Opening Hours
Standard Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for passenger vehicles
Seasonal Adjustments: None, operates year-round
Holiday Closures: No holiday closures for passenger vehicles, but commercial services are restricted to weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 0-10 minutes during off-peak hours; 15-30 minutes during busier periods
Peak Times: Weekdays 6:00 AM-10:00 AM (commuter traffic), Weekends 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (tourism)
Express Options: NEXUS program available for pre-approved travelers, reducing wait times by up to 75% during high-traffic periods
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available 24/7
Customs Processing: Available 24/7
Health Screening: Ad-hoc based on current health advisories, not standard
Services: Restrooms, vending machines, currency exchange kiosks at both plazas
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible facilities, priority lanes for travelers with disabilities
Official Resources
United States Border Authority: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) | Phone: 313-393-3793 | Website: www.cbp.gov
Canada Border Authority: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) | Phone: +1-800-461-9999 | Website: www.cbsa.gc.ca
Travel Advisories: U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov) | Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca)
Overview
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is a historic underwater crossing connecting downtown Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Operational since 1930, this 5,160-foot (1,573 m) underwater passage serves as a vital international link between the United States and Canada. The tunnel accommodates approximately 12,000 vehicles daily, providing a convenient alternative to the nearby Ambassador Bridge for commuters, tourists, and business travelers.
With a vertical clearance of 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 meters) and a width of 22 feet (6.7 meters), the tunnel is designed primarily for passenger vehicles rather than commercial traffic. Its strategic location connecting the downtown areas of both cities makes it particularly popular for daily commuters and visitors to attractions on either side of the border.
The tunnel features modern border inspection facilities on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, with the Canadian plaza having undergone significant upgrades in 2015 to enhance security and processing efficiency. As one of the busiest border crossings between the two countries, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel plays a crucial role in supporting tourism, commerce, and the deep economic ties between these neighboring nations.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport with applicable visas for both countries
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air entry to Canada (not required for land crossings)
- I-94 form for entry to the United States
- Temporary vehicle importation documentation
- International Driver’s Permit (recommended but not required)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Return ticket or evidence of onward travel plans
- Valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- NEXUS card (if enrolled in the program)
- For children under 16: Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Temporary vehicle importation permits for stays over 30 days
- Valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- NEXUS card (if enrolled in the program)
- U.S. military ID with travel orders
- Enhanced tribal documents (if applicable)
- For children under 16: Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
Crossing Procedure
From USA Side
Approach the toll plaza on Michigan Highway 10
Pay the toll fee (US$6.75 or CAD$6.75)
Proceed through the tunnel toward Windsor
Prepare travel documents for presentation at Canadian border
Follow lane markings and officer directions upon exit from tunnel
From Canada Side
Proceed to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspection booths
Present all required travel documents to the border officer
Answer all questions truthfully about purpose of visit, duration, and goods being transported
Complete verbal declaration of goods and currency if applicable
Submit to secondary inspection if selected
Proceed to Windsor upon clearance from CBSA officers
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle imports to Canada allowed up to 30 days without permits; permanent imports require EPA and DOT compliance certifications
Goods Allowances: US citizens can bring back US$800 worth of goods duty-free after 48+ hours in Canada; Canadians can bring back CAD$800 worth of goods duty-free after 48+ hours in US
Prohibited Items: Firearms (without permits), fresh agricultural products, certain food items, controlled substances, cannabis (even if legal in either jurisdiction)
Currency Restrictions: Amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared to both CBP and CBSA
Known Issues: Size restrictions prevent RVs, buses, and commercial trucks from using the tunnel; hazardous materials are prohibited
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border United States
- Renaissance Center Marriott (0.2 km from U.S. plaza)
- Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown (0.5 km)
- Anchor Bar (0.3 km) – popular local restaurant
- Parc Detroit (0.4 km) – upscale dining
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border Canada
- Caesars Windsor Hotel (0.3 km from Canadian plaza)
- Holiday Inn & Suites Windsor Downtown (0.6 km)
- The Keg Steakhouse (0.4 km)
- Spago Trattoria (0.5 km)
Better Options Nearby:
- Downtown Detroit (1.5 km) for upscale hotels and dining options
- Windsor’s Riverside District (2 km) for additional accommodation choices
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel generally receives positive feedback from travelers. Most users appreciate the tunnel's efficiency and shorter wait times compared to the Ambassador Bridge, particularly during off-peak hours. Regular commuters value the convenience of the direct downtown-to-downtown connection, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists visiting attractions on either side of the border.
However, some critical observations include complaints about occasional congestion during peak hours, particularly weekday mornings when commuter traffic is heaviest. Limited vehicle height clearance restricts larger vehicles from using the tunnel, which some travelers find inconvenient. Some users mention the toll costs as a consideration, though many frequent travelers utilize discount programs to mitigate this expense. First-time crossers occasionally report confusion about documentation requirements and crossing procedures, suggesting better advance information could improve the experience. Despite these concerns, most reviewers consider the tunnel a reliable and efficient border crossing option.
Traveler Experiences
"I enjoy taking the tunnel over the bridge any day of the week. The tunnel moves much faster although not the Greatest of views. It's perfectly safe and has a reliable ventilation system run by redundant Rockwell Automation PLCs." - Matt, January 2025
"Tunnel Bus drivers are so friendly and respectful. The bus was clean and Windsor was relaxing. My home away from home. Note that the fare is $10 one way, not $3.25, and prices are increasing April 2024." - Sandra A QUEEN, April 2024
"Great experience on both US and Canadian side! Staff is very knowledgeable and well trained. Very efficient and prompt service. Safety is always their priority and they do their level best!" - Shailesh Thakkar, November 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.
