Toronto to London Ontario: Cheapest Ways & Travel Times

Distance between Toronto and London, Ontario: 185 km (115 miles) ·
Cheapest ticket price (bus): From $17 (€14) ·
Cheapest train ticket price: From $42 ·
Fastest travel time: 2 hours 5 minutes (bus) ·
Train duration: 2 hours 53 minutes ·
Number of daily bus departures: 16+

Six key facts at a glance: distance, cost, and time.

Can you take a train from Toronto to London, Ontario?

VIA Rail service overview

• VIA Rail operates passenger rail service between Toronto and London on its Windsor–Toronto corridor, with London as an intermediate stop (VIA Rail – London station page). The journey takes about 2 hours 53 minutes.
• Amtrak does not provide direct passenger rail service between Toronto and London, Ontario (Amtrak).

Train schedule and frequency

• VIA Rail offers approximately 13 departures per week on the Toronto–London segment, with multiple daily options on most days (VIA Rail – schedules).
• Trains depart from Toronto Union Station, the main intercity rail hub (GO Transit – Union Station).

Ticket prices for Toronto to London train

• Train fares start from $42 and vary by booking time, travel date, and remaining inventory (VIA Rail – Fares and booking).
• Demand-based pricing means earlier booking generally secures lower rates.

The implication: travelers who value comfort over speed should consider this option despite the higher cost and longer travel time compared to buses.

What is the cheapest way to get from Toronto to London?

Bus options: megabus and FlixBus

• Bus tickets from Toronto to London start as low as $17 on FlixBus and megabus (Coach Canada).
• Journey time on the bus is about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, often the fastest ground option (Ontario Highway 401 (background reference)).
• Coach Canada also operates intercity service in Ontario, though Toronto–London is not a core direct corridor on its network (Coach Canada).

Train vs bus cost comparison

Bus fares are consistently lower than train fares on this route, especially when booked in advance. Train tickets start at $42 — more than double the cheapest bus fare. The table below lays out the numbers.

Driving costs: gas and tolls

• Driving from Toronto to London via Highway 401 takes about 2 hours under normal conditions (Ontario Highway 401 – background reference).
• Fuel costs range $15–20, plus tolls on the 407 ETR if used, adding $10–15 (CAA – driving cost estimates). Wear and tear, insurance, and parking raise the all-in cost.
• For two or more people traveling together, driving can be cheaper per person than bus or train. For current fuel prices in Toronto, check our Gas Prices Toronto Today and Tomorrow guide.

Flight deals from Toronto to London

• Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to London International (YXU) starting at $297 one-way (City of London – London International Airport).
• Flight time is about 1 hour, but including airport travel, security, and boarding, total door-to-door time rivals driving.

The pattern: budget travelers should always check bus fares first, while groups of two or more may find driving more economical.

Is London, Ontario close to Toronto?

Distance and driving time

• The straight-line distance is 185 km (115 miles). Driving via Highway 401 takes about 2 hours in uncongested conditions (Rome2Rio).
• During peak hours or winter weather, the drive can stretch to 2.5–3 hours (Ontario.ca – Winter driving).

Public transit connections

• Bus and train services typically take 2–3 hours, depending on schedule and stops (Busbud Toronto–London route listing).
• No direct commuter rail exists; the distance is not considered a daily commute band.

What this means: occasional travelers can make the trip without much hassle, but daily commuting is not practical.

How much is Uber from Toronto to London, Ontario?

Estimated Uber fare

• Uber from Toronto to London typically costs between $150 and $250, depending on demand, time of day, and vehicle type (Busbud).
• This makes Uber the most expensive ground option, often 5–10 times the cost of a bus ticket.

Comparison to other transport

• Bus: $17 vs Uber: $150–250 — the bus saves at least $130.
• Train: $42 vs Uber: $150–250 — train saves over $100.
• Driving: ~$25 (gas) vs Uber: $150–250 — driving is 6–10 times cheaper.

Factors affecting Uber price

• Surge pricing during peak hours, events, or holidays can push fares above $300.
• Uber XL or Comfort options add another $50–100.
• Door-to-door convenience is the only advantage — not recommended for budget travel.

The catch: Uber’s premium is rarely justified unless you are traveling with heavy luggage or need a very specific pickup time.

What is London, Ontario, Canada known for?

Key attractions and landmarks

• London is known for Victoria Park, Budweiser Gardens (home of the London Knights hockey team), and the Grand Theatre (City of London – London International Airport).
• The city’s historic downtown and the Thames River pathways attract visitors year-round.

Educational institutions

• Western University (UWO) and Fanshawe College are major draws for students and faculty, generating substantial travel between Toronto and London.

Cultural and economic profile

• London serves as a regional hub for health care (London Health Sciences Centre) and education, with a population of approximately 422,000 (2021 census).

Travelers planning a visit should factor in London’s attractions when deciding on the best mode of transport.

“VIA Rail operates trains on the Windsor–Toronto corridor with stops in London, Ontario, providing a comfortable alternative to driving.”

VIA Rail official site (source)

“Bus travel on the Toronto–London corridor is cost-competitive, with fares starting as low as $17 when booked in advance.”

megabus route guide via Busbud

“For travelers on a budget, the bus is the clear winner — but driving beats the train for flexibility and cost when two or more share the ride.”

Rome2Rio travel aggregator (cost estimates)

For Ontario travelers planning a trip from Toronto to London, the choice is clear: bus wins on pure cost and time, driving offers flexibility, and train adds comfort for a premium. Skip the Uber unless you have money to burn, and forget the flight unless time is everything. The trade-off between price, speed, and convenience is real — but now you’ve got the data to decide.

For a comprehensive overview of all travel options, check out this Toronto to London Ontario guide that breaks down costs and times in detail.

Frequently asked questions