Union Pearson Express: Toronto's New Airport Rail Link
Jun 17, 2015, 12:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: ZRH, CGN
Programs: AA Gold, *G
Posts: 257
Union Pearson Express: Toronto's New Airport Rail Link
Toronto recently got its long-awaited rail link from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to the downtown core. Some folks have been discussing it here.
From airport to downtown, it costs $27.50 one way or $53 return. Opting for a Presto contactless payment card brings the price of the fares down a bit but a deposit is required for the card itself. The page for the fares is here.
After arriving at terminal 1, I followed the signs for "trains" but it was tougher to find that I expected. I ended up asking someone for directions, leading me to cross from the main terminal building (near the "C" area) to the parking garage building.
Escalator to the train platform
Upon arriving at the platform, I looked to purchase a Presto card since it amounted to some savings with multiple trips. The card was not available from the machines so I had to purchase it from the end of the platform, which was fine but slightly inconvenient.
Train platform
Presto tap on pole
With Presto, you have to tap on before boarding and tap off after disembarking.
Expectedly so, the interior of the train was very nice given that it was new. The seats were comfortable and there were enough racks to stow your bags.
Train interior
Seats
Lavatory
The train makes two short stops before arriving in downtown Toronto. I was surprised to see that construction was still going on at the two intermediate stops. I managed to snap a picture of the exterior of the train during one of these stops. From the outside, I thought the train looks a lot worse.
Station map
Train exterior
Overall, it was a pleasant journey. Given the price, would I do it if I weren't traveling alone? Probably not. But if you are a solo traveler looking for a quick way to get to downtown Toronto in rush hour, this isn't a bad option.
From airport to downtown, it costs $27.50 one way or $53 return. Opting for a Presto contactless payment card brings the price of the fares down a bit but a deposit is required for the card itself. The page for the fares is here.
After arriving at terminal 1, I followed the signs for "trains" but it was tougher to find that I expected. I ended up asking someone for directions, leading me to cross from the main terminal building (near the "C" area) to the parking garage building.
Escalator to the train platform
Upon arriving at the platform, I looked to purchase a Presto card since it amounted to some savings with multiple trips. The card was not available from the machines so I had to purchase it from the end of the platform, which was fine but slightly inconvenient.
Train platform
Presto tap on pole
With Presto, you have to tap on before boarding and tap off after disembarking.
Expectedly so, the interior of the train was very nice given that it was new. The seats were comfortable and there were enough racks to stow your bags.
Train interior
Seats
Lavatory
The train makes two short stops before arriving in downtown Toronto. I was surprised to see that construction was still going on at the two intermediate stops. I managed to snap a picture of the exterior of the train during one of these stops. From the outside, I thought the train looks a lot worse.
Station map
Train exterior
Overall, it was a pleasant journey. Given the price, would I do it if I weren't traveling alone? Probably not. But if you are a solo traveler looking for a quick way to get to downtown Toronto in rush hour, this isn't a bad option.
Jun 17, 2015, 10:39 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 186
I did it Monday, albeit from downtown to Pesrson at 530 (rush hour) where it can take 60-90 minutes from my office to the airport. Lots of it just because of construction downtown.
Walked down to Union (10 mins), used my presto and 25 mins or so later I was in terminal one. Now I will expense the 19 bucks, and especially during rush hour I think it will be used a lot it's a nice service to our city.
Weekends and non rush hour times especially with People I assume many will elect to take a cab, but rush hour, winter driving - going from anywhere in the path to Pearson without having to go outside will be nice.
Walked down to Union (10 mins), used my presto and 25 mins or so later I was in terminal one. Now I will expense the 19 bucks, and especially during rush hour I think it will be used a lot it's a nice service to our city.
Weekends and non rush hour times especially with People I assume many will elect to take a cab, but rush hour, winter driving - going from anywhere in the path to Pearson without having to go outside will be nice.
Jun 17, 2015, 6:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: yyz
Programs: Non-Rev Lifetime
Posts: 1,925
When I "tapped-off" using Presto card at YYZ the charge was $22.xx
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
No one talks about using UPX to and from T3 at YYZ
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
No one talks about using UPX to and from T3 at YYZ
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
Last edited by PropWasher; Jun 17, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Jun 18, 2015, 8:55 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: yyz
Posts: 1,611
No one talks about using UPX to and from T3 at YYZ
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
Jun 18, 2015, 11:31 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC 75k, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,154
When I "tapped-off" using Presto card at YYZ the charge was $22.xx
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
Jun 19, 2015, 6:40 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
When I "tapped-off" using Presto card at YYZ the charge was $22.xx
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
No one talks about using UPX to and from T3 at YYZ
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014...t_parking.html
It's a bit of a hike from the Bay street GO (advertised as Union) bus station to Union station proper as it is from Union station proper to the UPX platform
No one talks about using UPX to and from T3 at YYZ
https://www.upexpress.com/Content/Im...p_Lightbox.jpg
Jun 19, 2015, 8:54 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, 50K Altitude, Nexus
Posts: 339
I took it home this morning, instead of a cab, I live King west and thought it was pretty good.
Now I took it at 8AM, during rush hour where I normally get killed if I do these morning flights home.
I think they could have made it more Go trainish to keep costs under control, do you need a washroom and wi-fi on a 25 minute ride? It was about 50% full I'd say.
Now I took it at 8AM, during rush hour where I normally get killed if I do these morning flights home.
I think they could have made it more Go trainish to keep costs under control, do you need a washroom and wi-fi on a 25 minute ride? It was about 50% full I'd say.
Jun 19, 2015, 2:01 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
As much as I love rail, I too cannot get over the price. I understand that it is cheaper than the main alternatives used by most people on this site - taxi or drive and park - but at over $50 CAD round-trip I just can't help wondering how "public" this public transportation really is.
Jun 19, 2015, 3:45 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Plat, Aeroplan dDiamond
Posts: 364
As much as I love rail, I too cannot get over the price. I understand that it is cheaper than the main alternatives used by most people on this site - taxi or drive and park - but at over $50 CAD round-trip I just can't help wondering how "public" this public transportation really is.
The bus/subway option still exists for those who can't / won't shell out the $$ for UP. Like how the Tube is an alternative for Heathrow. Slower but cheaper.
Jun 19, 2015, 4:38 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: In between IAD and DCA
Programs: UA Plat 1.1MM , Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,262
Please. Price is very comparable to other limited-stop express services such as Heathrow Express and Hong Kong Airport Express.
The bus/subway option still exists for those who can't / won't shell out the $$ for UP. Like how the Tube is an alternative for Heathrow. Slower but cheaper.
The bus/subway option still exists for those who can't / won't shell out the $$ for UP. Like how the Tube is an alternative for Heathrow. Slower but cheaper.
http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/tf_index.html