Commuter FAQ

Downtown Toronto is roughly 195 km away, about two hours in light traffic. At peak times, especially between Milton and downtown, it can take considerably longer.

Yes. VIA Rail runs between London's downtown station and Toronto Union Station, with many trips taking a little over two hours, depending on the train and route. Schedules are limited, so check viarail.ca.

Not currently. A GO pilot extending Kitchener-line service to London ran from 2021 to 2023 and ended. Some commuters drive to GO stations such as Kitchener or Aldershot.

The 407 ETR can bypass heavy 401 traffic across the GTA, but tolls add up for regular use. Many commuters use it selectively on the worst days. Check the toll calculator for your route.

People do, but it's demanding: around four to five hours of travel a day. Most London-based GTA workers are hybrid, commuting one or two days a week.

The 401 between London and Woodstock is prone to lake-effect snow squalls and sudden whiteouts. Check Ontario 511, use winter tires, keep an emergency kit, and consider the train or a remote day in bad weather.

Yes. The Ministry of Transportation operates carpool lots at many highway interchanges, including along the 401. Check the MTO's carpool lot map for current locations.

For drivers, the south and east ends near the 401 interchanges (Wellington Road, Highbury Avenue, Veterans Memorial Parkway). For train commuters, central neighbourhoods near the downtown VIA station, such as downtown, SoHo, Wortley Village, Woodfield and Old North.

It's roughly an hour to an hour and a half by car via the 401 and Highway 8. East and southeast London are the most convenient areas.

It depends on your mode and frequency. Add up fuel or fares, vehicle wear, tolls, parking and any overnights, then multiply by your trips per year. Our commuting costs page includes a worksheet.

Generally no. Travel between home and your regular workplace is a personal expense. Certain home-office expenses may be deductible if your employer requires you to work from home. Ask an accountant.

For many hybrid workers, yes: lower housing costs and more space outweigh one or two long commuting days a week. At three or more days, it's a closer call. Test the commute before you buy.

Test the commute on a real workday, confirm your hybrid arrangement in writing, then shortlist neighbourhoods near your route. Our sister site Toronto to London has a 12-month moving timeline.

Often, yes, because the commuting car is gone all day and London households tend to rely on driving. Train commuters who live centrally, or near a strong bus route, can sometimes manage with one.

Most of the city has wired service from several providers, including national carriers and London-based Start.ca. Check availability at the specific address before buying, especially in new subdivisions or on the rural fringe.