How to Get from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto City
All transport options from YYZ — UP Express, TTC, taxi & Uber (2026)
Quick Facts: All Transport Options
| Option | Cost (CAD) | Cost (USD) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 UP Express Train | $12.35–29.95 CAD | ~$9–22 | 25 min to Union Station |
| 🚌 TTC Bus 52A/B | $3.30 CAD | ~$2.40 | 40–60 min to Kipling Stn |
| 🚕 Taxi (metered) | $55–75 CAD | ~$40–55 | 25–50 min |
| 🚗 Uber | $45–70 CAD | ~$33–51 | 25–50 min |
| 🏨 Private Transfer | $80–120 CAD | ~$58–88 | 25–45 min |
UP Express Train (Recommended)
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is a dedicated airport rail link running every 15 minutes between YYZ and Union Station in downtown Toronto. It's the fastest and most reliable option — no traffic delays.
- Follow UP Express / Train signs from Terminal 1 (arrivals level) or Terminal 3.
- Purchase a ticket at the kiosk or use a PRESTO card (contactless tap).
- Board the train — departs every 15 minutes from 05:27 to 01:27 daily.
- Arrive at Union Station in 25 minutes — connects to TTC subway lines 1 & 2.
One-way fare: $12.35 CAD with PRESTO, $29.95 without. Daily/return passes available. Luggage racks in each car.
Taxi & Uber
Licensed taxis depart from the taxi stands at arrivals. Fares are metered; expect 55–75 CAD to downtown Toronto plus a $3.70 airport access fee. Uber is typically 15–20% cheaper and picks up from designated rideshare zones at each terminal.
- Taxi to Union Station / downtown: ~$55–65 CAD (~$40–47 USD) + airport fee + tip
- Taxi to Yorkville / Midtown: ~$60–75 CAD
- Uber: generally $45–60 CAD; pickup at Ground Transportation Zone at T1/T3
Tip: During peak hours (07:00–09:00, 17:00–19:00) the UP Express saves 20–30 min vs taxi due to Highway 427 congestion.
TTC Bus (Cheapest Option)
TTC Route 52A/B (Lawrence West) connects YYZ Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to Kipling Subway Station, from where you can take the Bloor-Danforth line into downtown. It's slow but costs just one TTC fare.
- Fare: $3.30 CAD (tap PRESTO or pay cash); transfer to subway included
- Bus stop at Terminal 1 (departures level) and Terminal 3 (arrivals level)
- Journey: ~20 min to Kipling Station + 30–40 min subway to downtown = ~55–60 min total
- Service runs 05:00–02:00; not ideal with heavy luggage
FAQs
What is the fastest way from YYZ to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express train takes just 25 minutes to Union Station and runs every 15 minutes — it's consistently the fastest option regardless of traffic. Fares start at $12.35 CAD with a PRESTO card.
How much does a taxi from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto cost?
Expect $55–75 CAD plus a $3.70 airport access fee and a 15–20% tip — total around $70–90 CAD ($51–66 USD). Uber is typically $45–65 CAD and picks up from the designated rideshare zone.
Does Uber work at Toronto Pearson Airport?
Yes. Open the Uber app and follow signs to the Ground Transportation Zone at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Allow 5–10 minutes for the driver to arrive. Estimated cost: $45–65 CAD to downtown.
Getting out of Toronto
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Toronto
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Toronto and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse TorontoJust need timed-entry attraction tickets in Toronto? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Toronto.Find cheap flights
Compare flights · Powered by Trip.com
Find hotels in Toronto
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
YYZ transport — verified prices + times
Source: UP Express + Metrolinx + TTC + Toronto Pearson · Sep 2026| Mode | Cost to Union Station | Time |
|---|---|---|
| UP Express train | C$12.35 (Presto) / C$13.30 cash | 25 min |
| TTC Bus 900 + Line 5/1 subway | C$3.35 Presto | 60-80 min |
| Uber / Lyft | C$50-90 | 25-50 min |
| Metered taxi (Beck/Diamond) | C$55-70 + tip | 30-50 min |
| Airport Rocket Bus 192 (deprecated) | — | — |
| GO Transit bus + train | C$6.55-12 | 60-90 min |
C$-USD approx: 0.72 (Sep 2026). Presto card required for TTC (buy at T1 arrivals or Union Station kiosk C$4 refundable). UP Express accepts Presto + tap credit card.
Editor's field notes
AirConnect EditorialUP Express is the answer for most. C$12.35 Presto, 25 min direct to Union Station, every 15 min from 05:27-01:00. Faster than any other option, comparable price to Uber for single travellers, drops in the middle of downtown. If your hotel is walkable from Union Station or on the subway red line, take UP Express.
Bus 900 + subway is the honest budget option. Only C$3.35 with Presto. 60-80 min total. Bus 900 leaves T1 arrivals ground level, drops at Kipling subway station (Line 2), then east on Line 2 to Union. Only worth it if you're on a backpacker budget or don't need speed.
Uber vs taxi. Uber usually C$50-70, metered taxi C$55-70. Very close. Uber wins on app-based receipts + no cash. Taxi rank has zero wait vs Uber walk to pickup (5 min from arrivals). Airport surcharge C$5 built into both.
T1 vs T3. Air Canada + Star Alliance at T1. American, Delta, WestJet + OneWorld/ SkyTeam at T3. UP Express only serves T1 — from T3 take free LINK Train (5 min) to T1 first.
Late-night arrivals. UP Express runs to 01:00. TTC subway to ~01:30. After that: Uber/taxi only. UP Express first train 05:27. If you land 01:00-05:00, plan for taxi C$60 or overnight at Sheraton Gateway (T3-connected).
Presto card is worth C$4. Buy at T1 arrivals kiosk. C$4 refundable card, lets you tap on all TTC + GO + UP Express + Mississauga MiWay + Brampton Transit. Saves C$1-2 per ride vs cash. Digital Presto in Google Pay + Apple Pay also works.
What other travellers say (public sources)
Traveller tips
Be the first to share a tip for Toronto YYZ airport transport. Real advice from real travellers — no bots, no fake reviews.
Sign in to share a tip →