Gordie Howe Bridge Opens With Lowest Tolls For Michiganders

If you've ever crossed into Canada and thought, "Ten bucks just to get over there?" you're definitely not alone. Starting today, there's finally a cheaper option.

The Wait for the Gordie Howe International Bridge is Finally Over

The Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened at noon Monday, giving drivers a brand-new way to travel between Detroit and Windsor. The nearly $5 billion project has been under construction for eight years and becomes the third international crossing linking southeast Michigan with Ontario.

The bridge is impressive for more than just its size. It features the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, making it an engineering landmark. But for most drivers, the biggest headline is the price.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive Across The New Gordie Howe Bridge?

A standard passenger vehicle costs $5.75 to cross the Gordie Howe Bridge. Drivers who enroll in the Breakaway toll program can lower that price to just $4.35 per trip.

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That undercuts the other two Detroit-Windsor crossings by a noticeable margin. The Ambassador Bridge currently charges $10 for most passenger vehicles, while the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel costs $9.

Commercial trucks and oversized vehicles are charged by the axle, but the new bridge is expected to become an attractive option for both commuters and commercial traffic because of its competitive pricing and modern design.

Another feature arriving soon is the bridge's dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path. That portion opens August 5 and will be free to use. Anyone walking or biking across the border will still need proper travel documents to enter Canada and return to the United States.

More Options to Get to Canada From Detroit

The opening also gives travelers another choice during busy weekends, holiday traffic, and construction delays that can impact the Ambassador Bridge or the tunnel.

Whether you're heading over for a concert, a sporting event, shopping, or just taking a day trip to Windsor, the Gordie Howe International Bridge now offers the most affordable way to drive between Michigan and Canada.

How Much Does It Cost to Cross Into Canada?

Here's how passenger vehicle tolls compare:

Gordie Howe International Bridge: $5.75 ($4.35 with Breakaway)
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel: $9
Ambassador Bridge: $10

For frequent travelers, those savings could add up quickly over the course of a year.

Why the Gordie Howe Bridge Matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to improve traffic flow between the United States and Canada while creating additional capacity for both passenger vehicles and commercial freight, according to MLive.

With lower tolls and a modern customs plaza on both sides of the border, officials hope the crossing will ease congestion at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

When Does the Walking and Bike Path Open?

The bridge's multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path opens August 5 at 8 a.m. Crossing on foot or by bicycle is free, although travelers must still carry the required documents for international travel.