If you've ever dreaded checking your mail after driving on the 407, we've got some pretty big news. As of Sunday, Highway 407 East is now officially toll-free — and depending on how often you drive, this could mean serious savings.
Last month, the Ontario government announced it would make good on Doug Ford's key election promise to remove tolls on the provincially operated portion of Highway 407, starting on June 1, 2025.
The change applies only to the provincially run stretch of the highway, which starts at Brock Road in Pickering and runs 43.4 kilometres east to Highway 35/115 in Clarington.
The main part of the 407 — also known as the 407 ETR — is still privately operated and still charges tolls, which can be a lot steeper.
Which part of Highway 407 is now toll-free?
Up until this weekend, rates for a light vehicle on the Ontario-run section of Highway 407 East ranged from 22.56 to 34.43 cents per kilometre, depending on the time of day and the day of the week. That means a single trip could cost up to around $25.89, after administrative fees.
In its announcement last month, the Ontario government said that removing those tolls could save daily commuters around $7,200 a year.
This stretch of the 407 has now joined Highways 412 and 418, which also had their tolls removed back in 2022.
The province says this move will help ease traffic congestion and make commuting more affordable — part of a broader plan that includes things like cutting gas taxes and banning any new tolls on public roads.
What's the difference between Highway 407 and 407 ETR?
It's important to know the difference between the two different portions of the 407 — Highway 407 East and the 407 ETR — because they don't work the same way.
The 407 ETR is the portion of the highway that runs from Burlington to Pickering and is leased to a private company. It spans 108 kilometres, making up the vast majority of the highway, including the portion directly above Toronto.
This part still charges tolls — ones that are significantly higher than what the provincial section used to cost. Rates on the ETR range from 36.06 to 77.72 cents per kilometre for a light vehicle. With administrative fees, a drive across the full length of the 407 ETR can still cost up to $87.80 for a regular car.
The highway switches from private to public at Brock Road in Pickering. Anything to the west of Brock Road is the 407 ETR, while anything east of it is the now-free Highway 407 East.
So while part of the 407 is now a free route, it's still very easy to end up paying tolls if you're not careful about where you enter or exit!
Are there any other changes for Ontario drivers?
This move is part of a larger effort by the Ontario government to cut costs for drivers. It also plans to permanently cut the gas tax — a measure it says will save the average household about $115 per year.
Other changes already in effect include ditching licence plate sticker fees and freezing the cost of driver's licences and photo cards.
If you regularly drive in Durham Region or east of the GTA, this could be a game changer for your daily commute. Just remember — the tolls are only gone east of Brock Road. Anything west of that is still the same pricey 407 you've always known.
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