Driving across the Northumberland Strait feels a bit like flying over the ocean without ever leaving your seat. Honestly, the first time you see those massive concrete curves rising out of the water, it hits you just how tiny your car is compared to the vastness of the Atlantic. People ask all the time: how long is the Confederation Bridge in PEI?
The short answer? It’s exactly 12.9 kilometers (about 8 miles) long.
But that number doesn't really tell the whole story. It’s not just a road; it’s a massive engineering flex that connects Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick. For decades, the only way to get to the "Garden of the Gulf" was by ferry. Then, in 1997, everything changed.
The Massive Scale of the "Fixed Link"
If you’re driving at the speed limit of 80 km/h, it’ll take you roughly 10 to 12 minutes to get from one side to the other.
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That might sound quick. 12 minutes. Basically the length of three or four songs on your playlist. But when you’re out there, and the wind is whipping across the strait, and you realize you’re 60 meters (nearly 200 feet) above the water at the highest point, those 10 minutes feel significant.
Why the length matters
The bridge isn't just long for the sake of being long. It crosses the Abegweit Passage. This is the narrowest part of the strait, but "narrow" is a relative term here. Engineers had to account for something most bridge builders never deal with: massive, crushing sheets of ice.
Because of this, the Confederation Bridge holds the title of the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water.
- Total Span: 12.9 km (8 miles).
- Width: 11 meters.
- Piers: 62 massive pillars anchored to the bedrock.
- Design Life: Built to last 100 years (though some experts now say it'll go longer).
The curves aren't just for aesthetics, either. They keep drivers alert. A straight 13-kilometer road over water would be a recipe for highway hypnosis. The slight "S" curve ensures you’re actually paying attention to the road and not just staring off into the blue.
What it Costs to Cross in 2026
Something huge happened recently that changed the math for everyone visiting the Island. For years, the toll was a bit of a gut punch—upwards of $50 for a standard car.
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As of August 2025, and continuing through 2026, the federal government slashed the tolls. Now, a round trip for a two-axle vehicle is only $20.00.
Here is the current breakdown for 2026 travel:
- Standard Passenger Vehicle: $20.00
- Motorcycle: $20.00
- Additional Axles: Now $0.00 (a massive win for those towing campers!)
- Pedestrians/Cyclists: You aren't actually allowed to walk or bike across the bridge itself for safety reasons. Instead, there’s a shuttle. It's about $4.75 for pedestrians and $9.50 for cyclists.
Pro tip: You only pay when you leave Prince Edward Island. Entering the province is technically free, which is a fun psychological trick until you realize you eventually have to go home.
The Engineering Magic Most People Miss
The bridge is a "post-tensioned concrete box girder" structure. That sounds like jargon, but basically, it means it's a series of hollow concrete segments held together by 12,000 kilometers of high-strength steel cables.
If you could shrink yourself down and go inside, you’d find the bridge is actually hollow. This allows crews to inspect the guts of the structure without stopping traffic.
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Then there are the "ice shields." At the base of each pier, there’s a conical shape. When the massive tides of the Northumberland Strait push heavy ice floes against the bridge, these cones force the ice upward. The ice breaks under its own weight rather than crushing the pier. It’s brilliant, really.
A Few Surprising Facts
- The Speed Limit: It’s strictly 80 km/h. Don't push it. The wind can be brutal, and the bridge authorities will shut down the link to high-sided vehicles (like semis or RVs) if the gusts get too crazy.
- The Names: Locals often just call it "The Fixed Link" or simply "The Bridge."
- Eco-Impact: Believe it or not, the bridge is better for the environment than the old ferries. It eliminated about 44,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually because cars are more efficient than giant ships idling across the water.
Is it worth the drive?
Absolutely. There is a specific moment, right when you hit the highest point (the "navigation span"), where the view opens up and you see the red cliffs of PEI in the distance. It’s iconic.
If you're worried about the height, just stay in the right lane and keep your eyes on the car in front of you. The concrete barriers are high enough that you don't feel like you're going to tip over, even in a breeze.
Actionable Next Steps:
Before you head out, always check the official Confederation Bridge website or their social media for "Advisory" status. In the winter or during fall storm seasons, wind restrictions are common. If you're towing a trailer, you’ll want to make sure the bridge is open to "all classes of vehicles" before you leave New Brunswick. Also, keep your camera ready for the Cape Jourimain Marsh and Nature Centre on the New Brunswick side—it offers the best vantage point for a photo of the full 12.9 km span.