Welcome to Pearson. Now that you’re here, you’ll need transportation. Fortunately, there are many options, like taking a shuttle or bus or hiring a taxi or limo to downtown.
Here, we outline the modes of transportation you have to or from the airport.
Your Travel Options
Whether you are travelling to or from Pearson, here is a list of your transportation options.
1. Airport Limousine
If you want to travel in style, a limousine is your best option. These comfortable sedans function as a taxi but offer higher service standards, are generally larger, and newer. You can either book them through an airport limousine service or find one right outside your terminal.
Limousines are the best way to avoid a travel disaster like a missed flight given that the chauffeurs are highly trained to avoid traffic and are aware of flight times. They are safe options and their fares are also consistent. And the cost is based on the car, not the number of passengers.
2. Airport Taxi
You can hire a taxi outside your terminal to take you downtown, or book online. An airport taxi flat rate is possible because the cost is predetermined, depending on the time of day and distance to your destination.
3. Private Shuttles
Many transit companies offer private or shared shuttle services from Pearson to communities within and outside the Greater Toronto Area like Hamilton, Oakville, and Niagara Falls. Shuttles are cheaper than taxis but their cost depends on the distance you travel. Of course, the cost of a private shuttle will be more than a shared one.
4. Airport Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels near the airport offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. You can look for the pick-up shuttle outside your terminal or get in touch with your hotel directly; they can fill you in with relevant details. The service is usually free but be sure to tip your driver.
However, if you are staying downtown, you will have to find your own way there because the hotels usually don’t have shuttle services.
5. Buses
There are a number of public transportation options. The Airport Express runs from the airport to Kipling Station, from where you can take a subway downtown. That makes it one of the fastest (and cheapest) modes of reaching downtown. They leave every 15 minutes or so from the lowest level of Terminals 1 and 3.
Then there are local buses that are good for other parts of town. And if you are landing late at night or very early in the morning, you can catch a night bus, although these are less frequent.
The only issue with buses is that you have to be familiar with the routes. It also helps to know where to catch each bus. This can be difficult if you are at Pearson for the first time, but drivers and airport staff can usually help.
6. Union Pearson Express
The Union Pearson (UP) Express was launched in 2015 and is a great way to travel. It offers affordable and easy transit between Pearson and Union Station, the city’s transportation hub. It takes only 25 minutes to get to Union from the airport, and trains depart every 15 minutes from the airport.
The best way to get from Toronto airport to downtown is to hire an airport limousine. It’s not the cheapest way to go but is an easy, luxurious commute. If you don’t know local routes, it’s also the safest way to travel, especially if Toronto is a new city for you. Buses are plentiful but it takes some wherewithal to get where you need to go. Pick the method of transportation that appeals to your needs and budget.