To reach the Ontario Science Centre from Union Station, travel to its interim facility at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) or its historic Don Mills site. For Harbourfront, walk south in 10–12 minutes or take the TTC 509/510 streetcar (5 minutes, $3.35 CAD). For the historic Don Mills campus (770 Don Mills Road), ride the UP Express or GO Train to Bloor/Danforth before connecting to local transit, or take the TTC Line 1 subway north with a connecting bus, arriving in 40–50 minutes ($3.35–$5.70 CAD). Rideshares take 20–35 minutes ($25–$45 CAD).

🚄 Option 1: UP Express (Fastest & Affordable Transit)

If you are traveling toward the Don Mills area or west-end hubs, the Union Pearson (UP) Express provides a rapid departure directly from Union Station’s dedicated UP concourse. Trains depart every 15 minutes, whisking passengers to Bloor GO/UP Station in just 8 minutes for $5.65 CAD (using PRESTO or contactless payment). From Bloor Station, cross through the pedestrian walkway to Dundas West Station to access the TTC Line 2 subway and connecting crosstown routes toward Don Mills Road. If visiting the Science Centre’s waterfront programming at Harbourfront Centre, regional rail is unnecessary, as the waterfront sits directly south of Union Station.

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

Hailing a traditional city cab or booking a rideshare via Uber or Lyft offers seamless point-to-point convenience directly from Union Station. Designated taxi queues operate along Front Street West and Bay Street outside the station entrance. For trips to the Harbourfront Centre interim site, a quick cab ride takes under 5 to 8 minutes and costs roughly $10 to $15 CAD.

If traveling north to the historic Don Mills location, vehicles typically take the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) North, completing the 12-kilometer journey in 20 to 35 minutes depending on midday highway traffic, with fares averaging $28 to $45 CAD.

🚗 Option 3: Driving Your Own Car

Driving from Union Station to the Don Mills grounds involves navigating east along Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway East before taking the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) North. Take the Don Mills Road North exit, following signs to the parking facilities at 770 Don Mills Road. The total drive is approximately 11 to 13 kilometers and takes between 25 and 45 minutes depending on rush-hour volume.

For visitors heading south to the waterfront facility at 235 Queens Quay West, take Bay Street or Lower Simcoe Street south directly to Queens Quay (5 minutes); paid underground and surface parking structures are available adjacent to Harbourfront Centre.

♿ Option 4: Accessibility Routes

Union Station is fully barrier-free, offering wide elevator networks connecting the Great Hall, rail concourses, and TTC subway platforms. To reach the waterfront campus accessibly, take the elevator down to the Union TTC streetcar loop and board the low-floor, ramp-equipped 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina streetcars directly to the Harbourfront Centre stop. Both streetcars and platforms feature step-free boarding.

Wheel-Trans vehicles and accessible taxis can pick up passengers directly at designated accessible loading bays along Station Street on the south side of Union Station.

Related Routes from Union Station:
How to Get to Pearson Airport from Union Station

Travel Cost and Travel Time Summary Table

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

Where is the Ontario Science Centre currently located?

The Ontario Science Centre operates its interim visitor location and hands-on exhibits at Harbourfront Centre along the downtown waterfront (235 Queens Quay West) while its permanent future home at Ontario Place undergoes development. The original, historic campus is situated at 770 Don Mills Road in North York.

Can I tap a credit card or debit card on the TTC?

Yes, all TTC subways, streetcars, and buses accept contactless payments via physical credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets on your smartphone or smartwatch, as well as physical PRESTO transit cards. Standard adult one-way fare is $3.35 CAD, which automatically activates a two-hour transfer window across the entire TTC network.

How far is the walk from Union Station to Harbourfront Centre?

The walk from Union Station to Harbourfront Centre is approximately 900 meters (just over half a mile) directly south along Lower Simcoe Street, York Street, or Bay Street. It takes an easy 10 to 12 minutes on foot, passing under the Gardiner Expressway straight to the Lake Ontario waterfront.