Transportation Options From/To Airport To/From Downtown Toronto
As the airport is located outside the core downtown area, so there are several modes of transport. We’ll look at three key choices, the dedicated airport‐rail link, a taxi (or rideshare) and public transit/bus and evaluate each on a number of factors so you can decide what’s best in your situation.
In this article we compare:
- The dedicated airport-rail link: Union Pearson Express (UP Express)
- Taxi (and rideshare) direct from/to airport
- Public transport / bus option
These are all the happy customers who have booked Toronto Taxi Limo’s services in the past through our online booking platform (added below), and left us with their kind words that has kept on motivating us to give the best service throughout the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton Area, and other parts on Ontario, Canada.
Choose Route and Days
Choose a route, date and time of your trip!
Choose a Car and Extras
Choose a car and additional services!
Complete the Booking Form
Fill in a simple booking form and go!
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR RIDE
UP Express (Airport-Rail Link)
The Union Pearson Express links downtown (via Union Station) with Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1. The train departs every 15 minutes. Travel time is around 25 minutes from Union Station to the airport (Terminal 1) under normal conditions but if your flight departs from Terminal 3 or another remote gate, you may need to transfer or walk.
The one‐way fare from downtown to YYZ via UP Express is CAD $12.35 for many travellers.
Because the train is not subject to road traffic, the travel time tends to be reliable (about 25 minutes). That’s a big plus if the roadways are congested. For someone aiming for an early‐morning flight (or just wants to avoid traffic risk), this is a strong point.
The train has space for luggage, with a few overhead bins and a few areas to store luggage near each entrance (though you’ll likely have to carry your bags onboard and manoeuvre at stations).
Ideal For
- A single traveller or couple, light baggage, staying downtown, wanting reliability and reasonable price.
- Someone with predictable schedule (not carrying huge gear).
- When traffic is expected to be heavy and you want to avoid the risk.
Taxi / Rideshare Direct from the Airport
A taxi or rideshare from Pearson to downtown (or vice versa) is the “door‐to‐door” option. You get picked up at the terminal curb and dropped off directly at your destination hotel or address downtown. The service can be pre-booked online making it a pretty much the most convenient option.
Generally, fares charge approximately CAD $50-70, but may increase according to tolls, late night fees, additional stops or heavy traffic. Travel times vary considerably, especially with respect to road traffic. Travel time without a lot of heavy traffic may take 25-30 minutes (similar to the train) , but any severe traffic can easily add another 40-60 minutes or more.
Ideal For
- Travelers with heavy luggage, families with children, groups of 3-4 or more.
- Hotel/residence not well served by train station or far from transit.
- Arrivals/departures during odd hours (very early/late) or when you want maximum convenience.
- When convenience is a priority.
Public Transport Bus
This includes local bus and transit including the 900 Airport Express bus (which links some transit station to Pearson) and local subway or rail transit connections. Although this is usually the least expensive option, it generally has the most transfers, and the most walking, and takes the longest time.
Typically, this travel option is slower than train or taxi due to stops, transfers, potential waiting time between services and being subject to road traffic (for the bus portion). The reliability is lower, and the convenience is ranked at a minimum for many travellers with bags.
Ideal For
- Budget-conscious solo travellers, light packers, backpackers staying near transit.
- When you have a generous time cushion and want to save money over convenience.
- For arrivals/departures early in the day.
The Deciding Factor
When you’re deciding which mode to use, think about:
- Arrival/departure time – If very early or very late, train/bus frequency may be limited; you may prefer a taxi for reliability.
- Number of people – If you’re travelling solo, train cost is very attractive; if you’re a group of 3-4, a taxi cost per person might become comparable.
- Amount of luggage / children / mobility issues – More bags or a stroller or less mobility means taxi is more convenient.
- Hotel location – If your hotel is near Union Station or good transit, train is very viable; if hotel is far or awkward to reach by transit, taxi might be preferable.
- Traffic risk vs time sensitivity – If you have a flight to catch or tight schedule, you may prefer the reliability of the train or taxi rather than public transit.
- Budget – If cost is primary constraint and you have flexibility picking public transit option may suffice.
- Comfort vs transfers – More transfers mean more walking, waiting; important factor if you’re tired from travel.
Helpful Tips
- Buy tickets ahead: For the train, ensure you purchase the correct ticket (or pay via contactless) to avoid delays. According to one blog, if you use Apple Pay/Google Pay the UP Express fare can drop to ~CAD $9.25.
- Check arrival terminal: If you land at Terminal 3 (or depart from it), check how far you have to walk or transfer from the train station if you choose UP Express.
- Luggage space: If you have large or many bags, check how much space the train/walks entail vs taxi (where you toss them in the trunk).
- Traffic conditions: If you’re choosing taxi, allow extra time for possible traffic congestion, especially in rush hour.
- Hotel drop-off vs hotel pickup: If you depart from hotel to airport very early morning, pre‐book your taxi or check train service times. The train may not run super early depending on schedule.
- Cost per person vs group: If cost is primary concern, divide taxi cost by number of travellers; sometimes taxi might make more sense when multiple people share.
- Know transit stops: If using public transit/bus, make sure you know how many transfers, where stations are, and whether your hotel is accessible from the transit stop.
- Comfort vs transfers: A few transfers and a bit of walking may be fine for light-packers but may be tiring for families or after a long flight.
Conclusion - Transportation Options From/To Airport To/From Downtown Toronto
- For most solo or couple travellers staying downtown, the UP Express is a compelling choice: fast, reliable, affordable.
- For families, groups, heavy luggage or hotels outside the transit core, a taxi/ride may be the better balance of convenience/time vs cost.
- If budget is tight and you’re flexible on time, public transit is a valid option. Just be aware of the extra effort and potential time cost.
Ultimately the “best” choice depends on your particular circumstances – time of day, number of travellers, how much luggage, where you’re going and how much you value cost vs convenience.
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR RIDE
FAQs - Transportation Options From/To Airport To/From Downtown Toronto
The UP Express comes to an end at Union Station, right in the downtown area. It also makes stops at Bloor and Weston stations where you can connect to TTC subway and GO Transit trains.
No, the UP Express runs daily from about 4:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Yes. The Link Train is a free automated shuttle between Terminals 1 and 3 and the Viscount parking area. It runs every 4-8 minutes at any time of the day.
The cheapest way to get downtown is by taking the TTC bus and subway for about CAD $3.35 one way. You take the 900 Airport Express bus to Kipling Station and then the Line 2 subway into downtown.
No. The standard Toronto airport taxi fare is all-inclusive.
Yes. Presto is an option, and it may lower the fare compared to cash or credit.
Yes. Children under 12 typically ride free, whereas seniors and students will typically receive discounted fares. Always refer to the UP Express fare and announcement page for updates.
Yes. You can take the UP Express + short taxi, or TTC ride to Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ). Total travel time is approximately 40–50 minutes.
Yes, many of the airport taxi fleets during Pearson include electric or hybrid taxis, so if you wish and they are available, you can take an environmentally friendly ride.
Yes, Union Station and some airport terminals offer luggage storage and baggage services and are great when you want to go into Toronto for the day and have a layover, or a full day when you’re in town.
Yes, both are quite close by. You can take MiWay or Brampton Transit buses, or you can book a local taxi/limo for a quicker ride (15-30 minutes) if you prefer.
Toronto Taxi & Limo Services
Check out our most ordered taxi & limo services.