Being stuck in traffic for longer than necessary (or at all)… is never fun, especially when you are in town for a limited amount of time and have so many things you could be doing instead. As an ex-Torontonian who now lives in NYC, I still visit Toronto at least once a month and I always take the Union Pearson Express! Not only does it save time and money, but it is also easy, comfortable and super convenient.
UP Express connects the country’s two busiest transportation hubs: Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station in downtown Toronto. I can literally step out of my office in downtown Toronto, through security and customs, to my gate ready to board within 1 hour!
Toronto Pearson International Airport
The UP Express station is conveniently located in Terminal 1, directly adjacent to the Link Train service linking Terminals 1 and 3, right by the parking garage. It is pretty easy to find, just follow the “train to city” signage throughout the airport.
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Union Station
The station in downtown Toronto is right by Union station where you can continue your journey by subway, streetcar, GO train (regional commuter rail), or taxi/Uber. The station is also connected to the PATH, Toronto’s underground walkway linking 30 kilometers of shopping, entertainment and many of the downtown office towers. Depending on where you are going, you may not even need to step outside to get to and from the airport.
There are two other stations along the way if you are not heading downtown – Weston (Lawrence Street West at Weston Road) and Bloor (located near Dundas West TTC Subway Station).
What are your alternatives (from downtown)?
- Taxi/Uber – depending on traffic, this can take you anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It will also set you back $40-60.
- TTC – it will only cost you around $3 but will take you at least an hour to 75 minutes and requires you to take two subway lines and a bus.
The Cost of UP Express
- Adult fare is $12.35 one-way between Union and Pearson
- Children under 12 ride free
- Tickets can be purchased online, from the UP Express mobile app, ticket vending machines at all UP Express stations, or US Express customer service counters in Terminals 1 and 3.
Pro Tip: If you are from Toronto or staying in Toronto for more than a few days, consider getting the Presto card, an electronic fare payment card. There is a one-time activation fee of $6 but then you are eligible for the reduced UP Express fare of $9.25 one way. You also save an additional $1.50 on your fare when transferring via TTC. Throughout your stay, you can also conveniently use the Presto card on the TTC (subway, streetcar and buses) at a reduce fare.
Here are a few more benefits of the Union Pearson Express (UP Express):
- The ride is only 25 minutes between Pearson and Union station
- Departs every 15 min (with the first departure from Union at 4:55 am and from Pearson at 5:27 am. Trains run until 12:57am)
- The train is comfortable and spacious with comfy seats and lots of legroom
- Lots of room for luggage
- Free WiFi onboard the train
- Power outlets for charging devices
For more details, visit https://www.upexpress.com/.
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Credits:
Photos: Rick Radell/UP Express