George Washington Bridge Directions, Maps & Lane Guide (2026)
Approach routes from New Jersey and New York, level-by-level lane guide, and real-time traffic resources
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Reference
Approaches from New Jersey
Major routes leading to the GWB from the New Jersey side.
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| I-95 North (from NJ Turnpike) | Take the NJ Turnpike north to I-95 North. Follow signs for George Washington Bridge / I-95 North toward the bridge. This is the most common approach from central and southern New Jersey. |
| I-80 East (from western NJ) | Take I-80 East to its terminus at the GWB. I-80 ends directly at the bridge, making this a straightforward route from northwestern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. |
| Route 4 East (from Bergen County) | Route 4 East connects to the GWB approach via local roads near Fort Lee. This is a popular route for Bergen County residents. Expect local traffic during rush hours near the Palisades. |
| Palisades Interstate Parkway (from Rockland County) | Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway south to its terminus near the GWB. Note: commercial trucks are prohibited on the Palisades Parkway. Only passenger vehicles may use this route. |
| US 1/9 Local (from Hudson County) | US 1/9 and local roads connect through Fort Lee to the GWB approach. This route serves drivers coming from nearby communities in Bergen and Hudson counties. |
Approaches from New York
Major routes leading to the GWB from the New York side.
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| I-95 South (via Cross Bronx Expressway) | Take I-95 South (Cross Bronx Expressway) westbound through the Bronx. Follow signs for George Washington Bridge. This connects the New England Thruway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and points north to the GWB. Expect heavy congestion during rush hours. |
| Henry Hudson Parkway (from Upper Manhattan) | Take the Henry Hudson Parkway northbound to the GWB. Note: no commercial trucks are permitted on the Henry Hudson Parkway. This is a scenic route along the Hudson River for passenger vehicles only. |
| Harlem River Drive connections | From the Harlem River Drive, connect to the Cross Bronx Expressway or local streets in Washington Heights to reach the GWB. The Trans-Manhattan Expressway (I-95) runs through the bridge approach at the 178th Street level. |
Upper Level vs Lower Level: A Detailed Guide
The George Washington Bridge has two levels, each carrying traffic in both directions depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Understanding the differences between the upper and lower levels helps you plan your crossing more effectively.
The upper level is the original roadway, opened in 1931. It carries 8 lanes of traffic and is completely open-air, offering views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. The vehicle clearance on the upper level is 14 feet, which accommodates most commercial trucks and overheight vehicles. During peak commuting hours, lane directions may be adjusted so that more lanes flow in the dominant traffic direction. For example, during the morning rush, more lanes may be set to eastbound (into NYC), while the evening rush may see more westbound lanes.
The lower level was added in 1962 to handle growing traffic demand. It carries 6 lanes of traffic and is fully enclosed, which provides shelter from weather but limits visibility. The vehicle clearance on the lower level is 13 feet, which is sufficient for passenger vehicles, vans, and many trucks but may exclude the tallest commercial vehicles. The enclosed design can also create noise and ventilation considerations, especially in heavy traffic.
Both levels connect to I-95 (the Trans-Manhattan Expressway in New York and the approach roads in Fort Lee, New Jersey). Lane assignments between the two levels are managed by Port Authority traffic operations and can change throughout the day. Electronic signs on the approach roads indicate which level to use and how many lanes are open in each direction.
Reversible Lanes and Rush Hour Configuration
The GWB uses a reversible lane system to maximize throughput during peak hours. On a typical weekday morning, the bridge may operate with 10 lanes eastbound and 4 lanes westbound to accommodate commuters heading into Manhattan. In the evening, the pattern reverses, with more lanes running westbound to handle outbound traffic. The specific lane configuration is set by the Port Authority based on real-time traffic conditions.
Drivers should pay close attention to overhead lane signals and electronic message signs on the approach roads. Green arrows indicate open lanes, and red X marks indicate closed or contraflow lanes. The Port Authority updates these signals continuously and may adjust lane assignments during incidents, construction, or special events.
GWB Bus Station
The George Washington Bridge Bus Station is located at 4211 Broadway in Washington Heights, Manhattan, between West 178th and West 179th Streets. The station sits at the Manhattan terminus of the bridge and serves as a major transit hub for bus commuters from New Jersey.
NJ Transit operates multiple bus routes from the GWB Bus Station, connecting to communities throughout Bergen County, Passaic County, and Rockland County. Rockland Coaches and other carriers also use the facility. The station includes a climate-controlled waiting area, ticket counters, and retail shops.
The station connects to the New York City subway system via the 175th Street station on the A train (IND Eighth Avenue Line). This makes it possible for bus commuters from New Jersey to transfer to the subway for destinations further into Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens without needing to drive across the bridge.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
The George Washington Bridge provides free pedestrian and bicycle access across the Hudson River. Two separate sidewalks run along the bridge, one on each side of the upper level.
Pedestrians use the south sidewalk. The path is approximately 4,760 feet long (about 0.9 miles) and offers impressive views of the river and the Manhattan skyline. Walking across takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. On the New Jersey side, access is from Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee. On the New York side, access is from West 178th Street and Cabrini Boulevard in Washington Heights.
Bicycles use the north sidewalk. Cyclists must dismount at the entrance and exit ramps but may ride across the bridge itself. The cycling path is popular with recreational riders and bicycle commuters, particularly during warmer months.
Sidewalk hours vary by season. During spring and summer, sidewalks are generally open from 6:00 AM to midnight. During fall and winter, hours may be shortened, typically closing at 9:00 PM. The Port Authority posts current sidewalk hours at each entrance. Both sidewalks may close during severe weather, high winds, or maintenance activities.
Parking Near the George Washington Bridge
Parking near the GWB is limited on both sides of the bridge. On the New Jersey side, there are commercial parking lots in Fort Lee and Edgewater. Some lots cater to bus commuters, offering daily or monthly rates with nearby NJ Transit bus connections.
On the New York side, street parking is available in the Washington Heights neighborhood, but it is heavily regulated with alternate side parking rules. Metered parking and commercial garages are also available but tend to be expensive compared to suburban lots.
For commuters looking to avoid bridge traffic and tolls, park-and-ride lots in Bergen County offer a practical solution. These lots are located along NJ Transit bus routes that travel directly to the GWB Bus Station or the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. See our commuter guide for park-and-ride options.
Real-Time Traffic Resources
Before heading to the George Washington Bridge, check current traffic conditions using one of these resources:
- 511NY.org: Real-time traffic information for New York State, including GWB approach roads and the Cross Bronx Expressway. Available online and by phone (dial 511).
- NJ511.com: New Jersey travel information, including conditions on I-95, I-80, and the NJ Turnpike leading to the bridge.
- Google Maps: Live traffic overlay shows current congestion levels on the GWB and all approach roads. Enter your origin and destination for estimated travel times that account for real-time conditions.
- Waze: Community-reported incidents, lane closures, and police activity near the bridge. Waze often provides the earliest alerts for new traffic disruptions.
- Port Authority alerts: The Port Authority posts traffic advisories and planned closures on its website and social media channels. Sign up for email or text alerts for advance notice of construction and special events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the upper and lower level of the GWB?
The upper level has 8 lanes and is open-air with a vehicle clearance of 14 feet. The lower level has 6 lanes and is enclosed with a clearance of 13 feet. Both levels connect to I-95 on each side. The lower level was added in 1962 to increase capacity. Lane directions on both levels may be reversed during rush hours to accommodate peak traffic flow.
Can trucks use both levels of the George Washington Bridge?
Yes, but height restrictions apply. The upper level has a 14-foot clearance and the lower level has a 13-foot clearance. Trucks that exceed the lower level clearance must use the upper level. All trucks must use E-ZPass or will receive a Toll-by-Mail invoice. Overheight vehicles require special permits and may need a Port Authority escort.
Can I walk or bike across the George Washington Bridge?
Yes. Pedestrians use the south sidewalk and bicycles use the north sidewalk. Both are free. The sidewalks are generally open from 6:00 AM to midnight, though hours may vary by season. The pedestrian path is approximately 4,760 feet long (about 0.9 miles). Access is from Fort Lee on the NJ side and West 178th Street on the NY side.
How do I avoid traffic on the George Washington Bridge?
The heaviest traffic on the GWB occurs on weekday mornings (6 AM to 10 AM eastbound) and weekday evenings (4 PM to 8 PM westbound). Travel during midday, late evening, or on weekends for lighter traffic. Check real-time conditions on 511NY.org, NJ511.com, Google Maps, or Waze before departing. You can also consider the Lincoln Tunnel or Holland Tunnel as alternatives if traffic is backed up.
Is there a bus station at the George Washington Bridge?
Yes. The GWB Bus Station is located at the Manhattan end of the bridge at 4211 Broadway (at West 178th Street). It serves NJ Transit, Rockland Coaches, and other bus lines connecting northern New Jersey and Rockland County to Manhattan. The station has a waiting area, ticket offices, and connects to the A train at the 175th Street subway station.
Where can I park near the George Washington Bridge?
On the New Jersey side, there is limited parking near the Fort Lee approach, including commercial lots in Fort Lee and Edgewater. On the New York side, street parking is available in Washington Heights, though it is heavily regulated. The GWB Bus Station does not offer commuter parking. Park-and-ride lots along NJ Transit bus routes in Bergen County are a practical option for commuters.