Planning a flight from Toronto’s convenient downtown airport and wondering how to get to Billy Bishop Airport from Union Station? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a business traveler catching a Porter flight or a tourist heading to Montreal or New York, this guide will walk you through all the ways to reach Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) quickly and efficiently from Union Station, the city’s major transit hub.
🚀 Quick Overview: How Far is Billy Bishop Airport from Union Station?
- Distance: ~2.5 km (1.5 miles)
- Travel Time: 5–20 minutes, depending on your chosen transport
- Most Popular Option: Free airport shuttle from Union Station
🚌 1. Free Billy Bishop Airport Shuttle from Union Station
The easiest and most popular way to get to Billy Bishop Airport from Union Station is the free airport shuttle.
✅ Key Details:
- Pickup Location: Outside the west entrance of Fairmont Royal York Hotel, across from Union Station (Front Street)
- Drop-off: At the Billy Bishop Airport Ferry Terminal Building
- Cost: Free
- Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes (depending on time of day)
- Operating Hours: ~5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (check exact hours on official website)
🕐 Travel Time: 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic
🚍 Best for: Budget-conscious and first-time travelers
🚶 2. Walk from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport
If the weather is nice and you have light luggage, walking is a great option.
✅ Walking Route:
- Exit Union Station onto Front Street
- Walk west on Front Street to Bathurst Street
- Turn south on Bathurst until you reach the airport entrance and pedestrian tunnel
🕐 Time: 20–25 minutes
🚶♂️ Distance: ~2.5 km
🌦️ Tip: Great views of CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the waterfront along the way.
🚕 3. Take a Taxi or Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
If you’re in a hurry or traveling with luggage, a taxi or Uber from Union Station is quick and direct.
✅ Details:
- Estimated Fare: $10–$20 CAD
- Travel Time: 5–10 minutes
- Pickup: Union Station’s taxi queue or designated rideshare area
- Drop-off: Ferry terminal entrance or tunnel access
🚖 Best for: Business travelers and those short on time
🚴 4. Bike to Billy Bishop Airport
Toronto has an extensive bike lane network and Bike Share Toronto stations.
✅ How To:
- Rent a bike at Union Station via Bike Share Toronto
- Cycle west along Wellington or Front Street to Bathurst
- Drop the bike at a station near Bathurst Quay or Eireann Quay
🕐 Time: 10–15 minutes
💰 Cost: ~$3–$7 CAD depending on duration
🌱 Eco-Friendly Choice
✈️ Once You Arrive: Getting into the Airport
Billy Bishop has two ways to access the terminal:
- Pedestrian Tunnel (Most Popular)
- Open 24/7
- Quick 6-minute walk under Lake Ontario
- Elevators available for luggage and wheelchairs
- Short Ferry Ride
- Runs every 15 minutes
- Only takes 90 seconds
- Offers a scenic view of Toronto’s skyline
Both options are free.
📌 Comparison Table: Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport
| Transport Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Shuttle Bus | 10–15 min | Free | Easiest & most reliable method |
| Walking | 20–25 min | Free | Scenic route; not ideal in bad weather |
| Taxi / Uber / Lyft | 5–10 min | $10–$20 CAD | Fastest option with luggage |
| Bike or E-Scooter | 10–15 min | ~$5–$7 CAD | Eco-friendly with scenic views |
🧳 Pro Tips Before You Travel
- Check live shuttle updates via the Billy Bishop website
- Use the pedestrian tunnel to avoid ferry wait times
- Download the Porter app for flight updates if flying Porter Airlines
- Arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights, 1.5 hours for U.S. flights
🗺️ Landmarks Along the Way (Optional Stopovers)
- CN Tower
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Harbourfront Centre
- Roundhouse Park
Perfect if you have extra time before your flight.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is there a free shuttle to Billy Bishop Airport from Union Station?
Yes, a free shuttle bus runs frequently between Union Station and Billy Bishop Airport.
❓ How early should I arrive at Billy Bishop Airport?
For domestic flights, arrive 60 minutes early. For U.S.-bound flights, arrive at least 90 minutes early.
❓ Can I walk from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport?
Yes, it’s a 20–25-minute walk, with a scenic route along the waterfront.
❓ Does Billy Bishop Airport have U.S. customs pre-clearance?
No, Billy Bishop does not have U.S. customs pre-clearance. You’ll clear U.S. customs upon arrival in the United States.
❓ Can I bring luggage on the free airport shuttle?
Yes, the shuttle is equipped to handle carry-on and check-in-sized luggage.
📖 Final Thoughts
Getting to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from Union Station is incredibly easy, fast, and affordable. Whether you hop on the free shuttle, enjoy a leisurely walk, grab a quick Uber, or pedal along Toronto’s waterfront, this small but efficient airport is one of the easiest to access in North America.
For most travelers, the free shuttle offers the best balance of comfort, speed, and cost—making it the top recommended option.
🔗 References
- Billy Bishop Official Website
- Toronto Union Station Map
- Porter Airlines
- Bike Share Toronto
- Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)