Highway 407 ETR Explained: Tolls, Route and Living Nearby

Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic toll highway that runs east-west across the top of the GTA, from Burlington to Pickering, with a provincially owned extension continuing east into Durham Region. There are no toll booths: you pay by transponder or by licence-plate billing. For many commuters it’s a faster alternative to the 401, but the tolls are a real monthly cost to factor into where you buy.

Where does Highway 407 run?

The 407 crosses the GTA north of the 401. Starting at the QEW and Highway 403 in Burlington, it runs east through Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham before reaching Pickering.

East of Brock Road in Pickering, the route continues as Highway 407 East through Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington to Highway 35/115. That section is owned by the province. The connector routes Highway 412 and Highway 418 in Durham are toll-free.

The 407 links to many major highways, including the 403, 401, 410, 427, 400, 404 and 412. That makes it a useful bypass for trips across the region.

How do tolls on the 407 work?

The 407 uses all-electronic tolling. Overhead gantries record your trip, and the bill goes to you later.

With a transponder

A small device mounted on your windshield records your trip. You lease it and pay a monthly fee, but it reduces per-trip charges compared with plate billing.

Without a transponder

Cameras read your licence plate and a bill is mailed to the registered owner. You’ll usually pay an extra charge per trip for the camera billing, on top of the toll.

What affects the price

• Time of day: rush-hour trips cost more than off-peak trips.
• Distance: you pay per kilometre driven.
• Zone and direction: busier sections cost more.
• Vehicle type: larger vehicles pay more.
• Trip fees: a fixed charge applies to each trip.

Toll rates are updated from time to time, so check the operator’s current rate chart and online trip calculator before you plan a regular commute.

Is the 407 worth the cost?

It depends on how often you use it and what your time is worth. Here’s how a typical commuter might compare the options.

Route	Typical pros	Typical cons
Highway 407	Less congestion, more predictable travel time	Tolls, especially at peak hours
Highway 401	No tolls, central location	Frequent congestion and delays
GO Transit	Time to read or work, no parking stress downtown	Fixed schedules, may need a drive to the station
Local arterial roads	No tolls	Traffic lights, slower trips

Many people use the 407 selectively: on days when they’re late, have appointments or face bad weather. Others build it into their daily budget because it saves enough time to make the cost worthwhile.

Living near Highway 407: what buyers should know

Being close to the 407 means you can reach jobs in Burlington, Markham or Pickering without crossing downtown. That’s a big plus for two-income households who work in different directions.

When you’re comparing homes near the 407, think about:

1. Distance to the on-ramp: a few minutes from an interchange is ideal.
2. Noise: homes backing directly onto the highway can hear traffic, even with sound walls.
3. Toll budget: estimate your weekly trips and add them to your monthly costs.
4. Alternatives: check GO stations and the 401 as backup routes.

Lenders don’t count tolls in your mortgage qualification, but your household budget should. Use our affordability calculators to see how commuting costs fit with a mortgage payment.

Bungalow communities along the 407 corridor

Several areas near the 407 have established bungalow streets:

• Brampton: older neighbourhoods near Bramalea and downtown have many bungalows and backsplits. See Brampton homes.
• Vaughan: Woodbridge and Thornhill have mid-century bungalows on mature lots.
• Markham: older pockets near Unionville and Thornhill offer bungalows close to the 407 and 404. Browse Markham listings.
• Oshawa and Whitby: good value for one-storey homes, with 407 East giving a toll route west. Check Oshawa homes.
• Burlington and Oakville: bungalows on larger lots in established areas.

For a broader look at how highways and transit shape prices, read our guide on transportation and home prices.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a transponder to drive on the 407?

No. Cameras record your plate and bill the registered owner, but you’ll usually pay extra fees without a transponder. Frequent users often find a transponder cheaper overall.

Is Highway 407 East a toll road?

Yes, Highway 407 East is tolled, though it’s owned by the province rather than the private operator. The connector Highways 412 and 418 are toll-free.

What happens if you don’t pay 407 tolls?

Unpaid bills can go to collections, and in Ontario they can affect your ability to renew your licence plate. Contact the operator if you think a bill is wrong.

The bottom line

Highway 407 ETR can save serious time crossing the GTA, but it comes with a toll bill that changes with when and how far you drive. Treat it as part of your housing budget, not an afterthought.

If a home near the 407 suits your commute, set up listing alerts for the neighbourhoods you like best.