Cobourg sits on the Toronto-Montreal main line, with Via Rail trains stopping at Cobourg station several times a day in each direction. The trip from Toronto Union Station takes about 75 minutes — easily the most pleasant way to come.
By car it is an hour and a quarter east of downtown Toronto on the 401, exiting south at Burnham Street or Division Street. Coach Canada and other bus services run to the town from Toronto and points east. Hamilton, the closest major airport, is two and a half hours west; Toronto Pearson is about ninety minutes.