How to Get From Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport
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Yes, Direct Buses Run Daily
Union Station is just 2.9 kilometers from Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ). Depending on your schedule and budget, you can get there in 3 to 30 minutes using one of four main options: a free shuttle, a taxi or rideshare, the public tram, or by walking.
This guide breaks down the exact time, cost, and step-by-step directions for how to get from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport so you can choose the best route for your flight.
Table of Contents
Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport — All Options at a Glance
Choosing the right way to travel depends on your schedule and budget.
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi or Uber | 3–8 min | $10–$15 | Fastest, any time |
| Free Airport Shuttle | 15–20 min | Free | Budget, no rush |
| TTC Streetcar (509) | 18–22 min | $3.30 | Budget + flexible |
| Walk | 25–30 min | Free | Light bag, good weather |
Taxi or Uber
Travel Time
3–8 min
Cost
$10–$15
Best For
Fastest, any time
Free Airport Shuttle
Travel Time
15–20 min
Cost
Free
Best For
Budget, no rush
TTC Streetcar (509)
Travel Time
18–22 min
Cost
$3.30
Best For
Budget + flexible
Walk
Travel Time
25–30 min
Cost
Free
Best For
Light bag, good weather
Free Shuttle Bus — The Most Popular Option
The free shuttle bus is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport. The service is entirely free for all passengers, requires no advanced booking, and includes complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.
The shuttle departs from 44 York Street, which is located directly outside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, just steps across the street from Union Station’s York Street exit. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive to the airport mainland terminal takes approximately 15 minutes.
Schedule and Frequency
The shuttle runs on a continuous loop seven days a week.
| Time of Day | Frequency |
| Standard Hours | Every 15 minutes |
| Early Mornings / Late Nights | Every 25 minutes |
Step-by-Step Directions
Exit Union Station onto York Street.
Cross the street toward the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to find the designated shuttle bus stop signs.
Board the shuttle; you do not need to show a ticket or a boarding pass.
Arrive at the mainland pavilion, then take either the pedestrian tunnel or the 90-second ferry over to the island terminal.
Real-Time Tracking and Reliability
You can monitor the exact location of the buses using the live shuttle tracker at nieuport.com.
Because the shuttle operates on a “bump-and-go” schedule through downtown traffic, arrival times can fluctuate during rush hour. If you are on a very tight timeline and cannot risk waiting for a delayed bus, consider an alternative transit option.
Taxi or Uber from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport
Taking a taxi or an Uber is the fastest way to get from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport, especially if you are on a tight schedule. The drive covers just over 2 kilometers and typically takes between 3 to 8 minutes depending on traffic. Expect the fare to cost between $10 and $15.
How to Catch a Taxi or Rideshare
To find a ride quickly, follow these specific steps from inside the station:
For a Taxi: Exit Union Station through the main Front Street doors to find the designated taxi rank directly outside.
For an Uber or Lyft: Use the rideshare app to request a pickup at the designated Front Street or Bay Street passenger loading zones.
Set the Destination: Input Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) as your drop-off point, located at 2 Eireann Quay.
Taxi vs. Uber Comparison
| Service Type | Average Travel Time | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 3 to 8 minutes | $12 to $15 | Immediate departure from the curb |
| Uber / Lyft | 3 to 8 minutes | $10 to $14 | Upfront pricing and app tracking |
Taxi
Travel Time:
3 to 8 minutes
Est. Cost:
$12 to $15
Best For:
Immediate departure from the curb
Uber / Lyft
Travel Time:
3 to 8 minutes
Est. Cost:
$10 to $14
Best For:
Upfront pricing and app tracking
Choosing a vehicle is your best option if your train arrived late or you cannot afford to wait the 15 minutes for the complimentary airport shuttle.
TTC Streetcar — Cheapest Paid Option
Taking the TTC Streetcar is the most economical way to travel when you have luggage or prefer not to walk the entire distance. The Route 509 Harbourfront streetcar departs directly from the underground station at Union Station and drops you off at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Queens Quay West. From there, you will walk south for approximately three minutes to reach the airport ferry terminal.
Travel Time and Cost
The entire journey takes between 18 and 22 minutes, depending on streetcar frequency and traffic conditions on Queens Quay. The fare is $3.30 when using a Presto card, credit card, or debit card, which includes a two-hour free transfer window.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow the posted transit signs inside Union Station to down to the underground TTC streetcar platform.
Board the 509 Harbourfront streetcar heading westbound.
Exit the streetcar at the Bathurst Street at Queens Quay West stop.
Walk south down Bathurst Street toward the water for 250 metres to reach the Billy Bishop Airport Ferry Terminal.
Walking — If You Have Time and Light Luggage
Walking from Union Station to Billy Bishop Airport is a straightforward 2.6 km route that takes 25 to 30 minutes. It is a scenic, cost-free option during pleasant weather if you are traveling with light luggage. However, you should avoid this option during winter, heavy rain, or if you have large bags.
Step-by-Step Walking Directions
Exit Union Station and walk west on Front Street West toward University Avenue.
Turn left onto Simcoe Street and walk south until you reach Queens Quay West.
Turn right onto Queens Quay West and follow the waterfront path west.
Turn left at Bathurst Street to reach the Billy Bishop Airport ferry terminal and pedestrian tunnel.
At the Airport: Pedestrian Tunnel or Ferry?
Once you arrive at the mainland pavilion of Billy Bishop Airport, you must cross the Western Channel to reach the island terminal. You have two free options to make this short crossing: the pedestrian tunnel or the ferry.
The Pedestrian Tunnel
The underwater pedestrian tunnel is located inside the mainland pavilion and takes 6 minutes to walk from end to end using the moving walkways. It is open 24 hours a day, completely climate-controlled, and entirely sheltered from the weather. Choose the tunnel if you are on a tight timeline, as it eliminates any waiting around.
The Ferry
The ferry departs from the mainland dock every 15 minutes and the actual crossing time is only 90 seconds. While it offers a scenic view of the Toronto skyline, the total travel time can be longer if you just miss a departure. Take the ferry if you have extra time before your flight and want to experience one of the world’s shortest scheduled ferry rides.
Comparison: Tunnel vs. Ferry
| Feature | Pedestrian Tunnel | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Travel Time | 6 minutes | 90 seconds (plus up to 15 minutes wait time) |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 | Runs from 5:15 AM until the last flight lands |
| Best For | Travelers in a rush or bad weather | Travelers with time to spare |
Pedestrian Tunnel
Cost
Free
Travel Time
6 minutes
Operating Hours
24/7
Best For
Travelers in a rush or bad weather
Ferry
Cost
Free
Travel Time
90 seconds (plus up to 15 minutes wait time)
Operating Hours
Runs from 5:15 AM until the last flight lands
Best For
Travelers with time to spare
Train Just Arrived at Union Station — Flight in 90 Minutes. Will You Make It?
Yes, you will easily make your flight if you act quickly. It is common to confuse Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) with Pearson International Airport (YYZ), but Billy Bishop is located right downtown, just 2.9 km from Union Station.
If your train arrives on time, you can reach the terminal and clear security in less than 25 minutes. Billy Bishop is a small airport with notoriously short lines, meaning you only need to arrive 45 minutes before a domestic flight if you have already checked in online and carry-on luggage only.
To guarantee you make your gate, use this exact timeline based on your arrival at Union Station:
Exit to Front Street immediately: Do not wait for the complimentary shuttle if you are in a rush, as waiting for the next bus can add 15 minutes to your trip.
Take a taxi or rideshare: A direct drive from Union Station to the Billy Bishop ferry terminal takes exactly 8 minutes in normal traffic.
Walk the tunnel: Walking through the pedestrian tunnel from the mainland to the security checkpoint takes 6 minutes.
Clear security: The average wait time at Billy Bishop security is just 10 minutes.
If you are arriving via VIA Rail, factor in potential train delays. VIA Rail trains frequently experience delays along the corridor, which can shrink your 90-minute window unpredictably. If your train is delayed, do not risk waiting for public transit; head straight to the taxi stand outside the station or use a pre-booked car service to secure the quickest route.
YTZ or YYZ — Make Sure You Have the Right Airport
It is a common mistake to confuse Toronto’s two main airports, especially since Porter Airlines operates flights out of both Billy Bishop (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Double-checking your boarding pass before you leave Union Station will prevent you from heading to the wrong part of the city.
If your boarding pass shows YTZ, your destination is Billy Bishop Airport, which sits just south of downtown and takes between 3 to 8 minutes to reach from Union Station. If it shows YYZ, you are flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is located 27 kilometers northwest of downtown and requires a 25-minute ride on the UP Express train.
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Distance from Union Station | Travel Time from Union Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| YTZ | Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport | 2.5 km | 3 to 8 minutes |
| YYZ | Toronto Pearson International Airport | 27 km | 25 minutes (via UP Express) |
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Union Station and Billy Bishop Airport is 2.9 km.
Yes, a complimentary shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 44 York Street, directly outside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Travel time depends on your method: 3 to 8 minutes by taxi, 15 to 20 minutes by the free shuttle, 18 to 22 minutes via the TTC streetcar, and 25 to 30 minutes if you walk.
The cheapest option is the free airport shuttle, followed by the TTC 509 Harbourfront streetcar which costs $3.35.
Yes, you can walk the 2.6 km route in about 25 to 30 minutes, which is highly manageable if you have light luggage and the weather is clear.
Take the pedestrian tunnel if you have a tight timeline because it takes less than 6 minutes to cross. The ferry is scenic but operates on a 15-minute schedule, which adds waiting time.