Is 407 Free Now? Current Toll Status & Free Sections Ontario

If you’ve driven the eastern stretch of Highway 407 east of Toronto lately, you might have noticed something missing: the toll gantry charges. That’s because Ontario made a big change in June 2025, lifting tolls on the provincially owned portion from Pickering to Clarington. But the rest of the 407—the 407 Express Toll Route (ETR)—still comes with a cost. Here’s what you need to know about which parts are free, which aren’t, and how to save.

Provincial portion toll‑free since: June 1, 2025 ·
407 ETR private section tolls: Still in effect ·
Route Relief Program free trips per month: Up to 8 ·
407 East free section length: Pickering to Clarington

Five key facts about the current state of Highway 407:

Is the 407 ETR still free?

Which section of Highway 407 is toll‑free?

• The provincially owned portion from Brock Road (Pickering) to Highway 35/115 (Clarington) – roughly 20 km – became toll‑free on June 1, 2025 (Narcity (news outlet)).
• This stretch, called Highway 407 East, is the last tolled section of provincially owned highway in Ontario, according to the same report (Narcity).

Has the 407 ETR private section ever been free?

• No. The 407 Express Toll Route (ETR), which runs from Burlington to Pickering, is privately owned and operated by 407 International Inc. It has never been toll‑free (407 ETR (official operator rates page)).
• Tolling begins or ends at gantries marked with 407 ETR signage (407 ETR).

The implication: For east‑end commuters, the toll‑free section offers a genuine zero‑cost alternative, while west‑end drivers still pay the full price on the private 407 ETR.

Is 407 going to be free in Ontario?

Will the entire Highway 407 become toll‑free?

• Ontario permanently removed tolls on the provincial portion of Highway 407 East in June 2025 (Narcity). The private 407 ETR section is not part of this change.
• There is no official government plan to make the 407 ETR toll‑free. Future toll removal is not confirmed.

What is the Ontario government’s plan for 407 tolls?

Premier Doug Ford announced the toll removal on the provincial section in a Facebook post, calling it a step toward reducing costs for drivers (Narcity). No further legislation has been introduced regarding the private segment.

The implication: If you’re hoping for a completely free 407, don’t hold your breath. The private operator has a long‑term lease, and no political signals point to a buyout.

What time is the 407 free in Ontario?

Is the 407 free on weekends?

• The toll‑free provincial section (Pickering to Clarington) has no time restrictions – it is always free, including weekends and holidays.
• The private 407 ETR does not have any free hours; it is tolled 24/7.

Is the 407 free during rush hour?

• Only on the provincial section. However, a limited‑time promotion offered by 407 ETR from September 1 to November 30, 2025 gave free entry between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for personal vehicles with Ontario plates (INsauga (local news)). That promotion has ended.
• No current free‑time windows exist on the 407 ETR.

The pattern: The free section is limited to about 20 km east of Pickering, offering limited relief for most GTA commuters who travel through the tolled western corridor.

How much does it cost to drive on the 407 in Ontario?

What are the current toll rates on 407 ETR?

407 ETR divides its route into 12 toll zones for light vehicles, from Zone 1 near Burlington to Zone 12 at York Durham Line (407 ETR). Tolls are variable: peak rates apply during morning and afternoon rush hours (407 ETR Newsroom). Example: a few central sections nearing congestion in the afternoon could see increases of up to 34 cents per kilometre for light vehicles in 2026 (407 ETR Newsroom).

How are 407 ETR tolls calculated?

• Distance travelled multiplied by zone‑specific per‑km rate, plus a transponder lease fee (if using a transponder) and account fees.
• Most personal transponder customers will see an average monthly increase of about $5 under the 2026 rate schedule (407 ETR Newsroom).
• Without a transponder, tolls are higher because a video toll fee applies (407 ETR).

What this means: The cost gap between the free and paid sections creates a strong incentive for drivers to adjust their routes or consider alternatives like Condos for Rent Toronto – 2025 Prices and Neighborhoods when planning where to live relative to their commute.

What is the cheapest way to use the 407?

How to go on 407 for free?

• Use the toll‑free provincial section (Pickering to Clarington) for zero cost. No transponder needed.
• If you’re low‑income and live in Ontario, apply for the Route Relief Program. It provides up to 8 free trips per month on the 407 ETR (407 ETR Newsroom).

Does the Route Relief Program offer free trips?

Yes. The program, launched in November 2024, is available to eligible low‑income individuals and families (407 ETR Newsroom). It remains active under the 2026 rate schedule. For additional savings on vehicle maintenance and accessories, check Princess Auto Near Me: Locations, History & Online Ordering — a resource for Ontario drivers looking to reduce overall car ownership costs.

Additionally, using a transponder reduces per‑trip costs on the private section by avoiding video‑toll fees and unlocking discounted rates (407 ETR).

Timeline of key events

• November 2024: Route Relief Program launched on 407 ETR for low‑income drivers (407 ETR Newsroom).
• June 1, 2025: Ontario removes tolls on provincial portion of Highway 407 East (Narcity).
• September–November 2025: Limited free morning promotion on 407 ETR for Ontario‑plate vehicles (INsauga).
• January 1, 2026: 407 ETR 2026 toll rates take effect (407 ETR Newsroom).

“Our government is proud to remove tolls on the provincially owned section of Highway 407, saving drivers money every time they travel.”

— Premier Doug Ford, via Facebook (as reported by Narcity (news outlet))

“The Route Relief program will remain available for eligible low‑income individuals and families to receive monthly free trips on Highway 407 ETR.”

— 407 ETR Newsroom (official)

For Ontario drivers, the choice is clear: stick to the free provincial section for zero‑cost travel, or pay for speed on the 407 ETR—but not without checking the Route Relief Program first. Without relief, a daily commute on the private 407 can run hundreds of dollars a month.

Drivers wondering if Highway 407 is free now should check the latest toll details for Highway 407 before heading out during peak hours.

Frequently asked questions