Michigan Toll Roads Complete Guide: Bridge & Tunnel Tolls, Payment 2025
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Michigan Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Toll bridges and tunnels only (no toll roads)
Coverage: 5 major bridges/tunnels (3 international, 2 domestic)
Currency: US Dollar (USD) and Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Technology: MacPass, Nexpress, EDGE Pass, cash, credit cards
Operators: Michigan DOT, Private operators (Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel)
Are There Toll Roads in Michigan? 2025 Update
No, Michigan has no toll roads - only toll bridges and tunnels. Michigan operates a toll-free highway system with only 5 toll facilities: 3 international crossings to Canada and 2 domestic bridges within the state.
Key Reality: Michigan has no toll roads whatsoever. All tolls are collected at specific bridges and tunnels, making it one of the most toll-free states in the US.
2025 Update: Mackinac Bridge added 2.3% credit card convenience fees starting January 1, 2025, and Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel increased toll rates effective January 1, 2025.
Michigan Toll Costs: Current Rates
Michigan toll facilities are concentrated in two areas: the Straits of Mackinac and the Detroit-Windsor international border crossings.
Current Toll Rates by Bridge/Tunnel (2025)
| Bridge/Tunnel | Cars/Motorcycles | Commercial/Heavy Vehicles | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackinac Bridge | $4.00 + 2.3% credit card fee | $5.00 per axle | MacPass, cash, credit/debit, Apple Pay |
| Ambassador Bridge | $9.00 USD ($12.00 CAD) | Weight-based pricing | Premier Pass, cash, credit cards |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | $8.25 USD ($7.25 CAD) | $16.00 (4-axle trucks) | Nexpress, cash, credit cards |
| Blue Water Bridge | $3.00 (US to Canada) | $13.00 (4-axle trucks) | EDGE Pass, credit cards (no cash) |
| Grosse Ile Toll Bridge | $4.00 (Bridge Pass) / $7.00 (credit) | $32.00 (4-axle, credit) | Bridge Pass, cash, credit cards |
Where You Pay Tolls in Michigan (2025)
International Crossings: Ambassador Bridge (Detroit-Windsor), Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron-Sarnia)
Domestic Bridges: Mackinac Bridge (connects Upper and Lower Peninsula), Grosse Ile Toll Bridge
Toll-Free Areas: All highways, interstates, and surface roads throughout Michigan
How to Pay Michigan Tolls
Michigan toll facilities accept various payment methods, with each bridge having specific systems:
1. Electronic Toll Accounts:
- MacPass (Mackinac Bridge) - $40 minimum deposit, $20 refills (reduced from $80/$50)
- Premier Pass (Ambassador Bridge) - $150 initial deposit, up to 50% discount
- Nexpress (Detroit-Windsor Tunnel) - discounted rates available
- EDGE Pass (Blue Water Bridge) - $0.50 discount per crossing
2. Cash and Cards:
- Cash: Accepted at most bridges (both USD and CAD at international crossings)
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover (American Express discontinued at Mackinac Bridge)
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay (Mackinac Bridge only)
3. Video Tolling:
- Available at select bridges with license plate recognition
- Invoices mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Administrative fees may apply for unpaid tolls
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Michigan toll bridges and tunnels, use TollGuru Michigan toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Mackinac Bridge Updates:
- New 2.3% credit card convenience fee starting January 1, 2025
- MacPass minimum deposits reduced: $40 initial (from $80), $20 refills (from $50)
- American Express cards no longer accepted due to high processing fees
- Proposed legislation to eliminate tolls entirely (HB4869) under consideration
International Crossing Changes:
- Ambassador Bridge: Rate increased to $9.00 USD ($12.00 CAD) for passenger vehicles
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel: Increased by $0.50 to $8.25 USD ($7.25 CAD)
- Blue Water Bridge: No longer accepts cash payments, credit/debit cards only
- Upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide additional crossing option
Statewide Tolling Study:
- Michigan commissioned a 2023 study exploring potential statewide tolling
- Study found potential to generate $1 billion annually through tolling 1,200 miles of highways
- However, implementation may be prohibited by federal regulations
- No concrete plans for highway tolling have been approved
Michigan Toll Bridges & Tunnels
Major Toll Facilities:
- Mackinac Bridge - 5-mile suspension bridge connecting Upper and Lower Peninsula
- Ambassador Bridge - Busiest international border crossing in North America
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Only underwater international border crossing tunnel
- Blue Water Bridge - Connects Port Huron, MI to Sarnia, ON
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - Swing bridge connecting Grosse Ile Township
International Crossings:
- Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge - Connects twin cities across St. Marys River
- Gordie Howe International Bridge - NEW: Under construction, expected completion 2025
Planning Your Michigan Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Upper Peninsula access: $4.00 via Mackinac Bridge (no alternatives)
- Canadian crossings: $9.00-$12.00 depending on crossing and currency
- Grosse Ile: $4.00-$7.00 depending on payment method
- Electronic accounts offer 10-50% discounts on most bridges
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- No toll-free alternatives to Mackinac Bridge for Upper Peninsula access
- Multiple international crossings available at Detroit-Windsor border
- All Michigan highways, interstates, and surface roads are toll-free
- Michigan is one of the most toll-free states in the US
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any toll roads in Michigan?
No, Michigan has no toll roads. All highways, interstates, and surface roads are toll-free. Michigan only has toll bridges and tunnels at specific crossing points.
Can I use E-ZPass in Michigan?
No, E-ZPass is not accepted at Michigan toll facilities. Each bridge has its own electronic toll system: MacPass (Mackinac), Premier Pass (Ambassador), Nexpress (Detroit-Windsor Tunnel), and EDGE Pass (Blue Water Bridge).
What happens if I don't pay a Michigan toll?
You'll receive a mailed invoice with administrative fees. Unpaid tolls can result in additional penalties, collection actions, and potential vehicle registration suspension in extreme cases.
Will Michigan add highway tolls in the future?
A 2023 study explored statewide tolling potential, but implementation appears prohibited by federal regulations. No concrete plans for highway tolling have been approved. Michigan remains committed to toll-free highways.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, most bridges offer electronic toll accounts with discounts: MacPass (Mackinac Bridge), Premier Pass (up to 50% discount at Ambassador Bridge), Nexpress (Detroit-Windsor Tunnel), and EDGE Pass (Blue Water Bridge).
Michigan vs. Neighboring States/Countries
| State/Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Bridges/tunnels only | $3.00-$12.00 per crossing | 5 facilities only |
| Canada | Provincial toll roads | $0.25-0.50/km | Limited provincial highways |
| Ohio | Ohio Turnpike | $0.05-0.15/mile | 241-mile turnpike |
| Indiana | Indiana Toll Road | $0.05-0.20/mile | 157-mile toll road |
| Wisconsin | Toll-free system | $0.00 | No tolls statewide |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Mackinac Bridge - Complete guide to Michigan's most iconic toll bridge
- Ambassador Bridge - Detroit-Windsor international crossing information
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Underground international crossing
- Blue Water Bridge - Port Huron-Sarnia international crossing
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - Swing bridge to Grosse Ile Township
- Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge - Northern Michigan-Ontario crossing
Toll Account Information:
- Mackinac Bridge Authority: (906) 643-7600 - MacPass accounts
- Ambassador Bridge: (313) 496-0040 - Premier Pass accounts
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel: (313) 567-4422 - Nexpress accounts
- Blue Water Bridge: (810) 984-3131 - EDGE Pass accounts
Related Pages:
- Canada Toll Roads - Information about toll roads in Ontario and other provinces
- United States Toll Roads - Complete guide to toll roads across America
- Pay Missed Toll Michigan - How to pay unpaid tolls at Michigan bridges
