UP Express is the dedicated train between Toronto Pearson and downtown Union Station. It leaves every 15 minutes, makes the trip in about 25 minutes, and costs $12.35 one way, or $9.25 if you tap a PRESTO card. Trains run from roughly 5:30 in the morning to 1:00 at night, seven days a week. For most travellers heading downtown without heavy traffic worries, it is the fastest and most predictable option. Here is the full breakdown of fares, schedule, stations, and how it stacks up against a taxi or the TTC.
| UP Express at a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Toronto Pearson (Terminal 1) to Union Station |
| Travel time | ~25 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 15 minutes, 7 days a week |
| Adult fare (one way) | $12.35, or $9.25 with PRESTO |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| First / last train | ~5:30 am to ~1:00 am |
| Stations | Pearson, Weston, Mount Dennis, Bloor, Union |
| Board at Pearson | Terminal 1 (free LINK Train from Terminal 3) |
How much does UP Express cost?
A one-way adult ticket from Pearson to Union is $12.35. Tap a PRESTO card, PRESTO on Google Wallet, or a contactless credit or debit card and the same trip drops to $9.25, so paying contactless is the easy way to save about a quarter on every ride. Youth and post-secondary students get 40 percent off the adult fare with PRESTO, and children under 12 travel free. There is no separate round-trip ticket; you simply pay each direction.
You buy at the fare machines on the platform, through the UP Express app, or by tapping at the reader as you board. Full fare detail sits on the official UP Express fares page.
UP Express schedule and frequency
Trains depart every 15 minutes throughout the day, every day of the week. The first train toward Union leaves Pearson around 5:27 am and the last departs near 12:57 am, with similar hours in the other direction. Because a train comes so often, you rarely need to time your arrival; just head to the platform and the next one is usually minutes away. For exact times on the day you travel, check the live board at the station or the official UP Express site.
Which stations does UP Express stop at?
Five stations sit on the line. From the airport heading downtown the order is:
- Pearson (Terminal 1)
- Weston
- Mount Dennis
- Bloor (walk to Dundas West subway on TTC Line 2)
- Union (subway Line 1, GO Transit, streetcars)
The two end points matter most for airport travellers. Bloor is handy if your hotel is in the west end or you want to switch to the subway early, while Union drops you in the heart of downtown with connections to almost everywhere in the city.
Where do I catch UP Express at Pearson?
The Pearson station is at Terminal 1, a short signed walk from arrivals. If you land at Terminal 3, ride the free LINK Train to Terminal 1 first; it runs around the clock and takes a few minutes. Our terminals guide maps both buildings, and if you are still planning your arrival, the arrivals page walks through customs and baggage before you reach the platform.
How long does the trip take?
About 25 minutes from Pearson to Union, with the brief stops at Weston, Mount Dennis, and Bloor built in. Unlike a taxi or rideshare, the train is not affected by traffic on the Gardiner or Highway 401, so the time barely changes whether you travel at rush hour or midnight. That predictability is the train's real selling point.
Luggage, wifi, and accessibility
Each train has luggage racks, free wifi, power outlets, and comfortable seating, which makes it easy to settle in with bags after a long flight. The trains and platforms are step-free and accessible, and bikes are welcome outside the busiest hours. There is no extra charge for luggage.
UP Express vs taxi vs TTC
Each option suits a different traveller. The table below is the quick comparison; for the full cost breakdown of every route, see our guide to the cheapest way from Pearson to downtown.
| Option | Fare (CAD) | Time to downtown | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Express | 12.35 (9.25 PRESTO) | ~25 min | Speed and predictability to Union |
| Taxi or limo | ~60 to 75 | 30 to 50 min | Door to door, groups with luggage |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | ~40 to 65 | 30 to 50 min | Door to door, off-peak value |
| TTC 900 bus + subway | ~3.35 | 50 to 70 min | Lowest cost, no rush |
If your destination is near Union or a subway line, UP Express usually wins on time and hassle. If you are in a group of three or four with a pile of bags, a flat-rate taxi can work out cheaper per person and drops you at the door. For the absolute lowest fare, the TTC is unbeatable, just slower. For other ways into the city centre, our Union Station route guide covers the alternatives.
Is UP Express worth it?
For solo travellers and couples heading downtown, yes. The fare is modest, the ride is quick, and you skip traffic entirely. It makes less sense if your hotel is far from a station or the subway, or if you are splitting a taxi among several people. Weigh your destination and group size, and when in doubt, the train is the low-stress choice.
