How to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls 2023

Are you looking for the best way to travel to Niagara Falls from Toronto International Airport?

Located just 90 minutes from Toronto, it’s no surprise that Niagara Falls is one of the most popular things to do near the Toronto Pearson International Airport and one of the best ways to spend your multi-hour Toronto layover.

But venturing outside of the airport with a ticking clock until your next flight can definitely be nerve-wracking. We know the feeling!

That’s why we’re here to help you to see this spectacular natural wonder of the world by highlighting the best, cheapest and fastest ways to get to Niagara Falls (and back!) in time for the next leg of your trip.

Note: While we strive to provide up-to-date information, please contact the company you plan to book with, as we cannot confirm that details haven’t changed since the time of writing.

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How to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls

We’re here to solve your problems when looking for the best way to travel from Toronto International Airport to Niagara Falls! With so many options to choose from, we thought we’d give you a quick highlight of our top transportation choice:

Staying overnight in Niagara Falls and short on time? Book the best Niagara Falls hotels here:
✔️Best Luxury Option: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
✔️Best Budget Option: Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview

⭐Check out the best hotels in Niagara Falls with a Falls view for more incredible options.⭐

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1. Easiest Way to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls – By Tour

It’s pretty hard to argue that you will save the hassle of contemplating how to spend your time at the falls when you book a top-rated tour leaving directly from Toronto International Airport.

Tours are the best way to see the top attractions easily, quickly, comfortably and with the least amount of guessing possible.

That said, most tours will only offer a morning pick-up, and only a few pick up from Pearson Airport.

If your layover allows for an early morning pick-up, then check out this top-rated day tour to Niagara Falls from YYZ. This tour is voted 4.5/5 stars and is 9 hours long.

At the time of writing, this tour includes a ride on the iconic Hornblower Niagara Cruise (replaced with Journey Behind the Falls or Skylon Boat Ride at the Bottom of the Falls in the cold months), a view of the Niagara Whirlpool and the Floral Clock, time to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake heritage district, and an optional lunch in the Rainbow Room of the Crown Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview (additional cost).

Pick up details are confirmed in advance by Zoom Tours Inc.

✅Book this Tour to Niagara Falls

2. Cheapest Way to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls – By Train and/or Bus

If you’re looking to travel to Niagara Falls on a budget this form of transportation is for you!

Being frugal starts with spending wisely on your transportation to the falls, but be prepared that getting there cheaply will come at the cost of a bit of extra time.

In both of the following options, your trip to Niagara Falls starts with using the Union-Pearson Express (UP Express) train from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

The UP Express train departs every 15 minutes from Terminal 1 and 3 at Toronto Pearson Airport and takes just 25 minutes to reach Union Station.

An incredibly comfortable and convenient way to get to Toronto’s city centre, the UP Express is a great way to start your day trip to Niagara Falls on a budget.

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Cheapest Option A: UP Express to Downtown Toronto + Bus to Niagara Falls

Total Estimated Travel Time: 25 min train + 1.5 hours bus

Take the UP Express to Union Station in downtown Toronto, then take a bus (Flixbus or Megabus) to the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal.

*The Niagara Falls Bus Terminal is located approximately 5 km from the Table Rock Welcome Centre by the falls (Google Maps Link). If you’re not up for a bit of a walk to the falls, you’ll want to grab a taxi or uber to get to the falls itself.

Where to catch the UP Express: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, next to the Link Train that connects Terminals 1 and 3.

Where to catch Flixbus: York Street between Queens Quay and Harbour Street. See the Flixbus pick-up location on Google Maps.

Where to catch Megabus: Union Station Bus Terminal, northeast corner of Bay St and Lakeshore Boulevard (2nd floor) in downtown Toronto (on the other side of the train tracks from the Front Street entrance of Union Station). See Megabus pick-up location on Google Maps.

Cost: UP Express Standard Adult Fare – $12.35 (one way); Children 0-12 are free (family, senior, long layover and other discounts available). Megabus/Flixbus Tickets range from approximately $16-$36 (one way).

✅Book a Bus to from Union Station to Niagara Falls

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Cheapest Option B: UP Express to Downtown Toronto + GO Train/GO Bus to Niagara Falls

Total Estimated Travel Time: 25 min train + 2.5 hours train and bus

Take the UP Express to Union Station in downtown Toronto, then take the GO Train from Union Station to Burlington GO Station. Transfer to the GO Bus to Niagara Falls GO Station/Bus Terminal (Google Maps Link).

*Plan to take a taxi or uber to the falls.

Where to catch the UP Express: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, next to the Link Train that connects Terminals 1 and 3.

Where to catch the GO Train: Getting to the GO Train in Union Station can be kind of confusing if you’ve never navigated the station before (we’ve noticed a lack of signs). Definitely give yourself some extra time before your train is scheduled to depart and don’t hesitate to ask station staff for directions.

Where to catch the GO Bus: Catch the GO Bus to Niagara Falls in the Burlington GO Station.

Cost: Up Express Standard Adult Fare – $12.35 (one way); Children 0-12 are free (family, senior, long layover and other discounts available). GO Train/Bus Adult Fare – $21.15 (one way); Children 0-12 are free.

Note: There is also a weekend GO Train from Union Station all the way to Niagara Falls, saving you about 30 minutes of travel time compared to needing to transfer to the bus. Check out the schedule here.

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Cheapest Option C: UP Express to Downtown Toronto + VIA Rail to Niagara Falls

If you’re hoping to catch a train from Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls, you’re almost in luck. 😉

You’ll have to start by taking the UP Express to Union Station. You can then board the VIA Rail train from Toronto Union Station to Niagara Falls Station.

VIA Rail is comfortable and reliable but it currently only offers one departure time each way daily.

If you’re squeezing in a trip to the falls during a layover, definitely check the train schedule.

Total Estimated Travel Time: 25 min train + 2 hours train

Take the UP Express to Union Station in downtown Toronto, then take the VIA Rail train from Union Station to Niagara Falls Train Station (Google Maps Link).

*You will likely want to taxi or uber to the falls.

Where to catch the UP Express: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, next to the Link Train that connects Terminals 1 and 3.

Where to catch the VIA Rail Train: VIA Rail trains can be found inside Union Station. Ask for directions at the booking kiosks if needed.

Cost: Up Express Standard Adult Fare – $12.35 (one way); Children 0-12 are free (family, senior, long layover and other discounts available). VIA Rail Train Adult Fare – $24 and up (one way); Children 0-12 are free.

✅Book Via Rail from Union Station to Niagara Falls

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3. Most Flexible Way to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls – Self-Drive

If you’re the type of person who values freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please, then this is for you!

Renting a car is easy peasy (if you meet the minimum age requirements) and quite affordable if you don’t need much more than the basics.

To rent a car in Toronto, you must be at least 21 years old. Some rental car companies may require you to be older than that minimum, or may charge young driver fees if you don’t meet a certain age threshold.

Driving from Pearson International Airport to Niagara Falls is pretty straightforward, but depending on the time of day, traffic can be quite a force to contend with. We recommend reading about driving in Toronto in advance.

The drive time (without crazy traffic) is around 1.5 hours.

If you’re heading to the falls during rush hour, you will definitely want to compare drive time using the 407 Toll Route versus the expressways without tolls. Our suspicion is that you will save a ton of time taking the toll route when the traffic is already busy.

Either route will take you over the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Burlington Skyway bridge, which is a highlight of the car ride. The view of Lake Ontario is awesome and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the Toronto skyline!

✅Book a Rental Car at Toronto Airport

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4. Fastest Way to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls – By Shuttle, Taxi or Ride Share

If you’re short on time and don’t mind spending a bit more money, taking a shuttle or cab from the airport is definitely the fastest way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

Fastest Option A: Ride with Niagara Airbus

Niagara Airbus shuttle service stands out as the obvious choice for professional and reliable transportation to Niagara Falls from YYZ.

With over 30 years in service, Niagara Airbus is the leading airport transportation service for the Niagara Region.

Niagara Airbus offers both shuttle services and tours (which we will discuss later), and makes some pretty impressive and reassuring guarantees to their guests.

When booked 4+ days in advance, Niagara Airbus guarantees you will make your flight or will pay the cost to reschedule your flight. What more could you ask for when venturing out during a layover!

Booking 4+ days in advance also opens you up to discounts, including an automatic 5% discount at booking, plus additional discounts for seniors, students and round-trip bookings. CAA members can even receive a 10% discount!

Niagara Airbus offers both customized private car service (including group charter) as well as regularly scheduled shuttles leaving every 2 hours from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Pearson Airport.

Quite possibly the best feature of Niagara Airbus is their customer service and real, live staff available 24/7 to speak with you and make sure that you receive the best service possible.

Total Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours

Where to catch Niagara Airbus: Ground Transportation Desk in Terminal 1 Lower Level (Area P), or Terminal 3 – Door C.

Cost: “Save fare” shuttle between Pearson and Niagara Falls is $77 per person + tax (one-way); Door-to-door shuttle to other locations in Niagara Region is $98 per person + tax (one way); Private car is $250 + tax (one way) *Best option for groups of 4-5*; Discounts available for seniors, students, and round-trip bookings when made 4+ days in advance.

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Fastest Option B: By Taxi

Outside of Terminals 1 and 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport you will find line ups of taxis ready to take you wherever you need to go – but be prepared that this luxury comes at a steep cost.

Typical fares from Pearson to Niagara Falls are around $200 or more, which may seem like a better deal than going with an airport shuttle service like Niagara Airbus.

But before you jump on the possible savings, consider that a taxi is not going to come with the same guarantees you see at Niagara Airbus.

If it were up to me, I would take Niagara Airbus’ guarantee that I will make my flight (or they pay the difference to get me on the next flight) any day. Me and flight stress do not go well together, and anything I can do to relax is worth way more than $50.

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Fastest Option C: By Uber/Lyft

If living on the fly is what you do, then you may be completely comfortable booking an Uber or Lyft from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls at the last minute.

If so, you can expect to pay between $150-$250 each way.

Keep in mind that with Uber or Lyft, you have even less guarantee for timeliness to make your connecting flight if you’re seeing the falls on your layover.

We therefore think that for the price difference, it usually makes most sense to book Niagara Airbus and save the hassle of uncertainty.

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How to Get from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls FAQs

With so many people flying into Toronto International Airport and hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic falls, we thought we’d cover a few of the top questions you might have.

Is there a direct train between Toronto Pearson Airport and Niagara Falls?

Nope! The closest you can get to a direct train between Toronto International Airport and Niagara Falls is the combination of the UP Express from the airport to Union Station, and then the GO Train from Union Station to Niagara Falls GO Station. However, this direct GO Train is only available at select times on the weekend.

Is there a direct bus between Toronto Pearson Airport and Niagara Falls?

There is no direct public transit bus connecting Toronto International Airport to Niagara Falls. Instead, you can take the UP Express to Union Station, and then take Megabus or Flixbus to Niagara Falls. You can also book the “Save Fare” shuttle with Niagara Airbus that departs from Terminals 1 and 3 every 2 hours.

What is the closest airport to Niagara Falls?

There are a few airports close to Niagara Falls, but the two closest international airports are in Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo International Airport are across the border in the United States. Niagara District Airport is located within Ontario, Canada, and is a 15 minute drive away from the falls.

John C Munro Hamilton International Airport is the closest international airport within Ontario, Canada, which is 1 hour away by car. The next closest (and by far the largest) airport is Toronto International Airport at 1 hour 30 minutes away.

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Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is filled with impeccable hotels, hotels with a falls view, hotels that are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, and everything in between.

If you’re in Canada for a short layover and want to get the absolute most out of your stay in Niagara Falls, then one thing is for sure. Finding the right hotel is everything!

Luckily, we’ve sifted through the reviews and have created a list of the top places to stay in Niagara Falls, Canada.

✔️Best Luxury Hotel: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa

Stay in absolute luxury in this spa hotel right next to Niagara Falls. You’ll be able to indulge in the city’s only hydrotherapy spa experience, dine in the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the falls, and sleep in a beautiful room that matches this hotel’s charm and class.

Check Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa Availability

✔️Best Budget Hotel with Fallsview: Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview

Nestled next to the city’s most high-end hotel brands, this Radisson delivers an exceptional Fallsview experience without breaking the bank. Book a room overlooking the falls and enjoy that same luxury view with a few less bells and whistles, but for a whole lot less cash.

Check Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview Availability

Other Niagara Hotels

There are tons of great hotel options besides our recommended luxurious hotels overlooking Niagara Falls.

If you are bringing the kids and heading to Niagara Falls for a mini vacation, then we highly recommend checking out Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort. As one of the top resorts in Ontario, you’ll have a full waterpark and tons of family-friendly activities and amenities here.

If you’re sticking around the Niagara area for a few days, we also recommend checking out Niagara on the Lake, just 30 minutes from the falls by car. This area is known for its abundance of wineries, charming old town, and plenty of boutique Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels.

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Where to Stay Near Toronto Airport

If you find yourself with a long layover at Toronto Pearson International Airport, then you might just need a hotel after your trip to the falls.

We’ve stayed at a few near the airport and can 100% vouch for the comfort and “luxury” of being able to sleep in a bed in between long flights. And with the benefit of airport shuttles from many of the area’s hotels, your overnight stay is made even more convenient.

Here’s our recommendations for top hotels near Toronto Airport.

✔️Mid-Range: The Element Toronto Airport

Located just 1 km from Toronto International Airport, the Element Toronto Airport hotel is highly-rated in cleanliness, comfort, location, value for money and more.

With a free continental breakfast, indoor pool, fitness centre, airport shuttle, and many other conveniences, you will be set with everything you need for a comfortable stay before your next flight.

Check The Element Toronto Airport Availability

✔️Budget-Friendly: Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel

Located slightly further out at 8 km from Pearson International Airport, the Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel is perfect for those looking to keep their accommodation costs low without compromising a quality night’s stay.

You can look forward to having access to a free airport shuttle, restaurant onsite, indoor pool and fitness centre, and of course the comfort and value for money that the Best Western brand is so well known for.

Check Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel Availability

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Wrap Up: Best Ways to Get from Toronto International Airport to Niagara Falls

Getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto International Airport doesn’t have to be complicated! With a little planning and a decent window of time you can get out and see the largest and most beloved of all waterfalls across Ontario.

In summary, to pick your method of transportation, consider your priorities. Do you want to:
✔️have the ease and confidence of booking a highly-rated tour?
✔️have the flexibility of self-driving?
✔️book a service that will pick you up from the airport directly (saving you at least 1 hour of time round trip)?
✔️Or expand your options by getting to Union Station in downtown Toronto first, where you can catch a bus, train or tour leaving from the city centre?

Regardless of how you choose to travel, venturing out of the airport to see Niagara Falls is definitely worth the effort to see the splendor and glory of the falls.

It’s also one of the best places to buy the perfect Canadian gifts and souvenirs to take with you on your travels back home or to your international destination!