Destination Toronto
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) is situated to the west of the city. It is the main hub for Star Alliance member Air Canada and is served by numerous Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines.
Airport Code – YYZ
Distance to Central Toronto – 15 Miles
Toronto Population – 7,200,000
Language – English
Currency – Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Voltage – 120v
Plug – Type A and Type B
Credit Cards – Widely Accepted
LGBTQ Friendly – Yes
Toronto Airport to City Transport Options
Train
Car & Pick Up
Bus
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) train departs from a station adjacent to the Terminal 1 Link at Toronto Airport.
Journey time to Union Station in downtown Toronto is 25 minutes with services operating every 15 minutes between 0500-0100.
Tickets are available in advance from UP Express or at the station. Advance tickets are CAD12.35 in advance with discounts available for groups (as of 1st September 2025).
Use the 900 Bus from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 to the Kipling Subway Station for a connection to the Bloor-Danforth Subway into the City Centre.
The combined bus/subway fare is CAD3.35 (as of 1st September 2025).
Taxi
Official Toronto taxis are available outside all terminals.
Fares are metered, expect to pay CAD50-70 from the airport to the City Centre.
The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.
Welcome To Toronto
Canada’s largest city offers visitors a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern urban life. It sits on the shores of Lake Ontario and is often described as a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character and community.
For many travelers, the best way to begin exploring Toronto is at the waterfront, where parks, trails, and harborside restaurants frame views of the lake. A short ferry ride takes you to the Toronto Islands, a chain of small islands that provide beaches, picnic areas, and some of the best skyline views of the city.
At the heart of downtown stands the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. Once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, it remains an essential stop for panoramic views stretching across the city and, on clear days, as far as Niagara Falls. Surrounding the tower is the Entertainment District, home to theaters, sports venues, and bustling nightlife. The Rogers Centre, with its retractable roof, hosts baseball games, concerts, and other major events.
Toronto is also known for its cultural attractions. The Royal Ontario Museum showcases natural history and world cultures in striking architecture that combines a historic building with a dramatic modern addition. Nearby, the Art Gallery of Ontario houses an extensive collection of Canadian and international art. The city’s multicultural heritage is visible in its neighborhoods: Kensington Market is filled with eclectic shops, murals, and global cuisines, while Greektown, Little Italy, and Chinatown each offer their own traditions and flavors.
Food is a central part of the Toronto experience. The city’s diversity is reflected in its dining scene, where visitors can sample everything from authentic dim sum to Caribbean jerk chicken. St. Lawrence Market, one of the world’s great food markets, is a must-visit for fresh produce, local specialties, and artisan goods. Coffee shops and craft breweries are plentiful, and the city’s fine dining scene is thriving, with acclaimed chefs drawing on both local ingredients and international influences.
For those who enjoy shopping, Toronto offers a mix of luxury boutiques, independent stores, and large malls such as the Eaton Centre in the downtown core. Queen Street West is a hub for fashion and design, while Yorkville is known for upscale shopping and galleries. Street art, live music, and festivals add to the creative energy throughout the city, with events such as the Toronto International Film Festival drawing global attention every September.
Nature is never far away in Toronto. High Park, the city’s largest green space, offers trails, gardens, and even a small zoo, while the Don Valley and Humber River provide scenic spots for walking and cycling.
Toronto is perfectly positioned for day trips to the wine country of the Niagara Peninsular, Niagara Falls or the city of Stratford on the River Avon.
Getting Around Toronto
Toronto’s public transport system is managed primarily by the Toronto Transit Commission, or TTC, which operates subways, streetcars, and buses throughout the city.
The subway forms the backbone of the network with four lines that connect major neighborhoods, business districts, and attractions. It is often the fastest way to travel longer distances across the city, particularly during rush hour when traffic on the roads can be heavy.
The red and white Streetcars (trams) are a distinctive feature of the city and run on key routes above ground and provide frequent service along major streets such as Queen, King, and Spadina. They are especially useful for exploring central Toronto, where stops are close together and many attractions are just a short walk away.
The bus network fills in the gaps by covering areas that are not directly served by subways or streetcars, extending the reach of the TTC into residential neighborhoods and suburban areas.
Public transit in Toronto runs from early morning until late at night, with the subway operating roughly from 6 am to 1:30 am on weekdays and Saturdays, and starting later on Sundays. Overnight, the Blue Night Network of buses covers major routes when the subway is closed, ensuring that travelers can still move around the city at any hour.
The rechargeable PRESTO card can be bought at via the PRESTO app and is the most convenient way to pay. All modes of transport are integrated and a single ticket allows two hours of travel across the network.