Toronto and New York are two of the most import and largest cities on close to the Eastern Coast of North America. Both cities offer plenty of things to do and there’s definitely no time to get bored while visiting them.
Regardless of why you need to travel between the two cities, it’s important to know that there are plenty of options.
Quick summary
The cheapest and fastest transportation option by land is the bus. The single fare is US $79* (CAD $81) and the journey time is from 10h to 13h, depending on the type of bus, the time of departure and company.
Slightly more expensive are the train fares , US $114 (CAD $116.50) one way, but the train takes longer than the bus.
The cheapest flights can be obtained if you fly from Toronto Pearson to Newark Liberty. Single fares start at US $202 (CAD $206.50).
Toronto is served by three airports located in Canada, but Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the only one handling international flights. It is also the largest and biggest airport in Canada. Located about 23 km from the city center, the airport is hub for Air Canada, Air Transat, CanJet, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet.
While New York City is also served by three major airports, the cheapest flights from Toronto Pearson land on Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It is located about 24 km (15 miles) from Midtown Manhattan. It is the second largest hub for Continental Airlines. Flights from Toronto Pearson start at US $202 (CAD $206.50) on Air Canada , if you plan to travel for the winter holidays or in mid-March . The flight time is 1h 34 min.
Fights from Toronto Pearson also land on John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) , located in Queens, about 19 km (12 miles) from Lower Manhattan. JFK is hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Line and JetBlue Airways. Flights from Toronto Pearson start at US $211 (CAD $216) on American Eagle , if you plan to fly for the winter holidays. In mid-March expect to pay from US $272 (CAD $278) for a one way flight on WestJet. The flight time is 1h 50 min.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) also receives direct flights from Toronto Pearson. The airport is located on Long Island and is the closes to Manhattan. It is not a hub for any airline. Flights from Toronto start at US $211 (CAD $216) on American Eagle, if you plan to fly for the winter holidays. In mid-March expect to pay from US $272 (CAD $278) for a one way flight on Air Canada. The flight time is 1h 24 min.
Amtrak runs a direct service between Toronto and New York. Trains arrive at New York Penn Station.
The train leaves Toronto at 8:20 a.m. daily and the journey takes about 13 ½ h including passing through the customs. The adult single fare is US $114 (CAD $116.50).
The train leaves New York at 7:15 a.m. daily and the journey takes about 12 ½ h including passing through the customs. The adult single fare is also US $114.
Since you’ll be crossing a border, at the time of booking you are required to submit your date of birth and citizenship , as well as indicate the form of ID you’ll be carrying.
Megabus offers direct buses between Toronto and New York.
Buses leave Toronto Coach Terminal daily 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The journey time is between 10h 15 min and 10 h 55 min. The single fare is US $79 (CAD $81).
Buses leave New York (West Side of 9th Ave between 31st St and 33rd St) daily at 7:20 a.m., 12 p.m., 7:20 p.m. and 10 p.m. The journey takes between 10 h 5 min and 10h 40 min and the single fare is US $79.
Greyhound also offers direct buses between Toronto and New York.
Direct buses depart Toronto at 6 a.m. , 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:01 p.m., 7:15 p.m. , 8:15 p.m. , 9:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. The journey time is between 10 h 15 min and 12 ½ h. The single adult fare is US $79.
Direct buses depart New York at 12:35 a.m., 5:35 a.m., 7 a.m. , 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. The journey time is between 9h50 min and 13 h. The single adult fare is US $79.
Neon Bus is another company which runs buses, operated by Greyhound, from Toronto to New York. When you run a search, you’ll be redirected to the Greyhound site, so the above times of departures and fares apply.
You can rent a car and drive the 766 km between Toronto and New York on I-86 E/NY-17 E. The drive time is about 8 ½ h but make sure to plan at least a stop along the way.
Buffalo is on route and can offer a nice break.
Make sure to ask the car rental company whether you are allowed to take the car across the border.
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Note: * at the time the article was written
Photo credits: JFK , New York Penn Station
