The UP Express Toronto — the Union Pearson Express — is the dedicated airport train connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport to downtown Union Station in just 25 minutes. At $12.35 adult one-way ($9.25 with PRESTO), trains run every 15 minutes from 4:55 a.m. to 1 a.m., making the UP Express Toronto the fastest, most reliable, and most affordable way to get from the airport to downtown Toronto. What follows is the full picture for 2026: how to buy a ticket, when the trains actually run, what the ride is like, and where the two intermediate stops can save you a transfer. The train is one of several ways into the city from Pearson, and our complete airport-to-downtown guide lines them all up if you want to compare before you commit.
For the official UP Express schedules and tickets, see UP Express official fares page.
UP Express Toronto: Quick Facts
The UP Express Toronto train runs from Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station, with two intermediate stops at Weston Station and Bloor Station. Total travel time: 25 minutes Pearson to Union (28 with the intermediate stops). Trains depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
The UP Express launched in 2015 ahead of the Toronto-hosted Pan American Games and quickly became one of the most popular airport express trains in North America. The trains are dedicated to airport service — clean, modern, with luggage racks, free wifi, and quiet ambient noise.
UP Express Toronto: Fares
Adult One-Way
$12.35 adult fare. Or $9.25 with PRESTO card — saves $3.10 per ride. Children under 12 ride free.
Discounts
Youth (13–19) and post-secondary students with PRESTO save 40% off the standard adult fare. Seniors (65+) with PRESTO get the same youth discount.
Group Fares
Group fares for 6+ passengers travelling together. Discounts available; book through the UP Express group booking team in advance.
CN Tower Discount
The UP Express partners with the CN Tower to offer combined airport train + CN Tower admission package deals at slight discounts.
Round-Trip
UP Express tickets are sold one-way. Round-trip travellers buy two one-ways. No discount for return tickets.
UP Express Toronto: Schedule
Departure Frequency
Trains depart every 15 minutes from Pearson Terminal 1 and Union Station throughout the day.
First and Last Trains
First Train: 4:55 a.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. weekends and holidays.
Last Train: 1 a.m. (last departure from both stations).
Service is nearly continuous throughout the operating day. The schedule is reliable; trains run to schedule even in bad weather (the train is unaffected by traffic on Highway 401 or the Gardiner Expressway).
UP Express Toronto: Stations & Stops
Pearson Terminal 1
The UP Express station is at Pearson Terminal 1 on the arrivals level. Look for “UP Express” signs after baggage claim. Walk-to-train transit time from baggage claim is approximately 5–10 minutes.
From Terminal 3, take the LINK automated train (free) to Terminal 1 (5-minute ride), then walk to UP Express.
Weston Station
Intermediate stop in west Toronto. Connects to GO Transit Kitchener Line and TTC bus service. Useful if you’re staying in west-end Toronto.
Bloor Station
Intermediate stop near Dundas West subway station (Bloor-Danforth Line 2). Useful if you’re staying in west-end neighbourhoods (Roncesvalles, Junction, Bloor West Village).
Union Station
The terminus — the heart of downtown Toronto. UP Express has a dedicated terminal accessible from the Union Station main concourse. From Union Station, you can walk to most major hotels (Fairmont Royal York is across the street), connect to TTC Line 1 subway for any Toronto destination, or walk 5 minutes to the CN Tower.
UP Express Toronto: How to Buy Tickets
Online (UP Express Website & App)
Buy through upexpress.com or the official UP Express app. Add ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for contactless boarding. Saves time at the station.
PRESTO Card
If you have a PRESTO card (or digital PRESTO in Apple Wallet/Google Pay), simply tap on at the platform reader before boarding. $9.25 deducted from your balance. See our how Presto works.
Tap-to-Pay Credit Card
Contactless tap-to-pay credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and mobile wallets work at UP Express readers. Charged at the standard $12.35 adult fare.
UP Express Customer Service Counters
Counters at Terminal 1 (and Terminal 3 via the LINK shuttle) sell paper tickets. Cash and card accepted.
Fare Vending Machines
Touchscreen vending machines at every UP Express station sell paper tickets and accept cash, debit, and credit.
UP Express Toronto: Onboard Experience
Trains
UP Express trains are dedicated airport trains with modern interiors. Features include:
Free wifi: Available throughout the train.
Luggage racks: Designed for airport baggage. Multiple racks per car.
Comfortable seating: Forward-facing seats with tray tables and power outlets.
Quiet environment: Diesel-electric trains are noticeably quieter than typical commuter rail.
Step-free access: Level boarding from platforms; wheelchair accessible.
Bike racks: Designated areas for bicycles.
Travel Time
25 minutes Pearson to Union if you take a non-stop train, 28 minutes including the Bloor and Weston stops. The schedule is consistent regardless of weather or traffic.
UP Express Toronto: Tips for Travellers
Buy tickets ahead. Online or via the app saves you queuing at the station. Especially useful when you’ve just landed and want to head out fast.
Use PRESTO for the discount. $9.25 with PRESTO vs $12.35 without — saves $3.10 per ride.
Allow walking time at Pearson. The UP Express station is at Terminal 1; allow 5–10 minutes from baggage claim to platform.
Coming from Terminal 3? Take the LINK automated train (free, 5 minutes) to Terminal 1 first, then UP Express.
Don’t worry about traffic. The UP Express runs on dedicated rail, unaffected by Highway 401 or Gardiner Expressway traffic. 25 minutes is consistent.
Last train at 1 a.m. If you arrive after 1 a.m., use a taxi or Uber.
Children under 12 ride free. No ticket needed for them.
Luggage rack space. Plenty of space for typical airline luggage; oversized items may require alternative storage.
Bring snacks. No food or drink service onboard the 25-minute trip.
Save the receipt. Useful for business expense reimbursement.
UP Express Toronto: From Union Station to Pearson
The reverse trip is identical. From Union Station, follow signs to UP Express. The dedicated terminal is on the south side of Union Station’s main concourse. Buy a ticket at the kiosk, customer counter, or use PRESTO/tap-to-pay at the platform reader. Trains depart every 15 minutes; 25-minute trip to Pearson Terminal 1.
From Pearson, follow signs to Terminal 1 (or Terminal 3 via LINK shuttle) for international and domestic flights. Allow 90–120 minutes from Union Station to Pearson Terminal 1 for international departures (UP Express trip + walking + airline check-in + security).
UP Express Toronto: Accessibility
The UP Express is fully wheelchair accessible. Step-free boarding at all stations; designated wheelchair spaces in every car; accessible washrooms at Pearson Terminal 1 and Union Station.
Service animals are welcome. Visually impaired travellers can request station assistance via the UP Express customer service counter.
UP Express Toronto: Compared to Alternatives
vs. Taxi: UP Express is significantly faster (25 min vs 25–45 min) and dramatically cheaper ($12.35 vs $50–$60). Taxi wins for door-to-door service if your hotel is far from Union Station.
vs. Uber/Lyft: Similar comparison — UP Express usually faster and cheaper, but rideshares win for direct hotel drop-off.
vs. TTC bus 900 + subway: UP Express is dramatically faster (25 min vs 60–75 min) but more expensive ($12.35 vs $3.30). UP Express usually wins for time-sensitive travellers.
vs. Limo: UP Express is much cheaper ($12.35 vs $80–$120) and just as fast. Limo wins for premium experience.
For most travellers, the UP Express Toronto is the optimal choice. See our complete airport to downtown comparison.
UP Express Toronto: From Pearson on Arrival
Step-by-Step
1. Land at Pearson Terminal 1 (international) or Terminal 3 (domestic).
2. Collect your luggage at baggage claim.
3. From Terminal 3, take the LINK automated train (free, 5 minutes) to Terminal 1.
4. From Terminal 1 arrivals level, follow “UP Express” signs. The station is on the same level — about 5–10 minutes’ walk from most baggage claim areas.
5. Buy a ticket at the customer service counter, vending machine, online via the app, or use PRESTO/tap-to-pay at the platform reader.
6. Board the next train (every 15 minutes).
7. 25-minute ride to Union Station.
8. Exit at Union Station; connect to TTC Line 1 subway, walk to your hotel, or take a taxi/Uber for the last mile.
UP Express Toronto: Tips for Tight Connections
If you have a tight flight connection or arrival time:
Allow 30+ minutes from baggage claim to UP Express boarding. Even on a smooth trip, walking, ticket purchase, and platform navigation take time.
Buy your ticket online before landing. Saves you queuing at the station.
Use the PRESTO/tap-to-pay reader. No queue at the customer counter.
Pearson’s busiest stretches. Avoid arriving at peak immigration times if possible (most international arrivals are 5–9 p.m.; expect longer immigration queues then).
Frequently Asked Questions: UP Express Toronto
How much is the UP Express Toronto?
$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.
How long does the UP Express take?
25 minutes Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station (28 minutes with the Bloor and Weston intermediate stops).
How often does the UP Express run?
Every 15 minutes from 4:55 a.m. (weekdays) or 6 a.m. (weekends) to 1 a.m.
Where does the UP Express go in downtown Toronto?
The UP Express terminates at Union Station — the heart of downtown Toronto. From there, you can walk to most major hotels, take the TTC subway, or walk 5 minutes to the CN Tower.
Is the UP Express Toronto the fastest way from the airport?
Yes for most downtown destinations. The 25-minute travel time is consistent regardless of traffic, beating taxi and Uber during rush hour.
Can I use a PRESTO card on the UP Express?
Yes — tapping on with PRESTO charges $9.25 (vs $12.35 standard). Saves $3.10 per ride.
What time does the UP Express stop running?
Last train at 1 a.m. from both Pearson and Union. After that, taxi or Uber are required.
Where is the UP Express station at Pearson?
Terminal 1 arrivals level. From Terminal 3, take the LINK automated train (free, 5 minutes) to Terminal 1 first.
Is the UP Express wheelchair accessible?
Yes — fully accessible at all stations and on all trains. Service animals welcome.
Does the UP Express have wifi?
Yes — free wifi available throughout the train.
Plan Your UP Express Toronto Trip
Between Pearson and Union Station, nothing else hits the same balance the UP Express does: $12.35 (or $9.25 with PRESTO), 25 minutes you can set your watch by, and a train every 15 minutes from before 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. A taxi might match it door to door on a quiet night, but in rush-hour traffic the train simply doesn’t care. If you’re staying near Union or anywhere downtown, it’s the easy call — and the same PRESTO card you tap here carries you onto the subway and streetcars once you arrive.
Comparing the train against taxis, buses and rideshares is the job of our Pearson-to-downtown guide. Once you’re in the city, the how to use the TTC and our PRESTO card walkthrough cover daily travel, and the wider getting around Toronto overview ties it all together.
