solid bridge. not as much wind as other users are suggesting. stable driving conditions

The Benicia-Martinez Bridge isn't anything amazing, although it does get you where you need to go with a price tag that doesn't seem worth it. There is not much you can do about it if you live there and so you start feeling like you are being taxed on everything, especially if you commute in for work. As of January 1st, 2026, it costs $8.50 to cross the bridge and there are several bridges in the bay area, so it feels that you get price gauged every time you cross any of them and not worth it. The amount of bridges in the bay area and the amount of price gauging is ridiculous. A series of 50-cent annual increases are in effect from 2026 to 2030 so you will continuously have to pay more year after year. The tolls are going up way beyond the rate of inflation and will continue to until 2030 and then they will have another tactic to increase it further. It's expected to be $10.50 to cross the bridge in 2030. read more

a large, multi lane freeway leading to Benicia, Vallejo, and Napa area. there is rarely traffic, as there is many lanes, fastrak enforced and nice drive read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - benicia bound - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

After passing by this bridge on 9.2.24, to get back to San Jose from Sacramento, I wanted to learn more about this bridge. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge is a bustling bridge that connects Benicia and Martinez over the Carquinez Straits. It was originally built to replace the ferries that used to cross the strait and was the first bridge in Northern California to fature and open road tolling system. The bridge has undergone several transformations since its opening in 1962. About to enter the bridge, didn't pay toll fees, my hubby mentioned "hurry check in, BRIDGE!!" so I can check in on Yelp, hehe. Yay, I was able check-in and got to snatch some photos along the way. Pretty cool bridge, enjoyed the views, reminds me of Portland bridges during our visits to PNW. Pretty cool. Luckily no traffic and smooth passing. Thank you to my other half for Ubering me all over Northern Cali. Truly Grateful always. read more

See all

Driving across the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and it was windy. They had a high wind warning posted as you drive onto the bridge. As I was driving across the bridge I could feel the wind pushing my car to the side. Took the middle lane just in case to give myself some wiggle room. This bridge makes it so convenient to drive a direct route and not have to take the long way. You do have to pat a toll however it is worth it. Be safe out there while getting to your destinations. read more

Very plain bridge - nothing really to see - it looks like a floating road. I hear its safe as the Richmond San Rafel bridge is the only unsafe one in the area for earthquakes. Both directions look the same and there is some old rusty bridge in the middle. It must be old and historic. Surprised it wasn't sold for scrap metal. Toll booths are quick - you can fly by - Sometimes this way is quicker to get to Sacramento than through Vallejo. I think the speed limit is decently high too. That is a plus. The bay bridge has the slowest speed posted. read more

I was on a not-so-secret Easter Sunday mission, which I had chosen to accept, and I was headed in what I thought was a familiar direction. I didn't remember going through the Caldecott Tunnel on my previous two more secret but nevertheless not-that-secret missions, but I was following GPS, and it definitely understood traffic in the East (and North) Bay(s) better than I did or do, so I trusted it. And just as I was starting to get excited to see my old friend the Lego Bridge (aka the Carquinez Bridge, aka the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge), I saw a bridge, and the Lego Bridge it was not. What the heck had happened? Well, because of my lack of familiarity with East Bay highways, I had been routed out farther east than usual, most likely because eastbound traffic on the 80 was horrible. So you can imagine my surprise later that day when I realized just how far east I had been; I had crossed the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, of whose existence I'm sure I was vaguely aware but of whose actual location I most certainly wasn't aware. It's such a boring bridge! It really doesn't deserve to cross the Carquinez Strait or Suisun Bay or Grizzly Bay or whatever that single body of water is called at that exact point. On my way home, sanity was restored, for my GPS directed me back across on the 80. I got to see the Lego Bridge, and my not-so-secret Easter mission had been a success. Thanks, special bunny--you know who you are. read more

One pass going northbound today. I like that they've switched to electronic toll collection but it's been six weeks and I haven't heard anything yet. I can't wait to find out how much this one is going to cost when they add the invoicing fees to it! Reading the Wikipedia entry, it's interesting to see how the tolls just go up and up. Even "temporary" measures are extended indefinitely. A "seismic retrofit" charge was added in 1988 that was supposed to be for eight years but was extended through 2037. The toll was raised another dollar in 2004 and then again in 2007. And then raised again. It's now $7 to cross and will be $8 in 2025. Here's the thing... they don't have to be correct when they quote the price. They originally said it would be $300 million. Then it was $1.05 billion. It's now up to $1.30 billion. And when it grows, who pays? You and me. Not the original estimator because we're not going to cancel after spending all that, right? But if they had said it would be $1.30 billion at the start, it would never have happened. Anyway, it's a bridge. There was a pretty good view that I couldn't manage to photograph properly. I'm sure that this is better than the original auto ferry that it replaced in 1962 but wow, $8! [Review 17554 overall - 350 in California - 1072 of 2022.] read more

I didn't realize the bridge had a toll of $7 when you drive northbound, and was a little confused when no one was taking cash, but I received the bill in the mail 16 days later. You can pay the bill online. If you haven't received a bill, I think there are other ways to pay on the website. The bridge was decent, and a faster experience due to fees being automated. read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge CA Wed 11/10/21 ® Crossing Benicia-Martinez bridge on the way to Napa, enjoying the blues of the waters and skies. Weekday trip. The drive is pleasant and the views are familiar. Fastrak is on. I love bridges and BM always appeals to me. If bridges had characters, I'd describe this one as mellow, casual, friendly with happy attitude. Driven over from Martinez to Benicia and back so many times! Heading from San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento and beyond, up North to the wine country and pretty much anywhere else as an alternative route too. Carquinez Strait on one side, Suisun Bay on the other. What's in front? A bit of business, a bit of errands, a bit of pleasure... A road pushes all your worries aside, lifts up your spirits, a bridge... gives it a zest! A happy flavoring of sorts, that's what bridges are to me. Your mind drifts off to happy times and your heart is at peace, everything is going to be Okay! Cheerzz! Review #662 posted with 2 pictures on November 18, 2021 #ThankYouThursday2021 On the road *Now show me a man that can meet all his needs For what we need most now is unity's seed: A common old song for all creeds and all classes I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes On Benicia-Martinez Bridge CA Wed 11/10/21 read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - On Benicia-Martinez Bridge CA Wed 11/10/21 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

Had a scare last night 7/10/24 I was in the far left lane going towards Benicia from Martinez and where the asphalt meets the concrete there's a large bump that damaged both my quarter panels and scratched my wheels! This needs to get looked at! read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

Yes, I am a fan of the Benicia-Martinez (BM) Bridge because I have a Fastrak transponder. This bridge has a Fastrak Express side to the toll plaza, where you just slow down a little and fly by the poor people paying cash. In the days before Covid-19, it was common to see miles of traffic on the rightside waiting to pay cash. Otherwise, it's a highrise span with nice views. It can be windy, so prepare for that. Actually wind is a good thing here. That's because there's refineries and chemical plants nearby, and you probably don't want to breathe that air above their stacks. It's fine, most cars are going 55-60 mph. But most important, the Benicia-Martinez Bridge is a Lifeline bridge. It's built to remain functional after a major earthquake.....or "The Big One." It would provide a vital crossing over the Carquinez Strait. Because, you don't want to think about driving all the way around! Oh BTW, there's a path for bikes and walkers. Big plus+ read more

Gorgeous View From The Bridge When Traveling By Rail SITREP The Benicia -Martinez Bridge is that important landmark that connects the Sacramento Valley with the East Bay, and for that I am grateful. THE SETUP While most other reviewers I note are writing about the car-commuter component of this landmark, I will instead choose to focus on the rail-component of this bridge, and WHAT a difference it makes! THE VIEW. When traveling South by rail (Amtrak's "Capitol Corridor" in this instance), you actually get to see Suisun Bay off on your left and the Carquinez Strait on your right: * Magnificent bodies of water, refracting the sun rays, * Sending my mind off on childhood water adventures, * Glimpsing at other nearby historic structures, such as the C & H Factory structures, It all makes for a pleasant journey. THE LOWDOWN Sometimes getting from Point A to Point B as fast as possible is what matters. But other times, it's nice to take the scenic route, "the road less traveled" and see things you normally would not, and for that I am grateful. :) read more

See all

It's a bridge. It allows me to get over water all dry and stuff. When coming home, I have to stay to the right to go towards Davis. read more

There's nothing special about this bridge. It gets you from Benicia to Martinez and vice versa. Like all the bay bridges, this one is Fastrak enabled which makes the toll booth experience a breeze. The toll fee is overpriced in my opinion. With Fastrak and less workers servicing the toll booths, there are no justifications for high fees. Now you are thinking bridge maintenance which is a must, but how often have you seen renovations done at this bridge? It may be appealing for historic or military buffs since you can catch a glimpse of the Mothball Fleet. Also the word is that there are Sturgeons to be caught within the area. If you are a commuter that cross here daily, I can see how you can appreciate this bridge more than others. read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

So this is one of the many toll bridges criss crossing the bay what allows pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as the never ending stream of cars and trucks. Unusually for the bay area it's reasonably fast, safe, and efficient as well. For cars/trucks/vehicles there rarely is the sort of soul destroying jams that make the bay bridge in particular so very...remarkable. Know that the toll is only one way, and is cash only-no cards accepted. The pedestrian crossing points are not particularly well marked and can be terrifying if you have a fear of heights, vertigo, and the fact that semis make the bridge bounce under your feet when they go blasting by. Much better for biking then walking. Offer fantastic views -but don't be fooled this doesn't offer the epic vistas that the golden gate does. Still pretty awesome though. Bonus points awarded for being able to hit all three breweries on one medium bike ride from bencia to downtown martinez. I mean, if you wanted to. read more

Best time to cross during non-rush hour days. And during sunset, or when its a tid bit foggy, adds a little dramatic effect to the beautiful view. Other than that, crossing the bridge can be at times a hassle with people texting and driving that I see left and right. Wished the bridged had a special lane to pull over to the side for this kind of behavior for the people who can't wait till they reach to their destination and text. But then again, that missed one lane has to be sacrifice for it. Bleh! Happy driving. Drive safe! read more

See all

I love taking this bridge. There's almost never any traffic. The fastrak lanes are on the left. The cash lanes are on the right. Make sure you get over to the appropriate lane in time because some people will speed and will not let you over. Also be very careful this bridge is windy at times so you'll have to reduce your speed! When your merging either towards Vallejo or Sacramento please give yourself extra time to merge. This is a speeding zone as well. $5 toll for 2 axles. read more

"Why don't you just meet me in the middle?"- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3mJkSqZbX4 The Benicia-Martinez Bridge is one of the more peaceful routes across the Bay. It doesn't get as much traffic as Richmond/San Rafael, the Bay Bridge, or the iconic Golden Gate. It's well-maintained. One can behold what remains of Benicia's Ghost Fleet, historic downtown Benicia, and see where the Central Valley meets the Bay Area. Scenically and geologically, it's breathtaking. On some days, one can see both Mt. Tam and Mt. Diablo (tho Mt. St. Helena is too far north) If you're in the right spot (location, location, location!!) one can see the Sutter Buttes towering from the Central Valley floor. The tolls are reasonable, and it makes for a safe and scenic drive. The road calls! read more

This bridge is like a beefed up more robust version of the Antioch Bridge. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger to Danny Devito. Yes, the new toll plaza is much better organized. They also fixed the on ramp going back to Martinez between the Benicia split and the Vallejo side split. I'm not so scared about being side swiped by a semi now. If there is a lot of traffic on the way back its kind of hard to maneuver through cars to the right side so I can take the first exit to Martinez. My husband and I have been planning on riding our bikes over it but with the advent of my bulging baby bump, we really have put that off. Unless he rides and I waddle along behind him. Don't expect Weiner Dog to come along, she is to agoraphobic for bridge walking. Views are nice and get a gander at the Moth Ball fleet because the way the environmental people are talking they are going to be gone before you know it. I don't even bother looking at the refinery's. I can see one from my back yard. Yuck! read more

There's no way that this is a 5 Star bridge. For that, I need a little better than a multi-Refinery and Mothball Fleet view. I also don't think that Cal-Trans has totally figured out how to ease out the backups north bound. For me, that sometimes messes up the approach to the Fastrak commute lanes (which ARE pretty sweet) and my exit to Marina Vista on the way to work. They're still working on though. There's still a good deal of construction going on on both ends of the bridge and places in-between. And of course, compared to the old bridge configuration, this is all a significant improvement. This result is also well worth the years of Marina Vista surface street hassles during construction. read more

$5 toll fee Love the views from this bridge and seeing the old ships docked! =) read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

I really don't have a lot to say except that when we went over this bridge, it was very smooth and there was no traffic. I also though the view was beautiful and read the other reviews that you could do some activities around here. Would love to try it again some time! read more

Benicia-Martinez Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Benicia, California

It's perfectly okay if not the most scenic of bridges in the Bay Area. The tolls can tend to get backed up in the cash lanes but if you have EZ Pass, it's all good. The surrounding area is quite industrial but still interesting to look at as you cross over. For me, it's a means to an end for my treks to Napa, Benecia and beyond... Nice and cool over the water, even on the hottest of days. It's a smooth, quick ride and super convenient for those of us living in the Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill area... read more

Since the new addition of a one-way bridge came about, the commute is extremely easier. Get on that Fastrak too, it's so worth it. However even if you don't have it, it will still be quick to get through this area. I believe they're still working on the southbound bridge. The original bridge used to go both ways and now it only goes southbound. From this new bridge, you can see the train tracks on the left side and a oil refinery on your right. It's an industrial beauty. read more

Wide open lanes For the most part I've only crossed this bridge on weekends and traffic moved smoothly each time. This past weekend we were in Milpitas then Atherton and we took this bridge both ways heading to the Bay Area and coming back home to Roseville. No hassle commute. There are two separate bridges for the North and South bounds. The bridge crosses the Carquinez Strait. Toll direction is when you're heading North only and for us it's heading home. There is a separate Yelp check-in for it too [Benicia Martinez Bridge Toll Plaza] LoL! it has wide open lanes for FasTrak users [$5]. It really is convenient using FasTrak instead of having to pay toll manually. You just zip through the express lanes at entry points. The Northbound bridge is parallel to the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge (lift bridge). Also, there is a nice path along the bridge with both pedestrian and bike accessibility on the southbound traffic. Just east of the Benicia Bridge is an old abandoned shipyard (mothball fleet), well, at least at one point it was. Mothballed ships, many from World War II, clustered in the Carquinez Strait and Vietnam-era ships reside in the Suisun Bay. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge is a good alternative if the Bay Bridge is backed up which it always is. It does have some scenic views too. Drive safe California! Review #0804 read more

This is a good bridge. It connects two points over a body of water in this case. I use it on occasion because when I try driving across that particular body of water my truck tends to sink. My truck is not Jesus. So it is a very good bridge. My truck and I really appreciate its ability to get us over water. read more

$6 CASH ONLY toll with absolutely no indication of what the fee amount is when approaching the toll booths. You either have the cash or you're sent a $30 bill in the Mail. It's 2019. TAKE. CREDIT. CARDS. Unbelievably archaic. read more

I mean, I've yet to have my car randomly plunge into the straight, so high marks for that. Not the most pleasing to the eye as far as urban structures go, so I guess it loses a star for that? Idk it's a bridge, what are you going to do, pull and Oregon Trail and lose half your family and a ox trying to ford your way across the bay? read more

Out of all the three bridges where I'm a frequent flyer, I'd have to say that this is my fav! I've been fortunate enough to not have experienced any major delays on both directions. I just love flying through the wide northbound high-speed FasTrak lanes. Don't Yelp and Drive y'all! Dang did you see how fast that guy was going? Shhh... read more

It's a bridge. We use it because we are forced to. By water. It's $6 to cross. Which royally sucks. Thanks to the voters in California that NEVER use bridges for passing that increase; and the 5 previous increases. You suck big donkey nads. Why are there toll takers on ANY bridge??? Grow TF up and be like the big daddy Golden Gate. No toll takers, just a bill in the mail once a month. If you're going to keep archaic crap standards you could at least open up a few more than 1 or 2 lanes. I have fastrak but I feel the pain of the fools who don't have it. Modernize and damnit STOP voting increases, why do you even get to vote on this if you NEVER use my bridge??? Jerk. read more

this new Benicia-Martinez bridge is fascinating. like driving on a cloud of air. nice view.of the skies, not the water below. driving on the old bridge, one could see hundreds of decommissioned ships in the "mothball" fleet. in the bay. no more. think all the ships are gone now. fastrack is really cool here. just zip on by. read more

Be careful of the bridges around here. Unlike most other tolls around the country, these don't accept card payments - cash only! They'll also charge you an additional $25 if you don't know to carry cash via a "toll evasion" fee you'll get in the mail. Furthermore, carpool options are for club members only, so all-in-all, it is designed to extract a "pound of flesh" from unwary out-of-towners. read more

The new bridge is amazingly speedy. And I love seeing the mothball fleet on one side and the refinery lights on the other, esp at night. Don't get a fastrak bc I don't want that shit getting crowded. read more

This isn't the coolest bridge, or the longest bridge, or anything special sort of bridge. Its a bridge that get me safely and quickly over water. Very average. What this bridge has that are better than other toll bridges is the lack of toll booths that usually make people slow down when going through the tighter area, even with a fastpass. I have a fast pass, and its great! I can go through the toll area without slowing down. I have yet to go on this bridge during normal commuting times, so i'm not sure it if makes a difference. read more

KA-CHOW. I am speed. Northbound Benicia-Martinez Bridge + FasTrak = Happy Driving Just for a moment ignore the fact that the new (since August) northbound span of the bridge came way late, way over budget, created environmental chaos and involved constructing new toll booths not once, but twice. Because this bridge has TWO, TWO, TWO, I TELL YOU lanes of not just plain old FasTrak...but FasTrak EXPRESS. You don't even have to slow down! And I have yet to see those two lanes backed up. Or even remotely slow. Ever. No FasTrak? Buh. Bye. read more

Always a smooth ride on this bridge. I like how the toll plaza is right there before you cross. Who likes being stuck in traffic on a bridge?? I know I don't. It's nice not having to worry about that on this bridge. For those of you who have Fastrak, there are two Fastrak Express lanes, which means you hardly have to slow down for your Fastrak to register, and this makes it that much quicker to cross the bridge. On the actual bridge there are 5 lanes, with the eventual split of the 2 left lanes going towards Vallejo and the 3 right lanes going towards Fairfield. A word of caution: it tends to get very windy on this bridge, so make sure you heed the advisory to slow down when it is windy. Other than having to pay $5 bridge toll every time I cross, there's not really anything bad to say. Being able to cross this bridge as opposed to others makes my commute suck that much less. read more

I only write this review because I love the view as I cross over this bridge heading in/out of the bay area and for this kind of marks the half way point getting home...no matter what kind of day or morning you are having it's great to look out of over the ocean and creation and just a great reminder of everything is fine and why worry. read more

This is the southbound direction of Benicia Martinez Bridge. It has connected Contra Costa and Solano Counties since 1962. The newer northbound span was completed in 2007. Before the northbound span was built, the southbound and northbound were on same span. The current toll of $5 is collected prior to going over the bridge in the northbound direction. So, the southbound direction is free. There is a lot of room in either direction on the bridge that is over the Carquinez Straight, which connects the Sacramento River Delta to the larger S.F. Bay. They have a walk and bike ride bridge on the southern span. I haven't been on it yet, but it would be fun to walk out there one of these days and see the nice view. read more

5 star why? Because the attendant was a Saints fan! WHO DAT!!! Easy drive through and broke $100 with a smile and a "who dat" when he saw my gear and licence plate with New Orleans Saints. I also like the new span of bridge and looking at the ships. Always takes me back to being a little kid and my amazement of ships that size. read more