Best Suburbs for a 45-Minute Commute to Union Station

If you work in downtown Toronto but can’t stomach the city’s home prices, you’re not alone. Thousands of commuters are trading small condos for bigger homes in nearby suburbs, without giving up a manageable trip to Union Station.

Using GO Transit schedules and average resale prices from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), here are three suburbs that balance affordability, space, and a sub-45-minute commute to Toronto’s Financial District.

🚆 1. Oakville – Lifestyle Luxury Meets Easy Transit

Average Home Price: ~$1,235,000 (all property types)
Commute: ~35 minutes via Lakeshore West GO
Monthly Parking: Free at most GO lots
Why It Works:
Oakville offers lakefront charm, top-rated schools, and a walkable downtown, all with quick train access to Toronto. It’s ideal for families or professionals who want prestige and convenience without downtown chaos.
Neighbourhoods to Watch: Kerr Village, Glen Abbey, Bronte

🌳 2. Whitby – East-End Value and Space

Average Home Price: ~$940,000
Commute: ~42 minutes via Lakeshore East GO
Monthly Parking: Free (Whitby GO)
Why It Works:
A rising favourite among first-time buyers, Whitby offers detached homes at nearly half Toronto’s price. The town’s waterfront parks, new developments, and improved transit access make it one of the best value-for-time trades in the GTA.
Neighbourhoods to Watch: Whitby Shores, Pringle Creek, Blue Grass Meadows

🏘️ 3. Burlington – Balanced, Family-Friendly, and Efficient

Average Home Price: ~$1,050,000
Commute: ~43 minutes via Lakeshore West GO
Monthly Parking: Free (Aldershot or Burlington GO)
Why It Works:
Burlington offers a calm, community-oriented lifestyle with strong resale value. Commuters love its reliability — frequent trains, good highways, and lots of green space.
Neighbourhoods to Watch: Aldershot, Orchard, Roseland

🚗 What About Driving?

If you’re considering driving instead, average travel times from these suburbs range between 45-70 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Parking near Union Station typically costs $250–$400 per month, making GO Transit the smarter long-term choice for most commuters.

💡 Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading from a condo, these suburbs prove that you don’t need to live downtown to stay connected. For many buyers, a 40-minute train ride is a small price to pay for a bigger backyard, quieter streets, and room to grow.

Sources: TRREB Market Watch (October 2025), Metrolinx GO Transit Schedules

Subscribe to our newsletter:

Get weekly insights on home prices, real estate trends, and breaking news in Canada’s housing market.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.

Canada Housing Market