Arriving in Toronto for the first time can feel straightforward until the final approach. The CN Tower is visible from many places, yet getting there cleanly without hesitation depends on choosing the right station and knowing how to move through the last stretch.
This guide keeps everything focused on that moment: getting from where you are to the base of the CN Tower without second-guessing your direction.
Nearest station
The most practical arrival point is Union Station. It connects directly with airport rail, regional trains, and the subway, and it links to the CN Tower through a sheltered walkway.
A secondary option is St. Andrew Station on Line 1. It is slightly closer in distance on a map, but the street-level approach can feel less obvious if you are unfamiliar with the area.
If you want the most predictable route, Union Station remains the better anchor.
From Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
The airport connection is direct and reliable, and it removes most of the uncertainty early.
- Follow signs inside the airport for UP Express (usually marked with purple signage)
- Board the train heading to Union Station
- Stay on until the final stop (Union is the terminus)
- After arrival, follow signs for SkyWalk / CN Tower
- Enter the enclosed pedestrian corridor and continue through it until it opens toward the CN Tower area
You’re on the right track when… the train empties at Union Station and you begin seeing overhead signs pointing to “SkyWalk” or “CN Tower.”
If you see street-level taxi queues immediately after exiting Union, choose the indoor pedestrian corridor instead.
This route is stable even if you arrive late or with luggage.
A common mistake is exiting Union Station too early at street level.
To avoid this, stay inside the station and follow overhead directional signs rather than heading outside immediately.
Visual cue: look for blue or white directional boards mentioning SkyWalk inside Union Station.
From Toronto Union Station
If you are already at Union Station, you are very close, but the building itself is large and can feel slightly disorienting at first.
- Inside Union Station, look for signs pointing to SkyWalk
- Move toward the indoor concourse rather than street exits
- Enter the enclosed walkway corridor
- Continue walking steadily through the corridor as it gently curves
- Exit where the space opens toward the CN Tower area
You’re on the right track when… you are walking through a long indoor corridor with steady foot traffic moving in the same direction.
If you see direct exits to Front Street, choose the interior corridor instead.
The walk is straightforward once you are in the SkyWalk, even if the station itself feels busy.
A hesitation point: Union Station has multiple exit levels, and it is easy to drift toward the street exits.
To avoid this, ignore early exits and stay focused on signage pointing to SkyWalk.
Visual cue: the corridor feels quieter than the main station and stretches forward with consistent lighting.
By Metro (TTC Line 1)
The subway works well if you are already on Line 1.
- Take Line 1 (Yonge–University Line) toward Union Station
- Exit at Union Station
- Follow signs inside the station toward SkyWalk / CN Tower
- Enter the enclosed walkway and continue through to the CN Tower area
You’re on the right track when… you hear announcements for Union Station and see increasing passenger movement toward exits.
If you see signs for street exits only, choose the route that mentions SkyWalk instead.
This option is reliable and simple once you reach Union.
A common mistake is exiting at St. Andrew Station without a clear walking plan.
To avoid this, stay on the train one more stop to Union if you are unsure.
Visual cue: subway signage will clearly mark Union as a major interchange with multiple exit options.
Taxi or ride-hailing
This option removes navigation decisions but depends on traffic conditions.
- Enter “CN Tower” as your destination
- Stay in the vehicle until you reach the base area near the tower
- Exit where pedestrian flow naturally moves toward the tower entrance
You’re on the right track when… the tower becomes fully visible above surrounding buildings as you approach.
If you are dropped slightly away from the entrance, choose the direction where people are walking toward the tower.
This is a simple option if you prefer not to navigate stations.
A common mistake is stopping too early along a nearby street.
To avoid this, confirm the drop-off point is directly near the CN Tower area.
Visual cue: the tower dominates the skyline and becomes impossible to miss at close range.
By bus
Bus routes can reach the area, but they require a bit more attention when approaching the final stop.
- Take a bus route that connects toward downtown Toronto near Union
- Get off near Union Station area
- Follow pedestrian signs or flow toward the CN Tower direction
- Move toward the SkyWalk entrance or continue at street level depending on where you arrive
You’re on the right track when… you begin seeing the CN Tower rising clearly ahead between buildings.
If you see multiple street crossings with unclear direction, choose the route leading toward Union Station or the visible tower.
This method works, but it requires more awareness compared to rail options.
A common mistake is getting off one stop too early.
To avoid this, wait until the CN Tower is clearly visible or the stop is near Union.
Visual cue: bus stops near Union are busy, with clear directional signage nearby.
Walking the final stretch
This is where most uncertainty disappears if you follow physical cues instead of overthinking directions.
From Union Station via SkyWalk:
- Walk through the enclosed corridor until it opens into a wider public space
- Continue forward as the space brightens and opens
- Follow the visible structure of the CN Tower rising ahead
- Move toward the base area where pathways widen
You’re on the right track when… the indoor corridor transitions into an open area and the CN Tower becomes directly visible.
If you see multiple exits leading outdoors earlier, choose the route that keeps you inside until the walkway ends.
The final approach feels shorter than it looks on a map.
A small observation: the shift from enclosed walkway to open space is noticeable and acts as a natural signal that you are close.
Visual cue: the CN Tower becomes fully visible without obstruction as you exit the corridor.
If you get lost
- Return to Bloor–Yonge Station
- Take Line 1 toward Union Station
- Restart from Union Station using the SkyWalk
FAQ
Is Union Station the best place to get off for the CN Tower?
Yes. It offers the most direct and structured approach via the SkyWalk.
Can I walk from St. Andrew Station instead?
Yes, but the street route can feel less obvious if you are unfamiliar with the area.
How long does it take from the airport?
The UP Express ride to Union Station takes about 25 minutes, plus a short walk.
Is the route indoors?
From Union Station, most of the walk can be done indoors via the SkyWalk.
Will I see the CN Tower while approaching?
Yes. It becomes visible as you exit the walkway and approach the open area.
Quick checklist
- Use Union Station as your main arrival point
- Follow signs for SkyWalk instead of street exits
- Stay inside the station until you find the corridor
- Watch for the transition from corridor to open space
- Look for the CN Tower becoming fully visible ahead
Sources
• CN Tower official site — visitor access and location overview — https://www.cntower.ca/plan-your-visit
• UP Express — airport to Union Station route details — https://www.upexpress.com/
• TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) — subway Line 1 information — https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules/1/0
• Union Station Toronto — station layout and connections — https://torontounion.ca/
Last updated: March 2026
