Is there a train to Sault Ste. Marie?

No, there is no passenger rail service from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 8 hours under normal conditions.

Are there tolls on this route?

No, there are no toll roads on the route from Scarborough to Sault Ste. Marie.

What is the best highway to take?

Highway 400 to 69 and then 17 is the standard route.

Bus service is limited and often requires multiple transfers, making driving or flying preferable.

Scarborough

Sault Ste. Marie

Flight Driving

Scarborough to Sault Ste. Marie

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Scarborough to Sault Ste. Marie covers approximately 700 kilometers. You will primarily travel north via Highway 400, transitioning to Highway 69 and Highway 17. Expect a driving time of roughly 8 hours depending on traffic near Barrie. This route takes you through the scenic Canadian Shield landscape. It is the most direct way to reach the gateway to Lake Superior.

Total Distance: 700 km driving distance; 580 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Pearson International Airport takes 3.5 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option for groups of two or more, costing roughly $150 in fuel.

Compare Scarborough to Sault Ste. Marie Routes

	Flight Connecting via Toronto Pearson	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours 30 mins	8 hours
Avg Price	$400-$700	$120-$160 in fuel
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	YYZ to YAM	Highway 400 North to Highway 69, then Highway 17 West.
Tip	Book flights from Pearson International to avoid downtown traffic.	Stop in Sudbury to break up the drive and visit the Big Nickel.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Fill up in Parry Sound as gas stations become less frequent north of Sudbury.
Cell Service
Expect intermittent cellular coverage along Highway 69 and 17.
Wildlife
Be vigilant for moose and deer crossing the highway, especially at dawn and dusk.
Traffic
Avoid traveling on Friday afternoons to bypass heavy cottage country traffic on Highway 400.
Weather
Check the Ontario 511 website for real-time road conditions before departing.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
Equip your vehicle with winter tires if traveling between November and April.
Emergency Kit
Carry a roadside emergency kit including blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Speed Limits
Adhere strictly to speed limits in small towns along the route to avoid fines.
Fatigue
Take a 15-minute break every two hours to maintain alertness on long stretches.