Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Amanda Stancati

UP Express Update: March 2016

UP Express Launch

On June 6, 2015, travellers were invited to board the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) for the first time. The train connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport and downtown Toronto’s Union Station was a project completed in time for the summer 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

The UP Express runs every 15 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. Previously, one way adult fares started at $19 with a PRESTO Card and $27.50 without. Now, a one way trip is $12 or $9 with a PRESTO Card. Seniors are charged $5.64 with a PRESO Card or $6 without one for a one way ride, and children under 12 years of age ride for free. Family fares (for 2 adults and 3 children), dropped from $55 to $25 one way. Full UP Express pricing options can be viewed here. 

The 25-minute ride between Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 and Union Station is reliable and convenient, bypassing the traffic and stress of driving. The train makes two brief stops at the Bloor Go Station (near High Park) and Weston Go Station (near Lawrence Avenue West), both significantly updated, to allow visitors to easily connect to other areas.

Travellers can ride in comfort and experience the superior service of Canadian rail travel. The UP Express is equipped with luggage racks, power outlets, tray tables on seatbacks, onboard Wi-Fi, and current flight information. The level boarding means that you can simply roll your luggage onboard, no lifting required.

The UP Express station connects to Union Station via the Skywalk and is sheltered in a fully enclosed platform while awaiting the train. This waiting area built specifically for UP Express features a customer service desk, seating, automated ticket vending machines, fare card validators, accessible washrooms, and a lounge. Amenities also include complimentary Wi-Fi, airline check-in kiosks, flight information screens, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, Drake General Store, and charging stations.

At Pearson Station, the northernmost station en route, the platform is also enclosed and features ticket-vending machines, fare card validators, direct access to T1 and a two-minute ride away to T3 via the Automated People Mover Train.

This long-awaited Toronto airport shuttle provides easy access for visitors to explore the city’s many tourist attractions, whether they’re business travellers arriving for just a night or two or local residents coming home after a vacation.

Thousands of passengers are expected to take advantage of this new service every day, removing an estimated 1.2 million automotive trips in the first year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the environmental impact and convenience, Union Pearson Express will promote economic growth across the region, creating jobs, easing traffic, and allowing people to take a quick trip into the city center, close to hotels, attractions, meeting and convention centers.

Travel between these two transportation hubs just got easier. Get from Canada’s biggest airport to its largest city in less than a half hour.

Tickets available at upexpress.com.

UP Express Update: Dec 2015

UP Express has increased signage at the airport to help travellers find their way easily, as well as ambassadors to support guests with wayfinding and an information kiosk at the baggage claim area. Pricing options have been expanded to be more accessible, including changing the age for free child fares to 6-12 years old, and adding the Family Long Layover (expires within 6 hours of trip start time), and Family Meeter & Greeter (expires within 3 hours).

Anne Marie Aikins, Manager of Media Relations and Issues with Metrolinx, is optimistic for the success of the UP Express. “We are encouraged by the fact that our customers love the service. Eighty-seven per cent say they will ride UP again and 85% will recommend it to friends and family. So we remain committed to providing our customers with a seamless guest experience and reliable 15 minute service between the airport and downtown.”