Cross Over At Sarnia Or Windsor ?

[wee-haggis]

Is it easier or faster (while travelling to Detroit airport) to cross over at Sarnia or Windsor ?

 

[phabric]

We checked with CAA to compare Windsor or Sarnia routes. They suggested going through Sarnia, a more direct route.

 

[nosnobunny2006]

We always used to cross at the Embassador Bridge in Windsor until a friend suggested we try Sarnia. I thought he was nuts because it's actually a little bit further. We were pleasantly surprized to find that it didn't take any longer and we didn't have to navigate that scuzzy area before you get onto I-75. So it's Sarnia for us from now on. The only glitch that can happen is hwy 402 is in a snow belt and you have to be prepared for bad weather or a closed highway in the winter. If it looks questionable, we'll take the Windsor route.

Beth

 

[digskat]

We always cross over at Sarnia. It is closest to us, 1&1/2hrs as opposed to 3&1/2.

 

[CanadianPaco]

We have always had an easier time at customs crossing at Sarnia - it's worth it!!

 

[Daddio]

It really depends on when you are travelling. Daytime rush hours can be a big part of the planning process as the Sarnia route will take you through more of the conjested areas of Detroit, whereas via Windsor, once you cross the bridge there is only 15 or so miles to travel to the airport.

Sarnia can also tend to be backed up quite heavily approaching the bridge, sometimes up to 3 miles. Daytime weekends are the worst unless it is very early morning.

I am not trying to make a case for Windsor/Detroit but must point out that you do not go through the scuzzy area of Detroit on the way to the airport. You only do that if you are planning on travelling the I75 south towards Florida. The airport is north on 96 to 94 then west toward Chicago, all highway and mostly repaved.

I stay away from the Sarnia route because the stretch of road from Port Huron to Detroit is rotten and full of pot holes.

Why not try taking one route to the airport and the other route on return? That will give you a first hand look at which route you will take in the future, plus you can share your opinion with the rest of us.

 

[bgula]

There have been other threads with this same question and each time everyone says Sarnia. I was looking for the same answer when we went in late October. Finally settled on Windsor as the airport is only 15-20 minutes past the bridge. It was soooo easy. 4 hours from Niagara to parking at the airport. No problems at the bridge, although we did cross at 6 am.

 

[snickerboo]

Just did this trip on the weekend and went the Sarnia route. My dh does this a lot and he said he far prefers Sarnia and it doesn't take much, if any longer. It's direct: you cross over the bridge and that freeway (I think it's 94) takes you all the way through Detroit, past Dearborn, straight to the airport.