How to Get from Toronto Airport to Downtown Toronto

Transit Options from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Downtown Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located about 28 km (17 miles) from downtown Toronto. Even so, the airport is well connected to the city, offering several transfer options for different budgets and travel styles. If you prefer comfort and door-to-door service, a taxi or a private transfer is the easiest choice. If you want the fastest public option, the UP Express train is the clear winner. Budget travelers can also use buses combined with the TTC subway network, while car rentals remain ideal for independent trips beyond the city center.

Overview: Transfers from YYZ to Downtown

Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown by Taxi

Toronto airport taxis are available 24/7 at the official taxi ranks outside both terminals. If you arrive at Terminal 1, follow the taxi signs on the Arrivals level near Door D. At Terminal 3, the taxi stand is also on the Arrivals level near Doors D, E, and F. Always use the official taxi queue to avoid overcharging by unlicensed drivers.

Under normal traffic, a taxi ride to downtown usually takes 20–30 minutes. During peak traffic, it may take 40–60 minutes. Although city taxis are metered, airport taxi trips to the downtown area are often quoted as an average fixed-cost ride, typically around 61 CA$ (44 USD / 41€), depending on the exact drop-off point.

Payments are commonly accepted by card and cash, but it is still smart to confirm with the driver before departing. Tipping is optional, though a 10%–15% tip is customary for good service.

Tip 1: Ride-sharing services are also available at Pearson Airport.

Tip 2: If you have more than 4 passengers or oversized luggage, you may need a van, which usually costs an extra ~15 CA$ (11 USD / 10€).

Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown by Bus + Subway

Public buses are the cheapest way to travel from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown, but they do not offer a direct airport-to-city-center route. Instead, the buses connect the airport to TTC subway stations, and you continue by subway to the downtown core.

TTC Bus 52 (Lawrence West)

• Service: Every ~10 minutes
• Hours: From 06:00 am (08:00 am on Sundays) to 01:00 am
• Airport to Lawrence West Station: ~45 minutes
• Then: Subway Line 1 (Yonge–University) toward Finch to reach downtown (approx. +25 minutes)
• Total duration: ~60 minutes

TTC Bus 900 (Airport Express) + Subway

• Service: Every ~10 minutes
• Hours: From 06:00 am to 01:00 am (08:00 am start on Sundays)
• Features: Luggage racks
• Route: Airport → Kipling Station → Subway Line 2 (Bloor–Danforth) → transfer at St George → Subway Line 1 → Union Station
• Total duration: ~70 minutes

Night Buses (Late Night Transfers)

From approximately 01:30 am to 06:00 am (to 08:00 am on Sundays), TTC night buses run with a ~30-minute frequency. Common options include:

• Bus 300 (Bloor–Danforth) + Bus 320 (Yonge Night Bus) to Union Station
• Bus 332 (Eglinton West) + Bus 320 to Union Station
• Total duration: ~90 minutes

Fares and Payment (TTC)

TTC fares are the same regardless of which bus you take from the airport. If paying cash onboard, you must provide the exact amount. Using PRESTO typically provides a slightly lower fare.

• Cash fare: ~3.25 CA$ (2.37 USD / 2.22€)
• PRESTO (card/ticket): ~3.20 CA$ (2.30 USD / 2.16€)
• PRESTO Card: Reloadable; purchase cost often listed as 6 CA$ (4.37 USD / 4.10€)
• Transfer window: PRESTO enables unlimited TTC rides within a 2-hour window

Tip 1: Bus stops at YYZ are located at the Ground level of T1 (Column R4) and the Arrivals level of T3 (C8–C12).

Tip 2: Children aged 0–12 ride free on TTC services.

GO Transit Buses (Alternative Public Option)

GO Transit also serves Pearson Airport (stops are at Terminal 1 only, typically around Columns Q2–Q4). GO buses can take you to major hubs where you continue via TTC subway.

• GO Bus 34: Airport → Yorkdale Terminal → Subway Line 1 to downtown
• GO Bus 40: Airport → Hwy 407 Bus Terminal → TTC connections

Typical combined costs can reach ~9.60 CA$ (7.10 USD / 6.50€) depending on the GO + TTC combination, and total travel time is often around 60 minutes.

Tip: PRESTO works on GO Transit too, and contactless payment is also available on many services.

Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown by Train (UP Express)

The UP Express is the fastest public transfer from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto. It departs from the UP Express Station at Terminal 1, next to the Terminal Link Train area (the free airport train that connects T1 and T3).

• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Hours: From 05:27 am to 11:27 pm (from 06:27 am on Sundays/holidays)
• Duration: ~25 minutes to Union Station
• Onboard: Luggage racks, Wi-Fi, charging points, info screens

Standard adult fare is typically around 12.35 CA$ (9 USD / 8.40€). With a PRESTO Card, the fare is usually lower, around 9.25 CA$ (6.70 USD / 6.30€).

Tickets can be purchased online, via the app, at station machines, or at counters (note: counters may not accept cash). Contactless payment is also supported via PRESTO-enabled devices. Children aged 0–12 travel free.

Car Rental from Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown

Car rental is a good option if you plan to explore areas outside downtown or travel across Ontario. The drive to downtown typically takes 25–35 minutes, but peak-hour traffic (07:00 am–09:00 am and 03:00 pm–08:00 pm) can increase the travel time significantly.

Parking in downtown Toronto is limited and expensive, and free street parking is rare. If your hotel does not provide parking, reserving a spot in a garage is usually the most convenient solution.

Private Airport Transfers from YYZ to Downtown Toronto

Private transfers offer the most comfortable, door-to-door experience from Pearson Airport. They are pre-booked services that usually include meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, and fixed pricing. Many providers also allow you to choose vehicle type and request add-ons such as child seats.

If you want a premium ride, compare companies in advance to find the best price, as Pearson Airport is served by multiple private transfer operators.