Lincoln Tunnel Cameras: Live NJ-Midtown Manhattan Access
Monitor the Lincoln Tunnel — the primary NJ-to-Midtown Manhattan underwater crossing, carrying ~113,000 vehicles daily per Wikipedia. Three tubes under the Hudson River connect Weehawken, NJ with 38th-40th Streets in Midtown. Track the NJ approach helix, Exclusive Bus Lane (XBL), and post-tunnel Manhattan merge on TrafficVision.Live.
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Midtown Manhattan (38th-40th Streets) | Daily Volume: ~112,995 vehicles (both directions combined, 2016 data per Wikipedia) | Tubes: 3 tubes (Center opened 1937, South 1945, North 1957) | Operator: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) | Tolled Direction: Eastbound only (Manhattan-bound) | XBL (Exclusive Bus Lane): 2.5-mile contra-flow bus lane on NJ approach — 6-10 AM weekdays | XBL Volume: ~1,850 buses / 70,000 passengers daily | Payment: All-electronic — E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail (no cash) | Related: [George Washington Bridge](/blog/george-washington-bridge-traffic-cameras), [Holland Tunnel](/blog/holland-tunnel-traffic-cameras) | Camera Sources: PANYNJ, NYSDOT, 511NY, NJDOT, 511NJThe Lincoln Tunnel is the primary NJ-to-Midtown Manhattan underwater crossing — carrying approximately 112,995 vehicles daily in both directions combined per Wikipedia's Lincoln Tunnel entry. The tunnel consists of three tubes under the Hudson River: Center Tube (opened 1937), South Tube (1945), and North Tube (1957). Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Lincoln Tunnel connects NJ Route 495 / I-495 in Weehawken to 38th-40th Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Tolls are collected eastbound only (Manhattan-bound). A unique feature is the Exclusive Bus Lane (XBL) — a 2.5-mile contra-flow lane on the NJ approach along Route 495, dedicated to buses weekday mornings 6-10 AM. The XBL processes approximately 1,850 buses daily carrying 70,000 passengers — more than the NYC subway's G train. The tunnel competes with the George Washington Bridge (upper Manhattan, world's busiest motor vehicle bridge) and the Holland Tunnel (Lower Manhattan, I-78) for NJ-NYC crossings.
Lincoln Tunnel Coverage
NJ Approach Helix
Weehawken tunnel entrance
The NJ approach descends via a helix (curved ramp) into the tunnel — famously backing up onto Route 495 during peak AM.
Three Tubes
Center, South, North
Three separate tubes — typical configuration has 2 tubes eastbound (morning) or westbound (evening), 1 reverse.
Exclusive Bus Lane (XBL)
Morning contra-flow
2.5-mile contra-flow bus lane on NJ side — weekday 6-10 AM only. Serves 1,850+ buses carrying 70,000+ passengers.
Manhattan Exit
38th-40th Streets
Tunnel exits to a complex set of 38th/39th/40th Street surface streets in Midtown.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
8th Avenue / 42nd Street
Most Lincoln Tunnel buses terminate at the Port Authority Bus Terminal — world's busiest bus station.
Weehawken / Union City NJ Side
Bergen + Hudson counties
NJ side approaches from Route 495 and connecting New Jersey highways.
When to Check Lincoln Tunnel Cameras
Lincoln Tunnel Peak Traffic Windows
- Weekday AM (eastbound to Midtown) — 6:30-10 AM — peak commuter volume. XBL bus lane active 6-10 AM.
- Weekday PM (westbound to NJ) — 3:30-7 PM — reverse commute home from Midtown
- Broadway show times — Evening performances drive traffic
- Madison Square Garden events — Knicks, Rangers, concerts at MSG
- Major NYC events — Macy's Parade (Nov), NYE ball drop (Dec 31), NYC Marathon
- 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife — Summer 2026 — see MetLife World Cup guide
- Holiday shopping season (Nov-Dec) — Midtown retail traffic peaks
- Tunnel maintenance — Overnight single-tube closures common
View Live Lincoln Tunnel Cameras
Check Lincoln Tunnel NJ approach, XBL status, and Manhattan exit conditions — free, 24/7, no sign-up.
VIEW LINCOLN TUNNEL CAMERAS →Pro Tip: Lincoln Tunnel vs. GWB vs. Holland
Three primary NJ-NYC Hudson crossings — each best for different destinations:
- Lincoln Tunnel (this page) — Midtown Manhattan (38th-40th Street). Best for Times Square, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Midtown offices.
- George Washington Bridge — Upper Manhattan / Bronx / I-95. World's busiest motor vehicle bridge. Best for Washington Heights, Yankees Stadium, Westchester destinations.
- Holland Tunnel — Lower Manhattan. Best for Wall Street, Tribeca, Soho, I-78 / Holland Park-to-Canal Street.
For bus commuters, Lincoln Tunnel is the only option with a dedicated bus lane (XBL). NJ Transit, Academy, and numerous other operators use it. For car-free NYC trips, consider PATH trains instead — Hoboken/JSQ/WTC/33rd — no tolls, no driving, often faster during peaks.
For NY-NJ metro travel, see our New York City traffic cameras guide, New Jersey traffic cameras guide, George Washington Bridge guide, Holland Tunnel guide, Verrazzano-Narrows guide, Brooklyn Bridge guide, JFK airport guide, LGA airport guide, EWR Newark airport guide, MetLife World Cup guide, I-95 corridor guide, and I-78 corridor guide.
Track Lincoln Tunnel Traffic
Browse live PANYNJ, 511NY, and 511NJ camera feeds.
VIEW LINCOLN TUNNEL CAMERAS →How many vehicles use the Lincoln Tunnel daily?
Approximately 112,995 vehicles combined (both directions) as of 2016 per Wikipedia. The tunnel is one of the most-used tunnel crossings in the US.
What is the Exclusive Bus Lane (XBL)?
Per Wikipedia, the XBL is a 2.5-mile contra-flow bus lane on the NJ approach along Route 495, dedicated to buses weekday mornings 6-10 AM. It processes approximately 1,850 buses carrying 70,000 passengers daily — more than the NYC subway's G train.
Which direction is tolled on the Lincoln Tunnel?
Eastbound only (Manhattan-bound). Westbound travel from Manhattan back to NJ is toll-free.
Are Lincoln Tunnel cameras free to view?
Lincoln Tunnel vs. Holland Tunnel — which is better?
Depends on Manhattan destination. Lincoln Tunnel serves Midtown (38th-40th Street exits — Times Square, Port Authority, Midtown offices). Holland Tunnel serves Lower Manhattan (Canal Street exits — Soho, Tribeca, Wall Street, I-78). Both are similar in total traffic volume and both carry tolls eastbound only.
Ready to Monitor the Lincoln Tunnel?
Track live NJ-Midtown Manhattan crossing with Port Authority cameras — free, instant, no sign-up.
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