Commuting from York Region: GO Transit, Highways and What Buyers Should Know

York Region spans several municipalities, and how easily you can get to Toronto, or to other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, depends heavily on which community, and even which neighbourhood, you choose. GO Transit's two main rail lines through York Region, along with Highways 404 and 400, are the backbone of most commutes in and out of the region.

Why Commute Matters When Choosing Where to Buy

Two homes at a similar price point can have very different day-to-day commute realities depending on their distance to a GO station, access to highway ramps, and which line or corridor they're closest to. It's worth mapping out your actual commute, door to door, before deciding between neighbourhoods, rather than relying on straight-line distance on a map.

GO Transit: The Barrie Line

The Barrie line runs north from Union Station in downtown Toronto through York Region, including stops in East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora, before continuing further north toward Barrie. This line is the main rail commuting option for buyers looking at homes in these northern York Region communities.

GO Transit: The Richmond Hill Line

The Richmond Hill line runs from Union Station through Oriole, Old Cummer, Langstaff and Richmond Hill stations, north to Gormley and terminating at Bloomington GO Station. This line primarily serves buyers looking at Richmond Hill and the surrounding area on the east side of York Region.

Driving: Highways 404 and 400

For buyers who plan to drive rather than take GO Transit, Highway 404 runs through the eastern side of York Region (through Richmond Hill, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury), while Highway 400 serves the western side (through Vaughan and King). Drive times vary significantly by time of day, so it's worth testing your actual commute at rush hour before assuming a highway-adjacent property will save time.

What to Check Before You Buy for Commute Reasons

Common Questions

Which GO line should I look at if I want the shortest commute to downtown Toronto?

It depends on where in York Region you're considering and where you're commuting to. Both the Barrie line and Richmond Hill line connect to Union Station, but the best fit depends on your specific starting and ending points. Review current GO Transit schedules for your specific stations before deciding.

Is it faster to drive or take GO Transit from York Region?

This varies significantly by starting point, destination and time of day. Many commuters use a combination of driving to a GO station and then taking the train for the rest of the trip.

Do all York Region communities have GO Transit access?

No. GO Transit rail service in York Region is concentrated along the Barrie line and Richmond Hill line corridors. Communities away from these corridors typically rely more on driving or GO bus service.

Does living near a highway always mean a faster commute?

Not necessarily. Highway-adjacent properties can still face significant rush hour delays. It's worth testing your actual commute time at the hours you'd typically travel before assuming proximity to a highway will save time.

This article provides general transit and real estate information as of July 2026. Always confirm current GO Transit schedules, fares and station details directly with GO Transit before making a purchase decision based on commute assumptions.

Jonathan Colford

Sales Representative, eXp Realty Brokerage | York Region Buyer Guidance