Mackinac Bridge Toll Complete Guide: MacPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Mackinac Bridge Toll Complete Guide
System: Cash, Credit/Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, MacPass electronic transponder
Operator: Mackinac Bridge Authority
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Location: Connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas via I-75
Length: 26,372 feet (5 miles) - Western Hemisphere's longest suspension bridge
Do I Need MacPass for Mackinac Bridge? 2025 Update
No, MacPass is not required to cross the Mackinac Bridge, but it offers convenience and potential savings for frequent travelers. The bridge accepts multiple payment methods including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments.
Key Reality: Beginning January 1, 2025, credit card payments incur a 2.3% convenience fee (approximately $0.09 for a $4.00 toll). Cash payments avoid this fee entirely.
2025 Update: MacPass account minimums reduced to $40 initial deposit and $20 refill deposits. American Express no longer accepted due to higher transaction costs.
Mackinac Bridge Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Mackinac Bridge operates with a simple per-axle toll structure, with rates unchanged since opening in 1957 at $2.00 per axle.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Category | Base Rate | Total Cost | Credit Card Fee (2025) | Final Cost w/Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicle (Car, SUV, Van, Pickup, Motorcycle) |
$2.00 per axle | $4.00 | $0.09 | $4.09 |
| All Other Vehicles (Trucks, RVs, Buses, Step Vans) |
$5.00 per axle | $10.00 (2-axle) | $0.23 | $10.23 |
| Semi-Trucks (5-axle) | $5.00 per axle | $25.00 | $0.58 | $25.58 |
| Motor Home + Towed Car | RV rate + $4.00 | $14.00 typical | $0.32 | $14.32 |
MacPass Commuter Discount
MacPass users receive a significant discount for round-trip travel completed within 36 hours:
- First crossing: $4.00 (passenger vehicle)
- Return crossing within 36 hours: FREE
- Effective savings: 50% for round-trip travelers
How to Pay Mackinac Bridge Tolls
The Mackinac Bridge accepts the following payment methods:
1. Cash Payment (No Fees):
- US currency accepted at all toll booths
- No additional fees or charges
- Fastest transaction method
2. Credit/Debit Cards (2.3% Fee):
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted
- American Express NO LONGER ACCEPTED (as of 2025)
- 2.3% convenience fee added to all transactions
3. Mobile Payment (No Fees):
- Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted
- No additional fees
- Quick transaction processing
4. MacPass Electronic Transponder:
- Windshield-mounted sticker system
- $40 initial deposit (reduced from $80)
- $20 refill minimum (reduced from $50)
- Free return crossing within 36 hours
- Deposits by cash or electronic check avoid fees
Recent Changes (2025)
Credit Card Convenience Fee:
- 2.3% convenience fee effective January 1, 2025
- Implemented to offset $341,761 in annual credit card processing costs
- Approximately $0.09 additional cost for typical $4.00 toll
MacPass Program Improvements:
- Initial deposit reduced from $80 to $40
- Refill deposits reduced from $50 to $20
- Changes effective December 1, 2024
Payment Method Changes:
- American Express no longer accepted due to higher transaction costs
- Enhanced mobile payment acceptance (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Cash remains the most cost-effective payment method
Michigan Toll Bridge Information
Michigan State-Owned Bridges:
- Mackinac Bridge - Connects Upper and Lower Michigan peninsulas
- Blue Water Bridge - Port Huron to Canada (Sarnia, Ontario)
- International Bridge - Sault Ste. Marie to Canada
Privately-Owned Border Crossings:
- Ambassador Bridge - Detroit to Windsor, Ontario
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Underground crossing
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - Local crossing in Detroit River
Special Services
Driver Assistance Service:
- Available 24/7 for drivers uncomfortable crossing
- Cost: $10 plus applicable toll
- Bridge Authority staff will drive your vehicle across
- Must be 18 years or older
Pedestrian/Bicycle Transport:
- Pedestrians and bicyclists cannot cross on foot
- Must use vehicle transport service
- Requires signed liability waiver
- Face masks required for transport
Snowmobile/ATV Transport:
- Snowmobiles and ATVs cannot cross under their own power
- Transport service available
- Liability waiver required
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- One-way crossing: $4.00 (passenger vehicle)
- Round-trip with MacPass: $4.00 (if completed within 36 hours)
- Credit card convenience fee: Additional $0.09
- Commercial vehicles: $5.00 per axle
Bridge Crossing Tips:
- Maximum speed limit: 45 mph
- No stopping or U-turns permitted
- Stay in vehicle during emergencies - bridge personnel respond quickly
- Check wind warnings before crossing
- Bridge can close during extreme weather
Travel Alternatives:
- No alternative route between Michigan's peninsulas
- Bridge is the only direct connection
- Flying or boat transport are the only alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the Mackinac Bridge toll?
No, there is no alternative route between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. The Mackinac Bridge is the only direct connection, making the toll unavoidable for surface travel.
What happens if I can't pay the toll?
The bridge operates on a prepaid system - you must pay before crossing. If you arrive without payment method, you'll need to arrange payment at the toll booth or potentially use the emergency contact system.
Do motorcycles pay the same toll as cars?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same $4.00 toll as passenger cars since they're charged $2.00 per axle and have 2 axles.
Is MacPass compatible with other toll systems?
No, MacPass is specific to the Mackinac Bridge only. It is not compatible with E-ZPass or other toll systems used in neighboring states.
Why was the credit card fee added?
The Mackinac Bridge Authority incurred $341,761 in credit card processing fees in 2024. The 2.3% convenience fee helps offset these costs while maintaining bridge operations and maintenance.
Michigan vs. Neighboring States
| State/Province | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Bridge tolls only | $4.00 per crossing | 3 state bridges, 3 private crossings |
| Ontario, Canada | Border crossing tolls | $3.75-6.50 CAD | International bridges only |
| Ohio | Ohio Turnpike | $0.05-0.10/mile | Major highway system |
| Indiana | Indiana Toll Road | $0.05-0.15/mile | Northern Indiana I-80/90 |
| Illinois | Illinois Tollway | $0.05-0.20/mile | Chicago area highways |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free highway system |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Mackinac Bridge Authority: (906) 643-7600
- MacPass Customer Service: macpass.mackinacbridge.org
- Current Bridge Conditions: mackinacbridge.org/conditions
- Bridge Cam: Live views of crossing conditions
Emergency Information:
- Emergency on bridge: Remain in vehicle, bridge personnel will respond
- Weather updates: AM radio 530 or 1610
- Closure alerts: Follow @MackinacBridge on Twitter/X
- Text alerts: Text "MacBridge" to 67283
