Toronto UP Express — Pearson to Union Station Guide
Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto Union — Updated 2026
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) connects Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Union Station in just 25 minutes for CA$12.35 with a PRESTO card (CA$15.20 cash). Trains run every 15 minutes from 05:27 to 00:57 daily, stopping at Weston and Bloor. From Union, the PATH underground network connects you to most major downtown hotels weather-protected — or transfer to TTC subway Line 1 for further reach.
UP Express Stations
| Station | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson (T1) | 0 min | YYZ — Air Canada, Star Alliance, most international |
| Weston | ~9 min | West-end Toronto — GO Train transfer |
| Bloor | ~17 min | Bloor West Village — TTC subway Line 2 (Dundas West) |
| Union Station | 25 min | Downtown CBD — TTC subway Lines 1 + GO Train + VIA Rail |
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UP Express vs TTC vs Taxi
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Express (PRESTO) | CA$12.35 | 25 min | Fastest — direct, every 15 min, free WiFi |
| UP Express (Cash/Card) | CA$15.20 | 25 min | Same train — pay at machine if no PRESTO |
| TTC bus 900 + subway | CA$3.30 | 60–80 min | Cheapest — 900 bus from T1 to Kipling, then Line 2 |
| GO Train (peak only) | CA$8–11 | 30–40 min | Limited service from Weston, weekday peak only |
| Taxi (metered) | CA$60–80 | 30–60 min | Door to door, with traffic |
| Uber / Lyft | CA$45–70 | 30–60 min | App-based, transparent surge pricing |
FAQ
Where is the UP Express inside Pearson Terminal 1?+
The UP Express station is integrated with Pearson Terminal 1 — follow signs for "UP Express / Union Pearson" from arrivals. The station is on the upper level of T1, accessible via a covered walkway from Terminal 1 (and a free terminal-link train from Terminal 3). Walk takes 5–10 minutes from gate. Trains run 05:27 to 00:57 daily, every 15 minutes.
How do I get from Terminal 3 to UP Express?+
Terminal 3 does not have its own UP Express station. Take the free LINK Train (between T1 and T3 — every 4–8 min, 4 min ride). Disembark at T1 and follow UP Express signs upstairs to the station. Total transit time T3 → UP Express platform is about 10 minutes including walking. Plan accordingly if you are tight on time.
Should I get a PRESTO card or pay cash?+
PRESTO saves you CA$2.85 per trip (CA$12.35 vs CA$15.20). The card costs CA$6 and is reloadable — break-even after just 2 trips. Buy at the airport UP Express vending machine, any TTC subway station, or Shoppers Drug Mart. PRESTO also works on TTC subway/streetcars, GO Train, MiWay (Mississauga), and most Ontario transit — so it pays for itself fast. Contactless Visa/Mastercard also work as fare media on UP Express at the same CA$12.35 rate.
How do I get from Union Station to my hotel?+
Union Station connects to the entire downtown core via the PATH underground walkway network (30 km of weather-protected pedestrian tunnels). Major hotels accessible underground from Union: Fairmont Royal York (across the street), InterContinental Toronto Centre, Sheraton Centre, Hilton Toronto. For more distant hotels, transfer at Union to TTC subway Line 1 (Yonge–University) — King, Queen, Dundas, College stations are 2–10 min away. Taxi from Union to most downtown hotels is CA$10–15.
Is the UP Express worth it vs the TTC subway combo?+
For a single traveller with luggage or anyone valuing time: yes. CA$12.35 vs CA$3.30 — but you save 35–55 minutes and avoid a transfer with bags. For backpackers or non-rush trips, the TTC bus 900 + Line 2 subway combo is fine and saves CA$9. For groups of 3+, UberX is often comparable to 3× UP Express tickets (CA$45–70 vs CA$37+) and is door-to-door. The UP Express is the smart pick for solo business travellers and tourists.
How do I get to Niagara Falls from Pearson?+
Best path: UP Express to Union Station (25 min, CA$12.35) → GO Train Lakeshore West to Niagara Falls (1h 50 min, CA$22.55). Total: ~2.5 hours, ~CA$35 — and the GO route along Lake Ontario is scenic. Alternatively: Megabus Toronto–Niagara from Union Station Bus Terminal (CA$30, 2h). Tour bus from airport (CA$80+) is faster door-to-door but more expensive. From November to mid-April, GO Train service is reduced — verify schedule.
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