FAQ · New York
Rainbow Bridge border crossing: frequently asked questions
19 questions travellers ask about Rainbow Bridge, answered from CBP and CBSA sources.
Answers specific to Rainbow Bridge, each drawn from an official source with the date we read it. For a figure that changes, such as the current wait, use the live panel.
What are the hours at Rainbow Bridge?
The U.S. CBP wait-time feed publishes 24 hrs/day for Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
What are the CBSA hours for the Canadian side of Rainbow Bridge?
Travellers: 7 days per week, 24h. Source: CBSA office directory, read 2026-10-20.
Is Rainbow Bridge open 24 hours?
The official source says yes: 24 hrs/day. Hours can change, so check the live panel. Source: official source, read 2026-10-20.
What is the CBP port code for Rainbow Bridge?
0901. The wait-time feed numbers this crossing 090102. Source: CBP port page, read 2026-10-20.
What is the CBSA office number for Rainbow Bridge?
1022 in the CBSA office directory (Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge(Travellers only)). Source: CBSA office directory, read 2026-10-20.
What is the address of the U.S. port of entry at Rainbow Bridge?
726 Exchange Street Suite 400 Buffalo, NY 14210 United States; phone +1 716-843-8521. This is the port-level address and a port can contain several crossings. Source: CBP port page, read 2026-10-20.
Where is the CBSA office for Rainbow Bridge?
5660 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3P6. Source: CBSA office directory, read 2026-10-20.
What phone numbers does the CBSA list for Rainbow Bridge?
. Source: CBSA office directory, read 2026-10-20.
What are the coordinates of the CBSA office at Rainbow Bridge?
43.092087, -79.069557 per the CBSA directory. Source: CBSA office directory, read 2026-10-20.
How is the wait measured at Rainbow Bridge?
The CBP feed lists the measurement type as: passenger Bluetooth, commercial Manual, pedestrian Manual. CBP does not define these terms on the pages we read, so we show them as published. Source: CBP Border Wait Times XML feed, read 2026-10-20.
Does Rainbow Bridge have a NEXUS or SENTRI lane?
The CBP feed carries no NEXUS / SENTRI figure for this port. That means the feed reports nothing, not that the lane is confirmed absent: check CBP. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
How many passenger lanes does Rainbow Bridge have?
The CBP feed lists a maximum of 16 passenger-vehicle lanes. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
Is there a pedestrian lane at Rainbow Bridge?
The CBP feed carries pedestrian lane data for this port (status when read: Lanes Closed). Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
Can trucks use Rainbow Bridge?
The CBP feed lists no commercial-vehicle figure for this port. Confirm with CBP before sending a truck. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
What ID does a U.S. citizen need at Rainbow Bridge?
Valid U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver's License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). U.S. and Canadian citizen children under 16 (or under 19 if travelling with a school, religious or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. Source: CBP Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, read 2026-10-20.
How much can I bring back duty-free into the U.S. through Rainbow Bridge?
A returning U.S. resident who has remained outside U.S. territory for at least 48 hours is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption. CBP's page states the $800 exemption can be used once every 31 days. The 48 hours are computed exactly (19 CFR 148.35). Source: CBP, read 2026-10-20.
What ID does a Canadian citizen need entering Canada at Rainbow Bridge?
Canadian passport; Canadian birth certificate; Citizenship card; Certificate of Indian Status. The Government of Canada recommends Canadian citizens and dual citizens travel internationally with a valid Canadian passport. Minors should carry a Canadian passport; a consent letter and supporting identification are strongly recommended when travelling with only one parent or alone. Source: CBSA I Declare guide, read 2026-10-20.
What is the Canadian personal exemption when returning through Rainbow Bridge?
Absence of 24 hours or more: CAN$200; Absence of 48 hours or more: CAN$800; Absence of 7 days or more: CAN$800. Source: CBSA I Declare guide, read 2026-10-20.
How often is the wait time updated?
Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly Source: CBP, Border Wait Times RSS channel description, read 2026-10-20.