The UP Express train connects Toronto Pearson Airport (Terminal 1) with Union Station in about 25 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes from roughly 5:27 a.m. until just after 1 a.m., seven days a week. A one-way adult fare costs $9.25 with PRESTO or $12.35 by cash, debit, or credit. It’s the fastest and most predictable way to reach downtown Toronto without renting a car or gambling on traffic Pearson to Union Station.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 25 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 15 minutes |
| Weekday hours | First train ~5:27 a.m., last ~12:54 a.m. |
| Weekend/holiday hours | First train ~6:24 a.m., last ~12:54 a.m. |
| Adult fare | $9.25 (PRESTO) or $12.35 (cash, debit, credit) |
| Kids under 12 | Ride free |
| Airport station | Terminal 1 (Terminal 3 connects via free Link Train) |
| Downtown station | Union Station, accessed from the Great Hall |
Where to Catch the UP Express at Pearson Airport
The UP Express platform sits inside Terminal 1, right next to the free Terminal Link Train that shuttles passengers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you land at Terminal 3, don’t panic: follow the Link Train signs, ride the short connector over to Terminal 1, then follow the “Train to City” signage to the platform. From either terminal, the whole walk to the platform rarely takes more than 10 minutes.
Ticket vending machines sit both inside the terminals and right at the platform entrance, so you’re never far from a place to pay.
Getting to the UP Express Platform at Union Station
Coming from downtown, enter Union Station and head for the Great Hall, the space with the ornate ceiling and the antique clock that most Torontonians use as a landmark. Signs for the UP Express point you past the TD Lounge, through a short hallway, and onto the SkyWalk, which leads directly to the platform ramp. You’ll pass a luggage storage counter and a departure screen along the way, both useful if your train isn’t due for a few minutes.
Local tip: If you’re arriving via subway, exit toward the Bay or York Concourse first. Cutting through the TTC turnstile area directly can add several extra minutes of backtracking during rush hour.
UP Express Fares and How to Pay
You have three ways to pay:
- Tap a PRESTO card, contactless debit, or credit card directly at the payment terminal. No advance purchase needed.
- Buy tickets online in advance through the UP Express or Metrolinx site.
- Use a ticket vending machine at any UP Express station, including Pearson, Union, Bloor, Weston, and Mount Dennis.
Youth and post-secondary riders save roughly 40% off the standard adult fare when tapping with PRESTO. PRESTO card sales and reloads at the airport are only available at the Terminal 1 UP platform, and only by debit or credit, which trips up a surprising number of first-time riders.
UP Express Schedule: First and Last Trains
Weekday service starts at 5:27 a.m. from Pearson and runs until roughly 12:54 a.m., with trains every 15 minutes throughout the day. Weekend and holiday service starts a bit later, around 6:24 a.m., but keeps the same 15-minute frequency and similar closing time. If your flight lands after 1 a.m. or departs before 5 a.m., UP Express won’t be running, so check GO Transit or TTC night bus options instead.
What to Expect Onboard
Every UP Express coach has free Wi-Fi, power outlets, tray tables, and dedicated luggage racks near the doors. Seating is comfortable enough for a laptop or a short nap, and flight information screens run along the ceiling so you can track your gate or connection while you ride.
Local tip: The luggage racks fill up fast on trains right after a wave of international arrivals. If you’re traveling with an oversized bag, board near the doors and claim rack space immediately instead of walking the aisle looking for room.
UP Express vs Other Ways Downtown
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Express train | ~25 min | $9.25–$12.35 | Speed and reliability |
| GO Transit bus (Line 35) | ~40 min | $6–$9 | Budget travel, no rush |
| Taxi | ~21 min | $60–$85 | Groups splitting the fare |
| Rideshare | ~21 min | $75–$100 | Door-to-door convenience |
The train wins on predictability. Taxis and rideshares are faster on paper, but Gardiner Expressway traffic during rush hour can easily double that 21-minute estimate, while the UP Express keeps its own dedicated track and rarely runs late.
Real-World Tips Before You Ride
- Fare evasion fines are increasing starting September 8, 2026, so always tap on and off even if you already bought a ticket online.
- PRESTO reloads at the airport only happen at the Terminal 1 platform counter, not the terminal concourse.
- Late-night riders should double check the last train time for their travel day since weekday and weekend closing times shift slightly.
- Group and long layover travelers can ask about the Long Layover ticket if they want to explore the city between flights instead of waiting at the gate.
If you’re comparing this trip to similar routes elsewhere, our guides on the Newark Airport to Manhattan train, JFK to Manhattan by subway, and Rome Fiumicino to Termini by train cover the same kind of airport-to-city train trip in other major hubs.
FAQs on pearson to union station
How do I get on the UP Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station?
Head to Terminal 1, follow the “Train to City” signs, tap your PRESTO or contactless card (or scan a pre-bought ticket) at the platform, and board the next train.
Is there a shuttle from Pearson to Union Station?
No shuttle bus runs that specific route. The UP Express train is the direct rail option; GO Transit’s Line 35 bus is the direct bus option, though it takes longer.
Where do I catch the UP Express at Pearson?
At the Terminal 1 platform, adjacent to the Link Train. Terminal 3 arrivals ride the free Link Train over to Terminal 1 first.
How often does the UP Express run from Pearson?
Every 15 minutes, both on weekdays and weekends, from early morning until just after 1 a.m.
What is the UP Express schedule today to Union Station?
Weekday trains run from about 5:27 a.m. to 12:54 a.m.; weekend and holiday trains start slightly later, around 6:24 a.m., with the same closing time.
Is there a UP Express schedule PDF?
Yes. Toronto Pearson posts downloadable Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 directions PDFs on its transportation page, useful for step-by-step station navigation.
How long does it take to get from Toronto Pearson Airport to Union Station by UP Express?
About 25 minutes end to end, making it the fastest transit option between the airport and downtown.
Does the UP Express run all night?
No. Service stops around 1 a.m. and resumes early the next morning, so late-night or red-eye arrivals should plan for a taxi, rideshare, or night bus instead.
