Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) — Taxi Fare Guide
Toronto Pearson uses a system of zone-based flat rates for licensed airport taxis and limos, available 24/7 from the stands outside the arrivals level at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The price is fixed by the destination zone rather than a running meter, so you know the fare before you get in and it does not change with traffic or time of day.
A ride to downtown Toronto typically runs CAD $65-$75. The flat rate already reflects a $10 airport surcharge that applies to trips originating at Pearson (there is no surcharge on drop-offs). Fares can vary with the number of passengers and vehicle type (standard sedan versus a larger van or accessible vehicle), and taxis accept major credit and debit cards with a receipt on request.
Ride-hailing is a strong alternative: Uber and Lyft pick up from designated areas on the arrivals level and are frequently cheaper than the flat-rate taxi off-peak, though surge pricing can push them higher. Budget travellers can also take the UP Express train to Union Station in about 25 minutes for a fraction of the taxi fare.
| Destination | Approx. fare | Time |
| Downtown Toronto / Union Station | CAD $65-$75 | 30-45 min |
| North York | CAD $50-$60 | 25-35 min |
| Mississauga (near airport) | CAD $25-$40 | 10-20 min |
| Scarborough | CAD $80-$95 | 40-55 min |
Practical tips: Confirm the flat-rate zone and price with the dispatcher at the rank before departing. Only use the official marked taxi/limo stands, keep your receipt, and budget extra travel time during weekday rush hours when the trip downtown can approach an hour.
Other ways to the city
Toronto Pearson is one of the best-connected airports in North America, and a taxi is only one option. If you are travelling light or on a budget, these alternatives get you into the city reliably:
- UP Express train - the fastest link. Trains leave Terminal 1 every 15 minutes and reach Union Station downtown in about 25 minutes, with stops at Bloor and Weston. Roughly CAD 12-13 one way with a PRESTO card or contactless payment.
- TTC Route 900 Airport Express bus - runs from both terminals to Kipling subway station in about 20 minutes, where you connect to Line 2. A single TTC fare of around CAD 3.30 covers the bus and the subway ride onward, making it the cheapest way downtown.
- TTC Route 52A and night buses - the 52A Lawrence West serves the airport around the clock, and the 300A blue night bus runs when the subway is closed. Same low TTC fare.
- GO Transit regional buses - direct coaches to Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa and Richmond Hill from the Ground Transportation area. Fares are typically CAD 6-15 depending on distance, journey times 30-90 minutes.
- Hotel and airport shuttles - many hotels near the airport run free shuttles from the terminal courtesy pick-up zones; call the hotel on arrival.
A taxi still wins if you have several bags, are arriving late at night, or are heading somewhere outside the direct transit corridors.
Toronto — Highlights in photos
Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate — always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.