If you’re flying into Toronto and you’re not sure how to get to the downtown area, don’t worry! There are lots of different ways to make the trip, and they’re all pretty easy to use. Whether you’re landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), you’ve got several options to get to the heart of the city. Let’s go through each of them!

Getting from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Downtown Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the big airport outside Toronto, and it’s about 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the downtown area.

Here are a few ways to get there:

One of the best ways to get to downtown Toronto from Pearson is to take the UP Express. This is a special train that goes straight from the airport to Union Station, which is in the middle of downtown.

  • Time it takes: Only about 25 minutes!
  • Cost: Around $12.35 CAD for a one-way ticket
  • How often it runs: Every 15 minutes during busy times
  • When it runs: From 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The UP Express is quick, comfy, and perfect if you want to avoid traffic. You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and maybe even use Wi-Fi while you ride. It’s easy to find the train at the airport, and it will take you straight to downtown Toronto without any trouble.

Another option is to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft. These can take you directly to your hotel or wherever you need to go in downtown.

  • Time it takes: About 30 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Cost: Around $50 to $60 CAD, depending on how much traffic there is
  • Available: All day, every day!

There are always taxis ready at the airport, and if you prefer using your phone, Uber and Lyft can be ordered directly through their apps. It’s a great option if you’re carrying lots of bags or just want a more personal ride.

If you’re staying at a hotel in downtown Toronto, many hotels have free or low-cost shuttles that can take you from the airport. You can check with your hotel to see if they provide this service.

  • Time it takes: Depends on how many stops the shuttle makes
  • Cost: Usually free or about $10 to $20 CAD

Shuttles are a good option if you want to save money, but they may take a little longer because the shuttle might stop at different hotels.

If you like the idea of having a car to drive around in Toronto, you can rent one at the airport. Many rental car companies are there, so you can grab a car and drive straight to downtown Toronto.

  • Time it takes: About 30 to 45 minutes
  • Cost: Renting a car usually starts around $30 to $50 CAD per day (not including insurance)
  • Keep in mind: Downtown Toronto can be busy, and parking is hard to find sometimes.

Renting a car can be fun and give you freedom, but it’s important to remember that driving in busy places like downtown can be tricky.

Getting from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to Downtown Toronto

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is much closer to downtown Toronto—only about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away. This makes it super easy to get to the city from there.

One of the coolest things about Billy Bishop Airport is that you can take a free ferry ride across the water to the mainland. The ferry ride is short, and it’s a nice way to start your visit to Toronto!

  • Time it takes: 5-minute ferry ride and then a 5 to 10-minute walk
  • Cost: Free!
  • How often it runs: Every 15 minutes
  • When it runs: From 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Once you take the ferry across the water, it’s just a short walk to downtown. It’s a quick and scenic way to get into the city!

Just like at Pearson, you can also take a taxi or use Uber/Lyft at Billy Bishop Airport. This is great if you don’t want to walk or take the ferry.

  • Time it takes: Only 10 to 15 minutes
  • Cost: Around $10 to $15 CAD
  • Available: All day, every day!

Taxis are easy to find, and you can quickly book a ride through Uber or Lyft on your phone. This is a fast and affordable option.

If you’re looking to save some money, you can also take public transit. The 509 Harbourfront streetcar goes from Billy Bishop Airport straight to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

  • Time it takes: About 20 to 25 minutes
  • Cost: Only $3.25 CAD for one ride
  • How often it runs: Every 10 to 15 minutes
  • When it runs: From 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The streetcar is a cheap and easy way to get downtown, and you’ll even get to enjoy some nice views of Toronto’s waterfront while you ride.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Check for Flight Delays: Before heading to the airport, make sure to check if your flight is on time. That way, you’ll know when you should head out.

Avoid Rush Hour: Toronto’s traffic can be heavy, especially during the morning and evening rush hours (7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). If you can, try to travel outside of those times.

Luggage: If you’re carrying lots of bags, taxis or the UP Express are probably the best choices. Public transit can be tough if you have a lot of luggage.

Weather: Toronto’s weather can change a lot! In the winter, it can be snowy, so dress warmly and check the weather before you head out.

Conclusion

Getting from the airport to downtown Toronto is easy with all the options available. If you want to get there fast, the UP Express is perfect. If you prefer a personal ride, taxis or Uber/Lyft are great choices. And if you’re on a budget, the ferry or public transit is affordable and convenient. Now that you know the options, you can relax and enjoy the ride into the city! Toronto is waiting for you!

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