Is the 401 always busy?

Yes, it is one of the busiest highways in the world.

How much is the 407 toll?

It depends on the distance traveled and time of day.

You can take VIA Rail to Toronto Union and transfer to GO Transit to Oshawa.

Yes, it is a standard Canadian city with typical urban safety considerations.

What is the best route?

Highway 401 is the standard route, 407 is the premium bypass.

Oshawa

Driving

Dover Centre to Oshawa

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from Dover Centre to Oshawa covers approximately 330 kilometers. You will take Highway 401 East, which runs directly through the Greater Toronto Area. This is a long drive that requires navigating through the busiest highway in North America. Expect significant traffic delays during morning and afternoon rush hours. Plan your departure to avoid the Toronto core during peak times.

Total Distance: 330 km driving distance; 300 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the 407 ETR toll highway is the fastest, saving up to an hour.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the only practical way to make this trip directly.

Compare Dover Centre to Oshawa Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

3 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

60-70 CAD

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

Highway 401 East through Toronto to Oshawa.

Use the 407 ETR toll road if you want to bypass Toronto traffic.

Travel Tips

Toll Road
Consider the 407 ETR to avoid the 401 congestion, but be prepared for a bill.
Departure Time
Leave before 5:00 AM to clear Toronto before the morning rush.
Rest Stops
Use the ONroute centers in Milton or Port Hope.
Traffic Apps
Keep Waze or Google Maps running to reroute around accidents.
Fuel
Gas is cheaper in rural areas than in the GTA.