TRANSIT & COMMUTING FROM BURLINGTON
Transportation access is one of the most important factors influencing home values, lifestyle convenience, and relocation decisions — especially for buyers commuting to Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, or Niagara Region. Burlington is widely considered one of the best-connected cities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), offering exceptional highway infrastructure, multiple GO Transit stations, strong public transit, and proximity to two major international airports.
Unlike many suburban communities that rely heavily on a single corridor, Burlington benefits from a multi-modal transportation network — making it highly attractive to professionals, families, investors, and long-distance commuters.
STRATEGIC LOCATION IN THE GTA CORRIDOR
Situated between Oakville and Hamilton along the western shore of Lake Ontario, Burlington serves as a critical gateway between the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario.
Key advantages:
✔ Direct access to QEW, Highway 403, and Highway 407
✔ Multiple GO Train stations with all-day service to Toronto
✔ Strong local transit connectivity
✔ Proximity to major employment hubs
✔ Easy airport access
✔ Ideal balance of suburban living and urban connectivity
HIGHWAY ACCESS — BURLINGTON’S BIGGEST COMMUTING ADVANTAGE
Burlington sits at the intersection of several major provincial highways, making car commuting fast and flexible.
Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) — PRIMARY EAST–WEST CORRIDOR
The QEW runs directly through Burlington and serves as the city’s main commuter artery.
Key Interchanges & Access Points
• QEW & Guelph Line
Address: QEW & Guelph Line, Burlington, ON
• QEW & Walkers Line
Address: QEW & Walkers Line, Burlington, ON
• QEW & Appleby Line
Address: QEW & Appleby Line, Burlington, ON
• QEW & Brant Street
Address: QEW & Brant St, Burlington, ON
Typical Drive Times (Traffic Dependent)
• Downtown Hamilton — 20–25 minutes
• Oakville — 10–15 minutes
• Mississauga — 25–35 minutes
• Downtown Toronto — 45–70 minutes
• Niagara Falls — 60 minutes
• Pearson Airport — 35–45 minutes
The QEW also connects directly to the Burlington Skyway Bridge, one of Southern Ontario’s most critical transportation links.
Highway 403 — WESTERN GTA & HAMILTON LINK
Highway 403 branches off from the QEW in Burlington and provides fast access to Hamilton, Ancaster, and Brantford.
Major Interchange
• QEW / Highway 403 Split
Address: QEW & Hwy 403 Interchange, Burlington, ON
Key Benefits
• Alternative route to Toronto via Mississauga
• Direct connection to Hamilton employment centres
• Access to McMaster University and Ancaster
• Reduced congestion compared to QEW during peak times
Highway 407 ETR — EXPRESS TOLL ROUTE
Highway 407 provides a high-speed, congestion-free alternative across the GTA.
Nearest Access Points
• Highway 407 & Dundas Street
Address: 407 ETR & Dundas St, Burlington, ON
• Highway 407 & Appleby Line
Address: 407 ETR & Appleby Line, Burlington, ON
Benefits
✔ Faster long-distance commuting
✔ Direct route to northern GTA cities
✔ Access to Vaughan, Markham, and Durham Region
✔ Useful for business travel
MAJOR ARTERIAL ROADS IN BURLINGTON
Key local corridors support daily commuting and internal mobility.
Brant Street — North–South Spine
Address: Brant St, Burlington, ON
✔ Connects waterfront to Highway 407
✔ Access to downtown Burlington
✔ Major commercial corridor
Guelph Line — Primary Central Corridor
Address: Guelph Line, Burlington, ON
✔ Connects QEW to Highway 407
✔ Serves residential neighbourhoods
✔ Access to shopping centres and schools
Walkers Line — Eastern Corridor
Address: Walkers Line, Burlington, ON
✔ Major commuter route
✔ Industrial and employment areas nearby
✔ Connection to GO stations
Appleby Line — Key Growth Corridor
Address: Appleby Line, Burlington, ON
✔ Access to newer developments
✔ Links QEW to Highway 407
✔ Close to major retail centres
Dundas Street (Highway 5) — Upper Burlington Corridor
Address: Dundas St, Burlington, ON
✔ Connects Burlington to Waterdown and Oakville
✔ Major east–west route north of QEW
✔ Supports rapid suburban expansion
LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSIT — BURLINGTON TRANSIT
Public transit within the city is operated by Burlington Transit.
https://www.burlingtontransit.ca
Key Features
• Extensive bus network across the city
• Accessible low-floor buses
• PRESTO fare system
• Real-time tracking apps
• Connections to GO Transit
• Park-and-ride facilities
Major Transit Terminal
Burlington GO Station Bus Terminal
Address: 2101 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2C8
Serves as a central hub connecting local buses with regional rail service.
Typical Travel Times by Transit
• Downtown Burlington — 10–25 minutes
• Hamilton — 30–50 minutes
• Toronto (via GO) — 60–75 minutes
Transit coverage continues to improve as population density increases.
GO TRANSIT — MAJOR REGIONAL COMMUTER ADVANTAGE
GO Transit provides Burlington with one of the strongest commuter rail networks in the region.
https://www.gotransit.com
Burlington GO Station
Address: 2101 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2C8
✔ Major regional hub
✔ Lakeshore West Line
✔ Frequent all-day service
✔ Large parking facilities
✔ Bus connections
Appleby GO Station
Address: 5111 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7L 0B4
✔ Serves eastern Burlington
✔ Park-and-ride access
✔ Regular train service to Toronto
Typical Train Travel Times
• Oakville — 10 minutes
• Mississauga — 20 minutes
• Toronto Union Station — 60 minutes
• Hamilton West Harbour — 20 minutes
GO rail service is a major driver of real estate demand in Burlington.
CYCLING & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Burlington is considered one of the most bike-friendly suburban cities in Ontario.
Infrastructure includes:
• Multi-use waterfront trails
• Dedicated bike lanes
• Scenic cycling routes
• Pedestrian-friendly streets
• Extensive sidewalk network
Popular cycling corridors include the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario.
RIDE-SHARING & TAXI SERVICES
Residents have easy access to:
• Uber
• Lyft
• Local taxi companies
These services are widely used for:
✔ Trips to GO stations
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Downtown travel
✔ Late-night commuting
AIRPORT ACCESS
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
Address: 9300 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0
https://flyhamilton.ca
Approximate drive time from Burlington: 35–45 minutes
✔ Domestic flights
✔ Growing international service
✔ Major cargo hub
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Address: 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
https://www.torontopearson.com
Approximate drive time: 35–45 minutes
✔ Canada’s largest airport
✔ Extensive global connections
✔ Preferred airport for international travel
WHY TRANSPORTATION MATTERS FOR BURLINGTON REAL ESTATE
Connectivity plays a major role in property demand and long-term appreciation.
Homes in well-connected areas typically offer:
✔ Higher resale values
✔ Faster price growth
✔ Strong appeal to professionals
✔ Excellent rental demand
✔ Greater lifestyle convenience
✔ Reduced commuting stress
Proximity to GO stations and major highways is especially valuable for GTA commuters.
WHY COMMUTERS CHOOSE BURLINGTON
✔ Exceptional highway connectivity (QEW, 403, 407)
✔ Multiple GO Train stations with all-day service
✔ Central location between Toronto and Hamilton
✔ Strong local transit network
✔ Access to major employment centres
✔ Close proximity to airports
✔ High quality of life with waterfront amenities
✔ Strong long-term growth potential
