Looking for the best way to get to Budweiser Stage from Union Station in Toronto? Whether you’re heading to a summer concert, festival, or live performance, this step-by-step guide offers everything you need: directions, transit options, maps, and travel tips.
🎤 Where is Budweiser Stage Located?
Budweiser Stage is an outdoor concert venue located at:
909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3L3
It sits on the grounds of Ontario Place, near Exhibition Place and Trillium Park, just west of downtown Toronto.
🚆 Quick Overview: Union Station to Budweiser Stage
- Distance: ~3.5 km (~2.2 miles)
- Fastest Route: GO Train to Exhibition Station + short walk
- Other Options: TTC streetcar, taxi/rideshare, biking, or walking
🚊 1. GO Train from Union Station to Exhibition GO Station
The most efficient and direct way to get to Budweiser Stage from Union Station is via the GO Transit Lakeshore West Line.
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Board the GO Train at Union Station heading west on the Lakeshore West Line
- Get off at Exhibition Station (first stop, ~7 minutes)
- Walk ~10–15 minutes southwest along Manitoba Drive and Ontario Drive to Budweiser Stage
🕒 Total Travel Time: 20–25 minutes
💰 Cost: ~$3.70 CAD with PRESTO
🎟️ Check GO Schedules
🚆 Best For: Concertgoers during major events, especially evenings
🚋 2. TTC Streetcar from Union Station
Another convenient public transit option is taking a TTC streetcar.
✅ Route Details:
- From Union Station, walk to the 509 Harbourfront streetcar stop (inside or just outside Union)
- Take the 509 streetcar westbound toward Exhibition Loop
- Get off at Exhibition Loop, the final stop
- Walk ~10 minutes west to Budweiser Stage
🕒 Total Time: 25–30 minutes
💰 Fare: $3.35 CAD (or $2.40 with PRESTO)
🚋 Best For: Visitors during rush hours or when GO trains are less frequent
🚕 3. Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Want a direct ride from Union Station to Budweiser Stage? Use a taxi or rideshare app.
✅ Details:
- Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes (longer with concert traffic)
- Estimated Cost: $12–$25 CAD depending on time and demand
- Pickup: Taxi stand outside Union Station or designated rideshare pickup areas
🚖 Best For: Groups, travelers with mobility needs, or during off-peak hours
🚴 4. Bike or E-Scooter from Union Station
Toronto is bike- and scooter-friendly, especially along the Martin Goodman Trail by the waterfront.
✅ How to Get There:
- Rent a bike from Bike Share Toronto or use personal scooter/bike
- Ride west along Queens Quay and Lake Shore Blvd
- Enter Ontario Place from the Trillium Park or Ontario Drive side
🕒 Travel Time: 15–20 minutes
💰 Cost: ~$3–$7 CAD
🌿 Bonus: Scenic ride along Lake Ontario
🚶 5. Walking from Union Station to Budweiser Stage
If you’re up for a scenic walk, it’s a straight, flat route along the waterfront.
✅ Walking Route:
- Exit Union Station and head west along Front Street
- Continue onto Lake Shore Blvd West
- Follow signs to Ontario Place / Budweiser Stage
🕒 Walking Time: 40–50 minutes
🌆 Best For: Tourists with time to spare and comfortable shoes
📍 Map & Route Summary
| Mode of Transport | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO Train + Walk | 20–25 min | ~$3.70 CAD | Fastest and most reliable option |
| TTC Streetcar (509) | 25–30 min | $3.35 CAD | Frequent service, slightly slower |
| Taxi / Uber / Lyft | 10–15 min | $12–$25 CAD | Direct but may face traffic delays |
| Biking / E-Scooter | 15–20 min | ~$3–$7 CAD | Scenic and eco-friendly |
| Walking | 40–50 min | Free | Great views, but time-consuming |
🧳 Pro Travel Tips for Budweiser Stage Events
- Arrive Early: Lines form quickly for major concerts
- Check Event Timing: Some shows start as early as 6:00 PM
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a bit of walking from any transport drop-off point
- Pack Light: Security checks are strict—bags must meet size restrictions
- Check GO and TTC schedules for late-night service, especially on weekdays
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is the fastest way to get to Budweiser Stage from Union Station?
The GO Train to Exhibition Station is the fastest and most direct route, followed by a short walk.
❓ Is there parking at Budweiser Stage?
There is limited paid parking at Ontario Place and Exhibition Place, but it fills up quickly. Public transit is strongly recommended.
❓ Can I take a streetcar directly to Budweiser Stage?
Not directly to the door, but the 509 streetcar to Exhibition Loop gets you within a 10-minute walk of the venue.
❓ Is Budweiser Stage wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue and routes from Exhibition GO and streetcar stops are fully accessible.
📌 Final Thoughts
Getting to Budweiser Stage from Union Station is fast, affordable, and flexible with multiple options tailored to your preferences. Whether you take the GO Train, TTC streetcar, or a bike ride along the waterfront, you’ll find that Toronto’s transit makes it easy to reach this iconic outdoor venue.
For most concertgoers, we recommend taking the GO Train or 509 streetcar, especially during large-scale events when parking and traffic can cause delays.
🔗 Helpful Resources & Official Links
- Budweiser Stage Events & Info
- GO Transit Schedules
- TTC Streetcar Routes
- Bike Share Toronto
- Union Station Toronto