Nicknamed the ‘City of Roses’ for its numerous parks, Windsor makes for a great starting point to road trip around Lake St Clair and up to nearby Canadian cities such as London and Niagara Falls. Rent a car to make the most of your visit to the Great Lakes region.
Traffic in Windsor can get quite congested around the Detroit-Windsor tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge as commuters head across the river each day to get to work. Avoid driving at peak hours if you can and take extra care during the winter.
The Detroit-Windsor Toll Tunnel
Canada has few toll-roads, but you will pay a small fee to use the tunnel connecting Windsor to the US. Aptly named the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the journey from Windsor will cost you CAN$4.75, with the cost bumping up to CAN$5.75 on the way back. Download the DWT mobile app, pay at the security gate, or pre-purchase your fare on the DWT website.
Getting to and from the Windsor International Airport
The Windsor International Airport is located roughly 10km southeast of the CBD, with the drive to town taking 15 minutes. Head out onto Division Road from the airport, continue onto Howard Ave, and then follow the signs to the city.
If you’re planning on picking up your rental car in Windsor, a public bus service runs between the airport and the city. A ride will cost $3 per person.
Driving tips for Windsor, Ontario
Take note of these handy tips for driving a rental car in Windsor.
Traffic crossing the Ambassador Bridge to Detroit is often heavy, especially in peak hours. Plan ahead for delays and congestion.
Keep an eye out for animals wandering onto the road.
Crossing over to the US will bring different road rules, including a change from kilometers to miles.
Visit our Canada driving guide before setting off in your hired car and remember these key tips:
Drive on the right hand side.
At an unmarked intersection, give way to your right.
The urban speed limit is generally 50km/h, and on the highways up to 100km/h. Watch out for speed changes.
Where to park your rental car in Windsor
Just a few steps outside the terminal building at Windsor International Airport is the Express Lot designed for fast pick up and drop off, costing $3 per hour. For longer stays, the Daily Lot is just a short walk away and costs $10 per day.
You won’t struggle to find parking in Windsor. Garages, surface lots and metered on-street parking are all available, starting at $1.75 per hour. After 6pm and on the weekend, on-street parking is free.
Explore Windsor with a cheap car hire from Airport Rentals
There’s a lot to consider when renting a car hire in Windsor, but Airport Rentals makes finding the right vehicle easy. Compare SUVs, economy, and compact cars across multiple brands with just a few clicks. Refine your search by transmission type, group size and more until you find the right car. When you’re ready, book instantly and securely online, without the hassle of hidden fees. Need a hand? Enjoy 24/7 access to our knowledgeable customer service team, just a phone call away.
Windsor International Airport offers a comfortable welcome with adequate services to meet your travel needs. Enjoy a bite to eat at the YQGood cafe and get connected to the free WiFi before you head out. Rental car kiosks are conveniently located next to the baggage claim area.
Windsor has daily flights to and from Ottawa, Toronto, and seasonal flights to Calgary. You can also fly into Detroit from major US cities and pop across the border.
A quick look at your visit to Windsor
Where to stay
Check into a hotel on the river’s edge, or choose the convenience of a suite near the airport. Windsor’s modest size means no matter where you stay, you’re just a short drive away from the city centre.
Multicultural Windsor is sandwiched between Lake Erie in the south and Lake St Clair in the north. Many of the 200,000+ residents work across the river in Detroit, creating a working link with their US counterpart.
Windsor attractions to visit in your rental car
Until 1935, the suburbs of Sandwich, Ford City and Walkerville were all separate towns. Incorporated to form present-day Windsor, they are interesting historic districts worth a visit. And don’t miss these other hot spots you can discover with your hired car.
