Detroit – Windsor Tunnel Border Crossing

Detroit - Windsor Tunnel border crossing 

Detroit - Windsor Tunnel border crossing

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States, second only to Ambassador Bridge. It is considered as one of the fastest connections between U.S. and Canada; this Detroit border crossing links the US Interstates with the Highway 401 in Ontario. All travelers are required to pay a toll and submit to customs inspections. The Windsor Border Crossing has weight restrictions, so traffic consists mostly of cars (95%) and small commercial vehicles (5%). Several lanes are self-service (automated), and the availability is subject to change. Read the signs before choosing your lane.

 

Hours of Operations & Wait Times in Detroit Windsor Tunnel

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel operates 24/7 for passenger vehicles. Commercial services, on the other hand, are limited to certain hours. The Canadian Border office only services commercial vehicles from 9 am to 5 pm. Similarly, their NEXUS lanes have different operating hours. Going into Canada, M-F is 7 am to midnight while weekends and holidays are 11 am to 7 pm. Going into the U.S., M-F is 5 am to 8 pm while weekends and holidays are 11 am to 7 pm. To learn about the current and forecasted wait times, you can check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the US Customs and Border Protection.

 

Weather, Traffic & Road Conditions

As the second busiest border crossing, expect to experience delays. For real-time traffic conditions along with live footage of the tunnel on both sides of the border as well as lane availability, please visit here. Check current weather conditions in Windsor here and Detroit here.

 

Contact & Directions for Your Trip

You can easily get in touch with the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel through the company, Detroit Windsor Tunnel, LLC, or through the Customs or Immigration offices of either the US or Canada. Please view the information for the specific contact information.

Find Directions to the Border Crossing on the Map

How to Get to the Border?
The US portal is near Downtown Detroit, around a few hundred feet away along Michigan Highway 10. The Canadian portal, on the other hand, is located at the center of the business district in Windsor, along Goyeau Street.

Address & Phone Numbers

U.S.A
  • U.S.: 100 Jefferson Ave E, Detroit, MI 48226
  • US Customs: 313-393-3793 ext. 0
Canada
  • Canada: 555 Goyeau St, Windsor, ON N9A 1H1
  • Canadian Customs: 519-257-6473
  • Detroit Windsor Tunnel LLC: 313-567-4422 ext. 200 or 519-258-7424 ext. 200
 

Things to Know Before the Detroit – Windsor Tunnel Border Crossing

  • It is the world’s only underwater tunnel for vehicles that cross international borders. As such, it is recognized as one of the greatest engineering wonders of the world.
  • It is around 1 mile long.
  • Large trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles are strictly prohibited..
  • Due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you’ll need to present at least one secure document in order to enter the U.S. It can be a valid passport and visa, U.S. passport card, Alien Card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). Learn more about the requirements of the WHTI here.
  • To make sure that your crossing is as smooth and as fast as possible, have the required documents ready before you get to the toll.
  • You can download the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel app from the Apple or Android store and pay the toll fee through your smartphone before you get to the booth. You just need to present the barcode at the gate before zipping on through.
  • Become a NEXPRESS TOLL card holder or Windshield tag owner to get through any lane; no need for cash, credit card, or an attendant to help you.
  • Tokens are no longer accepted. The current toll rates for going through the Windsor Border Crossing via this tunnel can be found here.
  • Avoid the hassle of driving through traffic with low-cost transportation. Ride the Tunnel Bus and get to see some of the sights in Detroit and Windsor.
 

Links of Interest