How to Get to Toronto from the Airport

For anyone visiting Toronto, the first challenge is getting from the airport to downtown. Luckily there are a few options available.

Essentially, there are 3 ways to get from Toronto Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto – Taxi, Uber (or Lyft), or public transit train.

A fixed-fare taxi will cost $61, an Uber will cost between $45 to $85 (depending on surge pricing), and a train ticket on the UP-Express will cost $12.35 per adult.

So, depending if you’re traveling solo or with a large group, one option might make more economic sense over the others.

Pro-tip: Once you’re in the city, make sure you check out these 22 Must-See Attractions in Toronto.

Article Contents:

Using a Taxi from Toronto Pearson Airport
Using Uber from Toronto Pearson Airport
Using Public Transit (UP-Express Train) from Toronto Pearson Airport

Using a Taxi from Toronto Pearson Airport

The most common way most people get to downtown Toronto from the airport is by taxi. It’s convenient, well organized (most of the time), and available throughout the day and night.

Whether you land in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, look for signs for “Taxi” in the arrivals area and follow them outside.

The taxi line is usually occupied with an attendant who will radio for more drivers if many people show up all at once.

A taxi fare from the airport to downtown Toronto near the CN Tower is set at a fixed price which is $61.
Here a link to a map of taxi fares (tariffs) from the airport to different regions in Toronto and the surrounding cities.
Be sure to confirm the major intersections on the taxi tariffs map with your driver! Sometimes, they might charge you a slightly higher rate since they are quickly looking at the tariff map or trying to make a few extra dollars.

Overall, the taxi vehicles are very well maintained, and the drivers are courteous. Taxi sedans and SUV’s usually have plenty of room for large suitcases.

If required, the airport taxi attendant can call up a larger vehicle for families, or individuals traveling with dog carriers or oversized sporting equipment. However, a van taxi will cost $15 extra.

Airport Limo Service

An alternative to a standard taxi is the airport limo service. Limo vehicles are larger and more comfortable.

A limo car does not need to be pre-ordered. Just follow the same signs for Taxi’s in the arrivals area. Once outside, look for the limo service line, or ask an attendant for directions.

A limo fare from the airport to downtown Toronto near the CN Tower is set at a fixed price which is $67. Here a link to a map of limo fares (tariffs) from the airport to different regions in Toronto and the surrounding cities.

Taxi Scammers at Toronto Pearson Airport

One thing to be mindful about is taxi poachers at Toronto Pearson Airport. These individuals usually stand within the arrivals area and solicit their services.

Taxi poachers usually park their vehicles in the passenger pick-up area. They may offer an overall lower price but they usually accept cash only. They are also not insured for passengers so if you get stuck or run into trouble you’re on your own.

Personally, I almost fell for a taxi scammer the first time I came to Toronto. I actually walked out with one to his car and then noticed he had to fare timer or radio in his vehicle dashboard. Luckily, I asked an attendant standing nearby and he told me what was happening.

Don’t let it happen to you!

Using Uber from Toronto Pearson Airport

As of June 2018, Uber (and Lyft) drivers have been able to pick-up passengers from Toronto Pearson Airport [Reference].

So, if you’re so inclined, you can order an Uber driver and have them pick you up at the airport arrivals area and be on your way. And, an Uber ride can be a lot more cost effective than the airport taxi service.

An Uber ride from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto (e.g., Union Station) will cost between $45 and $85 depending on surge pricing.

That’s close to $20 cheaper than taking a taxi! Plus, everything is charged and tracked through the app so it’s more efficient.

However, it should be noted that Uber currently does not permit riders to pre-book a pick-up time at Toronto Pearson Airport. Instead, an Uber driver must be ordered once you arrive.

How to Find The Ride App Pickup Location

Once you arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport, head down to Ground Level at Terminal 1 and follow the sign for Ride App Pickup.

Uber or Lyft should auto-locate to an area just outside the Q exit doors.

Using Public Transit (UP-Express Train) from Toronto Pearson Airport

Another great, cost-effective option to get from the airport to downtown Toronto is by taking public transit in the form of the UP-Express train. It’s fast, convenient, safe, and relatively inexpensive!

The UP-Express is a dedicated train that shuttles people from the Toronto city center to the airport and back.

A one-way UP-Express train ticket costs $12.35 per adult (ages 13 to 65) from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto Union Station, which is final stop in the heart of the city.

Children 12 and under ride for free.
Seniors 65 and up pay $6.20 per person.
Family tickets are available for 2 adults and 3 kids (19 years and under) for $25.70.

The train takes approximately 25 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Toronto, with two stops in between. The stops include Weston Station and Bloor Station.

Fun fact: The U and P in “UP” stands for Union and Pearson.

UP-Express Train Schedule

The weekday and weekend train schedule is slightly different. The UP-Express train runs fairly often during peak times (every 15 minutes), and then every 30 minutes during the majority of the day.

The first train leaves at 05:27 (weekdays) and 06:27 (weekends).
The last train leaves at 23:27 everyday.

Here is a link to the full UP-Express train schedule to help plan your trip.

toronto airport limo taxi train up express

How to Find and Use the UP-Express Train

In the arrivals area in the airport terminal, look for signs for the UP-Express or “Train to City”. The signs will guide you out of the main airport terminal and into to the connected train station.

To purchase a ticket, simply use one of the self-service ticket kiosks. Select your final destination and pay the according price. Departure times will be displayed for each train in the station.

Proceed to the next available train, stow your bags, and find a seat. Seats are not assigned and they are first-come, first-served.

Before you know it, you’ll be in the heart of Toronto!

Pro-tip:Yes, there are washrooms in the UP-Express Train, however the facilities are very limited so I suggest you relieve yourself in the airport before boarding.