Union Station to Pearson Airport Train: Everything You Need to Know (2025)
Looking at taking the train from Union Station in Toronto to Pearson International Airport (YYZ), or the other way round? Youโre in the right place.
As a local whoโs taken this journey (to and from) multiple times, Iโm going to show you the best way to go about it.
If you’re looking for places to stay near Union Station, read my post on hotels near Union Station. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) isn’t located in Toronto, but in Mississauga, the neighbouring city.
The train to and from Union Station and Pearson Airport is called the UP Express, and it leaves every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Here’s everything you need to know about the cost, schedule, where to catch the train from, and other useful tidbits from a local.
Schedule for Union Station to Pearson Airport Train
Here’s everything you need to know about the train times to and from the airport from Union Station in Toronto
The UP Express train leaves every 15 minutes throughout the day, between 5:30 am to 1:00 am. The ride takes about 25 minutes; from Union Station to Pearson or the other way around.
It’s much cheaper to use the UP Express train rather than to take a taxi or Uber, (and faster too, as cars have to deal with traffic.)
Where to Find UP Express Stations
There are four UP Express stations in total; one in the airport, and three in the city of Toronto. Here’s where to find them.
In Pearson Airport
The UP Express Station in Pearson Airport is located beside the Link Train at Terminal 1, the service that connects travellers to Terminal 3.
Pearson Airport is well marked with signs. Follow the signs that take you to Terminal 1, and you will soon see signs for UP Express.
In Union Station
The UP Express station at Union is located in the Skywalk at Union Station in downtown Toronto between York Street and Simcoe Street (right near the CN Tower.)
From the main part of the Union station, you will need to head through the west doors located in front of the large stairwell that brings you downstairs. Follow the signs that bring you to the “Skywalk” or UP Express. It will be a less than 5 minute (indoor) walk from there.
At Weston Station
The UP Express station at Weston is located at 1865 Weston Road, Toronto, ON. It’s in the northwest of the city, which is a business district, and there are some walking trails nearby.
You can choose to get off at Weston station instead of Union, depending on where you’re staying.
At Bloor Station
The UP Express station at Bloor is located at 1456 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON. This area is a family-friendly area close to high park and other green space, lots of restaurants and shops.
You can choose to board the UP Express here, or you can come here from the airport instead of Union Station. From this area, you can get on the subway to take you all around the city.
PRO TIP: The UP Express trains have everything you need – luggage racks to store your bags, cellphone charging stations, flight information screens and free wifi.
Cost of Union Station to Pearson Airport Train
Here’s what you need to know about the cost of UP Express tickets and where and how to book them, and how to SAVE money.
There are two ways to buy your tickets. You can either buy them online, or from one of these machines (pictured above) at any of the UP Express stations. They take cash, credit and debit.
UP Express regular tickets are priced as follows:
One-way | Return | |
---|---|---|
Adult (13-64) | $12.35 | $24.70 |
Senior (65 +) | $6.20 | $12.40 |
Children 12 and under | Free | Free |
Family (up to 2 adults, and up to 3 kids 19 or younger) | $25.70 | N/A |
Long layover return (buy this one if you’re heading to the city during a long layover) | N/A | $12.35 |
Check out more pricing options, such as meet and greets on the UP Express website.
PRO TIP: If you live, or have been staying in Toronto, you might have been using a PRESTO Card. In that case, do not buy a UP Express ticket. You can save money from simply tapping you PRESTO card before you board the train. (Just make sure your card has the available funds to cover your fare.)
Union Station to Pearson Airport Train Express FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about the UP Express train between Pearson Airpot and Downtown Toronto
How often does the UP Express leave Union Station?
The UP Express train from Union Station leaves every 15 minutes. It also leaves Pearson Airport every 15 minutes.
Where in Union Station is UP Express?
The UP Express is located in the Skywalk. From the main Union Station terminal, you want to head west towards York and Simcoe streets.
How long is the up ride from Union to Pearson?
The train ride from Union Station to Pearson International Airport takes approximately 25 minutes.
Does the train go to Pearson Airport?
Yes, the UP Express train goes to Pearson Airport. It leaves from Union Station, and makes stops at Weston Station and Bloor Street before heading to the airport.
Does UP Express run all night?
No, the UP Express train doesn’t run all night. There is a block-off period between 1 am and 5:30 am where the train is not running. So between those 4.5 hours, there are no trains. Starting at 5:30 am however, the train leaves every 15 minutes throughout the day until 1 am.
Does UP Express have a bathroom?
There aren’t any bathrooms on the train itself, but there are bathrooms at all of the stations: Union Station, Weston, Bloor and of course, the airport. Its only a 25-minute train ride between Union Station and the airport, so it isn’t a very long ride.
Do they ever check tickets on UP Express?
Yes, they may check tickets on the UP Express, and there isn’t any compassion given to reasons for not having a ticket, or having not enough funds on your Presto card to cover the fare.
Do you tap on and off for UP Express?
Yes, you can use your Presto card to tap on and off for the UP Express train between Union Station and Pearson Airport. In fact, its highly recommended that you pay this way because its cheaper. A one way ticket without a Presto card is $12.35, but with a Presto card its $9.25. Youth and students get even bigger (40% savings) by using their Presto cards.
Hotels near Union Station in Toronto
Staying near Union Station in Toronto is nice and convenient. There’s lots of things to do in the area within a 15-minute walk, you have easy access to the metro to take you anywhere in Toronto, and its also very easy to get to the airport.
Budget Hotels Near Union Station
- Pembroke Inn Hop on the subway, and take it to NORTH and get off at the Dundas Square subway station. From there, it will be a 15 minute walk to this flat.
- Apartment in Central Downtown Toronto Stay in a 1-bedroom apartment with all the amenities you need; fridge, kitchen, wifi, and comfy places to rest and sleep. Close to the universities, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Queen’s Park. Hop on the subway from Union Station and take it NORTH to Vaughan. Get off at the Queen’s Park station (15 minute ride); from there, it will be a 10-15 minute walk this apartment.
Mid Range Hotels Near Union Station
- Heart of Downtown Condo This clean and. comfy property with a balcony is only 700 m away from the CN Tower
- Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto Take the subway from Union Station NORTH and get off at King Station. from there, this quality hotel with great-views is only a 5-minute walk
Luxury Hotels Near Union Station
- Radission Blu Downtown Toronto Take advantage of a rooftop swimming pool with a view of the CN Tower. Ideal location, with just a 15 minute walk to Union Station, CN Tower and Chinatown
- The Novotel Toronto Centre Indoor swimming pool, and a very good breakfast. Just a 10 minute walk from Union Station and the Scotiabank Area.
- Fairmont Royal York Hotel This is Toronto’s most famous and photogenic hotel. Be right downtown just minutes from the CN Tower and Union Station
- Hilton Hotel Steps away from Nathan Phillip’s Square, and a short walk to Union Station and the CN Tower
Pro Tip: Staying overnight in Toronto? Don’t miss out on one of Toronto’s best breakfasts
Train from Union Station to Pearson Airport: Final Thoughts
Using the UP Express Train is affordable, fast, efficient and environmentally friendly. The trains are comfortable and stocked with what you need as a traveller, including charging stations, flight information screens, luggage racks, and plenty of space. Click here if you’re looking for good places to eat near Union Station.
From Union Station, you can easily get to other attractions around Toronto, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, or the Kensington Market. You can also take the GO Train to other areas in Ontario, such as Niagara Falls.
If you’re in Toronto with kids, rest assured that its a kid-friendly city with a lot of multicultural activities and things to do. Staying in the downtown area and looking for places to eat? Check out family-friendly restaurants in downtown Toronto.