Transit Options from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Union Station
Sitting right at the heart of the city, Union Station is the busiest and most important railway hub in Toronto. That central position means anyone landing at Pearson has several handy ways to get there. The choice runs from a direct, comfortable airport cab to a premium private transfer or a self-drive rental. Travelling on a budget? Public transport holds its own, with a spread of bus routes and the quick UP Express service tying the Toronto Airport to Union Station and the wider downtown.
Overview: Toronto Airport to Union Station
| Option | Price (CA$) | Price (USD) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 61 | 44 | 41 | 30 to 40 min |
| Bus | 3.30 to 9.60 | 2.41 to 7.10 | 2.24 to 6.50 | 45 to 90 min |
| Train (UP Express) | 12.35 | 9 | 8.40 | 25 min |
By Taxi to Union Station
Few rides are as easy or stress-free as flagging an airport cab. Official ranks wait outside both terminals: at Terminal 1 just past Door D, and at Terminal 3 close to Doors D, E, and F. Staff keep the queues moving, so you rarely wait long, even when the place is heaving.
Under normal conditions, the journey to Union Station runs about 25 to 35 minutes. At rush hour, that can stretch to as much as 60 minutes. City cabs here are metered, yet trips from the airport into the downtown area work on fixed fares, and the standard charge to the station lands near 61 CA$ (44 USD / 41€).
A 10% to 15% gratuity is the norm for good service, though nobody is obliged to leave one. Anyone hauling a lot of luggage, or a group larger than four, may need a van, which usually carries an added charge of roughly 15 CA$ (11 USD / 10€). Cash and card are generally fine, but it is worth confirming with the driver before you pull away.
Tip: Ride-sharing apps operate at Pearson as well.
By Bus to Union Station
Both TTC and GO Transit buses tie Pearson into Toronto's public transit network. These are the most affordable routes, yet none drop you straight at Union Station, so at least one change is unavoidable.
TTC Bus Routes
You will find the TTC bus stops on the Ground Level of Terminal 1 (Column R4) and on the Arrivals Level of Terminal 3 (C8–C12). Every TTC bus working the airport is wheelchair accessible.
- TTC Bus 52 (Lawrence West): Runs from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (from 08:00 am on Sundays) every 10 minutes. It links the airport with Lawrence West Station, where you switch to Subway Line 1 heading toward Finch. Plan on about 60 minutes door to door.
- TTC Bus 900 (Airport Express): Operates from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (from 08:00 am on Sundays) every 10 minutes. This one heads to Kipling Station. From there, board Subway Line 2 toward Kennedy, then change at St George to Subway Line 1 toward Union Station. Reckon on roughly 70 minutes overall.
- Night Buses 300 and 332: Run from about 01:30 am to 06:00 am (to 08:00 am on Sundays). Both call for a further change onto Bus 320 (Yonge Night Bus) to finish the trip to Union Station, taking around 90 minutes in total.
Whatever the route, the TTC fare is identical. Paying cash onboard costs 3.35 CA$ (2.44 USD / 2.28€), and you must have exact change. A PRESTO Card or Ticket trims it a touch to 3.30 CA$ (2.41 USD / 2.24€). PRESTO lets you ride TTC without limit inside a two-hour window. See current TTC fares on the official TTC fares page.
Tip 1: PRESTO day passes or two-ride tickets can be shared between multiple passengers.
Tip 2: Children aged 0–12 travel free.
GO Transit Buses
GO Transit buses call only at Terminal 1 (Columns Q2–Q4). Bus 34 heads to Yorkdale Terminal from early morning until late at night, where you transfer onto Subway Line 1 toward Union Station. Another choice is GO Bus 40, running often to Highway 407 Terminal with onward subway links.
A combined GO Transit and TTC fare comes to around 9.60 CA$ (7.10 USD / 6.50€), with total travel time near 60 minutes. PRESTO and contactless payments both work on GO Transit services.
By Train to Union Station (UP Express)
For the quickest and most convenient public link from Pearson to Union Station, nothing beats the UP Express. Trains leave every 15 minutes from 05:27 am to 11:27 pm (from 06:27 am on Sundays) and need only 25 minutes to reach downtown.
Its platform sits inside Terminal 1, right beside the Terminal LINK Train. Anyone landing at Terminal 3 should first hop on the free LINK Train to reach the UP Express platform.
A standard adult ticket costs 12.35 CA$ (9 USD / 8.40€). Tap a PRESTO Card and the fare drops to 9.25 CA$ (6.70 USD / 6.30€). Children aged 0–12 travel free. You can pick up tickets online, through the app, or at airport machines, and contactless payment is supported too. See current fares on the official UP Express fares page.
Car Rental to Union Station
Hiring a car suits travellers who want flexibility or intend to push on beyond downtown Toronto. Numerous rental firms operate at Pearson, and booking ahead usually secures keener prices and better availability.
The drive from the airport to Union Station normally takes 25 to 35 minutes, though peak-hour congestion can push it toward 60 minutes. The station has no parking of its own, so you will need one of the nearby public garages.
Private Airport Transfers from YYZ to Union Station
A private transfer delivers the most comfortable door-to-door option out of Pearson. Your driver greets you at the terminal, lends a hand with the bags, and takes you straight to the station in a vehicle you chose at booking.
Such services cost more than a cab or public transport, yet weighing up providers in advance can land you a competitively priced, high-quality ride.
Fares change periodically — check current rates on the official source.
