What is the best time to cross Champlain?

Typically Tuesday at 8:00 AM, with an average wait of ≈4m in the general lane. The number comes from CBP's official hourly statistics and refreshes daily.

What is the worst time to cross Champlain?

The heaviest point of the week is usually Tuesday at 9:00 AM, with a typical wait of ≈40m. Check the live wait times before you leave — any given day can behave differently from the typical pattern.

Where does this data come from and how reliable is it?

From CBP's official hourly statistics for Champlain: we take the most recent typical pattern for each weekday (the averages are CBP's), so it reflects the usual behavior, not a forecast. Any given day can vary with weather, holidays or operations — so check the live wait times before you leave.

Is the best time the same for every lane?

This page summarizes the General lane, the line most people use. Trusted lanes (SENTRI or NEXUS, and Ready Lane where available) usually move at their own pace; compare them live on the Champlain page.

Quebec New York

Best Time to Cross Champlain

CARS · ANY DAY

Hardly any line ~4m

The line barely changes by day at this crossing. Cross whenever works for you.

Live times Hourly chart

Every day BEST TO WORST

Tuesday The best
~4m The calmest. Barely any line before dawn.
Thursday #2
~4m Fine if you skip the afternoon.
Saturday #3
~4m Fine if you skip the afternoon.
Monday #4
~5m Fine if you skip the afternoon.
Wednesday #5
~5m Good before dawn; midday climbs only a little.
Friday #6
~5m Fine if you skip the afternoon.
Sunday The worst
~8m The worst of the week. Avoid 10 AM–2 PM.

3 days before Fri Aug 29

Average

9m

Range

0m–20m

16/24 h
2 days before Sat Aug 30

Average

9m

Range

0m–20m

16/24 h
1 day before Sun Aug 31

Average

3m

Range

0m–10m

17/24 h
Holiday Mon Sep 1

Average

14m

Range

0m–55m

23/24 h
1 day after Tue Sep 2

Average

3m

Range

0m–10m

16/24 h
2 days after Wed Sep 3

Average

1m

Range

0m–10m

18/24 h
3 days after Thu Sep 4

Average

1m

Range

0m–10m

18/24 h

General lane · CBP's official hourly statistics (last 15 days). Closed hours don't count.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to cross Champlain?: Typically Tuesday at 8:00 AM, with an average wait of ≈4m in the general lane. The number comes from CBP's official hourly statistics and refreshes daily.
What is the worst time to cross Champlain?: The heaviest point of the week is usually Tuesday at 9:00 AM, with a typical wait of ≈40m. Check the live wait times before you leave — any given day can behave differently from the typical pattern.
Where does this data come from and how reliable is it?: From CBP's official hourly statistics for Champlain: we take the most recent typical pattern for each weekday (the averages are CBP's), so it reflects the usual behavior, not a forecast. Any given day can vary with weather, holidays or operations — so check the live wait times before you leave.
Is the best time the same for every lane?: This page summarizes the General lane, the line most people use. Trusted lanes (SENTRI or NEXUS, and Ready Lane where available) usually move at their own pace; compare them live on the Champlain page.