Is Barrie a good place to visit?

Yes, it offers great waterfront access and proximity to ski resorts.

How far is Barrie from Toronto?

It is about 90 kilometers north of Toronto.

Yes, Ontario Northland and other bus lines serve Barrie.

Yes, GO Transit operates trains to Barrie.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer for the lake or winter for skiing.

Harrow

Barrie

Train Driving

Harrow to Barrie

Updated: 27 May 2026

The trip from Harrow to Barrie covers 450 kilometers, primarily using the Highway 401 and Highway 400 corridors. You will drive through the heart of Ontario, passing major urban centers like London and Toronto. Barrie is a major hub on Kempenfelt Bay, serving as a gateway to cottage country. The drive typically takes 5 hours. It is a straightforward route that connects the agricultural southwest to the rapidly expanding central Ontario region.

Total Distance: 450 km driving distance, 360 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, taking approximately 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Harrow to Barrie Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	7 hours	5 hours
Avg Price	60-100 CAD	75-95 CAD in fuel
Operator	VIA Rail and GO Transit	Personal Vehicle
Route	VIA Rail from Windsor to Toronto Union, then GO Train to Barrie South.	Highway 401 East to Highway 400 North.
Tip	Book your VIA Rail ticket in advance for the best pricing.	Use the HOV lanes on Highway 400 if you have multiple passengers to save time.

Travel Tips

GO Train Schedule
Check the GO Transit website for the latest train schedules between Toronto and Barrie.
Downtown Parking
Use the municipal parking lots in downtown Barrie for affordable daily rates.
Traffic Timing
Avoid the Highway 400/401 interchange during morning and evening rush hours.
Local Transit
Barrie Transit provides bus service throughout the city if you arrive by train.
Weather Check
Barrie can get significant snow; check road conditions before driving in winter.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
Highway 400 is high-speed; maintain a safe following distance.
Pedestrian Safety
Be mindful of pedestrians in the busy downtown waterfront area.
Emergency Services
Barrie has a major hospital, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, for emergencies.
Vehicle Maintenance
Ensure your brakes and tires are in good condition for the long highway drive.