One of the first questions buyers planning a move to Markham, Ontario ask is about the commute. How long does it take to get downtown? Which Markham neighbourhoods have the best transit access? Is the 407 ETR worth it? Can you get to Union Station by GO Train?

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani of Kaizen Real Estate understand that commute time and transportation access are among the most important factors in a home purchase decision, especially for buyers working in downtown Toronto or across the GTA tech corridor. They help clients evaluate not just the home, but the day-to-day livability of each location. Here is the complete guide.

GO Train Access From Markham, The Four Stations

 

Markham is served by four GO Train stations on the Stouffville Line, which runs from Union Station in downtown Toronto north through Scarborough, Milliken, and into York Region.

Unionville GO Station
Serves Unionville, Cachet, Berczy Village, and Angus Glen. Peak weekday departures run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. Travel time to Union Station is about 45 to 55 minutes. Homes within walking distance to this station command a strong price premium due to convenience and long-term demand.

Markham Village GO Station
Located on Main Street North, serving Markham Village, Raymerville, and Bullock. Service frequency and travel times are similar to Unionville GO, making it a reliable option for central Markham commuters.

Mount Joy GO Station
One of the most strategically located stations, serving Greensborough, Wismer Commons, Cornell, and Box Grove. Buyers often prioritize this area due to walkability and accessibility. It also features modern parking, making it ideal for commuters driving to the station.

Centennial GO Station
Serves Milliken Mills and Buttonville communities in west Markham, connecting residents efficiently to the Stouffville Line and Union Station.

Highway 407 ETR, Markham’s Fastest Road Commute

 

Highway 407 is a fully electronic toll highway running east-west along Markham’s southern boundary. It connects to Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway, offering one of the fastest driving options across the GTA.

For commuters heading to Scarborough, North York, Don Mills, or downtown Toronto, the 407 provides significantly reduced travel times compared to Highway 401, especially during peak hours.

Toll costs are distance-based and vary by time of day. Monthly costs typically range from $200 to $500 for regular commuters. Many professionals consider this a worthwhile trade-off for time savings and reduced stress.

Communities such as Cornell, Angus Glen, and Cachet benefit from convenient 407 access points, making them highly desirable for buyers who prioritize driving efficiency.

Highway 404, The Standard Commuter Route

Highway 404 connects Markham directly to the Don Valley Parkway and downtown Toronto. While it does not have tolls, it experiences heavy congestion during peak hours.

Typical commute times:

• 35 minutes during off-peak
• 60 to 90 minutes during rush hour

For budget-conscious buyers, proximity to the 404 still plays an important role in home selection.

YRT and VIVA Rapid Transit in Markham

York Region Transit (YRT) operates an extensive bus network across the city, with routes serving most residential neighbourhoods.

VIVA Rapid Transit runs along Highway 7 using dedicated lanes, offering faster and more frequent service compared to traditional buses. It connects Markham to Richmond Hill and the broader York Region transit system.

Cornell Bus Terminal
Located near Markham Stouffville Hospital, this is a major transit hub serving eastern communities like Cornell, Box Grove, and Greensborough. It provides seamless connections to YRT routes and the GO Train network.

How Transit Access Affects Markham Real Estate Values

Transit access directly impacts home values in Markham. Properties within approximately 800 metres of a GO Train station often command higher prices due to convenience and long-term desirability.

Mount Joy GO Station continues to drive value in Greensborough and Wismer Commons, while Unionville GO supports strong pricing in surrounding neighbourhoods due to walkability and consistent demand.

The upcoming Yonge North Subway Extension will further enhance transit connectivity near Markham’s western boundary, adding long-term value to nearby communities.

Final Thoughts

Commuting is not just about travel time, it is a key factor in lifestyle, convenience, and long-term property value. Choosing the right neighbourhood in Markham depends heavily on how you plan to get to work each day.

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani help buyers evaluate commute times, transit access, and how each location impacts both daily life and future resale value.

Before you buy in Markham, understand your commute and choose a location that works for both your lifestyle and your investment.

Contact Kaizen Real Estate Today

📞 Call 647-370-8885
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.kaizenrealestate.ca
🗓️ Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/kaizenrealestate-info/30min

Why Work with Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani — Kaizen Real Estate

Whether you are upgrading to your dream home or streamlining your lifestyle with a strategic downsize, having the right real estate team makes all the difference.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

• eXp Icon Award (2024, 2025)
• Realtor of the Year (2021, 2022)
• Diamond Award (2023)
• Titanium Award (2022)
• Platinum Award (2021)

📍 Local Expertise You Can Trust

Recognized as trusted Markham & Unionville real estate experts, they bring:

• In-depth neighborhood knowledge
• Accurate pricing strategies
• Insight into local market trends

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani of Kaizen Real Estate bring extensive knowledge of the Markham and GTA market, a proven track record of helping clients maximize their home's value, and the negotiation expertise needed to secure the best outcome on both sides of the transaction.

• Deep local market knowledge across Markham, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, and the broader GTA

• Personalized strategy aligned with your financial and lifestyle goals

• Expert pricing, staging guidance, and marketing to maximize your current home's sale price

• Strong buyer-side negotiation to ensure you purchase your next home with confidence