Getting to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Long Island Without the Belt Parkway

Two Belt-Free Routes from Long Island to the Verrazzano Bridge

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects Brooklyn to Staten Island. From Long Island, avoiding the Belt Parkway means using the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or Southern State Parkway to reach Queens/Brooklyn arteries.

Option 1: Southern State → Cross Island → Grand Central → BQE

1. Southern State Parkway west to Cross Island Parkway north (Exit 29).
2. Cross Island Pkwy north to Grand Central Parkway west (Exit 9).
3. Grand Central Pkwy west → becomes Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) at the Brooklyn line.
4. Follow I-278 west directly to Verrazzano Bridge (upper level).

Approx. 45–60 min from Nassau/Suffolk border; avoids Belt entirely.

Option 2: LIE (I-495) → BQE Direct

1. Long Island Expressway (I-495) west to Exit 19 (Maurice Ave / BQE).
2. Take BQE (I-278) south/west toward Brooklyn.
3. Stay on I-278 across the Kosciuszko Bridge, through Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn.
4. Follow signs for Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge / Staten Island.

Approx. 50–70 min; more direct but often heavier traffic on LIE/BQE.

Critical Notes

• Tolls: Verrazzano = $19.38 (E-ZPass NY) / $29.08 (Tolls by Mail) westbound only (Staten Island → Brooklyn). Eastbound free.
• Truck Restrictions: Commercial trucks >53' or >80,000 lbs need permit; lower level banned for hazmat.
• Traffic Apps: Use Waze/Google Maps—BQE congestion is notorious.
• Option 2 mentions "Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge" & Belt—ignore that; it's a detour onto Belt. Stick to BQE all the way.