Transfer to/from - Billy Bishop Toronto City airport (YTZ)

 
German Giudici

Content written by .
Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

 

Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in Billy Bishop Toronto City airport (YTZ)

 

 Transportation

 

Billy Bishop Airport occupies an enviable position on the Toronto waterfront. Transit between the island terminal and the mainland is swift, reliable, and serviced by two direct crossing methods linked to downtown transportation options.

Ferry and Pedestrian Tunnel

Crossing the 121-meter (400-foot) Western Channel separating the mainland from the island can be completed via two routes:

  • Ferry: Free of charge for walk-on passengers, running every 15 minutes with a crossing time of just 90 seconds. The first departure to the airport leaves Eireann Quay at 5:15 am, and the final boat returns shortly after the last evening flight arrives (around 12:07 am).
  • Pedestrian Tunnel: A climate-controlled underground passage allowing travelers to walk between the mainland pavilion and the island terminal atrium in roughly 6 minutes via four moving walkways, elevators, and escalators.

Complimentary Shuttle Bus

The airport runs a free express shuttle bus connecting the mainland terminal directly to Union Station (opposite the York Street entrance). All buses provide complimentary on-board Wi-Fi and take about 15 minutes depending on downtown traffic.

Frequency: Every 15 minutes.

Operating Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday: 5:00 am to 12:15 am.
  • Saturdays: 5:00 am to 10:30 pm.
  • Sundays: 5:00 am to 12:15 am.

  Rent a Car

 

Public Transit Streetcars (TTC)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stops just steps from the mainland terminal entrance at Bathurst St. and Fleet St.:

  • Route 509 Harbourfront: Connects directly to Union Station, offering easy transfers to Subway Line 1 (Yonge-University), GO Transit regional rail, and UP Express.
  • Route 511 Bathurst: Runs northward directly to Bathurst subway station on Subway Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth).

Timetables and fares can be reviewed on the official TTC website.

Taxis and Rideshare

Metered city taxis and rideshare app drivers (Uber, Lyft) pick up passengers outside the Mainland Pavilion at 92 Eireann Quay. Driving time to downtown Toronto ranges between 10 and 20 minutes depending on peak traffic conditions.

 
 

Latest updates: September 24, 2026

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Some of these tips may seem obvious, but they are worth keeping in mind when traveling to or from the airport, especially if you are using public transportation.
 
 1 - To the airport: leave a little earlier than usually recommended. If you take a taxi or a private car service, allow for rush hour traffic, demonstrations, strikes or events that could delay your trip. It always helps to check the local news before you leave.
 
If you book a shared shuttle, keep the company's contact number handy in case the pickup is late. These services usually confirm a scheduled pickup time in advance.
 
If you use public transportation (bus or train), check the schedules (weekends and holidays usually have less frequent service), whether you need to transfer, and how to pay the fare (a transit card, or cash to the driver). These details seem obvious, but knowing them ahead of time can save you from a delay that could cause problems.
 
If you drive a rental car to the airport, check where to return it. Many airports have a dedicated rental car return area.
 
 2 - From the airport: this part is less stressful, since there is no risk of missing a flight. At worst, you will reach your hotel or meeting point a little later than planned.
 
Once you leave the plane, collect your baggage and complete any required arrival procedures. Then follow the signs for ground transportation or ask airport staff.
 
Check bus and train schedules in advance if you arrive late at night, since not all services run 24 hours. The same applies to taxis. If you plan to use a ride-hailing app such as Uber, have it ready on your phone to contact the driver.
 
If you booked a private transfer, a driver will usually be waiting for you with a sign. If you are renting a car, booking in advance gives you more peace of mind. Rental counters are usually located in the arrivals hall.

  Booking accommodation

 
 
 
  Billy Bishop Toronto City airport (YTZ)

  General Information

  Departures

  Arrivals

  Car Hire

  Facilities and Lounges

  Hotels

  Parking

  Airlines

  FAQs

  Travel abroad? Forget roaming! Activate your eSIM in minutes