Getting from Toronto airport to downtown is faster, easier, and more affordable than at most major North American cities — but only if you know your options. The UP Express train is the gold standard at $12.35 and 25 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station. Taxis charge flat-rate fares of $50–$60 (all major credit cards accepted). Uber and Lyft are usually slightly cheaper than taxis. The TTC public bus 900 to Kipling subway is the cheapest option at single TTC fare ($3.30) but takes 60+ minutes. The sections ahead break down all seven routes for 2026 — UP Express, taxi, Uber, the public bus, limos, hotel shuttles, and rental cars — with the real fares, honest travel times, and a recommendation for each kind of traveller. Once you’re off the train or out of the cab, our guide to getting around Toronto takes over from Union Station.
For Pearson Airport’s official transportation page, see the official Toronto Pearson transportation guide.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: Quick Comparison
Five main options for getting from Toronto airport to downtown:
UP Express train: $12.35 / 25 minutes / Most reliable, no traffic.
Taxi: $50–$60 / 25–45 min depending on traffic / Most flexible.
Uber/Lyft: $35–$60 / 25–45 min depending on traffic / Slightly cheaper than taxi.
TTC bus 900 + subway: $3.30 / 60–75 min / Cheapest but slowest.
Limo / Town Car: $80–$120 / 30–45 min / Premium service.
UP Express: The Best Toronto Airport to Downtown Option
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Toronto airport to downtown. The dedicated airport train runs from Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station in just 25 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes from 4:55 a.m. to 1 a.m.
UP Express Details
Cost: $12.35 adult one-way (or $9.25 with PRESTO card). Children under 12 ride free. Youth and Post-Secondary students save 40% with PRESTO.
Travel Time: 25 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station. Two intermediate stops at Weston Station and Bloor Station.
Schedule: Departs every 15 minutes. First train: 4:55 a.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. weekends. Last train: 1 a.m.
Where to Catch: UP Express station is on the Terminal 1 arrivals level, accessible via the LINK automated train from Terminal 3. Walk-to-train transit time from baggage claim is approximately 5–10 minutes.
Where it Drops You: Union Station — the heart of Toronto. From there, walk to most major hotels (Fairmont Royal York is across the street), connect to TTC Line 1 subway for any Toronto destination, or take a 5-minute walk to the CN Tower.
See our complete UP Express guide.
Taxi: Reliable Toronto Airport to Downtown Option
Toronto Pearson licensed taxis charge flat rates — no surge pricing — for trips from the airport to specific Toronto destinations. Taxis accept all major credit cards.
Taxi Details
Cost: $50–$60 to most downtown Toronto destinations. The fare depends on which downtown zone (Old Town, Yorkville, Entertainment District). Tip 15–20% standard.
Travel Time: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Highway 401 and Gardiner Expressway can add 15+ minutes during rush hour.
Where to Catch: Taxi ranks are outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on the arrivals level. Look for “Taxi / Limousine” signs after baggage claim.
Best For: Travellers with multiple bags, families, or those arriving late at night when the UP Express is closed (1 a.m. to 4:55 a.m.).
Uber / Lyft: Cheaper Toronto Airport to Downtown Option
Uber and Lyft both operate at Toronto Pearson, with designated pickup areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Ride-Share Details
Cost: $35–$60 to downtown Toronto, varying with surge pricing. Often slightly cheaper than taxi during off-peak times; sometimes more expensive during surges.
Travel Time: 25–45 minutes (same as taxi).
Where to Catch: Designated ride-share pickup areas clearly marked at both terminals. Follow signs from baggage claim.
Best For: Travellers comfortable with the ride-share apps; especially good for off-peak times when surge pricing is low.
TTC Bus 900: Cheapest Toronto Airport to Downtown Option
The TTC’s 900 Airport Express bus connects Pearson directly to Kipling subway station, where you transfer to the Bloor-Danforth Line 2 subway for downtown.
TTC Details
Cost: Single TTC fare ($3.30 with PRESTO/tap-to-pay/cash). Includes 2-hour transfer for the subway connection.
Travel Time: 60–75 minutes total (15–20 minutes on bus 900, then 30–40 minutes on subway, plus walking).
Where to Catch: Ground Transportation level outside Terminal 1 (signs marked “TTC”).
Best For: Budget travellers with light luggage and time. Not recommended for first-time visitors or anyone with multiple bags.
Limo / Town Car: Premium Toronto Airport to Downtown Option
Pearson airport limousines are premium black cars with professional drivers. Charge approximately 10% more than a taxi.
Limo Details
Cost: $80–$120 for a sedan; SUVs and stretch limos cost more.
Travel Time: 30–45 minutes.
Where to Catch: Same arrivals-level taxi/limo ranks. You can also pre-book through hotels and limo services for guaranteed pickup.
Best For: Business travellers, special occasions, group transfers, and visitors wanting the most comfortable experience.
Hotel Shuttle: Some Hotels Offer Free Transfers
A few Toronto hotels offer free or low-cost shuttle service to/from Pearson. Most are airport-area hotels rather than downtown properties. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel and Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport are connected directly to terminals and offer the most convenient airport-area stays.
Most downtown Toronto hotels do not offer free airport shuttles, but most can arrange paid sedan or limo transfers as part of your booking.
Rental Car from Toronto Airport
All major rental car agencies (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Sixt, etc.) operate at Pearson. The rental car centre is in the airport parking area, accessible via shuttle from both terminals.
For first-time Toronto visitors, renting a car from the airport for downtown stays is generally not recommended — downtown parking is $35–$60/night at hotels, traffic is heavy, and public transit is excellent. Renting a car makes more sense for visitors planning day trips outside Toronto (Niagara Falls, Prince Edward County, the Bruce Peninsula). See our car rental guide.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: Choosing the Right Option
For Budget Travellers
TTC bus 900 + subway at $3.30 if you have time and light luggage. UP Express at $12.35 if you want to save time without spending much more.
For First-Time Visitors
UP Express. Fastest, most reliable, drops you in the heart of downtown at Union Station, no traffic concerns.
For Families with Kids
Taxi or Uber XL for direct hotel drop-off. UP Express works well if your hotel is walking distance from Union Station and luggage is manageable.
For Late-Night Arrivals
Taxi or Uber. UP Express stops running at 1 a.m. (last train).
For Business Travellers
UP Express to Union Station for cost efficiency, or limo for premium service.
For Visits with Multiple Stops
Rental car if you’re combining airport pickup with day trips. Otherwise stick with UP Express + TTC for downtown-focused visits.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: From Terminal 3
UP Express station is at Terminal 1. From Terminal 3, you have two options:
LINK automated train: Free shuttle between Terminals 1 and 3. 5-minute ride. Then walk to UP Express station at T1.
UP Express direct from Terminal 3: No direct UP service from T3; use the LINK shuttle.
Taxi/Uber/Limo: All operate from Terminal 3 arrivals level, same as Terminal 1.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: Tips
Buy UP Express tickets ahead. Online via the UP Express app or website saves you from queuing at the station.
UP Express PRESTO discount. Save $3.10 per ride by using a PRESTO card ($9.25 vs $12.35).
Allow extra time during rush hour. Highway 401 and Gardiner Expressway can add 15–30 minutes to taxi/Uber/limo trips during 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. weekdays.
Verify the taxi is licensed. Use only the official Pearson taxi rank at the arrivals level. Avoid solicitation from drivers inside the terminal.
Tip the taxi/Uber driver. 15–20% standard tip on the metered fare. Cash or card; tip in the app for rideshares.
Don’t pay for “airport surcharges” outside the terminal. Licensed taxis include all fees in the displayed flat-rate fare.
Confirm UP Express timing. The 25-minute travel time is consistent regardless of traffic. Plan accordingly for tight connections.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: Travel Times Summary
UP Express: 25 minutes (consistent, no traffic).
Taxi/Uber/Limo: 25–45 minutes (traffic-dependent).
TTC bus + subway: 60–75 minutes total.
For early-morning international flights (5–7 a.m. departures), allow 45 minutes via UP Express plus security and check-in time. The first UP Express train at 4:55 a.m. is timed for the earliest flights.
Frequently Asked Questions: Toronto Airport to Downtown
What is the fastest way from Toronto airport to downtown?
The UP Express train is the fastest at 25 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station. No traffic concerns; departures every 15 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Toronto Pearson to downtown?
Toronto Pearson licensed taxis charge flat rates of $50–$60 to most downtown Toronto destinations, depending on the specific zone. All major credit cards accepted; tip 15–20%.
How much is the UP Express train?
UP Express adult one-way fare is $12.35 (or $9.25 with PRESTO card). Children under 12 ride free; youth and post-secondary students save 40% with PRESTO.
How do I get from Toronto airport to downtown by public transit?
The cheapest option is TTC bus 900 (Airport Express) to Kipling subway station, then Bloor-Danforth Line 2 subway downtown. Total cost: $3.30 (single TTC fare with included transfer). Total time: 60–75 minutes.
Does Uber work at Toronto Pearson?
Yes — Uber and Lyft both operate at Toronto Pearson with designated ride-share pickup areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
How long does it take from Toronto airport to downtown?
UP Express: 25 minutes. Taxi/Uber/Limo: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. TTC bus + subway: 60–75 minutes.
What time does the UP Express stop running?
The UP Express runs from 4:55 a.m. (weekdays; 6 a.m. weekends) to 1 a.m. After 1 a.m., use taxi or Uber for Toronto airport to downtown.
Is the UP Express worth it?
Yes for most travellers. At $12.35 it’s comparable to a TTC fare combo, but takes 25 minutes vs 60–75 for the bus + subway. Drops you in the heart of downtown at Union Station.
Can I take the subway from Toronto Pearson?
Not directly. Take TTC bus 900 from the airport to Kipling subway station, then transfer to the Bloor-Danforth Line 2 subway downtown.
Where does the UP Express drop you in downtown Toronto?
The UP Express terminates at Union Station — the heart of downtown Toronto. From Union Station, you can walk to most major hotels, connect to the TTC Line 1 subway, or walk 5 minutes to the CN Tower.
Plan Your Toronto Airport to Downtown Trip
For most visitors, this comes down to one answer: take the UP Express. At $12.35, 25 minutes, and a train every quarter hour, nothing else matches it on price and speed together. Travelling with a stack of luggage, landing after midnight, or heading somewhere well off Union Station? A taxi or Uber earns its higher fare. Backpacking on light bags and looser time? The bus 900 plus subway at $3.30 is hard to argue with. Match the option to your arrival time and your bags and leave it there — this is one of the simpler airport runs in North America, and it doesn’t reward overthinking.
Once downtown, our overview of getting around Toronto ties the systems together. The UP Express guide and TTC guide go deeper on the train and the local network, our PRESTO card walkthrough covers the fare card that discounts both, and if a day trip has you weighing four wheels, see renting a car in Toronto.