Getting around Toronto isn’t exactly smooth sailing. Even celebrities like Tom Cruise, Niall Horan, and Will Ferrell have poked fun at the city’s infamous traffic when visiting for shows or the Toronto International Film Festival. And they’re not wrong, the gridlock is real.
Public transit commuters in Toronto face an average 55-minute trip per journey, the second-highest in North America, according to a 2024 report by Moovit, a commuter app. And as of May 2025, StatsCan reports that Toronto has the longest commute times in Canada at 34.9 minutes on average—longer than Vancouver (31 minutes) and Montreal (29 minutes). Add in a 26% jump in registered vehicles since 2014, and it’s no wonder Toronto traffic feels never-ending.
That’s why many people are moving beyond Toronto’s expensive city limits and choosing nearby communities connected by GO Transit. For those commuting to Union Station, these locations offer some of the most convenient direct rides downtown, based on the GO Trip Planner for a weekday departure at 7:00 a.m. with Union Station as the destination.
Mississauga
In Mississauga, the average home price is $968,250, making it a relatively affordable choice compared to many other Greater Toronto Area suburbs. The city is also highly connected through GO Transit, with several stations along both the Lakeshore West and Milton lines.
- Clarkson GO → Union: 27 minutes
- Dixie GO → Union: 27 minutes
- Port Credit GO → Union: 30 minutes
- Erindale GO → Union: 38 minutes
- Streetsville GO → Union: 38 minutes
- Meadowvale GO → Union: 50 minutes
- Lisgar GO → Union: 55 minutes
Oakville
Oakville is one of the pricier areas on this list, with an average home price of $1,415,357. The city has two GO stations on the Lakeshore West line, offering manageable commutes and strong local transit connections.
- Oakville GO → Union: 34 minutes
- Bronte GO → Union: 40 minutes
Vaughan
Vaughan’s quick commutes and higher price points, with the average home costing $1,210,952. Rutherford is the only station in Vaughan, and has a direct half-hour trip to Union.
- Rutherford GO → Union: 30 minutes
Burlington
If you’re looking for more space while still keeping the commute under an hour, Burlington may be appealing. The average home price here is $1,075,789, which places it between Mississauga and Oakville in affordability. Burlington is ideal if you’re looking for larger homes but still want a direct line to Union.
- Burlington GO → Union: 52 minutes
Ajax / Pickering
Pickering and Ajax are both family-friendly communities experiencing steady growth, appealing to buyers who want more space at lower prices—even if it means a commute of about 50 minutes. Pickering stands out as one of the more affordable markets on this list, with an average home price of $913,648. Ajax is even more budget-friendly, offering the lowest average price at $893,972.
- Pickering GO → Union: 46 minutes
- Ajax GO → Union: 51 minutes
Related: Top 10 Trendiest GTA Neighbourhoods to Watch in 2025
If commuting plays a significant role in your purchasing decision, consulting with a real estate agent can help you determine the type of home and lifestyle factors you’re seeking in your next move. Contact us today.
