How to get from Chicago to Toronto
Getting from Chicago to Toronto is easy once you pick your style: a quick flight to Pearson (YYZ), a comfortable train+bus combo via Detroit/Windsor or Buffalo/Niagara, a direct(ish) overnight bus, or a scenic self-drive across the border. Below you’ll find the best options, how to book, step-by-steps, and map links.
At A Glance (Chicago to Toronto)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (ORD/MDW → YYZ) | ~1h20–1h35 in air (+ airport time) | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 120–320 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | Trip.com deals | ||
| 🚆🚌 Train + Bus (via Detroit/Windsor or Buffalo/Niagara) | ~9–12h (connection-dependent) | Comfort + scenery, no flying |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 75–160 total (mix of tickets). Check Amtrak + VIA Rail schedules. | ||
| 🚌 Intercity/Overnight Bus | ~10–13h | Cheapest single ticket |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 45–110 one-way (date/seat) » curated options | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (I-94/402 or I-90/QEW) | ~8–9h driving (no long stops) | Flexibility, side trips |
| 🏷️ Cost: Rental ~USD 55–110/day + fuel/tolls/parking » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Charter | ~8–10h (border formalities) | Door-to-door groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~USD 750–1,400 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most convenient: Fly ORD/MDW → YYZ, then UP Express, taxi, or rideshare into downtown.
- Most comfortable without flying: Train + bus combo via Detroit/Windsor or Buffalo/Niagara with relaxed seats and lake views.
- Cheapest single ticket: Overnight intercity bus (bring a neck pillow, eye mask).
- Flex & side trips: Self-drive—add Niagara Falls or Stratford on the way.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Documents: You’re crossing an international border—carry a valid passport and check visas/ESTA/eTA as applicable.
- Air: Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. YYZ transfers & activities: browse GetYourGuide Toronto or Klook.
- Rail/Bus: Check timetables on Amtrak and VIA Rail; mix with intercity buses. Buy earlier for weekends/holidays.
- Rides & transfers: In both cities, rideshare/taxis are widely available. For long-distance, fixed-price cars, get quotes on GetTransfer.
- Stash bags: Use Radical Storage Chicago or Radical Storage Toronto if sightseeing between connections.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (ORD/MDW → YYZ) — Fastest
Fast Frequent Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop flights from O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) all day. From YYZ, ride UP Express, taxi, or rideshare to downtown.
- How to book (with price): Typical fares ~USD 120–320, higher on holidays. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Shortest total time; many departures. Cons: Airport security + customs queues; luggage fees may apply.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Get to ORD or MDW by CTA train, “L” + shuttle, or rideshare/taxi.
- Compare and book your flight on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive ~2 hours early.
- Land at YYZ; clear Canada Border Services. Follow signs for the airport train (UP Express) or take a taxi/rideshare to your hotel.
- If staying near Union Station, the UP Express is usually fastest into downtown; book activities on GetYourGuide.
Getting to the main embarking points (ORD/MDW & YYZ)
- Chicago airports: CTA Blue Line goes to ORD; ORANGE Line to MDW (connect as needed). Rideshares widely available.
- Toronto: From YYZ, use UP Express to Union, or taxi/rideshare to other neighborhoods.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆🚌 Option #2 — Train + Bus Combo (No Flying, Scenic)
Comfort Flexible routes Connections needed
- Overview: Two common overland routes: via Detroit/Windsor (Amtrak to Detroit area, cross to Windsor, VIA Rail to Toronto) or via Buffalo/Niagara (Amtrak to Buffalo, local transit across to Niagara Falls, then VIA Rail/GO Transit to Toronto).
- How to book (with price): Mix tickets: Amtrak for the U.S. leg + VIA Rail (or GO Transit locally) in Canada. Total usually USD 75–160 depending on dates and availability.
- Pros: Roomy seats, scenic lakeshore stretches. Cons: Border transfer logistics; fewer departures than flights.
Step-by-step: Train + Bus (example via Detroit/Windsor)
- Reach Chicago Union Station by CTA/Metra or rideshare.
- Book Amtrak to Detroit/Dearborn on Amtrak. For the border, use a taxi or Windsor Tunnel Bus to cross to Windsor (check schedules locally).
- From Windsor, take VIA Rail to Toronto Union Station. Alternative: via Buffalo/Niagara using Amtrak + local cross-border transit, then VIA/GO to Toronto.
- Arrive at Union; walk or rideshare to your hotel. Store bags if needed via Radical Storage.
Getting to the main embarking points (Chicago Union / Toronto Union)
- Chicago: Union Station is central; allow buffer time for boarding.
- Toronto: Union Station is walkable to many downtown hotels and transit lines.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Intercity/Overnight Bus (Cheapest Single Ticket)
Budget Overnight Border-dependent
- Overview: Overnight and daytime buses run Chicago → Toronto (often with a transfer at Detroit or Windsor). Reclining seats, Wi-Fi (varies), rest stops en route.
- How to book (with price): ~USD 45–110 one-way depending on date/seat. Compare curated options on Trip.com activities or buy at the Chicago bus terminal counters.
- Pros: Cheapest single-ticket option; runs daily. Cons: 10–13 hours seated; potential delays at the border.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Reach Chicago Bus Terminal (downtown) by CTA or rideshare; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
- Board your bus; keep passports handy for the border stop. Pack snacks, water, and a light layer.
- Arrive at Toronto Coach/Union Station Bus Terminal; walk, TTC, or rideshare to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Chicago Bus Terminal / Toronto Coach Terminal)
- Chicago: Central terminal near CTA; check bay numbers on screens.
- Toronto: New Union Station Bus Terminal is adjacent to Union Station; TTC access is easy.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Most Flexible, Great for Side Trips)
Flexible Scenic Border paperwork
- Overview: Drive I-94 → Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron–Sarnia) → ON-402/401 → Toronto, or I-90 → Niagara Falls → QEW → Toronto. Add stops like Niagara Falls, wineries, or Hamilton waterfalls.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~USD 55–110/day (compact) on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. Confirm cross-border permission; one-way drop fees can be high.
- Pros: Door-to-door, custom stops. Cons: Tolls, parking, and potential border waits. Winter weather may slow travel.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in Chicago; ensure your rental contract allows entry to Canada and lists all drivers.
- Choose your crossing: Blue Water Bridge (Sarnia) via I-94/I-69 for a smooth freeway route, or Niagara Falls (I-90) for sightseeing before Toronto.
- Carry passports and car documents for CBP/CBSA inspection; avoid peak crossing times when possible.
- On arrival, park at your hotel or a downtown garage (Toronto parking apps help). Return the car if you won’t need it in the city.
Getting to the main embarking points (City pickup & border crossings)
- Pickup: Downtown or O’Hare rental centers (longer opening hours).
- Border: Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron–Sarnia) or Niagara region bridges (Rainbow/Queenston–Lewiston/Peace Bridge in Buffalo).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Charter (Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great for groups Costly
- Overview: A professional driver picks you up in Chicago and drops you at your Toronto address, with rest stops along the way. Best for families with lots of luggage or mobility needs.
- How to book (with price): From ~USD 750–1,400 per vehicle depending on size and date. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer; ask about cross-border paperwork/time.
- Pros: Zero transfers; door-to-door convenience. Cons: Pricey; still subject to border queues.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and passenger count on GetTransfer; confirm cross-border authorization.
- Agree on rest stops, luggage capacity, and any child seats needed.
- Keep passports handy for border inspection; share live location with the driver on pickup day.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Chicago: Pickup from any address, hotel, or ORD/MDW.
- Toronto: Drop at hotels/addresses citywide; consider returning the vehicle if booked as one-way charter.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Chicago to Toronto)
Do I need a passport to go from Chicago to Toronto?
Yes—Canada is a different country. Bring a valid passport and check visa/eTA requirements.
Is it faster to fly or drive?
Flying is fastest door-to-door for most travelers. Driving takes ~8–9 hours plus border time but allows side trips.
Can I take one train all the way?
There’s no single direct Chicago→Toronto train; you’ll combine Amtrak (U.S.) with VIA Rail/GO Transit (Canada) and a cross-border transfer.
What’s the cheapest way?
Usually the overnight intercity bus on sale. Train+bus combos can also be good value if booked early.
What about winter travel?
Expect snow/ice risks November–March. Build extra time for flights, and for driving choose snow-rated cars and check road conditions.
Where should I stay in Toronto?
Downtown (Union/Financial/Entertainment) for easy transit. Compare options on Booking.com Toronto.