Guide to Navigating Through Toronto Pearson Airport Arrivals
Published: July 11, 2023
Welcome to Toronto! So, you’ve arrived at Pearson International Airport…now what? Arriving at Canada’s biggest and busiest airport can be a bit daunting, but we’ve got you covered with our easy step-by-step guide on how to get from arrivals to the UP Express Pearson Airport platform. No matter if you arrive on a domestic or international flight in Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, these wayfinding videos and guide will help you connect to UP Express. We’ll have you on your way to downtown Toronto’s UP Express Union Station in no time so you can make the most of your visit to our great city.
Getting downtown is quick, easy, and affordable with UP Express. Our service runs every 15 minutes, seven days a week and makes two stops along the way at UP Express Weston Station and UP Express Bloor Station. Beat the traffic headaches and arrive downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes onboard our comfortable, fully accessible trains featuring roomy luggage racks, overhead storage, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard washrooms.
Check your boarding pass, travel booking, with your airline or the UP Express website to find out which terminal you will arrive at. Once you’ve landed, look for the “Train to City” signs and the train icon marking the route to the UP Express platform at the airport. For more detailed instructions, refer to the guide below to get to the UP Express platform from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Arriving in Terminal 1
From Terminal 1 Domestic to UP Express Platform
It’s easy to get to the UP Express platform at Pearson Airport!
From the Domestic Baggage Hall:
• Exit into the terminal and look for the “Train to City” signs marked with a train icon.
• Following the “train to City” signs, you’ll find elevators and escalators to take you to the second level of the arrivals concourse. Alternatively, if you do not have to collect luggage, you can immediately follow the “Train to City” signs from the arrivals walkway after you exit the plane.
• Continue to follow the “Train to City” signs and walk across the ramp, turning left and through a set of doors where elevators and escalators will lead you up another level, directly onto the airport link train platform.
• You’re almost there! The first platform you arrive on is for the inter-terminal link train. Continue across this platform and continue to follow the “Train to City” signs which are clearly marked along the route.
From Terminal 1 International to UP Express Platform
If you’ve just arrived from an international destination, the UP Express platform is located a few levels up from the international arrivals concourse.
From the International Baggage Hall:
- Once you have exited into the International Arrivals Hall, head left and go down the main hall, making a right towards the escalators and elevators. Look for the “Train to City” signs marked with a train icon along the way.
- Follow the signs which indicate you’ll be going up to the next level. At the base of the escalators, you’ll also find an UP Express information booth if you have any questions about the 25 minute journey to downtown Toronto.
- When you reach level two, continue to follow the “Train to City” signs as you cross the ramp to the next level. Once you’re off the ramp and onto the next landing, look for the “Train to City” signs and walk left through the doors to the next hallway where you’ll find elevators and escalators.Continue up to the train platform level. The first platform you arrive on is the airport link train platform, not the UP Express platform. Simply continue walking forward down the platform to reach the UP Express platform and boarding area, remembering to always follow the “Train to City” signs.
Arriving in Terminal 3
From Terminal 3 Domestic to UP Express Platform
It’s easy to make your way to the UP Express train platform in Terminal 1!
From the Domestic Baggage Hall:
- When arriving in Terminal 3 from a domestic flight, after you have collected your baggage and exited from the arrivals gate, turn right and you’ll see the “Train to City” signs with a train icon.
- Continue walking down the arrivals hallway until you reach the escalators. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or pets, continue down the hallway to the elevators. Always look for the “Train to City” signs that mark the way, pointing you to go up to departures level.
- Once you’ve arrived at the departures level, walk down the hallway to the central escalators and elevators. Continue to follow the “Train to City” and Terminal 1 signs up another level.
- Walk down the ramp to escalators and elevators which will take you to the inter-terminal airport link train.
- Next, take the two minute link train to Terminal 1. When exiting the link train at Terminal 1, follow the signs to “Train to City” to reach the UP Express platform which is located just around the corner from the link train exit. Continue walking forward down the platform to reach the UP Express platform and boarding area, remembering to always follow the “Train to City” signs.
From Terminal 3 International to UP Express Platform
Arriving in Terminal 3 requires a short and easy airport link train ride to Terminal 1 where the UP Express platform is located.
From the International Baggage Hall:
- You’ll see the “Train to City” signs with a train icon here and all along the route guiding you to the UP Express platform.
- Follow the signs and take the escalators or elevators up to the departures level.
- Once you’ve reached the top, keep right and follow the “Train to City” signs to the central escalators and elevators.
- Continue to follow the “Train to City” and Terminal 1 signs up another level. Next, walk down the ramp to escalators and elevators which will take you to the airport link train.
- Here, you’ll take the two minute link train ride to Terminal 1. When exiting the link train at Terminal 1, follow the signs to “Train to City” to reach the UP Express platform which is located just around the corner from the link train exit.Continue walking forward down the platform to reach the UP Express platform and boarding area, remembering to always follow the “Train to City” signs.
On the UP Express Platform
How to Buy an UP Express Ticket
Now that you’ve reached the UP Express platform, you must buy a ticket before you board through one of these easy options:
- Through the airport UP Express ticket vending machines.
- Online at upexpress.com
- By using a PRESTO card, credit or debit card, mobile wallet on your phone or watch to tap-and-pay on the blue machines located on the platform. If using tap-and-go payment options, don’t forget to tap off at the end of your ride!
We offer a variety of fares including discounts for youth, post-secondary students, and families travelling together. Plus, kids under 12 always ride for free. Picking up friends or family at the airport? Take advantage of our special Meeter & Greeter return fare for guests meeting travellers at the airport. Trips must originate from Union, Bloor and Weston stations only to take advantage of the reduced fare.
Now that you have your ticket, you’re ready to board!
Fully Accessible Trains
Our trains and platforms are fully accessible. Every UP Express train board at platform level making it easy for travellers with mobility devices to smoothly board the train. Once onboard, you’ll find accessible seating and luggage areas as well as simple, easy-to-follow signage. Service animals are welcome on UP Express but must be leashed at all times while smaller pets must remain in their carriers.
Click here for more details about accessible travel on UP Express including accessibility throughout Toronto Pearson Airport.
Arriving at an UP Express Station in Toronto
All UP Express trains make three stops after departing from the airport. Each train will arrive at UP Express Weston Station, UP Express Bloor Station, and UP Express Union Station in downtown Toronto.
Travelling to Weston Station? Get there in 11 minutes.
Travelling to Bloor Station? Get there in 17 minutes.
Travelling to Union Station? Get there in 25 minutes.
Check out our neighbourhood guides on sights and attractions near each station:
We have plenty more suggestions on how to make the most of your trip to Toronto on our Discover Toronto blog! Find the best slice of pizza in the city, check out an iconic music venue, enjoy the vibes in Kensington Market, hit the trails, and much, much more.