Toronto Airport to Downtown

Quick answer: best way from Toronto Airport to downtown

• Best overall for most visitors: UP Express train to Union Station
• Fastest public transport option: UP Express, around 25–28 minutes to Union Station
• Cheapest option: TTC 900 Airport Express bus to Kipling Station, then subway
• Best for downtown hotels: UP Express + walk, subway, streetcar or short taxi from Union Station
• Best for CN Tower / Rogers Centre / Scotiabank Arena: UP Express to Union Station
• Best with heavy luggage: taxi, airport limo, rideshare or private transfer
• Best late at night: taxi, rideshare, airport limo or TTC night routes depending on timing
• Main mistake to avoid: taking a taxi automatically when UP Express is usually faster and much cheaper for downtown Toronto

Option	Best for	Typical travel time	Main advantage
UP Express train	Most visitors, Union Station, downtown hotels, CN Tower, Financial District, Entertainment District	About 25–28 minutes to Union Station	Fast, reliable, traffic-free and easy with luggage
TTC 900 Airport Express + subway	Budget travelers, light luggage, destinations on Line 2 or TTC network	Usually 60–75+ minutes to downtown depending on transfer	Cheapest public transport route using a normal TTC fare
Taxi	Heavy luggage, families, late arrivals, hotels far from transit	Usually 30–60+ minutes depending on traffic	Official flat-rate door-to-door service from designated airport ranks
Airport limo	Premium travelers, business trips, direct downtown hotel access	Usually 30–60+ minutes depending on traffic	Comfortable black-car style service with airport-regulated pickup
Rideshare	App users, groups, flexible door-to-door travel	Usually 30–60+ minutes depending on traffic and pickup wait	App-based booking, fare estimate and direct hotel drop-off
Private transfer	Families, groups, premium travelers, late arrivals, business travel	Usually 30–60+ minutes depending on traffic	Pre-booked meet-and-greet, fixed arrangement and no transit navigation

Which Toronto airport are you arriving at?

Most international and long-haul visitors arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport, airport code YYZ. This is the airport covered in this guide.

Toronto also has Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, airport code YTZ, located much closer to downtown on Toronto Islands. Billy Bishop has a completely different transfer strategy and is not served by the UP Express. If your flight lands at YTZ, do not use this Pearson Airport guide.

If your ticket says YYZ, you are arriving at Toronto Pearson. If your ticket says YTZ, you are arriving at Billy Bishop. The difference matters because Pearson is outside downtown Toronto, while Billy Bishop is very close to the city core.

Where is Toronto Pearson Airport?

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located northwest of downtown Toronto, in Mississauga, close to major highways and regional transit connections. It is Canada’s busiest airport and the main international gateway to Toronto, Ontario and much of southern Canada.

Pearson has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The UP Express station is located at Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 3, you can use the free Terminal Link Train to reach Terminal 1 and the UP Express station.

Downtown Toronto’s main arrival point is Union Station. Union Station connects to TTC subway Line 1, GO Transit, VIA Rail, streetcars, the PATH indoor walkway system, Scotiabank Arena, the Financial District, Harbourfront and many major hotels.

Best overall option: UP Express train

The UP Express, short for Union Pearson Express, is the dedicated airport train between Toronto Pearson Airport and downtown Toronto. It runs between Pearson Terminal 1 and Union Station, with intermediate stops at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor.

For most travelers, UP Express is the best balance of speed, reliability and convenience. It avoids highway traffic, has luggage space, runs frequently, and drops passengers at Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The train is especially strong for visitors staying near Union Station, Financial District, Entertainment District, Harbourfront, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, King Street, Queen Street, St. Lawrence Market, Front Street and many major downtown hotels.

Choose UP Express if:

• you want the fastest reliable route to downtown Toronto,
• your hotel is near Union Station or connected by TTC from Union,
• you have one or two manageable suitcases,
• you want to avoid traffic,
• you are travelling during UP Express operating hours,
• you plan to connect to TTC subway, GO Transit or VIA Rail,
• you are travelling solo or as a couple and want better value than taxi.

How to take UP Express from Pearson Airport

1. After arrivals and baggage claim, follow signs for Train to City or UP Express.
2. If you arrive at Terminal 1, walk to the UP Express station inside / connected to Terminal 1.
3. If you arrive at Terminal 3, take the free Terminal Link Train to Terminal 1 first.
4. Buy an UP Express ticket, or tap with PRESTO / accepted contactless payment where available.
5. Board the train toward Union Station.
6. Keep your ticket, card or mobile payment proof available for inspection.
7. Get off at Union Station for downtown Toronto.
8. Continue on foot, by TTC subway, streetcar, taxi, rideshare, GO Transit or VIA Rail depending on your final destination.

If your hotel is in downtown Toronto, do not immediately take a taxi from Pearson before checking whether Union Station is close enough. Many major hotels are within walking distance of Union, or require only one short TTC connection.

UP Express tickets and PRESTO

You can buy a standard UP Express ticket, or pay with PRESTO / eligible contactless payment options where accepted. PRESTO is the regional transit payment system used across Toronto and much of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

For many visitors, the choice is simple. If you only need one airport ride and will not use transit much afterward, a normal UP Express ticket may be easiest. If you plan to use TTC, GO Transit or other regional transit during your stay, PRESTO or contactless payment can be more convenient.

UP Express has different fare categories, including adult, senior, group and family-style products. Children 12 and under can ride free. If you are travelling with several people, compare group or family fare options before buying individual tickets.

Our Toronto Transport Tickets and PRESTO Guide will explain UP Express fares, TTC fares, PRESTO card, contactless payment, day passes, GO Transit and when tourists should use PRESTO rather than individual tickets.

UP Express stops: which one should you use?

Pearson Station

Pearson Station is the airport station at Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 3, use the free Terminal Link Train to reach Terminal 1 and the UP Express station.

Weston Station

Weston Station is useful for some northwest Toronto destinations and GO Transit connections. Most downtown tourists will stay on the train past Weston.

Mount Dennis Station

Mount Dennis Station can be useful for some west-end or transit-connection trips. For most visitors going downtown, it is not the main stop.

Bloor Station

Bloor Station is useful if your hotel or destination is in the west end, near High Park, Roncesvalles, Bloor West, Junction, or if you want to connect toward TTC Line 2 via Dundas West. It can be better than going all the way to Union if your final destination is west of downtown.

Union Station

Union Station is the main downtown stop and the best arrival point for most visitors. Use Union for Financial District, Entertainment District, Harbourfront, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, St. Lawrence Market, King Street, Queen Street and many central hotels.

Toronto Pearson to Union Station

Union Station is the best destination for most travelers going from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto. The UP Express takes you directly there without traffic or transfers.

Union Station is more than just a railway station. It connects to TTC subway Line 1, GO Transit, VIA Rail, streetcars, the PATH system and many downtown destinations. If you are staying in the Financial District or near the waterfront, you may be able to walk from Union.

With heavy luggage, consider a short taxi or rideshare from Union to your hotel if the walk is long, icy, rainy or complicated by construction.

Toronto Pearson to CN Tower and Rogers Centre

The CN Tower and Rogers Centre are very close to Union Station. Take UP Express to Union, then walk west / southwest through the downtown area or connected pathways depending on weather and your exact route.

If you have luggage and are staying near the Entertainment District, walking from Union may still be possible, but a short taxi or rideshare can be easier after a long flight.

Toronto Pearson to Scotiabank Arena and Harbourfront

Scotiabank Arena is directly beside Union Station, making UP Express the best airport option for arena events, nearby hotels and downtown sports trips.

Harbourfront is also close to Union but may require a short walk, streetcar ride or taxi depending on your exact hotel. In winter, rain or with luggage, check whether your hotel is connected to the PATH or close to a streetcar stop.

Toronto Pearson to Financial District

The Financial District is one of the easiest areas to reach from Pearson Airport. Take UP Express to Union Station, then walk through the street grid or PATH system to your hotel or office.

For business travelers, UP Express can be faster and more predictable than taxi during rush hour. Taxi or limo remains better if you need direct door-to-door access with luggage or formal business travel handling.

Toronto Pearson to Entertainment District

The Entertainment District covers areas around King Street West, theatres, restaurants, nightlife, Rogers Centre and many hotels. UP Express to Union is usually the best public transport route.

From Union, walk, take TTC subway / streetcar, or use a short taxi. The best final leg depends on whether your hotel is closer to King Street, Queen Street, Front Street or the waterfront.

Toronto Pearson to Yorkville

Yorkville is north of downtown and is known for luxury hotels, shopping, restaurants and museums. It is not directly on UP Express, but the route is still simple.

Take UP Express to Union Station, then transfer to TTC Line 1 northbound toward Bloor-Yonge / Museum / St George depending on your exact hotel. With heavy luggage, taxi or rideshare from Pearson directly to Yorkville may be more convenient.

Toronto Pearson to Midtown

Midtown Toronto, including areas around Yonge and Eglinton, is not directly served by UP Express. Take UP Express to Union, then TTC Line 1 northbound. Alternatively, taxi or rideshare can be easier with luggage.

If your destination is far north of downtown, compare UP Express + TTC with taxi or rideshare. The public transport route is cheaper, but road transport may be simpler if you have several bags.

Toronto Pearson to Queen West and Kensington Market

Queen West and Kensington Market are not directly at Union Station, but they are reachable by TTC streetcar, subway or short rideshare after the UP Express.

For Queen West, take UP Express to Union and transfer to TTC, or use Bloor Station if your destination is more west-end connected. For Kensington Market, Union plus streetcar/subway or taxi is usually easiest.

Cheapest option: TTC 900 Airport Express + subway

The cheapest way from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown is usually the TTC 900 Airport Express bus to Kipling Station, then the subway. This route uses a normal TTC fare and is therefore much cheaper than UP Express or taxi.

The trade-off is time and convenience. You need to take the bus from Pearson to Kipling Station, transfer to TTC Line 2, then often transfer again to Line 1 if your destination is downtown. With luggage, this can feel much less comfortable than UP Express.

The TTC route is best for budget travelers, long-stay visitors, backpackers, students, or travelers whose destination is near Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. For most first-time visitors heading to downtown hotels, UP Express is easier.

Choose TTC 900 + subway if:

• you want the cheapest route from Pearson to Toronto,
• you have light luggage,
• you are comfortable transferring between bus and subway,
• your destination is near Line 2 or another TTC connection,
• you are not in a hurry,
• you already use PRESTO or contactless TTC payment.

How to take TTC 900 Airport Express

1. At Pearson Airport, follow signs for public transit buses.
2. At Terminal 1, go to the TTC bus stop on the ground level.
3. At Terminal 3, go to the TTC bus stop at the arrivals level.
4. Board the 900 Airport Express bus toward Kipling Station.
5. Pay with PRESTO, debit/credit contactless, PRESTO Ticket or accepted TTC fare.
6. Ride to Kipling Station.
7. Transfer to TTC Line 2 Bloor-Danforth eastbound.
8. Transfer again if needed for Line 1, streetcars or buses toward downtown.

The TTC fare includes transfer rights when paid with PRESTO, debit/credit card or PRESTO Ticket. Use the same card or device if transferring so the system recognizes the journey correctly.

UP Express vs TTC: which is better?