You’re standing in the middle of Union Station. It’s loud. You’ve got a suitcase that feels like it’s filled with bricks and a flight at Pearson that definitely won't wait for you. Honestly, the last thing you want to do is squint at a blurry digital screen trying to figure out if you just missed the last trip. The UP Express train schedule is pretty straightforward once you get the rhythm of it, but Toronto transit has a way of throwing curveballs when you’re already stressed.
Most people think they can just show up and wing it. You can, mostly. But there are these little gaps—late-night shifts and weekend maintenance—that can turn a 25-minute breeze into a 60-minute nightmare involving an expensive Uber.
How the UP Express Train Schedule Actually Functions
The service is a literal lifeline between downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport. It runs seven days a week. It doesn't care if it's Christmas or a random Tuesday in July. Usually, the first train pulls out of Union Station at 4:55 AM. If you’re coming from the airport heading downtown, the first one leaves Pearson at 5:27 AM.
Trains run every 15 minutes. It’s consistent. It’s predictable. Until it isn’t.
During the late evening, usually after 11:00 PM, that frequency often stretches out to every 30 minutes. Missing that 11:15 PM train by thirty seconds is a special kind of heartbreak because you're stuck sitting on that silver bench watching the clock tick toward midnight. The journey itself takes exactly 25 minutes from end to end. It stops at Bloor and Weston stations along the way, but these are quick stops. Blink and you'll miss the Weston platform.
The Morning Rush and Late Night Reality
If you have a 7:00 AM international flight, you’re likely aiming for that sub-5:00 AM departure. It’s quiet then. The train is mostly airport staff and the ultra-prepared travelers who haven't slept yet.
By 8:30 AM, the vibe shifts. The UP Express train schedule becomes the backbone of the "reverse commute." People living downtown are heading to offices near the airport, and travelers are pouring in from overnight flights from Europe. It gets crowded. Not "subway at rush hour" crowded, but you might not get your favorite solo seat by the window.
At night, the last train leaves Union at 11:00 PM. The last one leaves Pearson at 11:27 PM. If your flight lands at 11:10 PM and you have to clear customs and grab a bag? You aren't catching that train. You're heading to the taxi line. This is the biggest trap for travelers. They see "runs every 15 minutes" and assume it runs 24/7. It does not. Metrolinx, the agency that runs the UP, usually uses the overnight hours for track inspections and cleaning.
Why Bloor and Weston Matter
Most talk revolves around Union and Pearson. But the middle stops are where the locals live.
Bloor Station is a massive hack if you’re coming from the West End. It’s right near Dundas West TTC station. If the UP Express train schedule says the train leaves Union at 12:15, it’ll be at Bloor by 12:23. It saves you the headache of going all the way downtown just to come back out west.
Weston Station is the third wheel of the route. It’s located at Lawrence Avenue West. It’s primarily used by commuters, but if you’re staying in a residential Airbnb in that area, it’s a godsend. Just keep in mind that the platforms at these stations are outdoors. In February, that 15-minute wait feels like an eternity. Dress for it.
Reliability and Service Disruptions
Is it always on time? Mostly.
The UP Express shares tracks with the Kitchener GO line. Sometimes a freight train gets in the way, or there’s a mechanical issue with a switch. When things go sideways, they usually post updates on their Twitter (X) feed or the digital signs at the station.
There was a period where they had to pull some trains for "precautionary inspections" on the fleet. It happens. When the schedule breaks, they often bring in shuttle buses, but those are slow. If you see "Service Disruption" on the screen and you have a flight in two hours, stop reading the schedule and call a car. It’s not worth the risk.
Paying for the Ride: PRESTO vs. Credit
The schedule is only half the battle; you have to actually get through the gates.
- PRESTO Card: This is the cheapest way. You tap on at the green pillar before you get on the train and—this is vital—you must tap off when you get out. If you forget to tap off, the system assumes you went to the furthest possible station and charges you the max fare.
- Credit/Debit Tap: You can just tap your Visa or Mastercard. It’s the same price as a one-way adult PRESTO fare ($12.35 from Union to Pearson). It's convenient for tourists.
- Paper Tickets: There are kiosks. They take longer. Don't be the person fumbling with a printer when the train is whistling its departure.
Interestingly, kids 12 and under ride for free. It makes the UP Express train schedule much more attractive for families compared to the $60+ you’d pay for an airport limo.
The Physical Experience of the Journey
The trains are clean. They have Wi-Fi, though it's "airport Wi-Fi," meaning it's fine for emails but don't try to stream a 4K movie. There are power outlets under the seats.
The luggage racks are huge. You don't have to do that awkward dance of keeping your suitcase in the aisle and apologizing to everyone who walks by. There are also level-boarding platforms, so you don't have to lift your bags up stairs. You just roll them right on.
The view is... okay. You see a lot of the backs of industrial buildings and some graffiti. It’s not a scenic tour of Canada. It’s a functional sprint through the city’s guts. But it’s a sprint that avoids the 401 highway, which is usually a parking lot.
Navigating Union Station
Union Station is a labyrinth. It’s been under renovation for what feels like forty years.
To find the UP Express, you need to head to the far west end of the station. Follow the "Skywalk" signs. If you’re coming from the TTC subway, it’s a solid 5 to 10-minute walk. Don't think you can arrive at Union at 10:00 and catch the 10:05 train. You won't make it. The Skywalk is a long, glass-enclosed hallway that leads you past the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre entrance.
If you’re at Pearson, finding the station is easier. Follow the signs for the "Link Train." The UP Express station is right next to the terminal link station at Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 3, you have to take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1 first. It adds 10 minutes to your trek.
Specific Timing Nuances
- Union to Pearson: First train 4:55 AM, then every 15 mins (mostly) until 11:00 PM.
- Pearson to Union: First train 5:27 AM, then every 15 mins (mostly) until 11:27 PM.
- Duration: 25 minutes flat.
- Frequency: 15 minutes during the day; 30 minutes in the late evening.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Sometimes the train is packed. If there’s a massive concert at Scotiabank Arena or a Blue Jays game letting out, the Union station platform gets hectic.
If you’re traveling with a lot of gear—maybe a bike or a surfboard—the UP Express is pretty accommodating. They have designated spots for bikes. Just don't expect a lot of sympathy if you try to roll a mountain bike onto a standing-room-only train during the Monday morning commute.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Trip
Check the live status before you leave your house or hotel. The Metrolinx website has a real-time tracker. If it says the train is "delayed" or "cancelled," it's usually accurate.
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If you are a frequent traveler, load your PRESTO card online. It takes up to 24 hours for funds to show up if you do it via the website, so it's better to do it at a machine in the station if you're in a rush.
Download the GO Tracker or use Google Maps. Google Maps is surprisingly good at integrating the UP Express train schedule into its transit directions. It will tell you exactly which platform to stand on and how many minutes until the next departure.
Lastly, keep your ticket or card handy. Fare inspectors do roam the trains. They aren't there every trip, but they show up often enough that trying to "ghost" a ride will eventually end in a hefty fine.
When you get to the airport, the train drops you off right at the heart of Terminal 1. It’s a short walk to the check-in counters. No shuttles, no freezing in a parking lot, no wondering if your Uber driver knows which way is north. It’s arguably the most "civilized" part of traveling through Toronto. Just watch that clock after 11:00 PM.
Confirm your departure terminal before you get off. If you’re flying WestJet or an international carrier out of Terminal 3, you’ll need to hop on the automated people mover as soon as you exit the UP station. It’s free and runs every few minutes, but it's one more step between you and your gate. Plan for that extra buffer.
Check the official UP Express website for any "planned service changes" before a holiday weekend. They often do track work when they think ridership will be lower, and that’s when the 15-minute frequency usually drops to 30 or becomes a bus replacement. Being aware of that one day in advance can save you a lot of frustration.
Register your PRESTO card. If you lose it, you can transfer the balance to a new one. Without registration, that $50 you just loaded is gone forever if the card slips out of your pocket in the Skywalk.
Walk to the ends of the platform at Union. Everyone bunches up right at the entrance of the Skywalk. The train is long, and the cars at the far ends are almost always emptier. You’ll have a much better chance of snagging a seat with an outlet if you just walk an extra fifty feet down the yellow line.