're a total newbie).
How Much Does This Toll Booth Treasure Cost?
The price of your 520 toll adventure depends on a few factors, like when you take the plunge (or, you know, drive across the bridge). Here's a quick breakdown:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Lower Tolls): Night owls rejoice! Tolls are generally lower between 11 pm and 5 am.
- Peak Hours? More Like Peak Prices: If you're cruising during rush hour (7-10 am and 3-7 pm), be prepared to shell out a bit more.
- Weekends and Holidays? Take a Chill Pill on the Tolls: Weekends and holidays are generally wallet-friendlier when it comes to tolls.
Remember, these are just generalities. The actual toll rate can vary depending on the day and time. But hey, that's what the next section is for!
Toll Booth Tango: How to Pay the Piper
There are two main ways to pay your 520 toll dues:
- Good To Go!: This is like an EZ-Pass for the 520. Get a little doohickey (officially called a transponder) for your car, and it gets detected by magic (well, radio waves) as you zoom through the toll lane. Plus, you get the lowest toll rates.
- Pay By Mail: Don't have a Good To Go! account? No worries! They'll snap a picture of your license plate and send you a bill in the mail. This option comes with a $2 surcharge, so consider it a friendly reminder to get on the Good To Go! bandwagon.
Here's the most important part: Whichever method you choose, make sure you pay! Avoid ending up with a hefty late fee that could make your next trip across the bridge feel more like a toll booth tumbleweed moment (translation: awkward and expensive).
Frequently Asked Toll Traveler Questions:
- How to get a Good To Go! account? Head over to
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/roads-bridges/toll-roads-bridges-tunnels/good-go-accounts-passes - How much does a Good To Go! transponder cost? The transponder itself is around $20, but there's a minimal monthly fee to keep it active.
- What if I forget my Good To Go! at home? No worries! You can still use the toll lane, but you'll be charged the higher Pay By Mail rate.
- How long do I have to pay a Pay By Mail toll? You have 20 days to settle the bill before late fees kick in.
- Can I use cash or credit card at the toll booth? Nope! The 520 is all electronic, baby!
So there you have it! With this knowledge in your back pocket, you can conquer the 520 bridge tolls with confidence. Now get out there and explore the beauty of Seattle, just remember to budget for that toll booth tango!