Canada Border Crossing Fee Calculator
Calculate toll costs, compare crossings, and estimate your monthly border crossing expenses
Border Crossing Cost Calculator
Cost Breakdown
🌉 Major Border Crossings Comparison
| Crossing Name | Location | Type | Passenger | Commercial | Avg Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambassador Bridge | Windsor, ON - Detroit, MI | Bridge | $6.25 | $6.25 | 45 min |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | Windsor, ON - Detroit, MI | Tunnel | $6.00 | N/A | 30 min |
| Blue Water Bridge | Sarnia, ON - Port Huron, MI | Bridge | $5.00 | $6.50 | 35 min |
| Peace Bridge | Fort Erie, ON - Buffalo, NY | Bridge | $5.00 | $5.00 | 40 min |
| Rainbow Bridge | Niagara Falls, ON - Niagara Falls, NY | Bridge | $5.00 | $5.00 | 50 min |
| Lewiston-Queenston Bridge | Queenston, ON - Lewiston, NY | Bridge | $5.00 | $5.00 | 25 min |
| Whirlpool Rapids Bridge | Niagara Falls, ON - Niagara Falls, NY | Bridge | $5.00 | N/A | 15 min |
| Thousand Islands Bridge | Lansdowne, ON - Alexandria Bay, NY | Bridge | $4.50 | $5.50 | 20 min |
| Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge | Johnstown, ON - Ogdensburg, NY | Bridge | $4.75 | $4.75 | 15 min |
| Champlain Bridge | Lacolle, QC - Champlain, NY | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 30 min |
| Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle | Lacolle, QC - Champlain, NY | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 25 min |
| Pacific Highway | Surrey, BC - Blaine, WA | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 60 min |
| Douglas (Peace Arch) | Surrey, BC - Blaine, WA | Border Station | $0.00 | N/A | 90 min |
| Huntingdon | Abbotsford, BC - Sumas, WA | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 45 min |
| Coutts | Coutts, AB - Sweet Grass, MT | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 20 min |
| Carway | Cardston County, AB - Piegan, MT | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 10 min |
| Emerson | Emerson, MB - Pembina, ND | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 25 min |
| North Portal | North Portal, SK - Portal, ND | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 15 min |
| Saint Stephen | Saint Stephen, NB - Calais, ME | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 30 min |
| Woodstock Road | Woodstock, NB - Houlton, ME | Border Station | $0.00 | $0.00 | 20 min |
⚡ NEXUS Program Benefits
NEXUS is a trusted traveler program that expedites border crossings between Canada and the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Key Benefits
- • Expedited processing at dedicated lanes
- • Reduced or no toll fees at most crossings
- • Average wait times under 15 minutes
- • Valid for 5 years from approval
- • Works for air, land, and marine travel
- • Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits
Program Costs
💡 Is NEXUS Worth It?
If you cross the border more than 4 times per year, NEXUS typically pays for itself in time savings alone. Frequent crossers (10+ times/year) save hundreds in tolls and countless hours in reduced wait times.
🚛 Commercial Vehicle Requirements
Commercial vehicles crossing the Canada-US border must comply with additional regulations and may incur extra fees beyond standard tolls.
Required Documentation
- • Commercial driver's license (CDL)
- • Bill of lading or cargo manifest
- • Commercial invoice for goods
- • PAPS/PARS number (if applicable)
- • ACE eManifest submission
- • FAST card (for expedited processing)
Additional Fees
- • Bridge tolls: $4.75 - $6.50 per crossing
- • Customs processing: $5 - $50 (varies)
- • Inspection fees: $25 - $100 (if selected)
- • Overweight permits: $50 - $500
- • Hazmat endorsements: Additional scrutiny
FAST Program
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering Canada or the US.
⏰ Best Times to Cross
✓ Best Times
- • Early morning (5-7 AM)
- • Late evening (9-11 PM)
- • Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- • Off-season (October-March)
✗ Avoid These Times
- • Rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM)
- • Weekends and holidays
- • Summer months (June-August)
- • Event days near border cities
💡 Pro Tip
Check real-time wait times on CBSA or CBP websites before heading to the border.
💳 Payment Methods
Cash
USD or CAD accepted at most crossings. USD preferred.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Discover widely accepted at toll booths.
Transponders
E-ZPass, Nexpress work at some crossings. Check compatibility.
Commercial Accounts
Set up pre-paid accounts for frequent commercial crossings.
📋 Documents Checklist
Required for All Travelers
- ✓ Valid passport or enhanced driver's license
- ✓ Vehicle registration and insurance
- ✓ Proof of citizenship (if required)
Additional for Commercial
- ✓ CDL and medical certificate
- ✓ Bill of lading/cargo docs
- ✓ Commercial invoices
- ✓ PAPS/PARS paperwork
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay tolls in both directions?
It depends on the crossing. Most toll bridges (Ambassador, Peace, Blue Water) charge tolls only when entering the United States. However, some crossings charge in both directions. Free crossings (border stations without bridges) typically don't charge tolls in either direction.
Can I pay bridge tolls with Canadian dollars?
Yes, most toll bridges accept both USD and CAD, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. You'll typically get better value by paying in USD. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and will automatically handle currency conversion.
Are there additional fees beyond bridge tolls?
Commercial vehicles may face customs processing fees ($5-$50), inspection fees if selected ($25-$100), and costs for any required permits. Passenger vehicles typically only pay the bridge toll, though you may need to pay duty on items you're bringing across (alcohol, tobacco, goods over exemption limits).
How much time should I budget for border crossing?
Plan for at least 30-60 minutes during normal times, and 1-2 hours during peak periods. NEXUS cardholders typically clear in 5-15 minutes. Commercial vehicles should budget 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on cargo inspection requirements. Always check real-time wait times before traveling.
Is NEXUS worth it for occasional travelers?
If you cross 4+ times per year, NEXUS is worthwhile. At $50 for 5 years ($10/year), it pays for itself quickly in time savings and reduced stress. For frequent crossers (monthly or more), it's essential. The expedited lanes alone are worth the investment, not to mention toll savings at some crossings.
Which crossing has the shortest wait times?
Wait times vary by time of day and season. Generally, smaller crossings (Thousand Islands, Ogdensburg-Prescott, Sault Ste. Marie) have shorter waits than major crossings (Ambassador, Peace Arch, Blue Water). Check CBSA's Border Wait Times tool for real-time information before choosing your crossing.
Plan Your Cross-Border Journey
Access our complete database of Canadian toll roads, bridge clearances, and commercial driver resources.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Border crossing fees and wait times are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on current published rates but actual costs may vary. Always verify current toll rates and requirements before traveling. Additional fees may apply for:
- • Customs duties on goods being imported
- • Commercial vehicle inspections and processing
- • Overweight or oversize vehicle permits
- • Currency exchange fluctuations
- • Special cargo or hazmat handling
Canada Tolls is not affiliated with CBSA, CBP, or any border crossing authority. Check official sources (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and cbp.gov) for the most current information and requirements.