How to get from Toronto Pearson Airport to CN Tower

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to the CN Tower is easy: the UP Express train to Union Station + a short walk is fastest and cheapest, taxis/rideshares are door-to-door, TTC is the budget alternative, and private cars work well for families or late arrivals. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.

At A Glance (Toronto Pearson Airport to CN Tower)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 UP Express (Pearson → Union) + Walk	~25m train + 10–12m walk	Fast & reliable to downtown
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 12.35 adult one-way (tapping card) + free walk » UP Express official
🚇 TTC Bus + Subway (Pearson → Union) + Walk	~60–75m + 10–12m walk	Budget travelers
🏷️ Cost: CAD 3.35 adult (single fare) » TTC fares
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~30–60m (traffic)	Heavy luggage, mobility needs, late nights
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 55–85 per car + tip (metered)
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)	~30–60m	Families, groups, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 80–160 per vehicle » get quotes | GetYourGuide transfers
🚘 Rental Car (YYZ → Downtown)	~30–60m drive	Road-trippers with luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 70–120/day + parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Reliable: UP Express to Union Station, then walk to the CN Tower.
• Cheapest: TTC bus + subway on a single fare; slower but great value.
• Most Convenient (door-to-door): Taxi/rideshare or a private transfer if you have lots of luggage or arrive late.
• Driving anyway: Rent a car only if you’ll explore beyond downtown (parking near CN Tower is pricey).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Contactless works on transit: Tap a credit/debit card or mobile wallet on UP Express and TTC gates.
• Luggage storage: Sightseeing first? Stash bags via Radical Storage Toronto.
• Tours & tickets: Combine your trip with timed-entry on GetYourGuide (CN Tower & nearby).
• Staying downtown: Browse hotels walkable to the CN Tower on Booking.com near CN Tower.

🚆 Option #1 — UP Express (Pearson → Union) + Walk (Fastest & Easiest)

Fast Every 15–30 min Short walk

• Overview: Direct airport train from Toronto Pearson to Union Station in ~25 minutes; the CN Tower is a ~10–12 minute signed walk from Union (follow “Skywalk/CN Tower”).
• How to book (with price): No prebooking required. Tap a contactless card/phone at the gates or buy a ticket; adult fare ~CAD 12.35. Check schedules on the UP Express official site.
• Pros: Fast, traffic-free, step-free access. Cons: Short walk outdoors; can be busy at peaks.

Step-by-step: UP Express to CN Tower

1. From arrivals at YYZ, follow signs to UP Express (Terminal 1 station; free Terminal Link train connects T3↔T1).
2. Tap your contactless card/phone, or purchase a ticket. Board the next train to Union Station.
3. At Union, follow signs for Skywalk/CN Tower. Exit near Bremner Blvd/Simcoe St.
4. Walk ~700 m to the CN Tower entrance (beside Ripley’s Aquarium and Rogers Centre).

Getting to the main embarking points (Pearson T1 & Union Station)

• Pearson T1 Station: Clearly signed from arrivals; elevators/escalators available.
• Union Station: Multiple exits—look for Skywalk/CN Tower wayfinding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇 Option #2 — TTC Bus + Subway (One Fare, Budget)

Cheapest Frequent More transfers

• Overview: From Pearson, take TTC 900 Airport Express to Kipling Station, ride Line 2 east, transfer to Line 1 south to Union Station, then walk to the CN Tower.
• How to book (with price): Pay once (Presto/contactless or cash) ~CAD 3.35. See fare rules on the TTC site.
• Pros: Lowest cost, runs late. Cons: Multiple transfers; longer than UPX.

Step-by-step: TTC to CN Tower

1. From YYZ arrivals, follow signs to the TTC bus stops; board 900 Airport Express to Kipling Station.
2. Tap once to pay; at Kipling, enter the subway and ride Line 2 (Bloor–Danforth) eastbound to St George.
3. Transfer to Line 1 (Yonge–University) southbound and ride to Union Station.
4. Exit toward Skywalk/CN Tower and walk ~10–12 minutes to the entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pearson Bus Bay & Subway)

• Pearson TTC Stops: Signed “Buses/Transit”; ask staff for 900 if unsure.
• Union Station: Follow concourse signage to Skywalk/CN Tower.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Convenient 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Authorized taxis queue outside each terminal; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) use designated pickup areas. Drive time varies by traffic; drop-off is right at the CN Tower plaza.
• How to book (with price): Metered fares typically CAD 55–85 + tip. For fixed quotes (sedan/van/child seats), compare GetTransfer.
• Pros: No transfers; ideal with kids/gear. Cons: Costly at peak times; potential congestion downtown.

Step-by-step: Taxi/Rideshare to CN Tower

1. Follow terminal signs to Taxis/Ride App Pickup and join the line or request your car in the app.
2. Confirm destination as CN Tower, 290 Bremner Blvd; ask for the drop loop near Ripley’s Aquarium if busy.
3. Pay by card/cash; tip ~10–15% in Canada.
4. Walk straight to the CN Tower entrance from the drop point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Curbside & CN Tower)

• YYZ: Taxi stands are curbside at both terminals; rideshare zones are signed.
• CN Tower: Drop-off loop by the plaza (Bremner Blvd).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Groups/Families)

Meet at arrivals Fixed price Higher cost

• Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and escorts you to a sedan/MPV/van, then drops you at the CN Tower or your hotel nearby.
• How to book (with price): ~CAD 80–160 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: Guaranteed pickup; child seats on request. Cons: Pricier than public transit.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer to CN Tower

1. Book a vehicle/size with pickup time and flight number via GetTransfer or GetYourGuide.
2. On arrival, message your driver and meet at the agreed point in the arrivals hall.
3. Ride directly to CN Tower (or your hotel), then walk into the plaza.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Hall & Plaza)

• YYZ Meet Point: Drivers usually wait by the exit from customs; confirm by message.
• CN Tower Plaza: Easy drop-off with short walk to ticketing/security.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Rental Car (Only if You’ll Drive Beyond Downtown)

Flexible Good with luggage Downtown parking

• Overview: Pick up at YYZ’s on-airport rental center and drive downtown via Highway 427/Gardiner. Park in nearby garages—street parking is limited.
• How to book (with price): From ~CAD 70–120/day + parking/fuel. Compare agencies on Booking.com Car Rental (Toronto) or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Door-to-door control; useful if visiting Niagara after. Cons: Traffic and parking fees downtown.

Step-by-step: Drive to CN Tower

1. Follow signs to Car Rentals at Pearson, collect your vehicle, confirm toll settings and fuel policy.
2. Set GPS to CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd) and follow Hwy 427 → Gardiner Expy eastbound to downtown.
3. Use a nearby garage (e.g., Southcore/Convention Centre) and walk a few minutes to the tower.

Getting to the main embarking points (YYZ Rentals & Downtown)

• YYZ Rentals: Connected to terminals via covered walkways.
• Downtown Garages: Plenty around Bremner Blvd/Front St; check max height if you have an SUV/van.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Toronto Pearson Airport to CN Tower)

How long should I allow from landing to the CN Tower?
For international arrivals, 1.5–2.5 hours is comfortable including immigration/bags and the ride to downtown.

Is the walk from Union Station to the CN Tower easy with luggage?
Yes—about 700 m via the Skywalk with ramps/elevators. In bad weather, a short taxi for the last stretch is easy.

Can I pay for UP Express/TTC with my credit card?
Yes. Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at gates/readers; fares are charged automatically.

Where exactly is the CN Tower entrance?
290 Bremner Blvd, beside Ripley’s Aquarium and Rogers Centre—follow signs in the plaza.

Any luggage tips if I arrive early?
Use CN Tower lockers if available or stash bags with Radical Storage locations downtown.

Best areas to stay for walking to the tower?
Southcore/Entertainment District and Harbourfront. Compare nearby hotels on Booking.com near CN Tower.