The Union Pearson Express, or simply UP Express, is a dedicated air-rail connection between Pearson International Airport and Union Station in downtown Toronto. From point to point, the journey by train is a mere 25 minutes in either direction. Along the way, there are two quick stops: the Bloor GO Station and Weston GO Station.
Departures from both Pearson International and Union Station are just 15 minutes apart. This makes the UP Express the fastest and most efficient means of traveling between two of Canada’s busiest transportation hubs.
Travel route overview
Union Station ̶̶ Pearson Airport: 25m
First train: 4:55am
Last train: 11:00pm
Pearson Airport ̶̶ Union Station: 25m
First train: 5:27am
Last train: 11:27pm
Union Station is the country’s busiest railway hub. The train terminal offers a panoramic view of Toronto’s scenic city center and has several amenities to help make your travel experience that much easier. These include pay phones, ATM machines, flight information video screens, taxi services, cafés, restaurants and a business lounge with WiFi access. Wheelchairs and special assistance for disabled passengers are also available at the station.
Located approximately 22km northwest of downtown Toronto in the district of Mississauga, Pearson International is Canada’s biggest and busiest airport. It also ranks as the 33rd-busiest air terminal globally in terms of passenger traffic.
Pearson’s official name is Lester B. Pearson International Airport, given in 1984 in honor of Canada’s 14th prime minister. The airport has two public terminals in operation: Terminal 1 (T1), the larger of the two launched in 2004, and Terminal 3 (T3), which opened in 1991.
Often called Terminal 1 station because of its location in Terminal 1, Pearson station handles UP Express traffic to and from Union Station in Toronto. An adjoining LINK train service connects Terminal 1 with Terminal 3. There are a number of handy facilities within the station and nearby, including:
UP Express train tickets are available for one-way trips only. These tickets are valid exclusively on the date and in the direction indicated. Choose one of the following:
Only standard class seating is available for this route. All standard class coaches are brightly-lit and feature comfortable, quality seats and large windows.
Tickets can be booked up to 364 days in advance, but cannot be refunded or exchanged. Upon purchase, you’ll receive an e-ticket which can be conveniently printed from home or uploaded to your mobile device.
The UP Express fleet consists entirely of Nippon Sharyo DMU trains which can seat between 115 and 173 passengers. Boasting a maximum speed of 145km/h, these high-performance commuters are as efficient as they are comfortable. Throughout each trip, UP Express’ knowledgeable staff is always close at hand to offer assistance when needed.
Onboard baggage must not exceed 158cm in total dimensions (based on length, height and width) and 32kg in total weight. Smaller items are stored on luggage racks, while larger items are placed in oversize luggage storage areas on the train.
Passengers can carry their bicycle on board for free, but not during peak hours (except on Saturdays and Sundays) due to space restrictions.
A maximum of 2 pets per passenger are allowed on board as long as they remain in an appropriate pet carrier. Larger dogs are also permitted (except during peak hours), though they must be kept on a leash and closely monitored at all times. Leashed service animals are allowed to travel at no cost.
All UP Express trains and related railway stations are designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and special needs. Accompanying support persons can board free of charge. Travel assistance requests should be made at least 24 hours before the train departure time.