DID YOU KNOW THE WINDSOR-DETROIT BORDER IS THE BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL CROSSING IN NORTH AMERICA?
Typically more than 40,000 commuters, tourists and truck drivers carrying $323 million worth of goods cross the Windsor-Detroit border each day.
Border Crossings
Toll (passenger vehicle):
- $6.75 CDN (Windsor to Detroit)/$6.50 USD (Detroit to Windsor)
- $5.40 CDN or $4.20 USD (Windsor to Detroit)/$6 CDN or $5 USD (Detroit to Windsor) when using NEXPRESS®
- $5 CDN or $4 USD when using NEXPRESS® Passenger EV *Please see website for further details
- $5 USD (Windsor to Detroit)/$5.40 USD (Detroit to Windsor) when using DWT Mobile App *Purchases are in round trip
Note: The Tunnel is fully cashless accepting NEXPRESS® Toll Cards, Debit and Credit Cards.
For detailed information regarding toll rates, please visit takethetunnel.com
Toll (passenger vehicle):
- $9 USD (Detroit to Windsor) / $12 CAD (Windsor to Detroit)
- $6.25 USD when using Ambassador Bridge Premier Commuter Card
For detailed information regarding toll rates, please visit www.ambassadorbridge.com
Crossing into Canada, the Ambassador Bridge is your most direct link to Highway 3, Highway 401, E.C. Row Expressway
Crossing into the U.S., the Ambassador Bridge is a direct link to many major arteries/destinations, including I-96, I-94, I-75 (easy access to Southbound I-75), Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Duty Free Shopping
Shopping “duty free” means no GST, no federal tax, no manufacturing tax, no excise tax and no provincial tax. It all adds up to huge savings for you!
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is currently under construction and is scheduled to open to traffic once construction is complete. The new bridge will provide a new crossing option in the Windsor-Detroit gateway – the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the US – and will be a direct link from Highway ON 401 to Interstate I75.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be owned by the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan. With a clear span of 853 metres / 0.53 miles it has the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, and the fifth longest in the world. It will have six-lanes: three Canadian-bound, three US-bound and a toll-free, dedicated multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
More information can be found at www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com.
LINQ TUNNEL BUS
Locally owned and operated, our Linq Tunnel Bus service provides a seamless connection between Windsor and Detroit. Whether you’re commuting for work, heading to an event, or just exploring the city, we offer a fast, reliable, and affordable transportation option through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel. Say goodbye to parking hassles, travel comfortably and efficiently with a service designed to meet the needs of both residents and visitors on both sides of the border.
Tue Linq Tunnel Bus operates with departures hourly 6am through 11pm from Bruce Avenue and Riverside Drive, with the last return bus to Windsor departing from the Tunnel Plaza at Mariner Church at 11:40pm.
Toll (per passenger):
- $15.00 per person, one way
- Payment method: Cashless (debit or credit card)
- Seating: First-come, first-served
For more details visit thelinqtunnelbus.com.
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Please note that the Tunnel Bus operated by Transit Windsor is no longer in service as of August 31st, 2025.
Transit Windsor does offer service for select downtown Detroit sporting events and concerts. For more details or to book your tickets in advance please click here.
RIDE SHARE SERVICE
Ride share services like Uber and Lyft are able to operate through international border crossings, if available when using the apps. Please make sure you have proper documentation prior to securing your ride.
Passport Information
A valid passport (or other supporting documentation) is needed to cross the border between Canada and the United States.
All persons, including U.S. citizens, travelling between the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport, or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.Recent legislative changes have introduced new documentation (alternative to a passport) that are accepted at land or sea border crossings from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. These include a Passport Card and/or an Enhanced Driver’s License, issued by the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, Washington state, Vermont and New York. For further information on all of these documents under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, please visit cbp.gov for more information.
If you have additional questions, please call 313-393-3793 ext 0 for U.S. Customs or call 519-257-6473 for Canadian Customs.
NEXUS Program
NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are cooperating in this joint venture to simplify border crossings for members, while enhancing security.
To become a member in this program, you must:
- submit an application and go through a registration process;
- satisfy the eligibility criteria;
- be admissible in Canada and the United States; and
- pass risk assessments by both countries.
Taxes
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to most purchases of taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario. The HST consists of a 5% federal portion and an 8% retail sales tax portion.
As of October 1, 2018, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, as well as other short-term accommodations in the City of Windsor purchased through companies like Airbnb and VRBO will collect a 6% tax on behalf of the municipality subject to HST. Click here for more details.
TRAVELLING WITH PETS
It’s easy to travel with your pets to and from Windsor Essex, but there are some important steps you need to take while entering and exciting Canada.
ENTERING CANADA
If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import an animal to Canada, you will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada’s import requirements. If you don’t, you risk experiencing delays at the border and your animal may not be allowed into Canada.
For the details from the Government of Canada please click here.
LEAVING CANADA
Click the link below to determine what rules apply to your dog based on the dates of travel and where your dog is traveling from.
For more details from the Center for Disease Control (US) please click here.
Cannabis and International Travel
In April 2017, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis. On June 21, 2018, the Cannabis Act received Royal Assent. This marks an important step in the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis in Canada. For more information, visit Health Canada’s Cannabis page.
Entering Canada
Under the Cannabis Act, the legalization of cannabis in Canada does not change Canada’s border rules. Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis into Canada will remain illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad.
This will be the case even if you are travelling from places that have legalized or decriminalized cannabis. Transporting cannabis used for medical purposes will also remain illegal.
Travellers entering Canada can contribute to a smooth border crossing by understanding and complying with their obligations at the Canadian border.
It is illegal to bring cannabis into Canada. If you do have cannabis or products containing cannabis with you when you enter Canada, you must declare them to the Canada Border Services Agency. If you do not declare cannabis products when you enter Canada, you can face enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.
Taking cannabis across the border is and will remain illegal.
Leaving Canada
Under the Cannabis Act, the legalization of cannabis in Canada does not change Canada’s border rules. Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis across Canada’s international borders will remain illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad.
This will be the case even if you are travelling to places that have legalized or decriminalized cannabis. Transporting cannabis used for medical purposes will also remain illegal.
Cannabis is illegal in most countries. Previous use of cannabis, or any other substance prohibited by local law, could result in a traveler being denied entry to their destination country.
Each country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. Involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada could also result in your being denied entry.
Travelers are responsible for learning about the laws of the countries they intend to visit. See our Travel Advice and Advisories for information on your destination.
Travelers to the United States
Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border.
Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. Involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada could also result in your being denied entry.
Even after cannabis is legalized in Canada, do not attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are travelling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.
Please click here for a 45 second video on “Cannabis and the Border”.
Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.
If you are entering Canada from another country, remember: if you have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could also lead to arrest and prosecution.
If you are leaving Canada, remember: you may not take cannabis out of the country either. You may be subject to criminal charges if you attempt to travel to other countries with any amount of cannabis in your possession.
Detroit Metro Airport
Detroit Metro Airport is conveniently located just 37km from downtown Windsor, offering connectivity to all major U.S. airlines. Click metroairport.com for more details.
Several shuttle bus options are available to get to and from Detroit Metro Airport including:
CANADIAN BASED PROVIDERS
US BASED PROVIDERS
- Metro Cars
- Detroit Airport Xpress + Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus Service
With dozens of marinas along our 100 mile coast line, we are a great destination for day and over night boating trips. Be prepared before you set sail! Boating Requirements By Ferry (via Pelee Island, ON)
Boat Crossing
