Getting to Toronto Pearson from Downtown: Your Options

Getting to Toronto Pearson from Downtown: Your Options

24 Feb 2026

Are you looking for the best way to get from downtown Toronto to Toronto Pearson International Airport? Whether by car, taxi, shuttle, or public transit, we've got all the information you need right here. So, what are you waiting for? Read on and start planning your trip! 

Let's Talk Transportation to Toronto Pearson

Airport anxiety. Everyone's got it, especially when you're trying to figure out how to reach the airport from downtown Toronto. Fair enough, right? The distance is about 24 km, so you’ve got options...

Downtown Toronto view towards the airport
Envato

Public transport? Oh, we’ve got that. Driving? Sure thing. Let’s break it down for you.

Riding the Rails: Subway and Bus Combo

Start at Union Station, take subway line 1. Simple, right? Then switch to the UP Express, which takes you straight to Toronto Pearson. Total cost? $3.25 for the subway, and $12.35 for the UP Express. Not bad actually. The whole shebang takes about 40 minutes.

Toronto Pearson UP Express service
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Prefer a bus? TTC takes you from the airport to downtown in around 45 minutes for the same price—$3.25 for adults. Kids under 12 ride free, so that’s a bonus.

Cabs: Not Just for Late Nights

You could take a taxi. Easy peasy. Jump on the Gardiner Expy W or ON-427 N, and you're golden. The drive from downtown to Pearson can vary—plan for 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Cost? Roughly $52.40. Just don’t attempt to walk it; that’ll set you back five hours. Ouch.

Toronto taxi service to Pearson Airport
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Private Transfers? Yes, Please!

Private transfer service to Pearson Airport
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

If you want something a bit fancier, consider a private transfer. Think about it: licensed drivers, comfort, and all that jazz. Viatovia has options ranging from sedans to minivans, so you can find something that fits your vibe. You can even cancel up to 48 hours in advance without any worries. Booking is a snap, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind. Just click here to see your choices.

Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Picks

The Rex Hotel in Toronto
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

The Rex Hotel

A family-run spot with live jazz. Seriously. Located near Nathan Phillips Square, it’s a cozy place with shared bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Not bad actually. After a long day, you can kick back with some pub grub in the restaurant, where you also get a complimentary breakfast. It’s 25.7 km from the airport, and you’ll be paying around $91 per night. Fair enough.

Luxury Calling: Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

A Touch of Class

Spa treatments, indoor pools, and the type of luxury that almost makes you feel guilty for enjoying it. If you like a bit of pampering, you might want to check this place out. The Bosk restaurant? You’ll thank me for the recommendation. Just remember, average costs per night are about $576, and it’s 25.4 km from the airport.

Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto
Photo by Pineapple Supply on Pexels

Best Time to Visit Toronto

Best time to visit Toronto
Photo by Sandro Schuh on unsplash

May to October is your sweet spot. Plenty of sunshine, long days, and a city buzzing with life. But if crowds and high prices make you cringe, consider the shoulder seasons—April or November are surprisingly decent. Winter? Well, unless you're a fan of frostbite, let’s just say spring might suit you better.

Things to Do in Toronto

Once you land from Pearson, it’s time to enjoy the ride. Toronto’s downtown is packed with attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the CN Tower. You won’t run out of things to do.

  • If you need to find your way from the airport to downtown, check out our site to book your transfer.

The Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto
Photo by Luqman Yasin on Unsplash

This place is huge. Over six million items to explore. It’s an absolute must for culture enthusiasts.

The Art Gallery of Ontario

With over 95,000 works of art, there’s something for everyone. And the architecture is worth the visit alone.

The CN Tower

CN Tower in Toronto
Photo by Touann Gatouillat Vergos on Unsplash

At 1,815 feet, it’s hard to miss. Take the elevator up for views that'll make your neck ache in a good way. And yes, there’s a revolving restaurant—just in case you want to dine with a view.