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The long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is inching closer to welcoming travelers, and officials have finally unveiled a key piece of the puzzle: the Gordie Howe Bridge tolls.

For drivers and truckers who cross between Canada and the United States, the announcement offers a glimpse of what the new crossing will cost—and how it could reshape traffic along one of North America’s busiest trade corridors.

Passenger and Commercial Toll Rates Announced

Bridge authorities confirmed that the standard toll for passenger vehicles will be $8 CAD (about $5.75 USD) per crossing.

Commercial trucks, oversized vehicles and larger passenger vehicles will pay $12 CAD (about $8.75 USD) per axle, a rate designed to reflect the heavier traffic loads carried by freight haulers.

To ease the flow of vehicles and encourage adoption of electronic tolling, officials also introduced “Breakaway,” a vehicle tag program. Drivers enrolled in the system will receive a 25% discount and the flexibility to use any open toll lane.

With that discount applied:

• Passenger vehicles will pay $6 CAD

• Larger vehicles will pay $9.60 CAD per axle

The electronic pass aims to streamline border traffic much like an express lane on a crowded highway—rewarding drivers who opt for faster, automated payments.

A Major New Gateway Between Canada and the U.S.

The bridge operator said the international span is scheduled to open this spring, forming a direct highway-to-highway connection between Ontario Highway 401 and Interstate 75.

When fully operational, the crossing will feature:

• Six traffic lanes

• 16 toll lanes

• 60 inspection lanes shared by Canadian and U.S. border authorities

The design aims to keep goods and travelers moving across the border with minimal friction—an economic lifeline for trade between the two countries.

“Just as crews are fine-tuning every detail of the project, we’re ensuring a smooth start for all travellers and delivering on our commitment of a modern and efficient border crossing,” said David Henderson, chief executive officer of Bridging North America.

Competing With Existing Crossings

The new toll rates place the Gordie Howe Bridge tolls below the price currently charged by the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which costs $14 CAD ($10 USD) for cars, buses and motorcycles.

A representative for the Ambassador Bridge did not respond to requests for comment following the toll announcement.

For residents on the Canadian side of the border, the pricing signals fresh competition—and potentially better options for crossing.