Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 24/7 continuous operation for passenger vehicles
Seasonal Adjustments: None, operates year-round without seasonal changes
Holiday Closures: No closures for holidays
Special Hours:
NEXUS lanes to Canada: Monday–Friday (06:00–23:00), Weekends/Holidays (08:00–22:00)
NEXUS lanes to US: Monday–Friday (05:30–20:00), Weekends/Holidays (11:30–19:00)
Commercial processing to US: Monday-Friday via FAST lanes
Canadian commercial processing: 24/5 operation (closed weekends) at 4285 Industrial Drive, Windsor
Wait Time & Traffic
Exit Canada (Windsor):
- Approach bridge via Huron Church Road and select appropriate lane (standard, NEXUS, or Ready Lane)
- Prepare documents for inspection and have declarations ready
- Pay toll fee using cash (CAD/USD) or credit card
- Cross the bridge toward Detroit (approximately 1.6 km)
- Prepare for U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection
Enter United States (Detroit):
- Approach U.S. Customs pre-clearance kiosks (submit declarations electronically if available)
- Present documentation to CBP officer during primary inspection
- Answer all questions truthfully regarding travel purpose, length of stay, and goods
- Submit to secondary inspection if selected (may include vehicle search and additional questioning)
- Proceed through toll collection point
- Enter Detroit via Fort Street or Interstate connections
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available 24/7 with additional staffing during peak periods
Customs Processing: Full service with dedicated commercial lanes (FAST) and tourist channels
Health Screening: Limited, COVID-19 testing discontinued post-2023
Services:
Restrooms: Available at both customs plazas
Food: Limited options at duty-free shops
Currency Exchange: Available at duty-free facilities with competitive rates
Duty-Free Shopping: Ambassador Duty-Free (Windsor) and Ammex (Detroit)
Information Booths: Staffed during business hours
Accessibility:
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and inspection lanes
Auditory assistance devices for hearing-impaired travelers
Service animal accommodations
Special assistance available upon request
Official Resources
Canada Border Services Agency:
- Website: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Contact: 1-800-461-9999
- Location: 780 Huron Church Road, Windsor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
- Website: https://www.cbp.gov
- Contact: (313) 226-3141
- Location: Ambassador Bridge Plaza, Detroit
Travel Advisories:
- Government of Canada Travel Alerts: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
- U.S. Department of State Border Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
- Border Wait Times (CBSA): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
- Border Wait Times (CBP): https://bwt.cbp.gov
Overview
The Ambassador Bridge stands as North America's busiest international border crossing, spanning the Detroit River to connect Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan. This critical infrastructure handles approximately 2.86 million vehicle movements annually and facilitates 25% of all Canada-U.S. trade. Operating continuously 24/7, the bridge processes around 8,000 commercial trucks daily alongside substantial passenger traffic, making it an indispensable component of the North American supply chain.
Built as a privately-owned crossing, the Ambassador Bridge serves as a vital economic lifeline between the two nations, particularly for the automotive industry which relies heavily on just-in-time manufacturing and cross-border component shipments. The bridge features dedicated lanes for NEXUS and FAST program participants, offering expedited crossing for pre-approved travelers and commercial carriers. Despite its age and increasing congestion challenges, the bridge remains essential for regional commerce, with various improvement initiatives underway to enhance efficiency. The upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge (expected completion in 2028) aims to complement the Ambassador Bridge by diverting approximately 30% of commercial traffic and alleviating bottlenecks during peak periods.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
- Appropriate visa for U.S. or Canadian entry (if required)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travelers to Canada (though waived for land crossings)
- Work permits or residency cards if applicable
- Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for intended stay
- Return transportation confirmation
- Vehicle rental documentation if applicable
- U.S. passport, passport card, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI)
- Enhanced driver’s license (EDL) for land crossings only
- Vehicle documentation matching the driver’s information
- Declaration forms for goods and currency
- Receipts for purchases made in Canada (for duty calculation)
- Return ticket or evidence of ties to the U.S. if requested
- Valid Canadian passport, enhanced driver’s license (EDL), or NEXUS card
- Birth certificate with photo ID (less preferred, may cause delays)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Parental consent letter for minors traveling without both parents
- Declaration of any goods purchased abroad
- Proof of funds for intended stay if requested
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach bridge via Huron Church Road and select appropriate lane (standard, NEXUS, or Ready Lane)
Prepare documents for inspection and have declarations ready
Pay toll fee using cash (CAD/USD) or credit card
Cross the bridge toward Detroit (approximately 1.6 km)
Prepare for U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection
From USA Side
Approach U.S. Customs pre-clearance kiosks (submit declarations electronically if available)
Present documentation to CBP officer during primary inspection
Answer all questions truthfully regarding travel purpose, length of stay, and goods
Submit to secondary inspection if selected (may include vehicle search and additional questioning)
Proceed through toll collection point
Enter Detroit via Fort Street or Interstate connections
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary vehicle imports generally allowed up to 12 months with proper documentation
Permanent imports require advance arrangements and compliance with emissions standards
Commercial vehicles need carrier permits and may require pre-inspection
Goods Allowances:
Duty-free limit for Canadians: CAD$200 per person for 24+ hour stays
Alcohol limits: 1.14L wine or 8.5L beer per adult
Tobacco limits vary by country (verify current allowances)
Duty-free shops available on both ends of the bridge
Prohibited Items:
Cannabis (despite legalization in Michigan and Canada)
Firearms without proper permits and declarations
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and plants (agricultural restrictions)
Prescription drugs outside original containers
Counterfeit merchandise
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts exceeding $10,000 CAD/USD require declaration
Failure to declare may result in 100% seizure of undeclared funds
Both cash and monetary instruments (checks, bonds) count toward this limit
Known Issues:
Huron Church Road congestion with 17 traffic lights creates bottlenecks
Speed enforcement zones (40 km/h) with automated ticketing in Windsor
Commercial vehicle backups during weekday mornings
Occasional protests or demonstrations affecting bridge access
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border Canada (Windsor):
- Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel (0.6 km from bridge, CAD$129/night)
- Caesar’s Windsor Casino Hotel (2.1 km, luxury suites with shuttle service)
- Townplace Suites by Marriott (1.5 km)
- Spago Restaurant (upscale Italian dining, 2.3 km)
- The Keg Steakhouse (1.8 km)
- Tim Hortons (multiple locations along Huron Church Road)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border United States (Detroit):
- Renaissance Center Marriott (3.2 km, connected via People Mover)
- MotorCity Casino Hotel (6.4 km, valet parking available)
- Holiday Inn Express Detroit Downtown (3.5 km)
- Lafayette Coney Island (classic Detroit dining, 4.2 km)
- Apparatus Room (upscale dining in historic fire station, 5.1 km)
- Shake Shack (4.8 km)
Better Options Nearby:
- London, Ontario (180 km west): Delta Hotels London Armouries, more diverse dining and shopping
- Ann Arbor, Michigan (68 km west): Graduate Ann Arbor, vibrant college town atmosphere
- Windsor city center (5 km): More accommodation options and restaurants
- Detroit downtown (6 km): Full range of hotels and dining experiences
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Windsor Port of Entry at Ambassador Bridge presents a mixed traveler experience. Most positive reviews highlight the efficiency of NEXUS lanes for pre-approved travelers, with some reporting crossing times as short as 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours. Regular users appreciate the 24/7 availability of the crossing and the professionalism of many border agents who process travelers quickly and courteously.
However, critical feedback is significant. Many travelers report inconsistent experiences with substantial variations in processing times and officer conduct. Secondary inspection procedures are frequently cited as unnecessarily intrusive and time-consuming, with travelers describing thorough vehicle searches and extensive questioning. Peak hour congestion remains a persistent complaint, particularly during shift changes at automotive plants when wait times can exceed 30 minutes. Some reviews mention concerns about the interrogative approach of certain officers, creating an intimidating atmosphere even for travelers with proper documentation. Despite these issues, the bridge remains essential for cross-border commerce and personal travel, with many accepting occasional delays as part of international travel protocols.
Traveler Experiences
"Using the NEXUS lane made crossing the Ambassador Bridge a breeze during my business trip. I was through both checkpoints in under 15 minutes total. The officers were professional and the process was smooth. Definitely worth getting NEXUS if you cross regularly." - James T., January 2025
"My family crossing experience was mixed. The Canadian side was quick and friendly, but we got selected for secondary inspection entering the U.S. which added an hour to our journey. The officers eventually apologized for the delay and explained they were conducting additional checks due to a security alert. Despite this, the facilities were clean and staff was professional." - Sarah M., November 2024
"As a commercial driver, I cross weekly. The FAST lanes have significantly improved my crossing times, but Huron Church Road traffic remains a major bottleneck. The 17 traffic lights before reaching the bridge can add up to 45 minutes during peak periods. If you're a tourist, consider crossing outside 7-9AM and 3-6PM to avoid the worst delays." - Miguel R., December 2024
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.
