Michigan Toll Roads Complete Guide: Bridges, Tunnels & Payment 2025
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Michigan Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Bridge/Tunnel specific transponders + Cash payment
Coverage: 5 major bridges and 1 tunnel (no toll roads)
Currency: US/Canadian Dollar (USD/CAD)
Technology: MacPass, NexPass, Nexus, IQ Prox cards
Operators: Michigan Bridge Authorities, Private operators
Do I Need a Transponder for Michigan? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a transponder to use Michigan toll facilities - but you'll save money and time with one. Michigan has no toll roads, only 5 bridges and 1 tunnel with individual payment systems.
Key Reality: Each facility has its own transponder system. MacPass works only on Mackinac Bridge, NexPass on border crossings, and cash is accepted everywhere. Michigan does NOT accept E-ZPass on any facility.
2025 Update: Mackinac Bridge added 2.3% credit card convenience fees starting January 1, 2025. Blue Water Bridge implemented $1 toll increases in December 2024 with another $1 increase planned for December 2025.
Michigan Toll Costs: Current Rates
Michigan operates toll bridges and tunnels connecting the state's peninsulas and international borders, with costs varying by facility and vehicle type.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | Passenger Cars | Commercial Vehicles | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackinac Bridge | $4.00 ($2.00/axle) | $5.00/axle | MacPass, Cash, Credit (+2.3% fee) |
| Blue Water Bridge | $4.00 (USD to CAN) | $17.00 (4-axle) | EdgePass, Cash (USD/CAD) |
| Sault Ste. Marie Bridge | $4.00 USD / $5.00 CAD | $2.00 extra per axle | IQ Prox card, Cash |
| Ambassador Bridge | $5.00 (US to CAN) / $6.25 CAD (CAN to US) | Weight-based pricing | NexPass, Cash, Premier Pass |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | $8.25 USD / $7.25 CAD (2025) | $16.00 (4-axle) | NexPress, Cash |
| Grosse Ile Toll Bridge | $4.00 (Bridge Pass) / $7.00 (Credit) | Up to $32.00 (4-axle) | Bridge Pass, Cash, Credit |
Where You Pay Tolls in Michigan (2025)
Intrastate Crossings: Mackinac Bridge (Upper/Lower Peninsula), Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (Detroit area)
International Crossings: Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, Sault Ste. Marie Bridge
Toll-Free: All highways, interstates, and other bridges throughout Michigan
How to Pay Michigan Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods for Michigan bridges and tunnels:
1. Facility-Specific Transponders:
- MacPass: Mackinac Bridge only, $40 minimum deposit (reduced from $80)
- NexPass/EdgePass: Border crossings with Canada
- IQ Prox card: Sault Ste. Marie Bridge with volume discounts
- Bridge Pass: Grosse Ile Toll Bridge residents
2. Cash Payment:
- Accepted at all facilities in USD and CAD (border crossings)
- No convenience fees for cash payments
- Fastest payment method at most facilities
3. Credit/Debit Cards:
- Mackinac Bridge: +2.3% convenience fee (effective Jan 1, 2025)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted at Mackinac Bridge
- American Express discontinued at Mackinac Bridge (Jan 1, 2025)
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Michigan toll facilities, use TollGuru Michigan toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Mackinac Bridge Authority:
- 2.3% credit card convenience fee implemented January 1, 2025
- MacPass minimum deposit reduced from $80 to $40
- MacPass refill minimum reduced from $50 to $20
- American Express no longer accepted (effective January 1, 2025)
Blue Water Bridge:
- $1 toll increase effective December 1, 2024
- Additional $1 increase planned for December 1, 2025
- First rate changes in 14 years to offset maintenance costs
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel:
- US-side toll increased to $8.25 (January 6, 2025)
- Canadian-side toll increased to $7.25 (January 1, 2025)
- NexPress user rates also increased by $0.50
Regional Toll Information
Upper Peninsula Connection:
- Mackinac Bridge - Only connection between Upper and Lower Peninsula
- Longest suspension bridge in Western Hemisphere
- Part of Interstate 75 with 45 mph speed limit
International Border Crossings:
- Ambassador Bridge - Busiest international crossing in North America
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - World's only underwater international vehicle tunnel
- Blue Water Bridge - Connects Port Huron, MI to Sarnia, ON
- Sault Ste. Marie Bridge - Northern terminus of I-75
Metropolitan Detroit Area:
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - 0.2-mile swing bridge to Grosse Ile Township
- Round-trip tolls charged to vehicles heading to island
- License plate cameras for unpaid toll enforcement
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Mackinac Bridge crossing: $4.00 for passenger vehicles
- Detroit-Windsor border crossing: $8.25 USD (2025 rates)
- Credit card convenience fees: +2.3% at Mackinac Bridge
- Volume discounts available at Sault Ste. Marie Bridge
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- No alternative to Mackinac Bridge for Upper Peninsula access
- Ferry services available but seasonal and limited
- All highways and interstates in Michigan are toll-free
Special Services:
- Mackinac Bridge driver assistance: $10 + toll (24/7 available)
- Bicycle/pedestrian transport: $15 including bicycle transport
- No cash required at toll booths - all payment methods accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Michigan tolls completely?
No alternative exists for the Mackinac Bridge - it's the only year-round connection between Upper and Lower Peninsula. For border crossings, you can use other international bridges in different locations, but each has its own toll.
Does E-ZPass work in Michigan?
No, E-ZPass is not accepted at any Michigan toll facility. Each facility has its own transponder system: MacPass for Mackinac Bridge, NexPass for border crossings, and facility-specific cards for others.
What happens if I miss a toll payment?
Each facility handles missed payments differently. Most use license plate cameras and mail invoices. Grosse Ile Toll Bridge charges penalties for late payment, and unpaid tolls can result in registration suspension.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, MacPass offers commuter discounts (return trip free within 36 hours), IQ Prox card gives 10-30% discounts based on usage, and Ambassador Bridge Premier membership provides up to 50% savings.
Do motorcycles pay the same tolls as cars?
Yes, motorcycles are classified as passenger vehicles and pay the same rates as cars on all Michigan toll facilities.
Michigan vs. Regional States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Bridges/Tunnels only | $4.00-8.25 | 5 bridges, 1 tunnel |
| Ohio | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.04-0.10/mile | Ohio Turnpike |
| Indiana | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.05-0.15/mile | Indiana Toll Road |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Agencies:
- Mackinac Bridge Authority: (906) 643-7600 - Bridge operations and MacPass
- Michigan Department of Transportation: (517) 373-2090 - Blue Water Bridge
- Ambassador Bridge: (313) 496-0040 - Private bridge operations
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel: (313) 567-4422 - Tunnel operations
Toll Scam Warning:
- MDOT does not operate toll roads - text messages demanding toll payments are scams
- Michigan has no toll roads, only bridges and tunnels
- Report toll-related scams to Michigan Attorney General
