What is the best way to commute from Markham to downtown Toronto?For most downtown jobs, the GO train is the most predictable option. The Stouffville line serves four Markham stations: Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy, with trains about twice an hour in the peak direction and hourly all-day service between Unionville and Union. Driving via Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway is flexible but can vary widely at rush hour. Highway 407 is faster on some routes but is a toll road, and its operator said most personal transponder customers would see their bills rise by about $5 a month in 2026. The best choice depends on where you live, where you work and how many days you go in.
Return-to-office schedules have brought the commute back to the centre of many Markham families’ decisions. A home that feels perfect on a Saturday can feel very different at 7:15 on a Tuesday morning.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, encourages buyers who commute downtown to test the trip from each home on their shortlist at rush hour, because the walk or drive to the station often matters as much as the train itself.
Your options compared
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| GO train, Stouffville line | Downtown jobs near Union Station | Fixed schedules; getting to the station |
| Driving, 404 and DVP | Flexible hours, jobs outside the core | Unpredictable rush-hour traffic and downtown parking costs |
| Highway 407 | Cross-region trips and some routes to the west or north | Tolls, which vary by time and zone |
| Viva and YRT to the subway | Jobs along Line 1 or midtown | More transfers |
The GO train: Stouffville line
| Markham station | Distance from Union Station |
|---|---|
| Unionville | 30.6 km |
| Centennial | 35.0 km |
| Markham | 36.7 km |
| Mount Joy | 38.7 km |
In peak periods, trains run roughly twice an hour in the peak direction. All-day weekday service between Unionville and Union began in 2017, with trains about hourly outside rush hours. Check GO Transit’s current schedule for exact times, since service changes from time to time.
Door-to-door time includes the trip to the station, parking or the bus, waiting time and the walk from Union to your office. A home within walking distance of a station can save more time than a faster train.
Shopping for a home with an easy commute?
Michael John Lau can shortlist homes near GO stations and rapid transit, and help you test the trip before you buy.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Driving: Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway
Driving gives you control over your schedule and is often faster for jobs outside the downtown core, such as in North York or near Highway 404. For downtown jobs, rush-hour traffic on the 404 and DVP can make the same trip vary a great deal from one day to the next. Add downtown parking costs, which can be significant, before comparing with the GO train.
Highway 407: when the toll pays off
Highway 407 ETR is a toll road across the north of the GTA. Its 2026 rates took effect on January 1, 2026, and vary by zone, direction and time of day. The operator said most personal transponder customers would see an average increase of about $5 a month, and an annual transponder lease costs $31.50 plus tax.
A simple way to decide: estimate how many minutes the 407 saves on your route and what the toll costs for that trip. If the time saved is worth more to you than the toll, it can pay off, especially on days with heavy traffic elsewhere. Check 407 ETR’s rate chart for your exact route.
Viva and the future subway
Viva rapid buses run on dedicated lanes along Highway 7 through Markham Centre, connecting with YRT routes toward Finch subway station. In the future, the Yonge North Subway Extension will add stations including Bridge near Highway 7 and Highway 407. No opening date has been published, so plan around today’s options. For more, see transit-oriented communities and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Avoiding commuter burnout
A long commute is easier to sustain when it is predictable and useful. Many Markham commuters say the train works because they can read, answer emails or simply rest, while driving the same distance in traffic feels much longer. A few habits help:
- Choose your office days around lighter traffic or less crowded trains if your employer allows it.
- Leave a buffer for the first and last mile, especially in winter.
- Use station parking wisely. Popular GO lots can fill early, so arriving a little sooner, or living within walking distance, removes stress.
- Plan a backup route for days when trains are delayed or highways are closed.
Families with two commuters
When both parents commute, the household routine matters as much as the trip. One parent may take the train downtown while the other drives to a job in Markham or Vaughan, with daycare pickups fitted in between. Before choosing a home, map both commutes and the daycare or school run together. A home that sits between the two workplaces, close to a GO station and a daycare, can save hours each week.
Choosing a home with the commute in mind
- Map the walk from each home to the nearest GO station.
- Test the trip on a weekday at your real start time, both ways.
- Price it: GO fares, gas, tolls and parking for the days you go in.
- Think hybrid: with two or three office days a week, a slightly longer commute may be worth more space.
Neighbourhoods near GO stations, such as Wismer and Greensborough near Mount Joy, or Markham Centre near Unionville, are popular with commuters. See Cornell vs. Greensborough vs. Berczy vs. Downtown Markham. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
A good commute protects your time, your energy and your family evenings. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Which GO stations are in Markham?
The Stouffville line serves four Markham stations: Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy, with trains to Union Station in Toronto.
How often do GO trains run from Markham?
In peak periods, trains run about twice an hour in the peak direction. All-day weekday service between Unionville and Union runs about hourly outside rush hours. Check GO Transit for current schedules.
Is it faster to drive or take the GO train from Markham to downtown?
For jobs near Union Station, the GO train is usually more predictable. Driving on Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway can vary widely at rush hour, and downtown parking adds cost.
How much did Highway 407 tolls go up in 2026?
407 ETR said most personal transponder customers would see an average increase of about $5 a month with the 2026 rates, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Can I take the subway from Markham?
Not directly yet. Viva and YRT buses connect toward Finch station on Line 1. The Yonge North Subway Extension will add stations near Markham, but no opening date has been published.
Which Markham neighbourhoods are best for GO commuters?
Homes within walking distance of a GO station are the most convenient. Wismer and Greensborough are near Mount Joy GO, and Markham Centre is near Unionville GO.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Sources include public records for GO Transit’s Stouffville line (station distances and service history) and 407 ETR’s 2026 rate announcement (November 21, 2025). Check GO Transit and 407 ETR for current schedules and rates. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
