Crossing the Windsor–Detroit border for the first time
Crossing between Windsor and Detroit takes a few minutes once you’re at the booth. Here’s what happens, start to finish.
Wait times right now
Official figures as of 2:03 AM ET. They refresh every few minutes on the live page, which also has driver reports.
Step by step
- Pick your crossing. Check the times above. The Tunnel is downtown to downtown, the Gordie Howe Bridge connects to I-75 and Highway 401, and the Ambassador Bridge is in between.
- Have your ID ready for everyone in the car: a passport, NEXUS card, passport card or enhanced licence. See what ID you need.
- Pay the toll by card, transponder or app. Prices are on our toll comparison.
- At the booth: phone down, sunglasses off, windows down. Hand over all IDs together.
- Answer the questions and declare everything you bought or are bringing. If you’re sent to secondary inspection, it’s routine; follow the officer’s directions.
Money, phone and gas
- Money: cards work almost everywhere. Watch for foreign transaction fees.
- Phone: check your plan before you go; roaming charges can apply on the other side.
- Gas: Ontario sells by the litre in CAD, Michigan by the gallon in USD (1 gallon is about 3.785 litres).
- Speed: Ontario signs are in km/h; Michigan’s are in mph.
Coming home with shopping? Read the duty-free limits first. Visiting from the U.S.? See visiting Windsor from Detroit.
Common questions
What questions does the border officer ask?
Usually: where you live, where you are going, why, how long you will be away, and whether you have anything to declare. Answer plainly; they may ask more.
Can I use my phone at the border booth?
No. Put your phone down and take off sunglasses before you reach the booth. Many drivers also turn off the radio.
Do I need to exchange money for a day trip?
Usually not. Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere on both sides. Check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee.
Is gas cheaper in Detroit or Windsor?
It changes, but compare carefully: Ontario prices are per litre in Canadian dollars and Michigan prices are per gallon in U.S. dollars. One U.S. gallon is about 3.785 litres.