Most Canadian airports have a train or a bus that costs a fraction of a taxi. This is useful for visitors, including parents visiting from abroad, and for anyone arriving home.
By airport
Getting from the airport into the city in Canada
| City | Airports | Getting into the city |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Toronto Pearson (YYZ), plus Billy Bishop (YTZ) downtown for short flights | The UP Express train runs from Pearson to Union Station in about 25 minutes, usually far cheaper than a taxi. |
| Montreal | Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) | The 747 bus runs 24/7 between the airport and downtown and costs a fraction of a taxi. |
| Vancouver | Vancouver International (YVR), with Abbotsford (YXX) for some budget flights | The Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown in about 25 minutes. |
| Calgary | Calgary International (YYC) | Calgary Transit's Route 300 bus links the airport with downtown for the price of a transit fare. |
| Ottawa | Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier (YOW) | OC Transpo buses connect the airport to the O-Train and downtown. |
| Edmonton | Edmonton International (YEG) | ETS Route 747 links the airport with Century Park LRT station, the cheapest way into the city. |
| Winnipeg | Winnipeg Richardson International (YWG) | Winnipeg Transit buses connect the airport with downtown for a regular fare, and the drive is only about 15 minutes. |
| Halifax | Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) | The MetroX 320 bus runs between the airport and downtown Halifax for a regular transit fare. |
Arriving from abroad: what happens before you leave the airport
- Border control. Follow the signs for arrivals. Most travellers answer the customs and immigration questions at a kiosk or eGate, then see a border officer only if asked.
- Baggage claim. Collect checked bags after border control, including on a connecting trip if this is your first stop in Canada.
- Customs exit. Follow the exit signs with your bags; an officer may ask to check them. Declare food, plants, and gifts over the limits. Declaring is quick; not declaring can mean a fine.
- Getting into the city. Signs for trains, buses and taxis start in the arrivals hall. Pay for trains and buses by card where the operator allows it, or buy a ticket from the machine.
Collecting visiting parents? Meet them in the arrivals hall, as the border area is closed to people meeting travellers, and check the flight's status before you leave home.
Questions
Common questions
What is the cheapest way from Toronto Pearson to downtown?
The UP Express train to Union Station takes about 25 minutes and costs much less than a taxi, per our page for Toronto. Check the current fare on the operator's site.
Is there a train from Vancouver airport to downtown?
Yes. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown in about 25 minutes.
Are these good options for visiting parents?
Yes. They are simpler than a taxi for a first arrival, but if your parents have a lot of luggage or have flown a long way, a pre-booked ride may be easier.