Getting to Windsor, ON
Windsor is located on the southern border of Ontario, directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan, making it a major gateway city and a convenient destination for visitors. You can reach Windsor by car, train, or bus, with several affordable and accessible public transit options available. Travelling from Toronto, Ontario, to Windsor, Ontario, is straightforward. VIA Rail offers direct train service from Toronto’s Union Station to downtown Windsor, with multiple departures daily.
The trip takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and includes comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and Wi-Fi for a relaxing ride. For a more budget-conscious option, intercity buses such as FlixBus and Megabus also run direct routes, and both arrive near local transit hubs, making transfers to Transit Windsor relatively seamless.
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Transit Windsor: Accessibility
Transit Windsor buses include accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, kneeling capability, and both voice and screen announcements. These features assist riders who use mobility aids, travel with service animals, or have vision impairments. Each bus provides designated wheelchair spaces just behind the driver or across the aisle, along with fold-up seating to accommodate walkers or scooters. Ramps at the front door aid boarding, and buses can kneel closer to the curb when requested. Service animals are permitted and priority seating is available at the front. Large-print and Braille schedules are also available upon request by calling 311.
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Transit Windsor: Fare Options
As of July 2025, Transit Windsor provides several flexible fare options to suit a range of travel needs:
- The cash fare is $3.75 per ride for adults, seniors, and youth. Exact change is required, and fares include a two-hour transfer window.
- The Smart Ride Card is a reloadable stored-value card that offers discounted fares. Packs of 10 rides cost $31.00 for adults and $24.00 for youth and seniors. Transfers within two hours are automatically applied.
- Time-based passes are also available. A 30-day pass costs $118.00 for adults, $81.00 for youth, and $60.00 for seniors. A 15-day pass is priced at $60.18, $31.00, and $41.31, respectively.
- A Day Pass allows unlimited rides for $11.50.
- Children 12 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
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Transit Windsor: Schedules and Maps
Transit Windsor offers several tools to help you plan your trips efficiently.
- You can use the real-time tracking website, the Windsor Prediction Portal, to see when your bus is arriving and receive live service alerts, including detours.
- Google Maps incorporates Transit Windsor’s schedules and routes, allowing you to plan your trip easily.
- The free Transit App, available on iOS and Android, provides live bus tracking, trip planning, and service alerts.
- Moovit is another excellent app for step-by-step directions and real-time transit information.
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Local Must-Stop Visits
Transit Windsor makes it easy to support local businesses by connecting riders to Windsor’s many locally owned shops, popular attractions, parks, and institutions.
Signature Experiences:
Encore Productions: Rum Runners Tour
- Step back in time with this immersive, interactive experience that brings Windsor’s rum-running history to life. Guests follow a thrilling storyline, engage with actors, and explore secret routes once used by the city’s infamous bootleggers. It’s a must-do for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
- Getting there via Transit Windsor: The starting point is located downtown near the Windsor International Transit Terminal. Bus routes 1C (Transway), 2 (Crosstown), and 3 (Central) provide direct access. Check the Transit Windsor website or app for real-time schedules and stops closest to the venue.
Shopping and Markets:
- Located in the heart of Walkerville, Urban Art Market is a collective of over 30 local artisans offering handmade goods like jewelry, pottery, artwork, and home décor. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to take home a piece of Windsor’s creative community. Accessible via Route 8 (Walkerville).
Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market
- This seasonal open-air market features local produce, Windsor-made honey, handcrafted goods, and live music by local performers. It’s conveniently located near the Windsor International Transit Terminal and is accessible via multiple bus routes, including 1C (Transway), 2 (Crosstown), 3 (Central), 4 (Ottawa), and 14 (Parent).
- Whiskeyjack Boutique is a locally owned downtown gift shop offering exclusively Canadian-made goods. From home décor to skincare and greeting cards, it’s a great place to find thoughtful souvenirs. Located downtown, it’s easily reached via Routes 1C, 2, 3, and 4.
Arts and Entertainment:
- Art Windsor-Essex showcases Canadian and contemporary art and is close to the downtown terminal.
- The historic Capitol Theatre hosts live music, theatre, and dance performances and is accessible via routes 1C, 3, and 4.
- Caesars Windsor Casino is a major destination for gaming and entertainment.
Parks and Nature:
- The Windsor Riverfront Trail offers scenic views along the Detroit River and is accessible from multiple downtown routes.
- The Ojibway Prairie Complex offers nature trails and native prairie ecosystems, reachable on route 1C.
- Malden Park features walking trails and panoramic city views and is served by routes 1C and 3.
Museums and Heritage:
- The Chimczuk Museum provides local history exhibits near the downtown Transit Terminal.
- The Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre is located in Sandwich Town on route 1C.
Family-Friendly Attractions:
- The Adventure Bay Family Water Park is an indoor water park near the downtown Transit Terminal.
Overnight Stays
Windsor offers many hotel options that are convenient for visitors using public transit.
- The Caesars Windsor Hotel is a popular entertainment and dining spot within walking distance of multiple bus routes (1C, 2, 3, 4, 14).
- The Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront is close to the Art Windsor-Essex gallery and riverwalk, served by routes 2, 3, and 4.
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Windsor is near Highway 3 and served by routes 6 and 14.
- Comfort Inn Windsor is accessible via routes 14 and 6.
- Stonecroft Inn is a short ride from the college and accessible via routes 6 and 115.
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Windsor offers comfortable long-term stays and is served by routes 1C, 6, and 7.
