By Ritz Limo Team · · 2 min read
York Region sends thousands of travellers to Toronto Pearson every day, but Markham and Vaughan are two very different trips. From Vaughan, the airport is a short run down Highway 427. From Markham, you cross the top of the city on some of the busiest highway in North America. Here's how to plan both.
Markham to Pearson: allow for the 401
The drive from Markham is about 40 km and usually takes 30 to 55 minutes. Off-peak, your chauffeur often heads west on Highway 407 or the 401. In the weekday morning and afternoon peaks, the stretch of the 401 between the 404 and the 400 can slow right down — so this is a trip where your departure time matters more than the route.
- Early-morning flights: roads are clear; plan about 35 minutes.
- Weekday peaks: plan the upper end of the range, plus a buffer.
- Friday afternoons and long weekends: leave extra time — everyone is heading to the airport at once.
We pick up across Markham, including Unionville, Markham Centre, Cornell, Cathedraltown, Berczy Village and Thornhill.
Vaughan to Pearson: one of the quickest drives in the GTA
Vaughan is about 20 to 30 km from the terminals, usually 20 to 40 minutes via Highway 400, 407 or 427. From Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg or the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the airport is close enough that the biggest risk is cutting it too fine.
That short drive also makes the return trip feel effortless: walk out of arrivals, find your name on the sign and be on Highway 427 a few minutes later.
When to book your pickup
Start from your airline's check-in advice (usually about 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international and U.S. flights), add the drive time for your time of day, then 15–20 minutes of margin. Our guide on the best time to leave for a Pearson flight walks through the same method with examples.
Business travel from York Region
Markham and Vaughan are home to many head offices and technology firms. If you're booking for a visiting colleague, add their name and flight number: we'll meet them at arrivals with a name sign and drive them to your office or hotel. Every booking comes with a confirmation email you can attach to an expense report. Our corporate black car service is built for exactly that.
What every booking includes
- A fixed price including HST that doesn't change with traffic, weather or demand
- Flight tracking, with no charge for delays
- Meet & greet with a name sign at arrivals
- Free child seats on request
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup
Book your ride
See prices by vehicle for Markham to Pearson airport and Vaughan to Pearson airport, compare our flat rates, or book online. Questions? Call +1 416-454-2360, any time.
