Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Toll Hits $4.70: Plan for It

The toll for a car crossing the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge between Michigan and Ontario rises by 10 cents to $4.70 (US) on Thursday 1 October 2026, under the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority’s toll rate schedule. The increase is one of the twice yearly steps, on 1 April and 1 October, that the authority set out in 2023.

A month later, drivers get a one day break: on Saturday 31 October, the bridge’s 64th anniversary, the passenger vehicle toll drops to $1.50 (US) or $2 (CA) for 24 hours, the Detroit Free Press reports, citing the bridge authority’s 14 September news release.

International Bridge Toll Rates From October 1

For passenger cars, light duty trucks and motorcycles, the full US fare moves from $4.60, set on 1 April, to $4.70, according to the schedule. The bridge authority’s toll page currently lists $6.40 (CA) for the same vehicles, and Canadian dollar rates are adjusted separately to keep the two currencies in line, so check the posted Canadian rate before you cross.

Drivers towing a trailer and RV owners pay more. The toll page lists $6.90 (US) for a car with a one axle trailer, $9.20 with a two axle trailer and $7.10 for a recreational vehicle, plus $3.55 for each extra RV axle. The schedule’s next RV step is $3.60 per axle, up from $3.55.

Frequent Crosser Discounts With an IQ Tag

If you cross often, the bridge’s IQ tag discount can cut the new fare sharply. The discount depends on how many times you used the tag in the previous 30 days: 10 percent for zero to four crossings, 20 percent for five to eight and 35 percent for nine or more, the bridge authority says.

From 1 October that works out to $4.23, $3.76 or $3.06 (US) per car crossing. Restrictions apply, and taxis and complimentary shuttles do not qualify for the frequent user discount.

Halloween Toll Rollback on October 31

From midnight to midnight on Saturday 31 October, passenger vehicle tolls return to a mid 1960s rate of $1.50 (US) or $2 (CA), according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The bridge opened to traffic on Halloween 1962 and has carried more than 107 million crossings since.

“We’re going back to opening prices to recognize the longstanding connection between the two Saults, making the bridge more accessible on both sides of the border,” said Bridge Director Peter Petäinen.

Toll Increases Through 2033

In 2023 the bridge authority approved passenger car increases averaging 2.9 percent a year over ten years to build a reserve for planned capital projects, WILX reported at the time. The schedule shows the full car fare rising in steps to $7 (US), and the authority’s board can suspend or delay any increase. The Free Press says the April and October increases are set to continue through 2033.

Planning a Crossing Between the Two Saults

The 2.8 mile bridge crosses the St. Marys River and is an international border, so bring a valid passport, NEXUS card or enhanced driver’s license, the Free Press notes, citing the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors Bureau. If you only cross once in a while, the 10 cent rise is small; if you are planning a shopping or dining trip to the Canadian side, Halloween is the cheapest day of the year to go.