Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Toll Complete Guide: Nexpress, Rates & Payment 2025
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Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Toll Complete Guide
System: Credit/Debit Cards, Nexpress RFID cards, DWT Mobile App (NO CASH ACCEPTED)
Operator: Detroit Windsor Tunnel LLC (US) / Windsor Detroit Borderlink (Canada)
Currency: US Dollar (USD) and Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Location: Downtown Detroit to Downtown Windsor - World's only underwater international vehicle tunnel
Length: 5,160 feet (nearly 1 mile), 75 feet below river surface at deepest point
Do I Need Nexpress for Detroit-Windsor Tunnel? 2025 Update
Nexpress is not required to cross the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, but it provides significant savings and faster crossing times. The tunnel is completely cashless and accepts credit/debit cards, Nexpress RFID cards, and the DWT mobile app.
Key Reality: Nexpress users save $1.35-$2.25 per crossing compared to credit card rates. The tunnel is the world's only underwater international vehicle crossing.
2025 Update: New toll rates effective January 1 (Canada side) and January 6 (US side). Increased traffic expected as alternative to Ambassador Bridge.
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel operates with directional toll rates, with tolls collected separately for each direction. The tunnel handles approximately 12,000 vehicles daily and is recognized as one of the great engineering wonders of the world.
Current Toll Rates by Direction (2025)
| Direction | Nexpress/DWT App | Credit/Debit Cards | Savings | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit to Windsor (US→Canada) | $6.00 USD | $8.25 USD | $2.25 savings | January 6, 2025 |
| Windsor to Detroit (Canada→US) | $5.90 CAD | $7.25 CAD | $1.35 savings | January 1, 2025 |
Vehicle Restrictions
| Vehicle Type | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | ✅ ALLOWED | Primary traffic (95% of all crossings) |
| Small Commercial Vehicles | ✅ ALLOWED | 5% of traffic, under height limit |
| Motorcycles | ❌ PROHIBITED | Safety and ventilation system restrictions |
| Large Trucks | ❌ PROHIBITED | Height limit: 12 feet 8 inches maximum |
| Pedestrians/Bicycles | ❌ PROHIBITED | Vehicle-only tunnel (except marathon event) |
| Hazardous Materials | ❌ PROHIBITED | Safety regulations for underwater tunnel |
How to Pay Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Tolls
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is completely cashless and accepts the following payment methods:
1. Credit/Debit Cards (Higher Rates):
- All major credit and debit cards accepted
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Highest toll rates but no membership required
- Available at both automated and staffed lanes
2. Nexpress RFID Cards (Discounted Rates):
- Proprietary RFID system (NOT compatible with E-ZPass)
- Windshield tag or key fob options available
- Significant savings: $1.35-$2.25 per crossing
- Best option for frequent tunnel users
- Simply hold card near electronic reader
3. DWT Mobile App (Discounted Rates):
- Free app available for iOS and Android
- Pre-purchase crossings at discounted rates
- Scan barcode at toll booth
- Same savings as Nexpress cards
- Convenient for occasional users
4. NEXUS Program:
- Dedicated NEXUS lanes for trusted travelers
- Faster border crossing process
- Must still pay regular toll rates
- Available during limited hours
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Rate Increases:
- US side: $0.75 increase effective January 6, 2025
- Canada side: Rate increases effective January 1, 2025
- Necessary for future capital projects and maintenance
- First major increase in several years
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Planned ceiling repairs near tunnel entrance
- Roadway improvements to handle 12,000 daily vehicles
- Enhanced safety and ventilation systems
- Continued downtown connectivity improvements
Operational Changes:
- Continued emphasis on downtown-to-downtown connectivity
- Enhanced mobile app features and usability
- Improved traffic management systems
Tunnel Engineering & Features
Engineering Marvel:
- World's first and only underwater international vehicle tunnel
- Completed in 1930 at cost of $23 million ($363 million today)
- Length: 5,160 feet (nearly 1 mile)
- Depth: 75 feet below river surface at deepest point
- Recognized as one of the great engineering wonders of the world
Advanced Ventilation System:
- Three-level design: fresh air (bottom), traffic (middle), exhaust (top)
- Motor-driven fans force fresh air into traffic level
- Vehicle exhaust forced to upper level and vented at ends
- Never gets foggy due to advanced ventilation
- Modeled after Holland Tunnel in New York
Construction Methods:
- Cut-and-cover method for approaches
- Tunneling shield method for hand-bored sections
- Immersed tube method for river section
- Nine 250-foot tubes, 35 feet in diameter
- Construction took 26 months (1928-1930)
Border Crossing Information
Operating Hours:
- Passenger vehicles: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Commercial services: Monday-Friday, limited hours
- Canadian commercial processing: 9 AM - 5 PM
- NEXUS lanes: Limited hours (check current schedule)
Traffic & Wait Times:
- Approximately 12,000 vehicles daily
- Second-busiest US-Canada border crossing
- Light traffic: 8 minutes Detroit→Windsor, 10 minutes Windsor→Detroit
- Heavy traffic can multiply wait times significantly
- Peak times: Weekday rush hours, weekend evenings
Annual Events:
- Detroit Free Press Marathon: Only event allowing pedestrians
- Annual closure in April for disaster response exercises
- Special events may affect traffic patterns
Required Documents
US Citizens:
- US Passport or Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver's License (participating states)
- NEXUS card (trusted traveler program)
- Other acceptable secure documents under WHTI
Canadian Citizens:
- Canadian Passport
- Enhanced Driver's License
- NEXUS card
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status
Other Nationals:
- Valid passport required
- Appropriate visa or authorization (if required)
- Additional documentation may be requested
Planning Your Journey
Best Uses:
- Downtown-to-downtown connectivity
- Hospital and healthcare professional access
- Major sporting events and entertainment
- Business and professional services
- When Ambassador Bridge has heavy traffic
Route Connections:
- Detroit: Jefferson Avenue downtown access
- Windsor: Goyeau Street downtown access
- Direct connection to both downtown cores
- Limited height clearance (12 feet 8 inches)
Cost Savings Tips:
- Use Nexpress card for frequent crossings
- Download DWT mobile app for occasional use
- Avoid peak traffic times to reduce wait
- Consider Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus service
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with cash at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel?
No, the tunnel is completely cashless. You must pay with credit/debit cards, Nexpress cards, or the DWT mobile app.
Can motorcycles use the tunnel?
No, motorcycles are strictly prohibited due to safety and ventilation system restrictions. This applies to all two-wheeled vehicles.
Is Nexpress compatible with E-ZPass?
No, Nexpress is a proprietary RFID system that only works at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. It cannot be used on other North American toll roads.
Which is better: tunnel or Ambassador Bridge?
The tunnel is better for downtown access and is slightly cheaper. The Ambassador Bridge is better for freeway access and handles commercial traffic. Choose based on your destination and vehicle type.
Can I walk through the tunnel?
No, pedestrians are prohibited except during the annual Detroit Free Press Marathon. You must cross in a vehicle or use the Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus service.
Detroit-Windsor vs. Regional Crossings
| Crossing | Type | Toll Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | Underwater tunnel | $8.25 USD / $7.25 CAD | Downtown access, passenger cars |
| Ambassador Bridge | Suspension bridge | $9.00 USD / $12.00 CAD | Freeway access, commercial traffic |
| Gordie Howe Bridge (Fall 2025) | Cable-stayed bridge | TBD | Modern facilities, highway-to-highway |
| Blue Water Bridge | Suspension bridge | $3.00 USD | Port Huron-Sarnia route |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel: dwtunnel.com
- Nexpress Program: nexpress.dwtunnel.com
- DWT Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android
- Take The Tunnel: takethetunnel.com
Border Information:
- US Operations: (313) 567-4422
- Canadian Operations: (519) 258-7424
- US Customs: (313) 393-3793
- Canada Border Services: 1-800-461-9999
Traffic & Travel Information:
- Traffic Updates: WJR AM 760 (every 15 minutes)
- Michigan Road Conditions: 1-800-381-8477
- Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus: Public transit option
- Border Wait Times: Check official websites
