Windsor to Detroit in 2026: Gordie Howe Bridge vs Ambassador Bridge vs the Tunnel

For almost a century, Windsorites had two ways to drive to Detroit: over the Ambassador Bridge or under the river through the tunnel. Choosing between them was a local sport, involving traffic apps, gut feelings and a cousin who "knows a guy at the border".

Since July 27, 2026, there's a third option: the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Here's how the three crossings compare, and how to pick the right one for your trip.

The three crossings at a glance

Gordie Howe International Bridge

• Opened: July 27, 2026
• Car toll: $8 CAD or US$5.75. With the Breakaway discount program, $6 CAD or US$4.35.
• Connects: Highway 401 and the Ojibway Parkway in Windsor's west end to I-75 in Detroit's Delray area
• Best for: trips from the 401 or anywhere in Essex County, and anywhere in Michigan off I-75
• Bonus: a free walking and cycling path

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

• Opened: 1930
• Car toll: about US$9 after a 2026 increase
• Connects: downtown Windsor to downtown Detroit
• Best for: games, concerts and dinners in downtown Detroit

Ambassador Bridge

• Opened: 1929
• Car toll: about US$10 after a 2026 increase
• Connects: Huron Church Road near the University of Windsor to Detroit's southwest side, near I-75 and I-96
• Best for: trips from Windsor's west end, and heading to Corktown or Mexicantown

Tolls can differ by direction and payment method, and the private crossings change their prices from time to time, so check before you go.

Which crossing should you take?

• Coming from the 401, Tecumseh, LaSalle or the county? Take the Gordie Howe. It connects straight to the highway, so there are no city streets or traffic lights before the border.
• Going to a Red Wings, Pistons or Tigers game, or a concert downtown? Take the tunnel. You come out right downtown, minutes from the arenas.
• Starting near the university or Sandwich? The Ambassador Bridge is closest, though the Gordie Howe isn't far either.
• Watching your budget? The Gordie Howe is less than half the price of the other two for a car, and cheaper again with Breakaway.
• In a hurry? Check live wait times first. Traffic has shifted a lot since the new bridge opened. In August 2026, the Ambassador Bridge and tunnel together saw over 35% fewer trips into Canada than a year earlier, while the Gordie Howe handled more than 270,000 crossings in its first full month.

Walking or cycling across

The Gordie Howe is the only Windsor-Detroit crossing you can walk or bike. Its multi-use path opened on August 5, 2026, and is free.

• Winter hours (November 1 to March 31): 8 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. In summer it's open 8 am to 8 pm, with last entry at 7 pm.
• Length: about 1.8 miles (2.9 km). Allow around 20 minutes by bike or 45 minutes on foot, plus time for customs.
• Parking: there's no parking at the bridge. Use the Malden Park trailhead in Windsor or Clark Park in Detroit.
• Rules: bring your border ID, keep bikes under 20 km/h, and give pedestrians the right of way. E-bikes weren't allowed in the first weeks after opening, so check the current rules.

Yes, you can now walk to America. Your grandparents would be amazed. Your feet, after the 5% incline, less so.

What ID do you need?

• Canadian citizens going to the US: a valid passport or NEXUS card. A birth certificate and driver's licence are not enough.
• US citizens coming to Canada: a passport, passport card or NEXUS card.
• Permanent residents and other visitors: your passport plus your PR card, green card or visa as required. Check both countries' rules before you travel.
• Children: bring their passport or birth certificate. If only one parent is travelling, carry a signed consent letter from the other parent.

Border rules that catch people out

• Never take cannabis across the border, in either direction, even if it's legal where you bought it and even with a medical prescription. It's illegal and can get you banned from the US.
• Declare everything. Food, alcohol, tobacco and anything you bought. Some fruits, vegetables and meats aren't allowed into either country.
• Know your duty-free limits. Coming home to Canada after less than 24 hours, there's no personal exemption, so you may owe duty and taxes. After 24 hours it's $200 per person, and after 48 hours it's $800.
• Report cash over $10,000 at either border.
• Be polite and brief. Officers ask simple questions. Answer them simply. Now is not the time for your stand-up set.

Tips for a smoother crossing

• Get NEXUS if you cross often. It gets you into faster lanes at the border.
• Sign up for Breakaway if you'll use the Gordie Howe regularly. It saves up to 25% and lets you go through toll lanes without stopping.
• Check wait times on the CBSA and US Customs and Border Protection websites before you leave.
• Avoid rush hour and big event nights, when downtown Detroit and the tunnel get busy.
• Have your ID ready before you reach the booth, and take off your sunglasses.

For more on the new bridge itself, see our Gordie Howe Bridge guide.