How exciting is it for those coming to Toronto to attend the RailsWorld conference (and those visiting for other reasons)? I’m writing Ahmed’s Unofficial RailsWorld Guide to Toronto, a series of articles highlighting areas of Toronto, the venue, and useful tips for visiting our fair city.
Previously, I published the first article of my guide series, Where did all the bricks go? (Ahmed’s Unofficial RailsWorld Guide to Toronto), where I shared the history and today’s vibe of the venue, Evergreen Brick Works. In this article, I’ll cover different ways to get from the airport to your hotel and eventually to Brick Works.
Welcome to YYZ
The Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is the largest and most likely your arrival terminal. Both terminals handle domestic and international flights and consist of three levels, but you’ll only care about Level 1 (depending on your flight origin).
Before digging into details, most travellers have a few must-do tasks upon arrival:
Baggage claim.
Immigration check.
Personal matters (money exchange, having a drink, shopping, etc.).
Getting a ride to your hotel.
Most likely, at Level 1, you’ll find Canada Immigration and the baggage claim area. Additionally, you can exchange currency, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a Tim Hortons coffee with doughnuts or Timbits—the Canadian brand for coffee and sweets (now American after merging with Burger King in 2014).
By now, you’ve checked all of your to-dos but one. Now, you’re ready to hop on a ride and rail your way to Toronto.
The 3 Hotels
While the Rails Foundation recommends three hotels, there are many other options you might like. Here, I’ll focus on these three to give you an idea of travel costs and time.
W hotel Located on the east side of Yonge Street and north of Bloor Street, in the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, a home to art galleries, museums, high end shops, restaurants and more. And 12-15 minutes walk from to Royal Sonesta hotel. Clean rooms and next to Bloor and Yonge subway station. Closest hotel to Brick Works (4.5 km, 15-18 minutes drive).
Royal Sonesta Toronto Close to Brick Works (5.3 km, 15-18 minutes drive). Mid-range hotel on the west side of Avenue Road, north of Bloor Street. Great location near the ROM, The Royal Conservatory of Music, and Queen’s Park. it's a 3-minute walk from St. George metro station and a 12-15 minute walk from the W Hotel.
Chelsea Hotel Toronto Closest hotel to Brick Works (15-18 minutes drive). Located on the west side of Yonge Street, south of Gerrard Street.Situated in busy downtown Toronto, near Sankofa Square (formerly Dundas Square), a busy area full attractions.It is important to know, since the new name still not effective and not been used or even known among most Torontonians, the square still known as Dundas Square. So, don't be shocked if no one knows "Sankofa Square". A 30-minute walk from the W Hotel and a 40-minute walk from the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
The three hotels are a hop, skip, and a jump away from Toronto’s domed stadium, The Rogers Centre (home of the Blue Jays), CN Tower, Lake Shore, and many other attractions.
As Jerry Seinfeld aptly sums it up, in big cities, “everybody goes every way all the time.” With a population pushing 3 million, traveling by highway or public transit is never a lonely experience in Toronto. Generally, there are three rush hours to note:
The first, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., when both highway speeds and transit crowding are worst.
The second rush, in the afternoon, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
The third rush, slightly later, between 5 and 7 p.m.
ℹ️ Along the way I know that going to a strange town and not knowing what things look like can throw you off, so I’ve gathered some photos to help orient you along the way.
🚗 Renting a car is the most expensive way ($130-$180)
Renting a car is really expensive and usually not ideal where more affordable options are available. But if you’re one of those who collect travel points 👌🏽, it could be an option.
W hotel
Drive time is 20-45 minutes. Google Maps can help with directions.
Royal Sonesta Toronto
Drive time is 15-40 minutes. Google Maps can help with directions.
Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Drive time is 20-40 minutes. Google Maps can help with directions.
🚕 Taxi is the second most expensive way ($70-$100)
Taking a cab used to be fashionable and a big business, but it has declined since Uber and Lyft took over. Cab fares usually go up in July because of skyrocketing gas(petrol) prices. Similar to renting a car, taxi drivers will take the same routes, with similar times, but it’s a bit cheaper than renting a car. Not ideal though.
🚙 Left / Uber, the third most expensive way (~ $35-$60)
Booking a Lyft or an Uber is reliable, easy, and convenient. You may have tried it before. Ride prices vary based on your time of departure. The screenshots below shows cost estimates around noontime in early May. Prices go up during rush hours.
🚆Train by UP Express, BEST choice ( $9.25 or $12.35)
In my opinion the best way to get to your hotel from the airport is riding the UP Express. Because it’s quick, convenient, and even has Wi-Fi so you can tweet about how cool you are for choosing the train and how you are enjoying this article 😉
The Union Pearson Express(UP Express) runs from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes, and to Bloor station in 17 minutes. No need to worry about missing a train since they run every 15 minutes, seven days a week, which making it a reliable option any day, any time. Let me tell you a bit about those tow stations:
Why Union Station
Union Station is a hub of activity and close to many Toronto attractions. It’s a short walk to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Lake Ontario, and Rogers Centre, where you can catch a Blue Jays game during baseball season. Plus, you can explore all the amazing sights, restaurants, and attractions near Union Station. It’s just a 10-minute subway(TTC) ride to Sankofa Square or a 30-minute walk if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why Bloor Station
Bloor Station is conveniently located near the W and Sonesta hotels. It is on Bloor on the west side of both hotels. It’s just a quick hop off the Subway and you’re practically at your hotel doorstep.
UP Express Schedules and Fares
As a Torontonian I use Presto card for all public travels. It is easy, convenient and cheap. The fare for an adult one-way trip from Pearson(YYZ) to Union is $12.35, or $9.25 with a PRESTO card. Youth and post-secondary students save 40% off the standard adult fare if you use PRESTO. Children under 12 ride free 😀, good choice for family.
I tried my best to organize time and fares for UP express from and to YYZ. I tried to add markdown table but doesn't work on hey.
👉🏼 Make sure to check UP Express website before you plan your trip to Toronto.
The PRESTO card offers discounted fares for adults, seniors, and youth on public transit in Toronto.
Group Pass is available online only, offering fares for groups of 3, 4, or 5 people traveling together. This option is not available with PRESTO. A good idea of bunch of you are coming to Toronto together.
Children under 12 years of age ride free on UP Express. 🤩
How to Pay your ticket
As I'm typing this article, you would need to buy and load a physical PRESTO card from a vending machine first before you use the physical card or PRESTO app. Once you purchase it from a vending machine at the Airport you are ready to ride. Later on, i'll be sharing more details and a video to help you through the process.
You will find Presto fare vending machines to buy and reload your card which you can use it with multiple transits like GO Train, TTC and UP Express.
UP express at Union station where you can buy you tickets or PRESTO card.
Getting to the UP Express
Finding the UP Express at Pearson is a breeze. Just follow the signs for the train to the city. You'll be on your way to downtown Toronto faster than you can say "Tim Hortons." You might like more detailed instructions and handy guide on how to get to UP Express.
TTC 🚌 Bus & 🚇 Subway, the cheapest way (One trip: $3.30)
The cheapest way to get to your hotel is via public transit—the TTC. It will cost you a grand total of $3.30 and take about 45 minutes to an hour. It involves a bus trip, followed by a ride on the subway.
💡 It might be strange to know how to get to your destination, which bus, subway line or where to get off. The map above shows all type of transportation routes such as UP express, TTC subway lines, TTC buses, VIA train to Montreal, subway lines number as well as streetcar (train above ground) numbers and more. Besides, check TTC website, ask TTC drivers or check google map.
A way to pay
While most people—including myself—would use Presto card as transportation payment, recently UP Express, Go train and TTC are accepting CreditCard.
PRESTO Card
Finally, here is what you need to know about PRESTO card.
As I mentioned almost everyone in Toronto uses PRESTO card to move around the city. It's as simple as tap and go. Getting one is easy from fare vending machines can be found at all TTC subway stations as well as the Airport. The cost of a new PRESTO card is $6.00 CAD.
💡 Here is the video(not mine) I promised, it shows how buy and reload a PRESTO card.
Using Your PRESTO Card
Once you have enough credit on your PRESTO card, simply tap your card on the reader when you board and tap off when you exit, where applicable. This applies to UP Express, TTC buses and subways, GO Transit, and other participating transit services in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. This is helpful if you plan to spend some time after the conference to travel around.
Don't forget to have PRESTO app, because you can check card balance and your transitions. You can also check your balance at any PRESTO machine.
Benefits of Using PRESTO
Using PRESTO card is a must-IMO-if you plan to move around. You don't need for cash or tickets, just tap and go! It's fares are discounted compared to regular ticket prices. Not to mention, you can use it across multiple transit systems including UP Express, TTC, GO Transit, and more. And it comes with various discounts and offers through the PRESTO Perks program.
Now you have it. Not sure if I missed anything, have I? Let me know.
