— Select Entry Point —
Philadelphia (I-276)
Allentown (US-22)
Harrisburg (I-81)
Pittsburgh (I-76)
— Select Exit Point —
Philadelphia (I-276)
Allentown (US-22)
Harrisburg (I-81)
Pittsburgh (I-76)
Scranton (I-476)
— Select Vehicle Class —
2-Axle Car (Class 1)
3-Axle Truck (Class 3)
4-Axle Truck (Class 4)
function calculateToll() {
var entryPoint = document.getElementById("entryPoint").value;
var exitPoint = document.getElementById("exitPoint").value;
var vehicleClass = document.getElementById("vehicleClass").value;
var paymentMethod = document.querySelector('input[name="paymentMethod"]:checked').value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (!entryPoint || !exitPoint || !vehicleClass) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please select an Entry Point, Exit Point, and Vehicle Class.";
return;
}
if (entryPoint === exitPoint) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Entry and Exit points cannot be the same.";
return;
}
// Simplified toll data structure (simulated for demonstration)
// Real PA Turnpike tolls are complex and depend on exact interchanges.
// This data represents common segments with example costs.
var tollData = {
"Philadelphia_I276-Harrisburg_I81": {
"2_axle_car": {"ezpass": 15.00, "toll_by_plate": 25.00},
"3_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 35.00, "toll_by_plate": 55.00},
"4_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 45.00, "toll_by_plate": 70.00}
},
"Harrisburg_I81-Pittsburgh_I76": {
"2_axle_car": {"ezpass": 20.00, "toll_by_plate": 32.00},
"3_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 45.00, "toll_by_plate": 70.00},
"4_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 58.00, "toll_by_plate": 90.00}
},
"Philadelphia_I276-Pittsburgh_I76": { // Full length
"2_axle_car": {"ezpass": 30.00, "toll_by_plate": 48.00},
"3_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 70.00, "toll_by_plate": 110.00},
"4_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 90.00, "toll_by_plate": 140.00}
},
"Allentown_US22-Scranton_I476": { // Northeast Extension
"2_axle_car": {"ezpass": 8.00, "toll_by_plate": 13.00},
"3_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 20.00, "toll_by_plate": 32.00},
"4_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 28.00, "toll_by_plate": 45.00}
},
"Harrisburg_I81-Allentown_US22": { // Example for a shorter segment
"2_axle_car": {"ezpass": 10.00, "toll_by_plate": 16.00},
"3_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 25.00, "toll_by_plate": 40.00},
"4_axle_truck": {"ezpass": 32.00, "toll_by_plate": 50.00}
}
};
var tollKey = "";
// Determine the segment key based on entry and exit points
if (entryPoint === "Philadelphia_I276" && exitPoint === "Harrisburg_I81") {
tollKey = "Philadelphia_I276-Harrisburg_I81";
} else if (entryPoint === "Harrisburg_I81" && exitPoint === "Pittsburgh_I76") {
tollKey = "Harrisburg_I81-Pittsburgh_I76";
} else if (entryPoint === "Philadelphia_I276" && exitPoint === "Pittsburgh_I76") {
tollKey = "Philadelphia_I276-Pittsburgh_I76";
} else if (entryPoint === "Allentown_US22" && exitPoint === "Scranton_I476") {
tollKey = "Allentown_US22-Scranton_I476";
} else if (entryPoint === "Harrisburg_I81" && exitPoint === "Allentown_US22") {
tollKey = "Harrisburg_I81-Allentown_US22";
}
// Add reverse routes if needed, or handle by sorting entry/exit for key generation
else if (exitPoint === "Philadelphia_I276" && entryPoint === "Harrisburg_I81") {
tollKey = "Philadelphia_I276-Harrisburg_I81"; // Assuming same toll in reverse
} else if (exitPoint === "Harrisburg_I81" && entryPoint === "Pittsburgh_I76") {
tollKey = "Harrisburg_I81-Pittsburgh_I76";
} else if (exitPoint === "Philadelphia_I276" && entryPoint === "Pittsburgh_I76") {
tollKey = "Philadelphia_I276-Pittsburgh_I76";
} else if (exitPoint === "Allentown_US22" && entryPoint === "Scranton_I476") {
tollKey = "Allentown_US22-Scranton_I476";
} else if (exitPoint === "Harrisburg_I81" && entryPoint === "Allentown_US22") {
tollKey = "Harrisburg_I81-Allentown_US22";
}
var calculatedToll = null;
if (tollData[tollKey] && tollData[tollKey][vehicleClass] && tollData[tollKey][vehicleClass][paymentMethod]) {
calculatedToll = tollData[tollKey][vehicleClass][paymentMethod];
}
if (calculatedToll !== null) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Toll: $" + calculatedToll.toFixed(2) + "" +
"Route: " + document.getElementById("entryPoint").options[document.getElementById("entryPoint").selectedIndex].text + " to " + document.getElementById("exitPoint").options[document.getElementById("exitPoint").selectedIndex].text + "" +
"Vehicle: " + document.getElementById("vehicleClass").options[document.getElementById("vehicleClass").selectedIndex].text + "" +
"Payment Method: " + (paymentMethod === "ezpass" ? "E-ZPass" : "Toll By Plate") + "";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Toll information for this specific route, vehicle class, and payment method is not available in our simplified database. Please try a different combination or refer to the official PA Turnpike website.";
}
}
Understanding Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a major east-west toll highway that spans across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, connecting major cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. It's a vital transportation artery, but navigating its tolls can sometimes be complex due to varying factors.
How PA Turnpike Tolls Are Calculated
Several key factors determine the cost of your toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike:
Distance Traveled: The primary factor is how far you travel on the Turnpike. Tolls are calculated based on your entry and exit points. The longer the distance, generally the higher the toll.
Vehicle Class: The type of vehicle you are driving significantly impacts the toll. Vehicles are categorized by the number of axles and height. A standard 2-axle passenger car (Class 1) pays less than a 3-axle truck (Class 3) or a larger commercial vehicle.
Payment Method: The Pennsylvania Turnpike uses two main payment methods, each with different rates:
E-ZPass: This electronic toll collection system offers the lowest rates. Vehicles with an E-ZPass transponder are detected automatically, and the toll is deducted from a pre-paid account.
Toll By Plate: For vehicles without E-ZPass, cameras capture the license plate, and an invoice is mailed to the registered owner. Toll By Plate rates are significantly higher than E-ZPass rates, often 40-60% more, to cover administrative costs.
Using the PA Toll Calculator
Our simplified PA Toll Calculator helps you estimate your travel costs. To use it:
Select Your Entry Point: Choose the interchange where you plan to enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Select Your Exit Point: Choose the interchange where you plan to exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Choose Your Vehicle Class: Indicate whether you're driving a 2-axle car, a 3-axle truck, or a 4-axle truck.
Select Payment Method: Specify if you'll be using E-ZPass or if you'll be paying via Toll By Plate.
Click "Calculate Toll": The calculator will provide an estimated toll based on the selected criteria.
Example Toll Scenarios:
Let's look at some realistic examples using the calculator's logic:
Scenario 1: Philadelphia to Harrisburg (2-Axle Car)
Entry: Philadelphia (I-276)
Exit: Harrisburg (I-81)
Vehicle: 2-Axle Car
Payment: E-ZPass
Estimated Toll: $15.00
Scenario 2: Philadelphia to Harrisburg (2-Axle Car)
Entry: Philadelphia (I-276)
Exit: Harrisburg (I-81)
Vehicle: 2-Axle Car
Payment: Toll By Plate
Estimated Toll: $25.00 (Notice the significant increase without E-ZPass)
Scenario 3: Harrisburg to Pittsburgh (3-Axle Truck)
Entry: Harrisburg (I-81)
Exit: Pittsburgh (I-76)
Vehicle: 3-Axle Truck
Payment: E-ZPass
Estimated Toll: $45.00
Scenario 4: Allentown to Scranton (4-Axle Truck)
Entry: Allentown (US-22)
Exit: Scranton (I-476)
Vehicle: 4-Axle Truck
Payment: Toll By Plate
Estimated Toll: $45.00
Important Note: This calculator provides estimated tolls based on a simplified data set for common routes. Actual tolls can vary slightly based on specific interchange ramps, real-time adjustments, and official PA Turnpike rate schedules. For the most accurate and up-to-date toll information, always refer to the official Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission website or use their official toll calculator.