How to get from CN Tower to Toronto Union Station

Getting from CN Tower to Toronto Union Station is quick and easy: you can walk indoors via the SkyWalk/PATH, hop on a short TTC streetcar ride, take a taxi/ride-hail, or bike along the waterfront.

At A Glance (CN Tower to Toronto Union Station)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚶 Walk via SkyWalk/PATH (Indoor Option)	~10–15 min (mostly covered/indoor)	Most travelers, zero cost, simple
🏷️ Cost: Free | If you’re carrying bags, consider » short-term luggage storage
🚋 TTC Streetcar (509 Harbourfront / 510 Spadina)	~6–12 min on board (+ 3–8 min walk to stop)	Good value, quick when it’s cold or rainy
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD $3–4 per ride (fare type dependent) » TTC fare info
🚖 Taxi / Ride-hail / Pre-booked Car	~5–10 min (traffic-dependent)	Door-to-door, groups, late night
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD $10–25+ depending on traffic/time » compare pre-booked rides | private drivers
🚲 Bike (Bike Share or Rental)	~7–12 min ride (+ dock pickup/return)	Nice weather, scenic waterfront
🏷️ Cost: Bike Share by minute / day pass » official pricing | Rentals via bike rental listings

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Walk via SkyWalk/PATH (no waiting, usually the simplest).
• Cheapest/Most Economical: Walk (free) or TTC streetcar if you prefer not to walk.
• Most Comfortable with luggage: Taxi/ride-hail or pre-booked car; you can also store bags near Union Station via Radical Storage.
• Most Scenic/Flexible: Bike along the waterfront when conditions are good.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Know the destination entrances: Toronto Union Station is large; if you’re meeting someone, agree on a landmark (Great Hall, GO concourse, or the UP Express area) and allow a few extra minutes to navigate.
• Weather strategy: In winter or heavy rain, use SkyWalk/PATH or streetcar to stay covered longer.
• TTC payments: For streetcars, you’ll typically tap a PRESTO card/ticket or compatible debit/credit at the reader near the doors, then keep moving inside to spread out.
• Rush hours: On weekday peaks, walking can be faster than a car because downtown traffic near Front St/Bremner can crawl.
• Accessibility: The indoor routes and Union Station are designed for step-free access in many areas, but elevators can be busy; if mobility is a concern, door-to-door car may be easiest.
• Ride-hailing alternatives: If Uber/Lyft surge pricing is high, compare fixed-price options on GetTransfer or arrange a private pickup via Welcome Pickups.

🚶 Option #1 — Walk via SkyWalk/PATH (Fastest, Mostly Indoor)

Free Mostly covered Best in winter

• Overview: Walk from the CN Tower complex to Union Station using the SkyWalk connection and the downtown pedestrian network (often referred to as PATH). This is usually the quickest option end-to-end, especially when traffic is heavy.
• Typical time: ~10–15 minutes at an easy pace (add a few minutes if you stop for photos or get turned around inside Union).
• Pros: No waiting, no fare, good in rain/snow. Cons: Wayfinding inside large buildings can be confusing the first time.
• Extra tip: If you want to explore downtown or grab food before checking in, drop luggage at luggage storage near Union Station and walk hands-free.

Step-by-step: Walk via SkyWalk/PATH

1. From the CN Tower area, follow signs for SkyWalk / Union Station (this is the most direct covered connection between the CN Tower/Rogers Centre area and Union).
2. Stay on the pedestrian route as it threads through the sports/entertainment district toward Union Station (look for overhead signs and follow the main flow of foot traffic).
3. Enter Union Station and orient yourself to where you need to go next (GO trains, VIA Rail, TTC subway, UP Express, or the Great Hall).
4. If you’re heading to the TTC subway, follow signs for TTC / Line 1 inside the station complex.

Getting to the main embarking points (SkyWalk entrance)

• From the CN Tower’s main entrance area, look for directional signage that mentions SkyWalk and Union Station; this connection is specifically noted as an access route to the CN Tower.
• If you find yourself outdoors on Bremner Blvd, you’re still close—head toward the Rogers Centre/rail corridor side and re-check for SkyWalk/Union wayfinding signs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚋 Option #2 — TTC Streetcar (Quick Transit Backup)

Low cost Frequent service Connection-dependent

• Overview: Take a short ride on a downtown streetcar to reach the underground streetcar platform at Union Station. From the CN Tower area, the most common choices are 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina, both of which serve Union.
• Typical time: ~6–12 minutes on the streetcar, plus ~3–8 minutes walking to the stop (depending on where you start around the CN Tower/Ripley’s/Rogers Centre area).
• How to pay (with price): Check current options on the TTC fare page; a common tourist-friendly choice is a PRESTO one-ride ticket. If you’re planning a day of transit, consider a day pass.
• Pros: Great in cold/rain, minimal walking. Cons: Can be crowded at peak times; minor delays if there’s an event nearby.

Step-by-step: TTC streetcar to Union

1. Walk from CN Tower toward Queens Quay West (waterfront road). A very common boarding area is near Rees St on Queens Quay West.
2. Board 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina in the direction of Union Station.
3. Tap your fare on board (PRESTO/ticket/contactless, depending on your fare type) and move inside—doors can be busy at stops.
4. Exit at Union Station and follow signs to your next connection (GO/VIA/UP Express/TTC subway).

Getting to the main embarking points (Queens Quay streetcar stops)

• From CN Tower, head toward Queens Quay West; streetcar stops are along the median/right-of-way and are usually clearly marked with TTC signage.
• If you’re unsure which platform direction you need, look for the destination display that mentions Union Station before boarding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Ride-hail / Pre-booked Car (Door-to-Door)

Comfort Good for groups Traffic-sensitive

• Overview: A short drive from the CN Tower area to Union Station is convenient if you have bulky luggage, limited mobility, or you’re traveling late. Expect downtown traffic near events and rush hour.
• Typical time: ~5–10 minutes in light traffic (allow ~15–20 minutes during peak congestion).
• How to book (with price): You can use standard ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft in Toronto; for pre-booked, fixed-price comparisons try GetTransfer or arrange a private pickup via Welcome Pickups.
• Pros: Door-to-door, minimal walking. Cons: Surge pricing (ride-hail) and traffic delays are common in the core.

Step-by-step: Taxi/ride-hail

1. Choose your pickup point: the easiest is usually on a curbside area near the CN Tower complex on Bremner Blvd.
2. In your app (or with a taxi), set destination as Union Station (65 Front St W) and confirm the exact drop-off point (Front St or Bay St side, depending on where you need to enter).
3. During busy periods, it can be faster to request pickup one block away from event traffic (ask your map to suggest a quieter curb).
4. On arrival, follow indoor signage inside Union Station to your platform/concourse; Union is a large complex with multiple levels.

Getting to the main embarking points (pickup spots)

• For the smoothest pickup, avoid stopping directly in the densest pedestrian zone; step to a legal curbside pickup area and double-check the pin location in your app.
• If you’re pre-booking a car, share a specific landmark near the CN Tower entrance so the driver can find you quickly.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚲 Option #4 — Bike (Waterfront Ride)

Scenic Often faster than cars Weather-dependent

• Overview: Biking is a fun way to cover the short distance to Union Station—especially in warm months. You can use Bike Share Toronto docks or rent a bike.
• Typical time: ~7–12 minutes riding, plus a few minutes to unlock/dock.
• How to book (with price): Check Bike Share Pass Pricing for official passes; for traditional rentals, compare options on bicycle rentals in Toronto.
• Pros: Flexible, scenic, can beat traffic. Cons: Not ideal in rain/snow; downtown riding requires confidence.

Step-by-step: Bike to Union Station

1. Find a nearby dock (Bike Share) around the CN Tower/Harbourfront area or pick up your rental bike.
2. Ride toward Union Station using protected lanes and waterfront-friendly routes where possible; keep an eye out for streetcar tracks and avoid crossing them at shallow angles.
3. Dock near Union Station and lock up properly; then walk inside to your required concourse/platform.
4. If carrying luggage, biking is less practical—consider door-to-door car or store bags first at Union Station-area storage.

Getting to the main embarking points (bike docks/rental pickup)

• For Bike Share, start by locating the closest dock to your exact CN Tower exit; choose a dock with available bikes and confirm your return dock near Union has open spaces.
• For rental bikes, confirm pickup/return hours and bring ID/payment method; online marketplaces can help you compare availability.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (CN Tower to Toronto Union Station)

What’s the easiest way to get from CN Tower to Toronto Union Station?
For most travelers, walking via the SkyWalk/PATH connection is simplest: it’s quick, free, and keeps you sheltered for much of the route.

How long does it take to walk from CN Tower to Union Station?
Plan for ~10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace; add a few minutes if you’re navigating Union Station for the first time.

Which TTC route should I take if I don’t want to walk?
Use the TTC streetcar option, typically 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina, both serving Union Station’s streetcar platform.

Do I need a PRESTO card to ride the streetcar?
Not necessarily. Many visitors use a PRESTO ticket or contactless payment depending on fare options; check current details on the TTC fares and passes page.

Is a taxi or Uber/Lyft faster than walking?
Sometimes, but not always. In rush hour or during big events (Rogers Centre/Scotiabank Arena), traffic can make driving slower than walking.

Where should I get dropped off at Union Station?
If you’re connecting to trains, ask to be dropped near the entrance that best matches your platform/concourse (Front St or Bay St side). Once inside, follow the signs for GO/VIA/UP Express/TTC.

Can I bike there safely?
Yes in good conditions, but downtown riding requires attention (streetcar tracks, pedestrians, and traffic). If you’re not comfortable, choose walking or streetcar.