Photo by Mingzhe Zhang on Pexels. Taken in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Canada · Toronto Pearson transport · Last verified October 1, 2026
For most travellers heading straight to downtown Toronto, the UP Express is the simplest public-transport option from Pearson Airport (YYZ): about 28 minutes to Union Station, with trains every 15 minutes. TTC is cheaper but slower; licensed airport taxis are easiest for door-to-door travel or groups with luggage.
Quick choice
| Your situation | Usually easiest | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Union Station | UP Express | About 28 minutes, direct rail link |
| Bloor / west-central Toronto | UP Express to Bloor | May avoid going all the way to Union |
| Lowest-cost public transport | TTC 900 + subway | One TTC fare; slower trip |
| Several bags / family | Licensed taxi or limo | Door-to-door, flat-rate structure |
| Terminal 3 + UP Express | Terminal Link to Terminal 1 | UP Express station is at Terminal 1 |
UP Express: fastest simple route downtown
Toronto Pearson currently says the Union Pearson Express reaches Union Station in 28 minutes and normally runs every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
The standard adult one-way fare from Pearson to Union is currently C$12.35. With PRESTO, the adult one-way fare is currently C$9.25. Children aged 12 and under ride free on UP Express.
UP Express also stops at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor before Union, so travellers staying west of downtown may save time by getting off earlier.
Where is the UP Express at Pearson?
The airport station is at Terminal 1. Follow the “Train to City” signs.
If you arrive at Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson instructs passengers to take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1 and then follow signs for UP Express.
You can buy tickets online or at ticket vending machines, or tap on and off using PRESTO or supported contactless payment methods. When using contactless or PRESTO, tap with the same card/device at the start and end of the trip.
TTC 900 Airport Express: cheapest public-transport route
The TTC’s 900 Airport Express connects Pearson with Kipling Station on Line 2. It serves Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and runs all day.
TTC says the airport-to-Kipling bus ride is approximately 20–25 minutes, and describes downtown-to-Pearson travel using TTC as around 45 minutes in total under normal conditions. The benefit is that the airport bus and subway connection can be made on a single TTC fare under normal transfer rules.
This is usually the best choice if price matters more than speed and you are comfortable changing at Kipling.
TTC operating window
The current TTC page lists approximate 900 Airport Express hours of 5:30 AM–2:00 AM Monday–Saturday and 8:15 AM–2:15 AM Sunday. Always check the live TTC schedule because maintenance and service changes can affect the trip.
Licensed Pearson taxis and limousines
Toronto Pearson’s licensed airport taxis and limousines use flat rates to Toronto destinations with no surge pricing. Taxis accept major credit cards and licensed vehicles display GTAA identification.
For Terminal 1, taxis depart from the Arrivals level near Door D; at Terminal 3, taxis use Door E. Airport limousines are premium vehicles and Pearson says they cost about 10% more than a taxi.
Taxi is often the practical choice if you are travelling as a family, have several bags, arrive very late, or are staying somewhere that would require another streetcar/subway/taxi after Union.
Which option should you choose?
- Union Station / Financial District: UP Express.
- Near Bloor and the west side: compare UP Express Bloor stop with TTC.
- Cheapest trip: TTC 900 + subway.
- Several passengers with luggage: compare the total UP fares with the licensed flat-rate taxi quote.
- Very early/late trip: check live UP/TTC schedules; taxi may be simplest outside your preferred transit window.
- Terminal 3 traveller using UP: allow extra time for the free Terminal Link to Terminal 1.
Common mistakes
- Looking for an UP Express station inside Terminal 3 instead of taking Terminal Link to Terminal 1.
- Going all the way to Union when Bloor is closer to your accommodation.
- Comparing only one traveller’s UP fare against a taxi when travelling as a group.
- Taking an unlicensed vehicle instead of the official Pearson taxi/limo ranks.
- Forgetting to tap off when using PRESTO/contactless on UP Express.
- Assuming TTC and UP Express use identical fare structures.
If you are moving rather than visiting, continue with our first 30 days in Canada checklist after you reach your accommodation.
Official sources checked
- Toronto Pearson — UP Express
- UP Express — PRESTO fares
- TTC — Toronto Pearson Airport service
- Toronto Pearson — Licensed taxis and limos
Verification date: October 1, 2026. Transit fares, operating hours and service frequencies can change. Check UP Express, TTC and Toronto Pearson on your travel day.
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