Here at Vand Voyage, we want to offer you the opportunity to consider multiple options before you head out. While, UP Express is by default the best option (who doesn’t love a comfortable train to take you from the airport right into downtown Union Station?) Consider some other more adventurous routes the next time you’re travelling into the city from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto.
Here are your options for how to get from Toronto’s Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto. Whether you are taking the train from the city; an airport shuttle to the TTC Subway or ride share such as Uber or Taxi. We have you covered.
Note: Toronto is home to two major passenger airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). YYZ handles international and domestic flights while YTZ handles regional and cross border flights.
This article focuses on how to get from Toronto Pearson International Airport to downtown.
Read this article about how to get from Toronto City Airport to downtown here.
Cheapest: TTC 900 Airport Shuttle Express
This express bus service runs from Kipling Station to Pearson Airport. The bus was designed with travellers in mind by offering luggage storage and operates non stop from Kipling Subway Station Pearson Airport along a freeway so there is little, if any, traffic to slow the ride down. Fare is $3.35.
More information about TTC Bus 900 Airport Express can be found here.
Most Private: Taxi/ Ride share
Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. Uber & Lyft offer transportation services from the airport, but expect to pay top-dollar for reaching that destination outside of the downtown core. And fyi, Luxury Limo service is at a premium.
Slowest: TTC 52 Lawrence West
This adventurous Toronto Transit Commission bus travels along Lawrence Avenue to Pearson Airport. Far from an express bus, this service is mainly for airport workers and last-minute run-ins from mixed traffic. To sum the route up, it’s a milk run. It’s not designed for travellers with luggage nor an urgent arrival. However, this bus connects with the subway at Lawrence West Station, as well as Lawrence Station. Ultimately, allowing for a smooth connection to the TTC subway if your destination isn’t quite downtown Toronto. It’s also the bus route with some of the worst delays most frequent. Fare is $3.35.
Learn more about TTC Bus 52 Lawrence West here.
Fastest: UP Express
By far the fastest and most comfortable ride to downtown Toronto. The Union Pearson Express (UP Express ) whisks travellers from Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto’s intermodal Union Station. All in 25 minutes! The station at Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1 connects with Terminal Link, Pearson Airport’s rapid transit connection to Terminal 3 and Viscount Station (ALT Hotel and Value Parking Garage). So if you’re coming from Terminal 1, ride the train between terminals for a seamless connection to UP Express.
If your destination isn’t quite downtown, UP Express offers 2 intermediate stops: Weston Station and Bloor Station. The latter, Bloor Station offers a short walking connection to Dundas West Subway Station for Line 2 to travel across the city. Weston Station, located in the aforementioned up-coming neighbourhood, features scenic views of the Humber River as you roll into the Staton. It should also be worth noting that you can catch the TTC 52 Lawrence West bus from Weston Station.
Note: Prices are accurate as of April 2024.
