Navigating Toronto. Discover Which Airport is Closer to Downtown

Skip the commute and get to the heart of Toronto faster with our guide on airports closer to Toronto downtown. Book your airport shuttles, including our popular Toronto airport shuttle, and find out how to get from Toronto Airport to Buffalo Airport hassle-free. Stay on top of your travel plans and take the quickest route to downtown. 

Are you looking for the closest airport to downtown Toronto? If so, you’ve come to the right place.  

Toronto is a bustling city with two major airports located close to downtown. The two airports, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, are both conveniently located within a short distance from the city centre. 

• In this post, we will discuss which airport is closer to downtown Toronto and how you can get there from either airport.  
• We will also discuss shuttle bus services from both airports to Niagara Falls. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of which airport is closer to downtown Toronto and how to get there. 
• Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, located just 22 km from downtown Toronto. It offers direct flights to over 180 destinations around the world and provides easy access to the city via public transportation or shuttle buses. 
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is much closer to downtown, just 2 km away. It offers flights to over 20 destinations in Canada and the United States, as well as convenient shuttle bus services from the airport to Niagara Falls. 
• No matter which airport you choose, you can be sure that you will be able to get into downtown Toronto quickly and easily. With Pearson located just over 27 km from Downtown Toronto and Billy Bishop located a mere 2 km away, you’ll have no problem getting to and from the airports. 

Toronto Airports and their proximity to Downtown Toronto 

These two airports provide easy access to Downtown Toronto, with Pearson located about 27 km (about 16.78 mi) away and Billy Bishop located just 2 km away.  

Toronto Pearson International Airport - Major gateway for international flights 

• Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada and serves as a major gateway for international flights.  
• The airport is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet, as well as a few other airlines, and offers a wide selection of flights to destinations around the world.  
• It's located in the vicinity of Mississauga, about 27 km from Downtown Toronto, and is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.  
• It serves over 50 million passengers per year, making it a major hub for international travel. The airport has two main terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 – and five runways. There are multiple options for ground transportation from the airport, including airport shuttles, public buses, taxi and limousine services, and even rail connections. 
• It offers non-stop flights to over 180 destinations in over 60 countries around the world. It is the main hub for Air Canada and WestJet, as well as several other airlines.  
• The airport offers a wide variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi. There are also lounges and services for business travelers, as well as a variety of ground transportation options.  
• Getting to the airport from downtown Toronto is fairly easy, as there are several options for getting there quickly and cheaply. The most popular route is the UP Express, a rail service that runs between Union Station in downtown Toronto and the airport.  
• The journey takes 25 minutes and other options include public buses, shuttles, and taxis.  
• Overall, Toronto Pearson International Airport is a major hub for international travel and offers travelers a wide variety of amenities and transportation options. It is easy to get to the airport from downtown Toronto, making it a great choice for those looking to travel quickly and conveniently. 

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – Gateway for domestic flights 

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, also known as Toronto Island Airport, is a smaller and more convenient option for those travelling within Canada. The airport is located on the Toronto Islands, 2 km from Downtown Toronto, and is accessible by ferry.  
• It’s serviced by Porter Airlines and offers flights to major Canadian cities. Whether you’re travelling within Canada or internationally, Toronto has an airport to fit your needs.  
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is located on Toronto Island, just minutes away from downtown Toronto. The airport provides quick and convenient access to the city for business travelers and tourists alike.  
• It is served by both local and international airlines, including Porter Airlines, Air Canada Express, and United Express. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the ninth busiest airport in Canada with more than 2.8 million passengers annually. It is a great option for travelers looking for a hassle-free airport experience.  
• The airport is equipped with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, shops and restaurants, and a business lounge. It also offers a variety of transportation options, including a complimentary shuttle bus to the mainland.  
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is known for its short security wait times and efficient check-in processes.  
• Additionally, you can avoid the airport’s parking fees by opting for public transportation or a ride-sharing service.  
• For those looking to get to downtown Toronto quickly and efficiently, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the perfect choice. With its close proximity to the city, modern amenities, and efficient processes, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience every time. 
• Comparing Transportation Options from Downtown Toronto to the Airport 
• Travelling from Downtown Toronto to the Airport can be done in a variety of ways. Depending on your budget and time availability, you can choose a route that best suits your needs. 

Public Transit 

Public transit is the one of most cost-efficient ways to travel from Downtown Toronto to the airport. The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is a modern rail service that takes passengers from Union Station to Toronto Pearson International Airport in as little as 25 minutes. Taking the UP Express train is an affordable option, costing $12.35 one-way. The train runs every 15 minutes. 

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services 

Taxis and ride-hailing services  are also popular methods of transportation from Downtown Toronto to the Airport. Taking a taxi is often the most convenient way to travel, as it is door-to-door service. However, it is also the most expensive option. Pre-book your airport transfers and private shuttle tours with Elife Limo and save 10% on return trips. 

Shuttle Services 

Shuttle services are also available from Downtown Toronto to the Airport. This is a cost-effective option, as it approximately costs between $45 - $50 CAD. However, keep in mind that this is a shared service, and your travel time will vary depending on the number of passengers and their destinations. 

Rental Cars 

Renting a car to take you from Downtown Toronto to the Airport is another option. This is typically the most expensive option, but it can also be the most comfortable and convenient. No matter which method of transportation you choose, you will be able to get from Downtown Toronto to the Airport in a timely and safe manner. 

Comparison of Transportation Options from Downtown Toronto to each Airport 

Are you planning on traveling to or from Toronto, but don't know which transportation option is the most cost-effective? We've got you covered! Here is a comparison of the costs of the various transportation options from downtown Toronto to each of the city's airports. 

From Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) 

The most economical option for traveling from downtown Toronto to Toronto Pearson International Airport is by public transit and pre-booked shuttle rides. The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is the fastest and most direct way to get to and from the airport. 

From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) 

The most cost-efficient way to get from downtown Toronto to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is to take the TTC.  
 
From Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) 

The most economical option for traveling to and from Region of Waterloo International Airport is by taking the GO Transit bus.  No matter which airport you are traveling to or from, there are plenty of cost-efficient transportation options available. So, make sure to compare the prices before you book your trip! 

Recommendations for the Best Route from Downtown Toronto to the Airport 

• The best route from Downtown Toronto to the airport depends on several factors, including the time of day, traffic, and your budget.  
• Generally, the fastest route to the airport is the Gardiner Expressway, which is accessible from most parts of downtown. However, this route is subject to high traffic and can be quite expensive due to tolls.  
• An alternate route is the Don Valley Parkway, which is usually less congested but still relatively quick. This route is toll-free and may be the most cost-effective option. For those on a tight budget, public transit is an option as well.  
• The UP Express train from Union Station to Pearson is the fastest public transit option and is also relatively affordable. However, if you plan to take the TTC, the most efficient route is to take the subway to Kipling Station and transfer to the 192 Airport Rocket bus.  

No matter which route you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. With careful planning, you can enjoy a stress-free journey to the airport and a relaxing flight.