Toronto Downtown Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Toronto Downtown Station is the metropolis's main transport hub and a true architectural masterpiece in the Beaux-Arts style. Located in the very heart of the city, this station serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, connecting commuter routes, long-distance trains, and the subway. Travellers are welcomed by the famous Great Hall with its high ceilings and elegant finishes, creating a solemn atmosphere before a journey. For tourists, this is not just a departure point, but an important landmark where an introduction to Toronto often begins.
City
Toronto
Country
Canada
Type
Railway Station
It is important for passengers to know that the station is integrated into the PATH underground system, allowing access to many hotels and offices without stepping outside. Navigation inside may seem complex due to the size of the complex: the VIA Rail and GO Transit departure zones are located in different parts of the building. Please watch the signs carefully: exits to trains (Teamways) and central platforms are colour-coded for ease of orientation.
Contact Information
To plan your journey and check the current schedule, we recommend using the station's official communication channels.
Official website: torontounion.ca (general information), viarail.ca (long-distance tickets)
Address: 65 Front Street West, Toronto, ON, M5J 1E6
Opening Hours: the building is open daily from 05:30 to 00:45 (ticket office hours may vary)
Luggage Storage: available for passengers with VIA Rail tickets (paid service, located in the departure zone)
Accessibility: the station is equipped with elevators, ramps, and dedicated restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility; an escort service is available by prior arrangement.
How to Get There
Getting to the station in downtown Toronto is very easy, as it is a key hub of the city's transport network. The fastest way to travel from Pearson International Airport is to take the UP Express train; the journey takes just 25 minutes, and trains depart every 15–30 minutes.
If you are moving around the city, the station is directly connected to the Union Station subway stop (Line 1 Yonge-University). Numerous streetcar routes and GO Transit commuter trains also arrive here. For those already in the centre, for example, near the CN Tower or the Rogers Centre stadium, a walk will take no more than 10–15 minutes via the covered SkyWalk.
Services and Amenities
The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait for your journey. In the main concourse, there are ticket counters and self-service kiosks for purchasing travel documents for all types of transport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station, allowing you to stay connected or work before your trip.
For VIA Rail business class passengers, the comfortable Panorama Lounge is available with soft seating and complimentary beverages. The building also features clean restrooms, ATMs, currency exchange points, and information desks for tourists. Special attention is paid to accessibility: specialised service centres operate to assist passengers with disabilities.
Where to Eat
It is impossible to stay hungry at the station: the recently renovated food court on the lower level offers a huge selection of dishes. Here you can find both quick bites (burgers, sushi, tacos) and healthier options suitable for various dietary preferences. The average bill for a substantial lunch will be around 15–20 CAD.
For coffee lovers, popular chain coffee shops such as Tim Hortons and Starbucks are open, as well as local bakeries with fresh pastries. If you have time before your train, we recommend visiting one of the full-service restaurants on Front Street directly opposite the main entrance, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.
Station History
The history of the station began in 1927, when it was officially opened by the Prince of Wales. This monumental structure became the third station on this site and the largest in Canada, symbolising the city's economic power. The building is recognised as a National Historic Site due to its outstanding architecture.
Over the decades, the station has played a key role in the development of Toronto, welcoming millions of immigrants and travellers. In recent years, the station has undergone a massive and complex revitalisation, which has preserved the historic appearance of the Great Hall while simultaneously modernising the platforms and creating new retail spaces underground.
Passenger Tips
Arrive at the station at least 45–60 minutes before the departure of a long-distance train, as boarding often closes a few minutes before departure. The ticket check and luggage weighing procedure (for VIA Rail) may take time. During peak hours (morning and evening on weekdays), the station can be crowded with commuters, so please be attentive and keep to the right in the flow of people.
Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings: despite the high level of security and patrols, the station is a busy public place. If you have a long layover, you can leave your bags in luggage storage and take a walk to the waterfront or visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is literally a couple of minutes' walk via the underground passage.