Crossing the Rainbow Br.

[borderx1]

Has away one crossing the Rainbow Br. from the U.S. into Canada on a week day lately?? Thinking of doing some hobbying around 12:00 noon on Wed or Thurs.How long of a wait can I expect??
Thanks

 

[papasmerf]

All 3 Buffalo area bridges are hit and miss when it comes to traffic........The Rainbow does not accept trucks so that can be a plus. To me the Peace Bridge seems more efficient when it comes o handling traffic.

 

[gdog]

I am sure you're aware of these sites... always helped me and worth checking

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

 

[dajodo2]

I go shopping in NY State 3 or 4 times a year.

During the week you should have no major problems at the Rainbow, weekends yes it's busy.

Are you going to Niagara of Buffalo?

If you are going right into Buffalo I'd take the QE right to the end and cross at the Peace Bridge.

I usually find Queenston/Lewiston and the Rainbow the busiest because they are the first two bridges to the States so people just naturally go to them.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Do you still have to pay to cross the border in Ontario??

Huh? Did you ever?

 

[DistantVoyeur]

Rainbow and Peace still both have the $3 toll on the Canadian side. Not sure about QL as I normally use one of the other 2. Never had a wait during the day during the week, not done it a lot though at that time.
Avoid holidays, weekends, and sporting events and other times ahould be ok as others have stated.

 

[ig-88]

Huh? Did you ever?

There is a toll for the bridge, around 3 greenbacks or loons.

http://niagarafallsbridges.com/toll_costs_vehicle_definitions.php3

If you are importing more than your allowances, there will be customs and duties due, most likely.

 

[dajodo2]

The US doesn't charge a fee to enter going across.

There's a bridge toll coming back.

 

[Aardvark154]

Although the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission charges a fee regardless. Unless you have a criminal record, or can't afford it, why not apply for a NEXUS card and use the special lanes on the Peace Bridge or the Whirlpool Bridge and avoid all the delays.

 

[yaya17]

I do it a couple of times a week.

$3 US or Canadian to get back into Canada - nothing to go over.

Before 7am and after 1030am
Before 4pm and after 8 pm

These are my personal estimates using mostly the Peace Bridge and ocasionaly the Queenston/Lewistown bridge.

 

[yaya17]

Although the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission charges a fee regardless. Unless you have a criminal record, or can't afford it, why not apply for a NEXUS card and use the special lanes on the Peace Bridge or the Whirlpool Bridge and avoid all the delays.

There is also a NEXUS lane on the Rainbow Bridge.

The NEXUS is a no-brainer and when it's complete chaos the Whirpool bridge is a NEXUS only bridge - never a line but it just takes a bit to get to on both sides.


EDIT - cost is $50 for 5 years.

 

[keeferz]

they have a phone number you can call to get the wait times for niagara

1-800-715-6722 option 2
great when your on your way and want to know the delay

 

[RTRD]

Wow...

they have a phone number you can call to get the wait times for niagara

1-800-715-6722 option 2
great when your on your way and want to know the delay

...had I know it was that cheap I'd have on already....

 

[Pargolfer]

Gotta love that...

NEXUS Card...best $50 US investment I have ever made..

Although the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission charges a fee regardless. Unless you have a criminal record, or can't afford it, why not apply for a NEXUS card and use the special lanes on the Peace Bridge or the Whirlpool Bridge and avoid all the delays.

 

[keeferz]

With a Nexus card, doesn't everyone travelling with you need one? or supposed to have one?

 

[Aardvark154]

With a Nexus card, doesn't everyone travelling with you need one? or supposed to have one?

Yes, everyone in the vehicle must have one.

 

[goodtime]

There is also a NEXUS lane on the Rainbow Bridge.

The NEXUS is a no-brainer and when it's complete chaos the Whirpool bridge is a NEXUS only bridge - never a line but it just takes a bit to get to on both sides.


EDIT - cost is $50 for 5 years.

They suggests to phase it out as many crossing without the eye-scan so all deemed as security risks. Silly logic, I know.