I will be driving from Hamilton to Toronto Airport for a quick weekend getaway (yes, without the RV).
If I leave Hamilton at 6:00am, how much traffic will I encounter? Will I get to the Airport for 7:00am?
What is my best route? 403 to QEW to 427?
Happy Camping,
Martha
Martha
06 Grand Caravan SXT w/ Trailer Tow Package
06 Bunkhouse LX with mini-den, table package and A/C options Me (30 something)
DD 13 y.o.
Shih Tzu 14 y.o. (deaf and almost blind, but still camping with the energy of a puppy!!)
Not enough time to arrive for 7AM IMHO - you'll hit lots of traffic on the QEW heading into Toronto at that time, and the 427 and airport area will be messy as well.
For something as time-sensitive as getting to an airport, I'd be leaving with at least 1.5 hours for the drive at that time of the morning.
Take the 407 to the Airport Rd exit. Almost guaranteed no traffic problems. You can never guess what might happen on the 403/QEW/427 highways. The 407 is usually wide open.
2007 Four Winds Hurricane 34B (Ford Chassis)
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT (5-speed manual)
SMI Stay-In-Play & Blue-Ox Aventa LX
The last time I drove on the 407 I went about 15 kilometers return and the toll ended up being over $20 by the time they stuck me with the peak daytime rate, the "video toll fee", the "no transponder" fee, and the "just because we can" fee, amongst others.
I've not driven on that highway since. It's the most expensive toll highway in the world, and I will not give them another dime of my money for the privilege of being screwed.
Something my wife and I do whenever we can, even in our own city, is take a hotel room for the night. We get away from the hustle bustle of daily lives, kids, grandkids, work and cellphones and all that junk and just have a "date night" with the two of us - without interruptions.
Why not go in the night before, take a hotel room nearby where you are leaving from, have a nice dinner and enjoy the relaxed time? I know from my trips through Toronto that many of the hotels provide airport shuttles every 15 min or half hour or so.
This, of course, is if the extra $$$ for the evening is not an issue.
Then there is no worry about getting up super early and stressing and being tired as you start the trip. The drive in during mid evening should be easy.
I am making an assumption that you are traveling as a couple. If not, pardon me and forget my idea!!
2007 GMC 3500 dually ext. cab 4X4 LBZ
Duramax / Allison Fire Red
I drive from Hamilton past the Airport every single day at approximately that time. If you leave and get on the highway where the 407/QEW splits before 5:30 you should get to the airport by 6:45 maybe 7. That is pretty much constant. However as others have stated, if there is an accident, or you miss the 6am deadline, you will be stuck in traffic. If I get to that fork after 6am, I always take the 407. It costs more, but my time is worth more than that to me and I'm not a patient fella.
The last time I drove on the 407 I went about 15 kilometers return and the toll ended up being over $20 by the time they stuck me with the peak daytime rate, the "video toll fee", the "no transponder" fee, and the "just because we can" fee, amongst others.
I've not driven on that highway since. It's the most expensive toll highway in the world, and I will not give them another dime of my money for the privilege of being screwed.
You drove 30kms round trip on the 407 and it cost you $20!!! I would check your bill on that one, I think they must have screwed up. Or maybe you have your figures wrong.
The route the OP would take is a total of 120kms (HWY#403 Burlington to HWY#427 + return trip) for a total cost of $28.62.
We can't stay the night before there are too many of us (2 room needed), so that's out.
Taking the 407 is a good idea, no I don't have a transponder, but I have taken it once before and found it reasonable.
I know it will be a busy camping weekend for most, so have a marshmallow and pie-iron for me.
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