UP Express to Union in 28 Min: Toronto Airport Guide (World Cup 2026)
The UP Express train runs Pearson Airport to Union Station in 28 minutes every 15 minutes (C$12.35) — the fastest arrival route for World Cup 2026. Billy Bishop puts you downtown in a 1-minute ferry. Full airport-to-BMO Field guide.
Published June 18, 2026·5 min read
Summary
The fastest way from Toronto Pearson into the city for World Cup 2026 is the UP Express train, which reaches Union Station in about 28 minutes with departures every 15 minutes for C$12.35. If you fly into Billy Bishop, you're downtown in a 1-minute ferry. Here's how to clear each airport, connect to BMO Field, and stay online from the gate.
Pearson (YYZ): take the UP Express
Most international fans land at Toronto Pearson. Skip the taxi line and walk to the UP Express platform at Terminal 1: the train reaches Union Station in roughly 28 minutes, runs every 15 minutes, and costs C$12.35 one way. For the tournament, Metrolinx is boosting GO Transit and UP Express service from June 10 to July 5, 2026, adding two late-night UP trips out of Union at 01:15 and 01:45 so post-match crowds aren't stranded.
Arrival options at a glance
| Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UP Express (Pearson → Union) | ~28 min | C$12.35 |
| Billy Bishop ferry/tunnel + walk | ~10 min to downtown | Free shuttle/ferry |
| Rideshare/taxi from Pearson | 35–60 min (traffic) | ~C$60–80 |
From Union, you connect to everything: the 509/511 streetcar or Exhibition GO to BMO Field, the subway to Yorkville, and GO trains out to the suburbs. Union is the hub of your whole trip.
Billy Bishop (YTZ): the downtown shortcut
Flying regional or domestic? Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits on the Toronto Islands at the edge of downtown. You reach the mainland by a 1-minute ferry or the pedestrian tunnel under the lake, landing at the foot of Bathurst Street — a short walk or streetcar ride from the Entertainment District and BMO Field. It's the most painless arrival if your route offers it.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Don't hunt for airport Wi-Fi to buy a ticket or load a map. A North America eSIM connects to Rogers or Bell the moment you land at Pearson or Billy Bishop and keeps working in every host city across Canada, the US, and Mexico — no roaming bill, from US$5. See setup in our Toronto connectivity guide.
FAQ
QHow do I get from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown for the World Cup?
ATake the UP Express train from Pearson to Union Station — about 28 minutes, every 15 minutes, for C$12.35. From Union you connect to TTC streetcars, GO Transit, and the subway across the city.
QIs GO Transit and UP Express service increased for World Cup 2026?
AYes — Metrolinx is adding GO and UP service from June 10 to July 5, 2026. That includes two late-night UP Express trips leaving Union at 01:15 and 01:45 to cover post-match arrivals.
QWhat is Billy Bishop Airport and how do I reach downtown from it?
ABilly Bishop (YTZ) sits on the Toronto Islands; reach downtown via a 1-minute ferry or pedestrian tunnel. Both lead straight to the foot of Bathurst Street, a short hop from the Entertainment District.
QDo I need a SIM or eSIM the moment I land in Toronto?
AYes — a North America eSIM installs before you fly and connects to Rogers or Bell on arrival. UP Express times, your mobile match ticket, and maps all need data, and the same plan works across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Bottom line
Ride the UP Express from Pearson or ferry in from Billy Bishop, then make Union your base for everything else. Next, pick where to stay, plan your route to BMO Field, and grab a World Cup 2026 eSIMso you're connected from the jet bridge onward.