Airport Hubs:
YYZ → Downtown Toronto (Union Station & Financial District) Updated for 2026

Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown Toronto: 2026 Transit Guide

Distance 27 km
Fastest 25 min
From $3.35 CAD
Top Pick Union Pearson Express (UP Express Train)
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The undisputed #1 option is the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) train, departing every 15 minutes from Terminal 1 directly to Union Station in 25 minutes for $12.35 CAD (~$9.00 USD / $9.25 CAD with PRESTO or contactless tap) with zero traffic. Official flat-rate airport taxis and limos cost $65–$75 CAD (~$48–$55 USD).

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada’s busiest aviation hub, located 27 km (17 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto. With Highway 401 and the Gardiner Expressway regularly facing heavy gridlock, the UP Express train is universally favored for its speed and predictability.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Union Pearson Express (UP Express Train) Fastest
25 min
$9.25 – $12.35 CAD
$6.80 – $9.10 USD (~€6.30 – €8.40)
 Every 15 min Fastest, most dependable arrival at Union Station, Financial District, and CN Tower See Boarding Steps ↓
TTC Bus 900 Airport Express + Line 2 Subway Cheapest
60–75 min
$3.35 CAD
$2.45 USD (~€2.30)
 Every 10–12 min Budget travelers, backpackers, and travelers staying in West Toronto or Midtown See Boarding Steps ↓
Official GTAA Regulated Flat-Rate Taxi / Limo Door-to-Door
35–65 min
$65 – $75 CAD flat rate
$48 – $55 USD (~€44 – €51)
 On demand Families and business travelers with heavy luggage wanting direct hotel delivery Book Private Toronto Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Fastest

Union Pearson Express (UP Express Train)

$9.25 – $12.35 CAD $6.80 – $9.10 USD (~€6.30 – €8.40)
Travel time 25 min
Frequency Every 15 min
Operating hours 05:30 – 23:00
Where to buy tickets Tap contactless card on green PRESTO reader on platform, or buy ticket on UP Express app.
Main advantage: Takes exactly 25 minutes; departs every 15 min; spacious seating with Wi-Fi and power outlets; tap-to-pay contactless.
Keep in mind: Trains stop running at 23:00; drops at Union Station only.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to "Train to City / UP Express" in Terminal 1 (if in Terminal 3, take the free Terminal Link train to T1 first).
  2. Tap your contactless credit card or smartphone at the green PRESTO reader on the platform ($9.25 CAD).
  3. Board the train and enjoy the 25-minute journey.
  4. Tap off at the PRESTO reader upon exiting at Union Station in downtown Toronto.
Option #2 Cheapest

TTC Bus 900 Airport Express + Line 2 Subway

$3.35 CAD $2.45 USD (~€2.30)
Travel time 60–75 min
Frequency Every 10–12 min
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Tap contactless debit/credit card at the bus farebox ($3.35 CAD).
Main advantage: Extremely cheap ($3.35 CAD with free transfer to subway); operates 24/7.
Keep in mind: Requires transferring luggage from bus to subway at Kipling Station; takes over an hour.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to Ground Transportation outside Terminal 1 (Ground Level) or Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level).
  2. Board TTC Bus 900 "Airport Express" and tap your contactless card.
  3. Ride 15 minutes to Kipling Subway Station.
  4. Transfer to Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) subway toward downtown Toronto.
Option #3 Door-to-Door

Official GTAA Regulated Flat-Rate Taxi / Limo

$65 – $75 CAD flat rate $48 – $55 USD (~€44 – €51)
Travel time 35–65 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Official taxi/limo stands outside Terminal 1 (Doors C/D) and Terminal 3 (Doors D/E/F).
Main advantage: Guaranteed flat rate by zone; direct to hotel doorstep; 24/7 availability.
Keep in mind: High cost; severe traffic on Highway 401 or Gardiner Expressway during rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside the terminal.
  2. The curbside dispatcher will give you a slip showing the official flat rate to your destination zone.
  3. Travel directly to your Toronto hotel.
Book Private Toronto Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Lyft & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Lyft pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Canada eSIM on Airalo →Compare Canada Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Toronto (YYZ) (YYZ) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Toronto (YYZ) Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

You do not need a plastic PRESTO card: tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay card directly on the green PRESTO readers on the platform to automatically pay the discounted $9.25 CAD fare (or buy a standard $12.35 CAD ticket at machines).

Traveling with Suitcases

UP Express trains feature spacious luggage racks, free high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and level boarding.

Arriving After Midnight

UP Express operates from 05:30 AM to 23:00 (11:00 PM). After 23:00, TTC Blue Night bus 300A operates along Bloor Street into downtown Toronto, and taxis operate 24/7.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Accepting rides from unlicensed drivers soliciting inside the terminal — official taxis operate strictly on regulated GTAA flat-rate zones from the designated curbside rank.
  • Forgetting to tap your contactless card off on the platform reader upon arrival at Union Station, which causes an overcharge.
  • Airport taxis and limousines operating from Toronto Pearson charge guaranteed flat rates based on GTAA municipal zones (e.g., $65–$75 CAD to downtown Toronto). Do NOT accept rides from unlicensed gypsy drivers soliciting inside the terminal who do not adhere to official zone tariffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the UP Express train take to Union Station?

The UP Express takes exactly 25 minutes from Terminal 1 station to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

How much is a taxi from Toronto Pearson to downtown in 2026?

Official GTAA flat-rate taxis to Downtown Toronto charge between $65.00 and $75.00 CAD (plus tip).

Other Popular Destinations from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)