Toronto Travel

Pearson Airport to Downtown Toronto: Every Way to Get There

By Airport Transfer Toronto Editorial · Published March 1, 2026 · Updated June 11, 2026 · 7 min read

UP Express, taxi, rideshare, and private chauffeur compared — cost, time, and when each one actually wins.

UP Express

The UP Express train runs from Pearson to Union Station in 25 minutes for about $12.35 one-way. Great value if you're carry-on only and Union is close to your hotel. Not fun with heavy luggage, small children, or a 4 a.m. arrival when the schedule thins.

Taxi

Toronto's airport taxi fleet uses a zone-based flat fare to downtown, typically around $65–$75 plus tip. Reliable, but vehicle age and condition vary widely and there is no flight tracking or meet-and-greet.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft operate from Pearson with a designated pickup zone at each terminal. Fare varies with surge — a Friday evening downtown ride can climb to $90+. No dedicated luggage help, no professional-grade insurance.

Private chauffeur

A flat quoted rate, professional driver, tracked flight, meet-and-greet, and door-to-door service. Costs more than UP Express, roughly matches taxi + tip on off-peak, and beats rideshare on any surge night. Worth it for families, business travellers, and any late-night arrival.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What's the fastest option?

UP Express to Union is fastest by clock time. Private chauffeur is fastest door-to-door because you skip station transfers and luggage handling.