Is there a direct train?

No, you must transfer in Toronto.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 4.5 hours depending on traffic.

No, the QEW is toll-free, but the 407 ETR is a toll highway.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most convenient option.

Yes, Megabus or FlixBus offer service from Toronto to St. Catharines.

St. Catharines

Train Driving

Mallorytown to St. Catharines

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from Mallorytown to St. Catharines spans approximately 450 kilometers along the Highway 401 corridor. You will drive west through the Greater Toronto Area, eventually connecting to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) toward the Niagara region. This journey takes you through some of Ontario's most populated areas, offering plenty of service stops. Alternatively, you can take a VIA Rail train from nearby Brockville to St. Catharines with a transfer in Toronto. The drive typically takes 4.5 hours, while the train journey is longer due to the transfer.

Total Distance: 450 km driving distance; 380 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, avoiding the long transfer time in Toronto.

Cheapest Way

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

Compare Mallorytown to St. Catharines Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	7 hours	4 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$120-$200	$60-$90 in fuel
Operator	VIA Rail	Personal Vehicle
Route	Brockville Station to Toronto Union, then GO Transit or VIA to St. Catharines.	Highway 401 West to QEW Niagara.
Tip	Book your tickets in advance to secure the best fares.	Expect heavy traffic when passing through the Greater Toronto Area.

Travel Tips

Traffic Avoidance
Try to pass through Toronto outside of the 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM rush hour windows.
Wine Country
St. Catharines is the gateway to Niagara wine country; plan a visit to a local vineyard.
Parking
Downtown St. Catharines offers several municipal parking garages with reasonable daily rates.
Train Booking
Use the VIA Rail website to track your train status in real-time.
Navigation
Use a GPS app to get real-time traffic updates for the QEW.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
Maintain a safe following distance on the busy 401 and QEW highways.
Emergency Services
Keep your phone charged and have a roadside assistance number saved.
Construction
Be aware of frequent road work on the QEW near the Burlington Skyway.
Weather
Check for lake-effect snow warnings in the winter months.