Gordie Howe International Bridge Tolls Announced, Cheaper Than Ambassador Bridge and Tunnel

New Detroit-Windsor bridge to offer discounted rates for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has announced the toll prices for the soon-to-open Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario. Passenger vehicle tolls will start at $5.75, while larger commercial and hazardous trucks will pay $8.75 per axle. The new bridge will be the cheapest option for crossing the Detroit River, undercutting the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been a decades-long effort between Michigan, the United States, and Canada to provide a new, more affordable crossing option between the two countries. This announcement of lower toll rates is expected to attract more travelers and commercial traffic, boosting economic activity on both sides of the border.

The details

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced that passenger vehicles will pay a flat rate of $5.75 to cross the Gordie Howe International Bridge, while larger commercial and hazardous trucks will pay $8.75 per axle. Discounts of up to 25% will be available through the new 'Breakaway' electronic payment program. In comparison, the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge currently charges $10 for passenger vehicles and up to $44 for commercial trucks, while the Detroit-Windsor tunnel ranges from $9 to $44 depending on vehicle size.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge is slated to open 'this spring'.
  • The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has begun testing traffic management systems, toll systems, border inspection procedures, lighting and communications networks in preparation for the opening.

The players

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

The binational agency responsible for the construction and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Chuck Andary

Interim chief executive officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.

David Henderson

Chief executive officer of Bridging North America, the construction consortium building the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Ambassador Bridge

The privately-owned bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario.

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

The underwater tunnel connecting Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario.

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What they’re saying

“We've established a customer-focused toll program that helps travelers and businesses move goods, grow businesses, and cross the border toward their destination with flexibility and convenience.”

— Chuck Andary, Interim chief executive officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (bridgemi.com)

“Just as crews are fine-tuning every detail of the project, we're ensuring a smooth start for all travelers and delivering on our commitment of a modern and efficient border crossing.”

— David Henderson, Chief executive officer, Bridging North America (bridgemi.com)

What’s next

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has said it will make personal user accounts for the 'Breakaway' electronic toll program available in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The lower toll rates for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, along with the new electronic payment program, are expected to attract more travelers and commercial traffic between Detroit and Windsor, boosting economic activity on both sides of the border. This new crossing option provides an affordable and efficient alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.