Toronto airport transportation from Pearson (YYZ) falls into five options: the UP Express train, TTC buses with the subway, airport taxis, pre-booked private transfers, and rental cars. For speed, the train reaches Union Station in roughly 25 minutes. For the lowest fare, a TTC bus paired with the subway starts at about CA$3.30. For a door-to-door ride with no transfers, a taxi or private transfer wins. This guide compares every option side by side and links to a full breakdown of each.
Which way from Toronto Pearson is right for you?
The table below sums up time, price, and the situation each mode suits best. Prices are indicative 2026 figures for the airport-to-downtown trip and shift with traffic, fuel, and your exact drop-off.
Recommendation: cheapest is TTC bus 900 + subway (C$3.30); fastest is UP Express train (~25 min). Train and bus fares are per passenger (UP Express drops to C$9.25 with PRESTO or contactless tap); taxi is a regulated zone flat rate per car and ride-hail is an estimate, both for up to 4 people per car.
Estimates only · UP Express and TTC fares are official; taxi figures follow the airport zone flat-rate system (approximate; the fare card in the car is binding). Updated 2026-06-10. Verify live fares with the operator.
How much does it cost to get from YYZ to the city?
Public transit is the budget floor: a single TTC fare of about CA$3.30 with PRESTO covers the bus-plus-subway combination, though the trip runs an hour or more. A taxi to the downtown core is usually a fixed rate near CA$61, while the train sits in between at CA$12.35 (about CA$9.25 with PRESTO). Use the calculator above to compare a private transfer against a metered cab for your exact address.
What are the transport options from Toronto Pearson?
Each mode has its own detailed guide with schedules, pickup points, and current fares:
UP Express train runs every 15 minutes from the Terminal 1 station straight to Union Station in about 25 minutes, with luggage racks, Wi-Fi, and charging onboard.
Buses and shuttles cover the cheapest routes: TTC routes 52 and 900, GO Transit, plus regional lines to Mississauga, Brampton, and beyond.
Airport taxis wait at the official ranks outside both terminals around the clock, with a flat rate to downtown and metered fares elsewhere.
Private transfers are booked ahead at a fixed price, with a driver meeting you at arrivals.
Car rentals are handled by the major agencies on site, best if your plans reach past the city centre.
Toronto Pearson has two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. They are joined by the free Terminal Link train, an automated shuttle that runs 24 hours a day and takes a few minutes end to end. The UP Express platform sits at Terminal 1, beside the Terminal Link, so Terminal 3 passengers ride the link over first. Official routes and live status are published by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for reference.
What is the fastest way from the airport to downtown?▾
The UP Express is the fastest reliable route, reaching Union Station in about 25 minutes with departures every 15 minutes. It avoids road traffic entirely, unlike a taxi, which can take 20 to 40 minutes or longer at peak times.
What is the cheapest way from Toronto airport to the city?▾
A TTC bus connecting to the subway is the lowest-cost option, from about CA$3.30 with a PRESTO card. The trade-off is time: the full trip usually takes 60 to 90 minutes with at least one transfer.
Is there a direct train from Toronto Pearson to downtown?▾
Yes. The UP Express runs directly from Terminal 1 to Union Station in the heart of downtown, with no transfers. Fares are published on the official UP Express fares page.
How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at YYZ?▾
Take the free Terminal Link train. It runs 24 hours a day between the two terminals and the parking areas, so you never need a paid ride to change terminals.
