Prince Edward Island StraitPass & Confederation Bridge Complete Guide 2025
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Prince Edward Island StraitPass & Confederation Bridge Complete Guide
System: Single toll facility - Confederation Bridge only
Coverage: 12.9km bridge connecting PEI to New Brunswick
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Technology: StraitPass RFID transponders, Cash, Credit/Debit cards
Operators: Strait Crossing Bridge Limited (SCBL)
Do I Need StraitPass for PEI? 2025 Update
No, you don't need StraitPass to cross the Confederation Bridge - but it provides faster service and convenience. PEI has only one toll facility: the Confederation Bridge connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland New Brunswick.
Key Reality: StraitPass users enjoy dedicated lanes with faster processing, while manual payment requires stopping at toll booths. The transponder also works at other Maritime facilities including Halifax bridges and Cobequid Pass.
2025 Update: Federal government froze toll rates for third consecutive year at 2022 levels ($50.25 for cars). Political promises from both major parties include potential toll reductions to $20 or complete elimination.
PEI Confederation Bridge Costs: Current Rates
The Confederation Bridge operates a simple axle-based toll structure for round-trip travel, collected only when leaving Prince Edward Island.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Toll Rate (Round-trip) | Axle Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | $50.25 | 2 axles | Frozen at 2022 rates |
| Motorcycle | $20.00 | 2 wheels | Reduced rate |
| Car + Small Trailer | $58.75 | 3 axles | $8.50 per additional axle |
| Transport Truck | $75.50 | 5 axles | Commercial vehicle |
| Pedestrian Shuttle | $4.75 | Per person | 6am-10pm daily |
| Cyclist Shuttle | $9.50 | Per cyclist | Includes bicycle transport |
Important Toll Collection Details
Payment Location: Tolls collected only when leaving PEI at Borden-Carleton toll plaza
Round-trip Coverage: Single payment covers entire round-trip regardless of entry point to PEI
Tax Status: All Confederation Bridge tolls are tax-exempt
How to Pay PEI Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at the Confederation Bridge:
1. StraitPass Electronic System:
- RFID transponder mounted on windshield behind rearview mirror
- Automatic post-pay system linked to credit card
- Two dedicated express lanes for faster crossing
- Monthly billing on credit card statement
- Works at Halifax bridges (MACPASS) and Cobequid Pass (E-Pass)
2. Manual Payment Options:
- Cash: Exact change recommended
- Credit cards: All major cards accepted
- Interac debit cards: Canadian bank cards
- No video tolling or pay-by-plate options available
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types for Prince Edward Island Confederation Bridge, use TollGuru PEI toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Federal Government Intervention:
- Toll rates frozen for third consecutive year at 2022 levels
- Transport Canada provides funding to Strait Crossing Bridge Limited
- Rates remain $50.25 for cars despite normal inflation adjustments
Political Developments:
- Liberal Leader Mark Carney promises to reduce tolls to $20
- Conservative platform includes $50 million annual subsidy for toll elimination
- PEI Premier Dennis King continues lobbying for reduced rates
Operational Updates:
- StraitPass compatibility expanded to Cobequid Pass E-Pass system
- Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist shuttle services
- Self-serve shuttle option introduced for flexible scheduling
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Payment Timing:
- Tolls only collected when leaving PEI, not when entering
- No payment required when driving from New Brunswick to PEI
- Single payment covers entire round-trip journey
StraitPass Setup:
- Mount transponder at least 1 inch from windshield edge
- Position 2 inches away from remote car starter antenna
- Place behind rearview mirror for optimal signal
- Clean windshield with alcohol before installation
Weather Restrictions:
- Bridge closes when winds exceed 70 km/h with 85 km/h gusts
- High-sided vehicles restricted during moderate wind conditions
- Monitor bridge conditions at confederationbridge.com
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Single round-trip cost: $50.25 for most vehicles
- No daily or seasonal passes available
- Tax-exempt tolls (no HST added)
- Commercial vehicles: Calculate by axle count
Alternative Transportation
- Northumberland Ferries: Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, NS (seasonal)
- Ferry costs $66.00 per car (also collected leaving PEI)
- Pedestrian and cyclist shuttles available on bridge
- No other toll-free road connections to mainland
Bridge Experience
- Crossing time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Speed limit: 80 km/h in good weather
- Length: 12.9 kilometers (8 miles)
- World's longest bridge over ice-covered water
Regional Transportation Information
Maritime Connections:
- Halifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission: MacDonald and MacKay Bridges (MACPASS compatible)
- Cobequid Pass Toll Highway: E-Pass system (StraitPass compatible)
- Northumberland Ferries: Seasonal service to Nova Scotia
PEI Internal Transportation:
- All roads within PEI are toll-free
- Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) continues from bridge
- No internal toll facilities on the island
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid PEI bridge tolls?
No, the Confederation Bridge is the only fixed link to PEI. Alternative is the seasonal Northumberland Ferry (Wood Islands-Caribou) which also charges $66.00 per car when leaving PEI.
What happens if I don't have enough money at the toll booth?
Toll booth attendants can assist with payment options. Credit cards and Interac are widely accepted. There's no video tolling system, so payment must be made at the booth.
Do motorcycles pay full toll rates?
No, motorcycles pay a reduced rate of $20.00 compared to $50.25 for cars. This represents a 60% discount from passenger vehicle rates.
Can pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge?
Not directly. A shuttle service operates 6am-10pm daily for $4.75 per pedestrian or $9.50 per cyclist. Maximum wait time is 2 hours. Self-serve shuttle option also available.
Will bridge tolls be eliminated?
Both major federal parties have promised toll reductions or elimination. Liberals propose reducing to $20, while Conservatives suggest complete elimination with $50 million annual federal subsidy.
PEI vs. Regional Transportation
| Connection | System Type | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI Confederation Bridge | Fixed bridge toll | $50.25 round-trip | Only toll facility |
| Northumberland Ferry | Seasonal ferry | $66.00 per car | PEI-Nova Scotia |
| Halifax Bridges | Urban toll bridges | $1.25 each way | MacDonald/MacKay |
| Canada General | Various systems | Varies by facility | National overview |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Bridge Resources:
- Confederation Bridge: confederationbridge.com - Official bridge information and conditions
- StraitPass Application: confederationbridge.com/straitpass - Transponder registration
- Bridge Cam: Real-time weather and traffic conditions
Customer Service:
- Bridge Control: 902-437-7349
- StraitPass Support: 1-888-437-6565
- Emergency: 911
Related Transportation:
- Northumberland Ferries: ferries.ca - Seasonal PEI-NS service
- Halifax Bridge Commission: hdbc.ca - MacDonald/MacKay bridges
- Transport Canada: tc.canada.ca - Federal transportation policy
