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 ($9.25 with PRESTO) and 28 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station. Taxis charge flat-rate fares set by downtown zone, published on Toronto Pearson’s taxi and limo tariff map (all major credit cards accepted). With Uber and Lyft, compare the app’s quote with the taxi flat rate for your zone. The TTC public bus 900 to Kipling subway is the cheapest option at a single TTC fare ($3.30 with PRESTO or contactless) but the slowest, so plan it with a live trip planner. 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 ($9.25 with PRESTO) / 28 minutes / Rail, so no road traffic.
Taxi: Flat rate by downtown zone / Varies with traffic / Door to door.
Uber/Lyft: Fare and time quoted in the app / Prices vary with demand and destination.
TTC bus 900 + subway: $3.30 / Check a live trip planner / Cheapest but slowest.
Limo / Town Car: Quoted when you book / Traffic-dependent / 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 28 minutes, leaving Pearson every 15 minutes from 5:27 a.m. on weekdays (6:24 a.m. on weekends and holidays) until the last departure at 12:54 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: 28 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station. Two intermediate stops at Weston Station and Bloor Station.
Schedule: Departs every 15 minutes. First train from Pearson: 5:27 a.m. weekdays, 6:24 a.m. weekends and holidays. Last train from Pearson: 12:54 a.m.
Where to Catch: The UP Express station is at Terminal 1 on Level 2, beside the Terminal Link station; from Terminal 3, take the free LINK automated train across. From baggage claim, follow the “Train to City” signs.
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 follow the SkyWalk or Bremner Boulevard a short way west 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: A flat rate to downtown Toronto destinations, set by the airport’s tariff. The fare depends on which downtown zone (Old Town, Yorkville, Entertainment District) you are heading to, so look up yours before you get in.
Travel Time: Depends on traffic and your downtown address. Rush hour on Highway 401 and the Gardiner Expressway can slow the trip noticeably.
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 landing after the last UP Express leaves Pearson at 12:54 a.m. (the first train is 5:27 a.m. on weekdays, 6:24 a.m. on weekends and holidays).
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: Check the app for the fare before you book; prices vary with demand and destination, so compare the quote with the taxi flat rate for your zone.
Travel Time: Set by traffic and your destination, as with a 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 or tap-to-pay, $3.35 in cash. A card or contactless fare includes a 2-hour transfer for the subway connection; a cash fare does not.
Travel Time: The longest of the options: bus 900 to Kipling, then the subway, plus walking. Check a live trip planner and allow for traffic and the transfer.
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: Get a quote for your vehicle and destination when you book.
Travel Time: Like a taxi, it depends on traffic and where downtown you are going.
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 hotels charge for overnight parking (check your hotel’s rate), 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. The last UP Express train leaves Pearson at 12:54 a.m.
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. Rides take 2 to 8 minutes. 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: Taxi and limo ranks are on the Terminal 3 arrivals level, as at Terminal 1. Uber and Lyft pick up in designated arrivals-level areas at Terminal 3, but on the ground level at 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. Weekday congestion on Highway 401 and the Gardiner Expressway can stretch any taxi, Uber or limo trip, so look at live traffic before you set off.
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 or Uber driver if you wish. Airport taxis charge a flat zone rate and any tip is up to you. 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. Road traffic doesn’t touch the scheduled 28-minute ride. Plan accordingly for tight connections.
Toronto Airport to Downtown: Travel Times Summary
UP Express: 28 minutes (scheduled, no road traffic).
Taxi/Uber/Limo: Varies with traffic and destination.
TTC bus + subway: The longest trip of the lot; check a live trip planner.
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 a direct rail link with a scheduled 28-minute ride 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 to downtown Toronto, set by zone on the airport’s taxi and limo tariff map. All major credit cards are accepted, and any tip is up to you.
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 with PRESTO or contactless, transfer included ($3.35 in cash, which carries no transfer). Total time: longer than any other option, so check a live trip planner.
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: 28 minutes. Taxi/Uber/Limo: depends on traffic and your destination. TTC bus + subway: the slowest of the three, so plan it with a live trip planner.
What time does the UP Express stop running?
From Pearson, the UP Express runs from 5:27 a.m. on weekdays (6:24 a.m. on weekends and holidays) until the last train at 12:54 a.m. After that, use a taxi or Uber for Toronto airport to downtown.
Is the UP Express worth it?
Yes for most travellers. It costs $12.35 ($9.25 with PRESTO) against $3.30 for the TTC bus and subway, but the train takes 28 minutes and the bus-and-subway trip takes much longer. 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 to the CN Tower, a short way west.
Plan Your Toronto Airport to Downtown Trip
For most visitors, this comes down to one answer: take the UP Express. At $12.35 ($9.25 with PRESTO), a scheduled 28-minute ride and a train every quarter hour, it is quick, predictable and fairly priced. 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 car rental in Toronto.
Photo Credits
A Beck taxi in Scarborough: Beck Taxi by Fabian Roudra Baroi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
