Back to Directory
YYZ

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto, Canada

Where to start
UP Express Train

UP Express train is the right default for most travelers heading downtown — direct from Terminal 1, about 28 minutes to Union Station, frequent service. If you're arriving at Terminal 3, take the free LINK Train to T1 first. Uber and Lyft both work for door-to-door — at T1 they pick up in Zones 3–5 (Doors P–S); at T3, Arrivals Level Door D outer curb.

Ride Options

UP Express Train

transit

Fast, frequent, modern link to downtown — the right default for most travelers

AvailabilityFrequent; roughly 5:30am–1am
Pickup NoteStation at Terminal 1, via covered walkway from arrivals. About 28 min direct to Union Station. From Terminal 3, take the free LINK Train (~3 min) to T1 first. Tap Presto, a contactless card, or the UP Express app.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

Door-to-door, useful for families or heavy luggage

AvailabilityWidely available, 24/7
Pickup NoteTerminal 1: Zone 4 (Doors Q–R) and Zone 5 (Doors R–S). Terminal 3: Arrivals Level Door D outer curb. Follow the in-app pin.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Lyft

rideshare

Alternative to Uber

AvailabilityAvailable in Toronto, 24/7
Pickup NoteTerminal 1: Zone 3 (Doors P–Q). Terminal 3: Arrivals Level Door D outer curb. Follow the in-app pin.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

TTC Route 900 Bus

transit

Lowest-cost way downtown if you don't mind extra time

AvailabilityRegular service
Pickup NoteMarked bus stops outside arrivals at both terminals. Route 900 to Kipling subway station, then the subway downtown — about 60 minutes total. Tap Presto or a contactless card.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Beck Taxi

taxi

Regulated metered taxi with flat-zone fares

AvailabilityAt the ranks, 24/7
Pickup NoteOfficial taxi ranks outside each terminal. Flat-zone fares to Toronto neighborhoods; cards accepted. Beck Taxi has its own Toronto app.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Fixed-rate pre-booked door-to-door transfer

AvailabilityAvailable at Toronto Pearson — book via SIXT app or website
Pickup NoteDriver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, up to 60 min free waiting.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber, Lyft, and Hopp use designated zones. At Terminal 1: Lyft and Hopp at Zone 3 (Doors P–Q), Uber at Zone 4 (Doors Q–R) and Zone 5 (Doors R–S). At Terminal 3: Arrivals Level Door D outer curb. Zones can shift — follow the in-app pin.

Taxi

Official taxi ranks outside each terminal, with flat-zone fares to Toronto neighborhoods. Cards accepted; Beck Taxi has its own Toronto app.

Shuttle

Several Pearson-area hotels run shuttles; the Sheraton Gateway connects directly to Terminal 3 via walkway.

Transit

UP Express runs from Terminal 1 to Union Station in about 28 minutes (roughly 5:30am–1am). From Terminal 3, take the free LINK Train (~3 min) to T1 first. The budget option is TTC Route 900 bus to Kipling subway, then the subway downtown — about 60 minutes total.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers meet you at arrivals with a name sign — fixed price, flight tracking.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

Some links may be affiliate links. Tarmyq may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Local Tips

  • UP Express is about 28 minutes from Terminal 1 to Union Station and frequent — usually faster and more affordable than a taxi for solo travelers headed downtown.
  • From Terminal 3, the LINK Train to Terminal 1 is free and takes about 3 minutes — don't take a taxi from T3 just because the UP Express station isn't right there.
  • At Terminal 1, ride-app pickup is split by zone: Lyft and Hopp at Zone 3 (Doors P–Q), Uber at Zone 4 (Doors Q–R) and Zone 5 (Doors R–S); at Terminal 3 it's Arrivals Level Door D outer curb. Follow the in-app pin.
  • TTC Route 900 bus to Kipling subway is the budget option — far more affordable than UP Express but about 60 minutes total to downtown.
  • Tap a Presto card, a contactless bank card, or use the UP Express app for tickets — no need to buy at a counter.
  • Winter snow events can snarl 401/427 traffic — allow extra time for any road transfer.

Tarmyq local tip

From Terminal 3, the LINK Train to Terminal 1 is free and takes about 3 minutes — much faster than walking and lets you catch the UP Express. Don't take a taxi from T3 just because the train station isn't right there.