Whirlpool Rapids Bridge Border Crossing

Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge border crossing is an international two-hinged arch bridge that links the commercial districts of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. This crossing is for NEXUS card members only. Commercial vehicles and pedestrians are not allowed.

The bridge was built in 1897; it is the oldest bridge spanning the Niagara River and Gorge that is still used today. There are two decks – the upper deck that carries railway traffic (passenger trains only) and the lower deck that carries passenger vehicles.

Travelers crossing this bridge are charged a toll which is collected on the US end of the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge. Payment is made via the traveler’s Nexus/Toll account balance or E-ZPass account. Cash and tokens are not accepted. The current toll rates can be found here.

Hours of Operations & Wait Times in Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge border crossing is open to passenger vehicles daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Delays are unusual at this port. It is typical for travelers to cross the bridge without stopping.

Travelers who want to get current updates on border wait times can visit the CBP and CBSA websites. The CBP Border Wait Times app (Google Play or iTunes) and the CanBorder app can also provide current wait times to those on the road.

Weather, Traffic & Road Conditions

Traffic is typically light at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge border crossing since only NEXUS card members are allowed to cross. Travelers can check traffic conditions at the bridge provided by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission here. The state of New York also provides travelers with updates on road incidents, roadway conditions, weather, and travel speed on their highways through their 511 Traveler Information System. To get these reports, travelers can call 511 or 888-465-1169 (calls from outside the NY state), download the 511NY app (iTunes, Google Play), or visit the 511NY website.

Ontario has a similar program that releases reports on traffic and road conditions in the province. To get information on weather-related traffic, road closures, incidents, and construction projects, travelers can call 511 (or 1-866-929-4257 for calls outside the province). Two other options for getting travel information are following the Twitter account @511Ontario and visiting the MTO Ontario 511 website.

Contact & Directions for Your Trip

Travelers can use the phone numbers listed below to get in touch with the US or Canadian customs officials at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge border crossing. Those who are planning to travel to Niagara Falls via the bridge can use the map and directions below.

Find Directions to the Border Crossing on the Map

How to Get to the Border?

From the US, head north on I-190 to Niagara Falls, New York. Take exit 23 and continue on Porter Road to Ontario Avenue and Whirlpool Street until you reach Bridge Avenue where the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is located. From Ontario, head south on Queen Elizabeth Way to Niagara Veterans Memorial Highway. Continue to Falls Avenue/Regional Road 420 and to Bridge Street to reach the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.

Address & Phone Numbers

U.S.A

U.S.: 2250 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA
US Customs: 716-282-4663

Canada

Canada: 4422 River Road, Niagara Falls ON L2E 3M5
Canadian Customs: 800-461-9999 / 204-983-3500 (calls from outside Canada)

Things to Know About the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge Border Crossing:

Travelers who want to learn more about the NEXUS program can call 1-866-NEXUS26 (1-866-639-8726).
Pedestrians, bicycles, and commercial vehicles are not allowed on the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.
To use this crossing, all individuals in the vehicle MUST possess a NEXUS card.
Travelers who want to learn more about the attractions and activities in Niagara Falls, Ontario can visit here. Those who want to visit Niagara Falls, New York can learn more about it here.