Peace Bridge Border Crossing

Peace Bridge border crossing 

Peace Bridge border crossing

The Peace Bridge border crossing is an international bridge that connects downtown Buffalo, New York with Fort Erie, Ontario across the Niagara River. It is one of four international bridges in the Niagara Falls region. The Peace Bridge carries more than 5 million vehicles each year. There are three lanes on this bridge; the center lane is reversible and serves the direction of the traffic which is at peak volume.

Passenger and commercial vehicles crossing the Peace Bridge are charged a toll, paid one way into Canada. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Peace Bridge toll-free. Current toll rates for the Peace Bridge can be found here. Travelers can use their E-ZPass to pay the toll fee.

 

Hours of Operations & Wait Times in Peace Bridge

The Peace Bridge border crossing is open 24/7 to all vehicles in both directions. It is one of the busiest ports between US and Canada. NEXUS lanes are available on this bridge. Into Canada, the NEXUS lane is open 24/7. A second NEXUS lane will be open from Monday to Friday from 3 am to 6 am. It will reopen at 9 am when there is a Buffalo Sabres home game. Into the US, the NEXUS lane has seasonal hours of operation. From June 7 to Labour Day Monday to Friday, the NEXUS lane is open from 5 am to 11 pm. On weekends and holidays, the lane is open from 6 am to 11 pm.

During peak hours and holidays, wait times can reach up to 4 hours. Travelers who want to get current updates on border wait times can visit the CBP and CBSA websites. To monitor changes in wait times while on the road, travelers can download the CBP Border Wait Times app on Google Play or iTunes or the CanBorder app. Current wait times on all Buffalo – Niagara Region international crossings can also be obtained by calling 1-800-715-6722.

 

Weather, Traffic & Road Conditions

Traffic can get heavy at the Peace Bridge border crossing, particularly during peak hours. This is because the Peace Bridge is only one of two border crossings in the Niagara Falls region that allows heavy loads with connections to major arterials. More than 1 million trucks cross this bridge each year. In 2016, an average of 14,595 vehicles use the bridge every day. To find out the state of traffic on the bridge, travelers can check the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority’s traffic cameras here, follow the Twitter account @PeaceBridgeAuth for updates, or check the current border travel times here.

Visitors to the state of New York can also use the 511 Traveler Information System to get updates on road incidents, roadway conditions, weather, and travel speed. You can access all this information by dialing 511 or 888-465-1169 (calls from outside the NY state), downloading the 511NY app (iTunes, Google Play), or visiting the 511NY website.

Ontario also has a Traveller Information Services program that provides updates on road closures, winter road conditions, and construction projects. Travelers can call 511 (or 1-866-929-4257 for calls outside the province), follow the Twitter account @511Ontario, or visit the MTO Ontario 511 website to access the information.

 

Contact & Directions for Your Trip

Travelers who want to get more information about the Peace Bridge border crossing can get in touch with the customs officials at this location using the numbers listed below. To drive to this bridge, travelers can use the map and directions as their guide.

Find Directions to the Border Crossing on the Map

How to Get to the Border?
From Ontario, head southeast on Queen Elizabeth Way until you reach the beginning of Peace Bridge. From the US, head slightly northwest on Interstate 190 from I-90 in Buffalo, New York then take exit 9 (with a sign that says “Ft Erie Can”) to get to the Peace Bridge.

Address & Phone Numbers

U.S.A
  • U.S.: 1 Peace Bridge Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14213
  • US Customs: (716) 881-4447
Canada
  • Canada: 2 Peace Bridge Plaza, Fort Erie ON L2A 0A7
  • Canadian Customs: ‎(905) 994-6330
 

Things to Know About the Peace Bridge Border Crossing:

  • Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Peace Bridge to cross the US-Canada border. Just like any other border crossing, these travelers are also required to bring proper documentation. Entering the US, the lane processing pedestrians and cyclists is located on the left side of the truck inspection area. Entering Canada, the lane processing these travelers are on the right side of the car inspection area.
  • For their safety, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles when crossing the bridge.
  • The Peace Bridge was opened to the public on June 1, 1927. Because of this bridge, Buffalo and Fort Erie became the primary port of entry between the US and Canada. Today, the Peace Bridge is still considered one of the most important commercial ports between US and Canada.
  • There are two duty free shops located on both sides of the border. The Peace Bridge Duty Free is located at 1 Peace Bridge Plaza in Fort Erie and is open 24/7. Travelers can avail of a full service Tim Horton’s and McDonald’s at this location as well as a large food court. The Buffalo Duty Free Americas is also located at 1 Peace Bridge Plaza and open 24/7.
 

Links of Interest