Arranging travel to Waterloo

Most international students arrive at Lester B. Pearson International Airport (code YYZ) in Toronto, Ontario, the closest major airport to Waterloo. Visit the Government of Canada's website for a detailed explanation of the steps to follow once off the plane and how the CBSA Declaration Card works. As an alternative to the CBSA Declaration Card, you could instead do an Advanced Declaration by using the free ArriveCan app.  Using ArriveCan to make an Advanced Declaration can you save you time at the border. 

When you arrive at the airport, you'll speak to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at Primary Inspection. They must be satisfied that you're a bona fide student for you to be allowed entry into Canada. Be prepared as they will review the following in order to issue a study permit: 

• Passport
• Letter of Acceptance
• Letter of Introduction
• Other documents in the packing webpage

It is recommended that you have all these documents printed out and pack them in your carry-on luggage so that it can be easily accessible at Primary Inspection. 

If you've sent anything ahead of time to Canada, inform the CBSA officer and present your shipping records. If you're entering Canada with more than $10,000 in your possession in cash, bank drafts, traveller’s cheques, etc., you must report this either on the CBSA Declaration Card or through the ArriveCan Advanced Declaration. You can expect that the process will take approximately three hours, but it also depends on the time of year and on a case-by-case basis.   

To arrange travel from the Pearson Airport to the University, there are some transportation options*. For example, several taxi and limousine companies, but these tend to be more expensive options.

While at the airport, beware of drivers who solicit passengers inside the terminals. These are unlicensed taxis and limos that charge more than the regulated rates. Look for signage throughout the airport to identify verified transportation services. 

*For our door-to-door airport pickup service, eligible students will receive an email with more information. Exchange students are not eligible for this program.

Airways Transit

Airways Transit is the premier provider of airport ground transportation, including door to door service. They can be found in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at the Lester B. Pearson International Airport (code YYZ).

You can check out their private airport rate by service area webpage for an estimated price. As of October 2023, the price per ticket from Pearson International Airport to Waterloo starts from $185 CAD one way.

Go Transit 

Go bus is a popular option to get around in different cities. More information can be found in the Going to the Airport with GO Transit website. E tickets are available to purchase ahead of time. 

If you are landing at Pearson International Airport, you can take GO Bus Route 40 from Pearson Airport Terminal 1 to Square One Terminal. From there, you can take Route 25 or 25C to the University of Waterloo. Please note that Route 25C is the express bus route. You can check out the cost on this website.  

Typically, Go Transit is the most budget friendly option. As of November 2022, the price from Pearson International Airport to Waterloo is around 17.55 CAD (tax included) one way, however this is subject to change. From time to time, Go Transit offers special promotions for a more affordable rate. You can check the Go Transit Website for the most up-to-date information on cost. 

Taxi  

Another option would be taking taxi to Waterloo. One option would be with the Waterloo Taxi. You can look into rates on their website. 

While at the airport, beware of drivers who solicit passengers inside the terminals. These are unlicensed taxis and limos that charge more than the regulated rates. Look for signage throughout the airport to identify verified transportation services.  

Airline-specific services

Air Canada passengers arriving at Pearson Airport are now able to take a coach bus connection to Region of Waterloo International Airport. Travellers that choose this option would then need to arrange transportation from the Region of Waterloo International Airport to their final location.

Arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the recommended airport to arrive at for travel to the University of Waterloo. However, if you will be arriving from another major airport and taking a connecting flight to the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), please remember that you will pass immigration or border services at your first point-of-entry to Canada (the first airport you will be landing in within Canada). We suggest planning a longer layover at the first point-of-entry, in case there are delays due to immigration procedures. 

Once you are at Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), you can arrange travel to the University of Waterloo via the following options:
 

There are several rideshare and app-based services, such as Uber and Lyft, which you can book directly to your arrival location in Waterloo. A local option you can look into is Waterloo Taxi, and you can explore rates on their website. 
While at the airport, beware of drivers who solicit passengers inside the terminals. These are unlicensed taxis and limos that charge more than the regulated rates. Look for signage throughout the airport to identify verified transportation services.  
 

For those arriving at Region of Waterloo International Airport, public transit could be a cheaper yet convenient alternative to taxi services. Grand River Transit (GRT), which is the region’s local transit system, offers Route 78 Fountain, which goes to Sportsworld Station (Sportsworld Dr. @ Hwy. 8 Park & Ride). After arriving at Sportsworld Station,

1. you can transfer to GO Transit’s 25 Bus Route towards University of Waterloo Terminal (Westbound), or
2. you can transfer to the 302 ION bus to Fairway Station, followed by 301 ION Light Rail to Conestoga Station (Exit at University of Waterloo Station stop).

Please be sure to check Grand River Transit official schedule for the most up-to-date information on route options, fares and changes. If you choose to take GO Transit as your transfer option, please ensure to use the Plan Your Trip tool for the most accurate information on schedule, route options and fares. 
 

Grand River Transit

The Grand River Transit official website outlines several ways in which you can pay your fare. You can also check out types of fares and prices, which may vary based on mode of payment. 

Go Transit

The Plan Your Trip tool provides an estimate of fares for your chosen route. 

Google Maps can be extremely helpful for using local public transit and is usually up-to-date. Although official websites for transit options are important to check for accuracy. 

Note: Transit fares and schedules are subject to change. Please always check the official website for updated information before your travel.