Ever found yourself fumbling for change at a toll booth while impatient drivers honk behind you? Or maybe you’ve wondered if there’s a way to zip through tolls without stopping. Electronic toll collection systems like E-ZPass and I-Pass offer exactly that convenience—but choosing between them can be confusing. Let’s break down the real differences to help you make the smart choice for your travels.
What Are E-ZPass and I-Pass?
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that uses small transponders (usually mounted on your windshield) to automatically deduct toll fees from your prepaid account. Created in 1987, it’s now the largest interoperable toll network in the United States.
I-Pass is essentially Illinois’ version of E-ZPass. While it’s specifically branded for Illinois Tollway use, it’s fully interoperable with the broader E-ZPass network. Think of I-Pass as a specialized member of the larger E-ZPass family.
The key thing to understand: both systems let you drive through tolls without stopping, saving you time and often money.
Geographic Coverage: Where Can You Use Each?
E-ZPass Network Coverage
The E-ZPass network currently spans 18 states across the eastern and midwestern United States:
- Delaware
- Florida (limited to Orlando region)
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The network is also accepted in Ontario, Canada, and Georgia will join soon.
I-Pass Coverage
I-Pass works on:
- All Illinois Tollways
- The Chicago Skyway
- The Indiana Toll Road
- All toll facilities across the other 17 E-ZPass states
This means you can drive from Chicago to Boston with just your I-Pass, no need for multiple transponders.
Cost Comparison: What Will You Pay?
Here’s where the differences become significant. The costs vary not just between I-Pass and E-ZPass but also between different states’ E-ZPass implementations.
Initial Costs
E-ZPass costs vary widely by state:
- Free in several states (including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia)
- $7.15 in New Hampshire
- $10-$15 in many states
- Up to $19.70 in Florida
I-Pass has traditionally required a deposit, but the newer I-Pass sticker tags introduced in 2024 have no deposit fee, making them more accessible.
Recurring Fees
This is where I-Pass often wins for many drivers:
E-ZPass annual/monthly fees by state:
- Maryland: $18/year
- Indiana: $12/year ($1.25 monthly per transponder)
- New Jersey: $12/year ($1 monthly)
- New York: $12/year
- Ohio: $9/year ($0.75 monthly if used fewer than 30 times)
- Pennsylvania: $6/year
- West Virginia: $5/year
I-Pass: No annual or monthly maintenance fees.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Both systems require you to maintain a minimum balance:
E-ZPass:
- Pennsylvania: $35 per transponder (replenishes when balance drops to $10)
- Virginia: $35 (replenishes when balance drops below $10)
- New Jersey: $25 (replenishes when balance drops below $15)
- Other states: Generally $10-$35
I-Pass: $20 minimum balance, with automatic replenishment at 10% of your average monthly usage (minimum $10 replenishment).
Read also: EZ-Pass Scams Text: What You Need to Know
The Toll Discount Advantage
Both systems offer discounts compared to cash payments, but there are some notable differences:
I-Pass Discounts
I-Pass users enjoy an impressive 50% discount on Illinois Tollway tolls compared to cash rates. This can add up to significant savings for anyone regularly traveling Illinois roads.
E-ZPass Discounts
E-ZPass discounts vary by state:
- Pennsylvania offers up to 50% discounts for E-ZPass users
- Most other states offer smaller but still valuable discounts
- Some states have special discount programs for frequent travelers
Special Features Worth Knowing About
E-ZPass Flex
If you frequently carpool, the E-ZPass Flex transponder (available in Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, and North Carolina) offers a special benefit. It allows you to switch between HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) and toll-paying modes. When you have enough passengers to qualify for HOV status, you can use designated lanes for free.
I-Pass Sticker Tags
Illinois recently introduced I-Pass Sticker Tags as a more convenient alternative to traditional transponders. These adhesive tags:
- Require no deposit fee
- Can be purchased at various locations including Jewel-Osco stores
- Allow multiple vehicles to be linked to the same I-Pass account
- Eliminate the need to move transponders between vehicles
Real-World User Experiences
Many travelers prefer I-Pass specifically because of its fee structure. As one user commented: “I-Pass is better than E-ZPass because I-Pass just charges for the tolls, whereas most states’ E-ZPass either charges an up-front fee for the device or an annual maintenance fee.”
A driver on Reddit pointed out that the Indiana E-ZPass charges a $1.50 monthly maintenance fee, while the Illinois I-Pass has no such fee, making I-Pass more economical for infrequent travelers.
Practical Comparison: E-ZPass vs I-Pass
| Feature | E-ZPass | I-Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 18 states + Ontario | All E-ZPass network (fully interoperable) |
| Initial Cost | Free-$19.70 (varies by state) | Free (sticker tags) |
| Annual Fees | $0-18 (varies by state) | None |
| Min. Balance | $10-35 (varies by state) | $20 |
| Illinois Toll Discount | Varies | 50% off cash rate |
| Special Features | Flex option for HOV lanes in some states | Sticker tags for multiple vehicles |
Making Your Choice: Decision Factors
When choosing between E-ZPass and I-Pass, consider:
- Where you drive most: If you primarily travel in Illinois with occasional trips to other E-ZPass states, I-Pass makes financial sense due to the 50% Illinois toll discount and no recurring fees.
- Travel frequency: If you rarely travel on toll roads, I-Pass’s no-fee structure is advantageous. However, if you frequently use toll roads in specific states, check if that state’s E-ZPass program offers special frequent-user discounts.
- Number of vehicles: If you have multiple vehicles that need transponders, I-Pass sticker tags offer a convenient and economical solution.
- Carpooling habits: If you regularly carpool in Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, or North Carolina, the E-ZPass Flex transponder might be worth considering despite potential fees.
How to Get Started with Your Transponder
Getting an I-Pass
- Order online through the Illinois Tollway website
- Purchase at Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers
- Buy at participating Jewel-Osco stores
- Pick up at Illinois Tollway oases
Getting an E-ZPass
Since E-ZPass varies by state, you’ll want to:
- Determine which state’s program makes the most sense for you
- Visit that state’s E-ZPass website
- Follow their specific application process
Most states allow online applications, retail purchase options, or service center visits.
The Bottom Line: Which Is Better?
For Illinois residents or those who frequently travel through Illinois, I-Pass generally provides better value due to:
- No annual or monthly fees
- 50% discount on Illinois tolls
- Full interoperability with all E-ZPass states
- Convenient sticker tag options
However, if you primarily travel in other E-ZPass states without visiting Illinois, your state’s specific E-ZPass program might offer advantages tailored to your region.
The good news is that both systems are interoperable across the entire network, so either choice will keep you moving through toll plazas from Minnesota to Florida and Illinois to Maine without stopping.
Whichever you choose, you’ll eliminate fumbling for change, reduce toll costs, and make your travels smoother—and that’s the real win.
