FAQ
The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge connects Westchester and Rockland counties in New York, approximately 20 miles north of Manhattan. The three-mile span crosses the Hudson River at one of its widest points, serving as a vital artery for Hudson Valley residents, commuters, travelers and commercial traffic. The cable-stayed crossing, which replaced the 62-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge, fully opened to traffic in 2018. Carrying more than 50 million vehicles each year, the twin-span bridge is a key part of the New York State Thruway Authority’s 570-mile superhighway system. Each span features four general traffic lanes, emergency shoulders and a dedicated bus lane on the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287).
Tolls on the entire Thruway system are collected using cashless tolling, in which all vehicles simply drive under a tolling gantry and enjoy the benefits of reduced congestion, enhanced safety, and reduced air pollution. The cost varies depending on your type of vehicle and whether you pay by E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail. If you don’t have E-ZPass, an image of the license plate is used to send a toll bill to the vehicle’s registered owner using the address on file with the DMV. Toll bills are mailed approximately 30 to 45 days after your first date of travel. Visit our toll calculator for your anticipated tolls; note that additional discount plans are available for Rockland or Westchester County residents, commuters, motorcycles, motorhomes and other vehicles. Motorists traveling in a rental vehicle can learn more here about paying their tolls. Tolls for the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge are only collected in the southbound (Westchester-bound) direction.
Yes! Bicyclists and pedestrians can enjoy a 12-foot-wide shared use path on the northern side of the westbound span, connecting the village of Tarrytown in Westchester County and the hamlet of South Nyack in Rockland County. The 3.6-mile path features six scenic overlooks at regular intervals, public art, visitor parking, restrooms and other amenities at each landing. Information on how to access the path can be found on the Visitor Info page.
With its signature blue overlay, the 12-foot-wide shared use path extends 3.6 miles from its Westchester Landing in the village of Tarrytown, across one of the widest points of the Hudson River, to its Rockland Landing in the hamlet of South Nyack.
Located on the northern side of the bridge’s westbound span, you’ll encounter six scenic overlooks, digital kiosks, interpretive signage and 10 works of public art. Visitor parking, food, restrooms, bicycle repair stations and other amenities, along with connectivity to local bike and pedestrian networks, are also available at both landings.
Simply put, users must share the 12-foot-wide path. There are designated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists traveling in both directions to ensure safety. There also is a 15-mph speed limit for cyclists, who must always yield to pedestrians. Please note that rollerblading, roller-skating, motorized vehicles, and electric scooters are not allowed; foot-powered scooters are permitted.
The path is free and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The path may temporarily close due to inclement weather, maintenance operations or security concerns.
For the latest information about the path, visit this website or our X account.
Free parking is available at both landings for path patrons and is limited to four hours.
The Westchester Landing is located at 333 South Broadway in Tarrytown and has 30 spaces available during weekdays. An additional 100 spaces are available after 4 p.m. on weekdays, along with all day on weekends and holidays. The Rockland Landing is located at 1200 Route 9W in South Nyack and features 57 parking spaces. Parking at private properties near the landings is prohibited and may result in vehicles being towed.
Check our X account for updates and consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekdays.
We strongly encourage visitors to take mass transit to the path during its busiest times.
Yes!
The free weekend bus shuttle provided by Hudson Link, the enhanced bus service that serves the Interstate 87/287 corridor, has ended for the 2024 season.
Even when the path shuttle is not operating, Hudson Link H05 and H07 buses offer service to the path. The H05 stops at South Nyack (near one of the path’s Rockland entrances), while the H07 stops at South Nyack and Route 119 (near the path’s Westchester Landing).
A map, schedules, and details are available on Hudson Link’s website.
It takes about 80 minutes to walk the path one way. Be sure to factor in your return trip. If you’re on a bike, it’ll take approximately 20 minutes to go from end to end.
Although the path features dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists traveling in both directions to ensure safety, use common sense and respect others.
Yes, per state law, Class 1 and Class 2 bicycles with electric assist may be used on the path by those 16 years of age and older. E-bike users must obey the path’s 15 mph speed limit (5 mph at the overlooks) and yield to pedestrians.
The six overlooks on the path offer seating and limited shade. They are each approximately a half mile apart. Wind, rain, sun and temperatures all feel more intense over the water. Please dress accordingly.
Restrooms are located on either side of the bridge, at the Westchester Landing and Rockland Landing. There are no restrooms on the path itself, so please plan ahead.
Sorry, pets are not permitted on the path. Only service animals are allowed.
Vending machines at both landings are stocked with healthy snacks and drinks.
Also, great places to eat are just a hop, skip, or bike ride away in Tarrytown and Nyack!
You should keep the following in mind:
- Wind, rain, sun, and temperatures all feel more intense out over the water, so dress accordingly. Know your limits and take care of yourself.
- Water fountains are available at both landings, not on the path itself.
- You may feel the bridge vibrate; this is normal.
- If you need assistance, use the emergency phones along the path.
Safety on the path is our top priority.
During severe weather, we utilize real-time National Weather Service forecasts and on-the-ground observations to determine whether a temporary safety closure is needed. Other similar facilities in our region, including the Walkway Over the Hudson and the George Washington Bridge sidewalk, also close during severe or inclement weather.
If you plan to visit the path, please check the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly. We communicate temporary closures on the path itself via electronic signage and through our staff. Follow our X account for real-time updates. And for those path patrons who would like to cross the bridge as soon as possible, Hudson Link buses provide service across the bridge from both landings. All Hudson Link buses are equipped with bike racks.
New York State Police are responsible for patrolling the path. The path is also under 24-hour video surveillance and monitored by the Thruway Authority’s bridge security team. Use the emergency phones along the path to speak to someone in case of an emergency or if you need assistance.
The side path is a spur off the path in South Nyack. Cyclists and pedestrians can use it to travel to downtown Nyack or points south, including New Jersey and New York City. The side path terminates at the corner of South Franklin Street and Clinton Avenue, and is a short distance from State Bike Route 9.
You can catch a Hudson Link bus. There’s a stop on South Broadway, just outside of the Westchester Landing in Tarrytown. In Rockland, take the side path to the end and make a left to find the bus stop on South Franklin Street Extension in South Nyack.
On most nights, the bridge's architectural features are lit in white. On occasion, the twin-span crossing is lit with colors to commemorate important or impactful moments. Major holidays and other significant dates are listed in our lighting calendar. When the bridge is lit in special colors for a notable cause or occasion, we typically post it on our X and/or Instagram accounts on the day of the event.
There are actually two free audio tours, one for walkers and one for cyclists.
The mobile tours include stories that cover a wide range of topics from information about bridge construction to local history, from the Hudson Valley’s connection to art to the Hudson River and its magnificent surroundings. Travelers will be able to safely access the stories hands-free on their mobile devices while walking or cycling the path.
We partnered with Historic Hudson River Towns, a non-profit consortium of riverfront municipalities, and TravelStorys to develop the audio tours. Download the TravelStorys app for free to listen to the self-guided path tours and enjoy!
One of the path’s unique amenities is the vast array of public art on display both of its landings. Visitors will encounter five unique sculptures, a 4,000-square-foot mural in Rockland and four custom-designed bike racks, including one referencing the Palisades and New York City skyline. Details about each art commission is available on this website and in this video.
The Thruway Authority partnered with ArtsWestchester and the Arts Council of Rockland on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Public Art Program. The 10 commissions were awarded to eight New York State artists.
Permits are required for groups to use the path and its associated facilities. You can find more information and apply for a permit on our Groups page.
Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. The New York State Thruway Authority has a maintenance dock located along the north side of the bridge at its western shore in Rockland County.
Boaters must keep at least 25 yards away from any bridge pier or structure, and are prohibited from tying off to any part of the bridge or Thruway dock.
Additionally, boaters traveling near the bridge are advised to:
- Pass slowly under the bridge;
- Watch for maintenance activities and equipment;
- Not stop or anchor below or near the bridge or Thruway dock;
- Report all suspicious activity to the Coast Guard or the proper authorities.
For more information, the New York State Boaters Guide is available here.
Staging a drone flight from Thruway property, including the bridge's shared use path, its landings and overlooks, is strictly prohibited. Anyone flying a drone is responsible for flying within Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and regulations. FAA guidelines prohibit drones from being flown over any person or moving vehicle. Additional guidance for drone flyers can be found on the FAA website.
The images come from a variety of sources and many include photo credits. A select list is also available here.