If you are figuring out how to get to St. Lawrence Market for the first time, the route itself is simple, but the last part can feel slightly uncertain.
Most visitors arrive through Union Station, which is close enough to walk. The challenge is not distance, but direction. Once you leave the station, there are several exits and streets, and choosing the wrong one can send you a block or two off.
This guide focuses on keeping your movement clear from the moment you arrive, especially during that final stretch when small decisions matter most.
Nearest station
The most practical arrival point is Union Station.
It connects:
- TTC Line 1 (Yonge–University Line)
- GO Transit trains
- UP Express from the airport
From Union Station, the market is within walking distance and does not require another transfer.
King Station is technically closer by subway, but it requires a short walk with more direction awareness. For first-time visitors, Union Station is usually easier to manage.
From Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
The most straightforward route is the UP Express.
- At the airport, follow signs for “UP Express” inside the terminal
- Board the train toward Union Station
- Stay on until the final stop
The ride takes about 25 minutes and involves no transfers.
When you arrive at Union Station:
- Follow signs toward “Front Street” exits
- Avoid exiting randomly toward underground paths unless you are sure of direction
Once outside, you will begin your walk east toward the market.
From Toronto Union Station
From Union Station, you can walk directly to St. Lawrence Market.
Step-by-step:
- Exit the station toward Front Street
- Turn left (east) along Front Street
- Continue walking in a straight line
You will pass office buildings and gradually move away from the CN Tower area.
The walk usually takes around 10–15 minutes depending on pace.
Stay on the same side of the street if possible to avoid unnecessary crossings. The route is mostly straight, which makes it easier to follow without constant map checks.
By metro / train / bus / taxi
Metro (TTC Line 1)
Take Line 1 and get off at Union Station or King Station.
- Union Station: easier navigation, longer walk
- King Station: shorter walk, requires direction awareness
If using King Station:
- Exit toward King Street East
- Walk east until you reach Jarvis Street
- Then head slightly south toward Front Street
Common mistake: exiting King Station on the wrong side
Fix: confirm “eastbound” direction before leaving the platform
Streetcar (504 King)
You can take the 504 King streetcar eastbound.
- Get off near Jarvis Street
- Walk south toward Front Street
This reduces walking distance and is useful if you prefer surface transport.
Common mistake: boarding westbound instead of eastbound
Fix: check that the streetcar is heading toward “Broadview”
Bus
Bus routes are less direct for this destination. Most require a transfer or still leave you walking several blocks.
Taxi
A taxi can drop you near Front Street East and Jarvis Street.
This is helpful if:
- you have heavy luggage
- weather conditions are poor
- you want to avoid navigation entirely
Walking the final stretch (CRITICAL)
This is where clarity matters most.
From Union Station:
- walk east along Front Street without turning early
- keep moving in a straight line
As you continue, the surroundings become slightly less dense, and the buildings feel more historic.
You are looking for a large, low-rise brick building along Front Street East.
You are on the right track when:
you start seeing older brick architecture replacing glass office towers
If you see:
the Flatiron Building ahead of you
→ you have gone slightly too far east; turn back a short distance
The market building stands out because of its long, horizontal shape and distinct brick exterior. It is not hidden behind another structure.
Common mistakes
- Exiting Union Station in the wrong direction
→ Fix: aim specifically for Front Street before starting your walk - Turning too early off Front Street
→ Fix: stay on the same street until you reach the market area - Confusing east and west directions
→ Fix: move away from the CN Tower, not toward it - Getting off at King Station without checking orientation
→ Fix: confirm eastbound direction before exiting
Comparison table
| Option | Transfers | Time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport (UP Express + walk) | 0 | ~25 min + 10–15 min walk | Easy | First-time visitors arriving at YYZ |
| Metro (Union Station) | 0–1 | 20–30 min + walk | Easy | Simple, low-risk navigation |
| Metro (King Station) | 0–1 | 20–30 min + short walk | Medium | Shorter walk if direction is clear |
| Streetcar (504 King) | 0–1 | 25–35 min | Medium | Staying above ground, fewer stairs |
| Taxi | 0 | 25–40 min | Very easy | Heavy luggage or late arrival |
If you get lost
- Return to Bloor–Yonge Station
- Identify Line 1 toward Union Station
- Restart and follow Front Street east
This reset works because Bloor–Yonge is a clear interchange with consistent signage.
Final tips
- Allow a few extra minutes to choose the correct exit at Union Station
- Think in directions: you are moving east, away from the CN Tower
- Once you see the brick market building, you are there
Sources checked
• TTC Toronto — subway lines and directions — https://www.ttc.ca
• UP Express — airport to Union Station route — https://www.upexpress.com
• GO Transit — regional train routes — https://www.gotransit.com
• Toronto Pearson Airport — terminal navigation — https://www.torontopearson.com
• City of Toronto — downtown street layout — https://www.toronto.ca
