Union Station Toronto
A magnificent Beaux-Arts transportation hub, connecting Toronto via rail, bus, and the PATH, offering shops, eateries, and seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Union Station Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Beaux-Arts transportation hub, connecting Toronto via rail, bus, and the PATH, offering shops, eateries, and seasonal events.
"It's a beautiful station, but be prepared to get lost at least once!"
🎯 Download a Station Map
Union Station's layout is complex. A map is your best friend to avoid getting lost! :world_map:
🚶♀️ Follow VIA Rail Signs
If taking VIA Rail, look for clear signs directing you to the correct concourse and platform.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Hall
Main Concourse
A stunning Beaux-Arts architectural marvel, perfect for soaking in the grandeur of this historic hub.
PATH Underground Pedestrian Walkway
Connects to various downtown locations
An extensive underground network to shops, restaurants, and other attractions, ideal for avoiding weather.
Seasonal Events & Activities
Various locations within Union Station
Keep an eye out for free roller skating, sample giveaways, and other pop-up events throughout the year.
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Maze: Union Station's Layout
Timing is Key for Smooth Departures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download a Station Map
Union Station's layout is complex. A map is your best friend to avoid getting lost! :world_map:
🚶♀️ Follow VIA Rail Signs
If taking VIA Rail, look for clear signs directing you to the correct concourse and platform.
⬆️ UP Express to Downtown
The UP Express offers a quick and direct route from Pearson Airport to Union Station.
⛸️ Check for Free Skating
During winter, Union Station often hosts free roller skating with rentals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download a Station Map
Union Station's layout is complex. A map is your best friend to avoid getting lost! :world_map:
🚶♀️ Follow VIA Rail Signs
If taking VIA Rail, look for clear signs directing you to the correct concourse and platform.
⬆️ UP Express to Downtown
The UP Express offers a quick and direct route from Pearson Airport to Union Station.
⛸️ Check for Free Skating
During winter, Union Station often hosts free roller skating with rentals.
🛍️ Utilize the PATH
Connect to the PATH for shopping and dining, especially useful in bad weather.
❓ Ask for Help
Station staff and transit employees are usually happy to point you in the right direction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Union Station is a grand and historic transportation hub, praised for its stunning architecture and convenient connections. However, many visitors find its signage confusing and the layout difficult to navigate, leading to a love-hate relationship with the station. +2
"This is the busiest rail station in Canada serving over 300,000 daily passengers. It is where visitors arrive into the city by way of rail from numerous locations throughout the country. It is also a historic landmark building constructed in the 1920s, architecturally considered the finest example of Beaux-Arts style in Canada.
The column fronted facade of the main hall is impressive to view from Front Street. The interior is also grand in scale and makes for a fine place to take a few pictures and to imagine what it was like during the heydays of the 20th-century, purchasing tickets at the old booths or arriving/departing Toronto from this location.
The Path is connected to Union Station, there are a fair number of retail shops and eateries attached. There is direct Skywalk connection to the Convention Centre and CN Tower sightseeing area and a Tourist Information Centre on sight as well."
Brad
"I had originally been through Union Station in 1972 travelling from Edmonton to Montreal, and then onwards to New York. It was fascinating to visit and see historic displays that may have bene accurate to my previous visit. Its a grand old station from the days when steam engines were the main mode of transport across the great country of Canada."
Graham Tranter
"Hated the whole "experience". Bought tickets from Halifax to Toronto. Train broke down and they crammed us all on a bus after a 5 hour wait. 11+ hours later, got to Montreal. THEN after another 5 hour wait, our tickets were downgraded from four seats facing each other to all facing forward and one off to the side seperate. No full scenery window!... AND car was full of kids kicking my seat from the back and a little weirdo watching us from the front. Not to mention all them screaming and running... ... Only offered 50% refund. NOT worth it. Take a plane! I was sooooo disappointed with the whole experience.
EDIT: NOPE, was "miscommunication" All I ef'n get is credit???? What, to pay extra for a bus ride and seats I don't want in the future?! DO NOT waste your money on VIA Rail. They don't maintain the trains and then say "While VIA makes every effort to ensure service and on-time performance, you will appreciate that operating problems beyond our control can occasionally disrupt services despite our best efforts." ... .... MAINTAIN YOUR TRAINS! And give me back my money!"
Kendra McLeod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the UP Express (Union Pearson Express). It's a dedicated train service that runs frequently between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Union Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and offers a comfortable ride with Wi-Fi. You can purchase tickets at the airport station or online.
You can easily reach Union Station via the TTC subway (Line 1, Union Station stop) or by GO Train. Many GO Train lines converge at Union Station, making it a central hub for regional travel. The PATH underground pedestrian walkway also connects Union Station to many downtown buildings and attractions, offering a weather-proof route.
+1
Yes, Union Station is accessible by car, with drop-off zones available on Front Street West. However, be aware that traffic in the downtown core can be heavy, and parking can be challenging and expensive.
The Union Station Bus Terminal is connected to the main train station. Follow signs for 'Bus Terminal' or 'Megabus'. Some travelers find the signage unclear, so it's helpful to ask station staff or use a map. Entering from Bay Street and heading south can be a straightforward approach.
Yes, you can take VIA Rail trains from Union Station directly to Niagara Falls. This is a scenic and convenient option for a day trip. The journey typically takes around 2 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can purchase UP Express tickets at the station, buying them online in advance can sometimes offer slight discounts or guarantee availability, especially during peak travel times.
Union Station is a major transportation hub and is generally open 24/7 for passenger access to platforms and services. However, individual shops and restaurants within the station will have their own operating hours.
Unlike airport security, there is typically no TSA-style security screening for VIA Rail or GO Train departures from Union Station. You generally just walk onto your train. However, be aware of prohibited items like knives or large quantities of fuel if traveling on Amtrak.
There are no admission fees to enter Union Station itself. It's a public transportation hub. You only pay for your train tickets or for any purchases made within the station's shops and eateries.
You can find real-time train schedules and delay information on the official websites or apps for VIA Rail, GO Transit, and the UP Express. Many travelers also find the station's digital display boards helpful for immediate updates.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Union Station is generally considered safe at night, even for solo travelers. It's a busy hub with constant activity and security presence. As with any large urban station, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Navigating Union Station can be challenging due to its size and inconsistent signage. Many visitors report getting lost. Following signs for your specific train service (VIA Rail, GO Transit, UP Express) is key. +2 If you're struggling, don't hesitate to ask station staff for assistance.
Union Station offers a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, shops, restaurants, cafes, and waiting areas. You can also find services like currency exchange and information booths.
Yes, Union Station has a diverse selection of dining options, from quick grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants. You can find everything from coffee shops and bakeries to international cuisine.
Union Station is a hub for various transportation services, including bicycle services. You can find bike rental facilities and bike parking within or near the station, making it convenient for exploring the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The Great Hall is a photographer's dream with its soaring ceilings, natural light, and intricate architecture. The Bay Concourse also offers great vantage points. Look for interesting angles and architectural details throughout the station.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside Union Station. However, commercial photography or large-scale photo shoots may require permits. Always be mindful of other travelers and avoid obstructing pathways.
You can capture stunning architectural shots of the Great Hall, dynamic street photography of commuters, and candid moments of travelers. The station's various levels and concourses offer diverse perspectives.
Drones are strictly prohibited inside Union Station and in the airspace immediately surrounding it due to safety and security regulations.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful natural light filtering through the large windows of the Great Hall. Weekdays during off-peak hours will also mean fewer crowds, making it easier to compose your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Union Station Labyrinth
When you arrive, especially via the UP Express from Pearson Airport, you'll likely enter the Great Hall. From here, follow signs for your onward journey. For VIA Rail, the departures are typically in the central concourse. If you're heading to the GO Train platforms, they are usually located on lower levels. The PATH system, an extensive underground network, connects Union Station to many downtown buildings, offering an alternative route that bypasses street-level congestion and weather.
Despite the navigational challenges, station staff and fellow travelers are often willing to help. Don't hesitate to ask for directions if you feel lost.
Beyond Transit: Experiences at Union Station
Throughout the year, Union Station also features free sample giveaways from various vendors and partners.
The station's Great Hall is a magnificent space that often hosts temporary art installations or public events, adding to its appeal as a cultural hub.
Connecting to the City: The PATH and Beyond
Using the PATH is particularly beneficial during Toronto's harsh winter months or hot summer days. It allows for seamless travel between destinations, often with access to shops and eateries along the way.
Beyond the PATH, Union Station serves as a gateway to many of Toronto's attractions. Its central location means that many key sights are within walking distance or a short transit ride away.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit