UP Express ($9.25 PRESTO, 28 min), taxi (~$60), Uber, shuttle — every option for getting from Toronto Pearson to downtown, with honest costs and times.
Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) is in Mississauga — about 27km northwest of downtown. The trip takes anywhere from 28 minutes (UP Express) to 90 minutes (Uber, Friday 5pm). Here's every option, what it costs, and when to use each.
The Union Pearson Express runs directly between Pearson Airport Terminal 1 and Union Station downtown. Trains depart every 15 minutes. It's 28 minutes end to end. Adult PRESTO fare: $9.25. Cash fare: $12.35. Senior PRESTO fare: $6.20.
UP Express Tip UP Express drops you at Union Station — the hub of the entire Toronto transit system. From there, you can reach any neighbourhood by subway. The platform is directly connected to Terminals 1 and 3 via Airport Transit System (ATS) shuttle at Terminal 3.
Uber and Lyft both operate at Pearson. Cost to downtown: typically $35–55 in normal conditions, $50–80 during surge pricing (rush hours, bad weather, Friday/Sunday evenings). Pickup from the ground transportation area on Level 1 of each terminal.
Licensed Airport Taxis have a flat rate to downtown zones: approximately $53–63 depending on destination. This is set by the airport — no surge pricing. Pickup from the taxi queue outside arrivals.
TTC Route 900 (Airport Express) runs from Pearson to Kipling subway station (Line 2 east-west). From Kipling, take the subway east to your destination. Total cost: $3.30. Total time: 60–90 minutes. Only recommended if you're on a very tight budget and have minimal luggage.
Rental car desks are in the consolidated Rental Centre (connected to Terminal 1 by free shuttle). Driving downtown takes 25–45 minutes off-peak, 60–90 minutes during rush hour. Downtown parking is expensive ($25–40/day in parkades). Not recommended unless you need a car for the full trip.
Union Station is the hub of Toronto's transit system and connects to the TTC subway, GO Transit regional trains, the VIA Rail intercity network, and the UP Express. From Union, the Yonge-University subway line (Line 1) runs north to Bloor/Yorkville and connects to the Bloor-Danforth line (Line 2) east and west. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance or a 10-minute subway ride from Union. If your hotel is in the Entertainment District (King Street area), it's a 10-minute walk west from Union — no transit needed. For Yorkville, take the subway north to Bay or Bloor/Yonge (5 minutes). For the Annex or Kensington area, take the subway to Spadina (8 minutes).
Luggage Storage at Union If you arrive before check-in time, Union Station has luggage storage on the lower level. Rates are reasonable and it means you can explore the city with your hands free. The lockers open at 6am and close at midnight.
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