Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

YYZCanadaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto, Canada

Drop-off

Downtown Toronto (Union Station)

Pin before customs

Fastest

UP Express (Union Pearson Express)

rail · 15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: UP Express (Union Pearson Express)
Headway: 15
Backup: TTC 900 Airport Express + Line 2 Subway · 10-20m

Note

Dedicated airport rail link from Pearson Terminal 1 station to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 28 minutes, running daily roughly 05:30–00:57 with trains usually every 15 minutes; follow “Train to City” signs or use the free Terminal Link train from Terminal 3 to reach the station.

Budget focus

Toronto: Fare Hacker Playbook

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: TTC 900 Airport Express + Line 2 Subway
Mode: bus
Freq: 10-20m
Note: Express bus from Pearson Terminals 1 and 3 to Kipling Station on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, then connect by subway toward downtown (e.g. St. George/Bloor–Yonge) for a typical total journey around 45 minutes; operates approximately 05:30–02:00 most days with frequent service.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: UP Express (Union Pearson Express)
Mode: rail
Freq: 15m
Note: Dedicated airport rail link from Pearson Terminal 1 station to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 28 minutes, running daily roughly 05:30–00:57 with trains usually every 15 minutes; follow “Train to City” signs or use the free Terminal Link train from Terminal 3 to reach the station.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.