Toronto airport to the city

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) sits about 22 km northwest of downtown, and unlike many major airports, it has a dedicated dependable rail link running straight into the heart of the city. Between the train, a wide public transit network and the usual road options, getting into Toronto is generally quick and easy to plan around.

UP Express: the fastest way downtown

The Union Pearson (UP) Express is a dedicated airport rail service connecting Pearson directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes, with no stops other than one intermediate station (Weston) and a couple of others along the way. Trains run every 15 minutes for most of the day, making it easy to simply turn up without checking a timetable.

Fares are a flat rate and can be paid with a PRESTO card (Ontario's regional transit card) or contactless bank card directly at the gates — PRESTO fares are cheaper than buying a single ticket, and if you already hold or plan to get a PRESTO card for onward travel in Toronto, it is worth tapping in with that. Union Station puts you directly onto Toronto's subway network, GO Trains for the wider region, and within walking distance of the downtown core and the waterfront.

TTC and public transit buses

For a cheaper, slower alternative, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) buses connect Pearson to nearby subway stations, from where you can continue into the city on the regular transit network. This route costs considerably less than the UP Express but takes noticeably longer — often 60–90 minutes door to downtown once transfers are factored in — and involves navigating with luggage through subway stations. It suits budget travellers or those staying near a station on the western subway line rather than downtown itself.

Taxi and rideshare

Taxis and licensed airport limousine services operate from designated stands at each terminal, with fares generally metered rather than flat-rate, so cost depends on traffic and route. Uber and Lyft also serve Pearson from a marked pickup area. Journey time by road to downtown is typically 30–45 minutes in normal conditions, but Toronto's highways — particularly the Gardiner Expressway — can back up badly at rush hour, sometimes doubling that time. For predictability, the UP Express beats road transport whenever traffic is uncertain.

Car hire

Rental desks are available in the terminals, and Pearson connects easily to Ontario's highway network. A car is useful if you are heading beyond Toronto — to Niagara Falls, the wine region, or cottage country — but is largely unnecessary and often a hindrance within the city itself, where downtown parking is expensive and traffic is heavy. Many visitors rent a car only for the portion of their trip that leaves the city.

Late-night and early-morning arrivals

The UP Express runs from around the early morning until roughly midnight, covering the vast majority of scheduled flight arrivals, but it does not run 24 hours. If you land on a late-night flight after the last train, or need to leave for an early departure before the first one, a taxi or rideshare is the reliable fallback — both operate around the clock from Pearson, unlike the rail service. TTC buses also run fewer overnight services than during the day, so check current timetables if your journey falls outside normal hours.

Which terminal matters for your route

Pearson has two passenger terminals, and it is worth checking which one your flight uses before you plan your onward journey. The UP Express station serves Terminal 1 directly, with a short connecting shuttle bus for Terminal 3 passengers, adding a few minutes to the overall journey. Taxi, rideshare and TTC pickup points exist at both terminals, so this mainly affects UP Express users — build in a little extra time if you land at Terminal 3.

Choosing between the options

If your destination is downtown, near Union Station, or anywhere on the subway network, the UP Express is almost always the best choice — fast, frequent and immune to road traffic. If you are travelling on a tight budget and staying near the western subway line, the TTC bus-to-subway combination saves money at the cost of time. A taxi or rideshare makes sense for groups, late-night arrivals, or door-to-door convenience when carrying a lot of luggage.

Practical tips for arriving at Pearson

• UP Express platforms are clearly signposted from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (a short shuttle connects Terminal 3 to the station).
• Tap a contactless bank card or PRESTO card directly at the UP Express gates — there is no need to queue for a paper ticket.
• If connecting onward by GO Train or subway from Union Station, a PRESTO card is the simplest way to pay across the whole network.
• Allow extra buffer time for road transfers during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9am and 4–6.30pm), when the Gardiner Expressway and connecting routes are heavily congested.

If you are continuing your trip from Toronto, see our guides to travelling from Toronto to Niagara Falls and the Toronto to Ottawa route. For entry requirements when arriving in Canada, see Canada's eTA guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way from Toronto Airport to downtown?

The UP Express train, which runs every 15 minutes and reaches Union Station in about 25 minutes. It is faster and more predictable than any road-based option, particularly during rush hour.

Is the UP Express expensive?

It is a flat fare, cheaper if paid with a PRESTO card or contactless bank card rather than a single paper ticket. It costs more than the TTC bus-to-subway route but is considerably faster.

Can I take the subway from Toronto Airport?

Not directly — Pearson is not on the subway network. TTC buses connect the airport to nearby subway stations, from where you continue on the regular system. This is cheaper than the UP Express but takes significantly longer.

How long does a taxi take from Pearson to downtown Toronto?

Typically 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, though this can nearly double during weekday rush hours on the Gardiner Expressway and connecting routes. The UP Express is a more reliable choice when time matters.