How to Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown using Express Trains

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is one of Canada’s busiest airports, welcoming passengers from around the world each day. With all the hustle and bustle of the airport, getting to your destination can be intimidating. Here, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how you can easily make the most affordable express train transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown.

Toronto Pearson Airport Rail Link Services Overview

The best way to travel from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown is via the Union Pearson Express Train (UP Express). The UP Express provides a speedy, reliable, and convenient service between Toronto Pearson and the heart of Toronto’s downtown core.

UP Express trains depart every 15 minutes and will take you from Toronto Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. UP Express trains run from early morning until late evening seven days a week.

The cost for a one-way fare depends on if you are an adult, senior, or a student. A one-way adult fare is $12.35 CAD +HST, a senior fare is $9.70 CAD +HST, and a student fare is $10.90 CAD +HST. Pre-purchasing fares will help you avoid any lines at Pearson Airport Station and ensures you have a smooth start to your trip.

Other Rail Link Services

Although the UP Express is the fastest, most direct line to Downtown Toronto from Pearson airport, other rail link services may suit you better depending on your destination.

Through this service you can get to the following destinations: Bramalea GO Station, Exhibition GO Station (via UP Express), Malton GO Station, North York Centre (via UP Express), Oakville GO Station (via UP Express) , Union Station (via UP Express). You can purchase tickets for the UP Express at any of these stations.

The GO Transit Rail Link Service also offers convenient transportation to various locations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. This route takes passengers from the airport to Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and other neighbouring towns within the GTA.

Getting to Pearson Airport from Union Station by UP Express Train

To get back from Union Station in Toronto to Pearson Airport, you can take the UP Express train again. The service runs every 15 minutes and takes 25 minutes to the airport. A one-way adult fare prior to boarding is $12.35CAD +HST. Tickets can be purchased either online or at Union Station prior to boarding.

For anyone travelling within Ontario and planning to use UP Express more than once over the course of their trip, a Presto Card might be useful as it offers savings of 15 per cent over single-journey fares.

Pearson Airport Shuttle Services

Another possible way to travel from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto is by using a shared ride shuttle service such as AirBus or Shuttle Bus. These services generally operate 24 hours a day seven days a week and fares depend on where you want to go in the city.

For example, AirBus offers a one-way fare from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto or vice versa for $19 CAD + HST for adults or $11 CAD+HST for children 12 years and under. The fare includes all taxes, tips, up to two pieces of luggage, four stops in Toronto, and transfers via the subway or bus.

Although more expensive than using the UP Express train, AirBus’ services are usually more convenient as they offer door-to-door pick-up/drop-off services.

Taxis & Rideshare Services

Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft are available 24/7 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto and vice versa. Taxi services operate from the Arrivals area outside of all Terminal Buildings; simply head outside and look for a line of white or yellow taxi cabs and follow their instructions on how to board one for your journey.

For those traveling with limited budgets, rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft can be an ideal alternative to other conventional forms of transportation as they often offer lower fares on some routes. Using these services will usually cost anywhere between $45–55 CAD + HST depending on demand and distance travelled.

Car Rental

Finally, you can also rent a car to transfer between Toronto Pearson Airport and downtown Toronto. It’s recommended that you reserve your vehicle online prior to your arrival so that it will be ready for pick-up when you arrive at the airport. Car rental rates will depend on the type of car you rent, but range between $50-150+ CAD +HST per day (depending on season). You should also factor in any additional fees such as airport fees or insurance coverage fees that might be added onto your bill when renting a car at Pearson Airport for your transfer.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy transfer service from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto or other nearby towns, then the UP Express train is your best option with its speedy service and reasonable prices for fares. However, if location or budget matter more then taxi, rideshare services and AirBus shuttle services are all great choices that are readily available at anytime of day or night to take you quickly and conveniently to your destination. Finally, car rentals are also another viable option if you plan on venturing outside of downtown while in Toronto. No matter what form of transportation you choose, now you’re fully ready to make the most affordable express train transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown!

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