Option 1: Shuttle Bus
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- The most convenient option (that as a bonus includes free Wi-Fi). The YTZ shuttle bus operates every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to about midnight. Departing from the Passenger Tunnel Access Building at the airport and travelling along Queens Quay to the west side of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel (York Street) just across the street (Front Street) from Union Station. Note: the shuttle bus pick up/drop off is at the northeast corner of Front and York Street. This shuttle service from Toronto Island Airport to downtown runs in traffic so travel times can be longer depending on rush hour or major events in the downtown core.
- Fare is $0 – free
- Pros: A direct, free way to reach downtown Toronto.
- Cons: The shuttle bus runs mixed in with traffic which can lead to delays during rush hour.
- The Gist: The best option to reach downtown Toronto and Union Station.
Option 2: TTC 509 Harbourfront Streetcar
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- Exit the airport from the pedestrian tunnel or ferry and walk north to the intersection of Bathurst Street and Queens Quay. Board the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar to Union Station.
- Furthermore, for those going beyond downtown, walk one more block north to catch the 511 Bathurst to Bathurst Station to connect with the TTC subway system and avoid the downtown at rush hour.
- Fare is $3.35
- Pros: An affordable budget friendly option separated from traffic. Plus a direct connection into the TTC network.
- Cons: Cost compared to the free shuttle bus. Travelling with luggage at rush hour can be stressful
- The Gist: If you need to travel beyond Union Station, the TTC Streetcar is a good option
Option 3: Taxi / Rideshare
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- The most expensive option but the most private. Uber & Lyft offer rides from the pick-up locations next to Passenger Tunnel Access Building. Expect to pay surge pricing depending on the demand. Rush hour traffic in Toronto can result in heavy gridlock so be prepared for surge pricing and delays.
- Fare is starting at $15
- Pros: A good option for those with luggage and want peace of mind.
- Cons: Costly and rush hour traffic might cause delays.
- The Gist: The best option for those travelling heavy with luagge and in a small group.
Option 4: Bike
- Travel time: 15 minutes
- Located only 3 km from the downtown, biking from the YTZ to the core is an adventurous, unique option. Rent a bike from the Bike Share Toronto kiosk at the corner of Bathurst Street and Queens Quay.
- For those with bikes, an open-air bike rack lockup is available on the island side of the airport. Located in a covered area just west of the ferry dock. Lock at own risk but with access to the airport restricted from 11:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. owners will have some peace of mind.
- Fare is starting at $1 to unlock + $0.12/minute.
- Pros: A great way to get those steps in after a long flight. Plus calming, waterfront views of the harbour.
- Cons: Only doable if travelling with carry-on luggage.
- The Gist: For the adventurous minded, biking is fun option to discover Toronto and the waterfront.
Option 5: Walk
- Travel time: 30 minutes
- If it’s a nice day, why not? The airport is roughly a 30 minute walk to downtown Toronto. Uniquely YTZ has a distinction of being one of the closest major passenger airports to it’s respective downtown in the world. Seriously, YTZ is the closest a passenger flight can land as you can get. Might as well take advantage to get off the plane, stretch your legs, make use of your wheeled luggage, and finish your journey by walking the final portion from YTZ to downtown Toronto.
- Fare is $0 – free
- Pros: A great way to get those steps in after a long flight. Plus calming, waterfront viewsof the harbour.
- Cons: The 30 minute walking time is not for everyone.
- The Gist: For the adventurous minded, walking is fun option to discover Toronto.
