Traveling from Union Station in downtown Toronto to Ontario’s primary international airport hub (Toronto Pearson) is fast and straightforward across multiple travel modes. The premier transit choice is the dedicated UP Express train, taking just 25 minutes directly to Terminal 1 for $12.35 CAD ($9.25 with PRESTO or contactless payment).

For door-to-door convenience, taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft takes 30 to 60 minutes via the Gardiner Expressway and Highway 427, costing $55 to $85 CAD. Driving your own vehicle requires comparable travel time, with official on-site terminal parking typically ranging from $25 to $40 CAD per day.

🚄 Option 1: UP Express (Fastest & Budget-Friendly Transit)

The Union Pearson (UP) Express is the gold standard for traveling between downtown Toronto and the airport. Departing directly from the UP Express lounge at Union Station (located in the Skywalk near the Great Hall), trains run every 15 minutes, seven days a week. The trip takes an exact 25 minutes, bypassing all Gardiner Expressway traffic.

Standard one-way adult tickets cost $12.35 CAD, or $9.25 CAD when tapping any contactless credit/debit card, mobile wallet, or PRESTO card. The train terminates at Terminal 1, where passengers can connect seamlessly to Terminal 3 via the complimentary 24/7 Terminal Link train.

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🚖 Option 2: Taxi, Uber, or Lyft (Direct & Convenient)

Metered taxis and rideshare platforms (Uber and Lyft) offer convenient point-to-point service, especially when traveling with oversized luggage, heavy bags, or small children. Pickups at Union Station are readily available along Front Street or the Station Street pickup bays. Under light traffic, the 27-kilometer (17-mile) drive takes about 30 to 35 minutes, though weekday morning and evening rush hours routinely push drive times past 50 to 60 minutes. Expect rideshare fares between $55 and $75 CAD during non-peak windows, while city-licensed airport flat-rate taxis typically charge $65 to $85 CAD plus tip.

🚗 Option 3: Driving Your Own Car

If you prefer driving your personal vehicle, the standard route leaves downtown Toronto via the Gardiner Expressway West, merges onto Highway 427 North, and exits directly onto Airport Road or the designated terminal approach roads. Off-peak journeys take around 30 minutes, but real-time navigation should always be monitored for commuter congestion. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both feature daily parkades and covered garages starting around $36 to $43 CAD daily, while long-term Viscount Value Park lots provide cheaper rates with free connection on the Terminal Link train.

♿ Option 4: Accessibility Routes

The entire transit corridor between Union Station and the airport is fully accessible to travelers with reduced mobility or specialized gear. The UP Express offers level boarding at Union Station platforms, wide automatic doors, priority accessible seating, and spacious onboard accessible washrooms. Elevators link the train platform directly into Pearson Terminal 1 departures and arrivals. For street-level transit, accessible wheelchair-van taxis can be requested directly via dispatch at Union Station, and city-operated Wheel-Trans vehicles accommodate pre-registered paratransit riders.

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Travel Cost & Travel Time Summary Table

FAQs About How to Get to Ontario Airport from Union Station [2026-2027 Guide]

What is the fastest way to get from Union Station to the airport?

The UP Express train is the fastest option, taking precisely 25 minutes between Union Station and Terminal 1 without delays from highway traffic.

How much does the UP Express ticket cost?

A standard adult one-way ticket is $12.35 CAD, but paying with a PRESTO card, contactless credit card, or mobile debit/credit wallet reduces the fare to $9.25 CAD.

Does the UP Express serve both airport terminals?

The train platform is situated at Terminal 1. Passengers flying out of Terminal 3 can board the free automated Terminal Link train, which runs every few minutes and takes roughly two to five minutes.

How much does an Uber or Lyft cost from Union Station to the airport?

Standard rideshare fares generally fluctuate between $55 and $75 CAD, though surge pricing during inclement weather or peak commuter rush hours can raise the price above $85 CAD.