Crossing Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge Will Soon Cost You More Money

Although it's not a huge increase, the cost of driving across the Mackinac Bridge will increase beginning in 2025.

How Much Does it Cost to Cross the Mackinac Bridge?

It currently costs $2.00 per axle ($4.00 per car) to cross the Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. This typical $4.00 charge includes passenger cars, motorcycles, passenger vans, station wagons, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and school buses.

All other vehicles pay $5.00 to cross the 'Big Mac Bridge' according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority's website.

What Are the New Charges Associated With Crossing the Mackinac Bridge?

Beginning in 2025, the Mackinac Bridge Authority is imposing an additional fee for drivers who pay their tolls with a credit card.

There will be no toll increases, but the Mackinac Bridge Authority will begin charging drivers a 2.3% convenience fee in order to offset processing fees charged by credit card companies, according to WILX-TV.

This new convenience fee will result in a $0.09 charge for typical passenger vehicles and a fee of $0.12 for other vehicles.

Why is The Mackinac Bridge Authority Imposing This New Charge?

The Mackinac Bridge Authority cited the increasing transaction fees imposed by credit card companies as the reason for the increase. The MBA tells Mlive that processing fees totaled more than $341,000 in 2024.

Customers who pay with cash will not see any increased fees.

Fun Facts About the Mackinac Bridge

About five million vehicles cross the Mighty Mac Bridge each year. The cost of building the five-mile structure was more than $99 million. The bridge first opened to traffic on November 1, 1957.

The fee to cross the bridge was $3.25 per vehicle when it opened in 1957.