How long is the drive?

It takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Is there a direct train?

No, you must transfer at Union Station.

How much is the train fare?

It varies from $25 to $40 depending on the booking time.

Yes, it is very busy, especially near Toronto.

What is the best way to travel?

GO Transit is the most comfortable and stress-free option.

Scarborough

Kitchener

Train Driving

Scarborough to Kitchener

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Scarborough to Kitchener covers approximately 110 kilometers. The most direct route is via Highway 401 West, which takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. GO Transit also provides service from Union Station, which is a comfortable alternative. Kitchener is a major city in the Waterloo Region, known for its technology sector and annual Oktoberfest. Plan for potential delays on the 401, especially near the GTA exit points.

Total Distance: 110 km driving distance; 95 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via Highway 401, provided there are no major accidents.

Cheapest Way

GO Transit, which is affordable and avoids the stress of 401 traffic.

Compare Scarborough to Kitchener Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours	1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price	$25-$40	$20-$30 in fuel
Operator	GO Transit	Personal Vehicle
Route	Lakeshore East to Union, then Kitchener line.	Highway 401 West.
Tip	Book in advance to secure the lowest fares.	The 401 is busy; consider leaving early in the morning.

Travel Tips

GO Transit
The train is comfortable and offers free Wi-Fi, making it great for productivity.
Driving
Highway 401 is generally busy; use Waze for real-time traffic updates.
Parking
Downtown Kitchener has several parking garages, but they can be expensive.
Navigation
Use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates on the 401.
Planning
Check the weather forecast, as Kitchener can have significant snowfall in winter.

Safety Tips

Driving
Take regular breaks on the long drive to stay alert.
Public Transit
Grand River Transit provides local bus service throughout the city.
Emergency
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car if traveling in the colder months.
Pedestrian
Be aware of cyclists, as Kitchener is a bike-friendly city.