Let’s be real – you’ve scored tickets to see your favourite artist in Toronto, but you live in London. The show’s going to be epic, but now you’re stressing about how to get home afterward without a car. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the transportation options that’ll get you back to Forest City after the final encore.
FlixBus: Your Late-Night Lifeline
FlixBus is basically the MVP of post-concert transportation between Toronto and London. The service runs multiple departures throughout the day, with the last bus leaving Union Station at 11 PM – perfect timing for most concerts that wrap up around the same time. But here’s the real game-changer: they also have an early morning departure at 2:15 AM for those shows that run late or when you want to catch every single moment of the encore.
The buses are comfortable enough for the roughly 2.5-hour journey, and you can usually snag tickets at reasonable prices if you book in advance. Plus, Union Station is super convenient if your concert is at Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre – you can literally sprint from the venue to catch your ride.
Megabus: Another Solid Option
Megabus offers similar service to FlixBus, with regular departures between Toronto and London. While their schedule might vary slightly, they’re another reliable intercity bus option that locals frequently recommend. The buses are equipped with WiFi and power outlets, so you can upload all those concert videos to your socials during the ride home.
Like FlixBus, Megabus operates from Union Station, making it accessible from most downtown Toronto venues. The pricing is competitive, and advance booking usually gets you the best deals.
OnexBus: The Budget-Friendly Alternative
OnexBus rounds out the trio of popular intercity bus services connecting Toronto and London. They offer competitive pricing and multiple daily departures, including some later evening options that work well for concert-goers. The buses are clean and comfortable, and the company has built a decent reputation among regular commuters between the two cities.
While OnexBus might not have as many departure times as the bigger players, they’re definitely worth checking when comparing your options and prices.
GO Train to Burlington/Aldershot (With a Twist)
Here’s a strategy that requires a bit more planning but can offer better timing flexibility: taking the GO train from Toronto to Burlington or Aldershot, then catching a ride or other transportation back to London. This works especially well if you can arrange for someone to pick you up in Burlington, which is about halfway between Toronto and London.
The GO train runs later than VIA Rail and offers more frequent service, giving you better options if a concert runs past 7:45 PM. You’ll need to coordinate the second leg of your journey, but it can be worth it for the flexibility.
Rideshare Apps Like Poparide
If you’re open to sharing a ride with other people, apps like Poparide connect drivers and passengers for intercity trips. You might find someone else heading back to London after the same concert, or a driver who’s already planning the route and looking to split gas costs.
This option requires more flexibility and planning, but it can be both cost-effective and social. Plus, you might meet some fellow music fans who were at the same show.
Stay Overnight and Travel Fresh
Sometimes the smartest move is to embrace the full Toronto experience and stay overnight. You can find decent hotel deals through third-party booking sites, with last-minute rates sometimes dropping to around $150 per night. This eliminates the stress of rushing from the venue to catch a bus and lets you fully enjoy the concert without watching the clock.
The next morning, you can take a leisurely train or bus ride back to London. VIA Rail offers morning service, or you can catch one of the daytime intercity buses when you’re well-rested and ready for the journey home.
The Pearson Airport Backup Plan
When all else fails, there’s always the Pearson Airport option. Some intercity bus services operate routes from Toronto Pearson International Airport with departures at 2 AM and 3 AM. This is definitely not the most convenient option – you’ll need to get from downtown Toronto to the airport first – but it can be a lifesaver if you’ve missed the last Union Station departure.
You can take the UP Express from Union Station to Pearson, or arrange an Uber or taxi to get there. It’s more expensive and time-consuming than the downtown options, but it’s there when you need it.
Book Through Busbud for Easy Comparison
Instead of checking multiple bus company websites separately, Busbud.com aggregates all the London-Toronto bus and train options in one place. You can compare departure times, prices, and book your tickets all from one platform. It’s particularly useful when you’re trying to coordinate timing with a concert schedule and want to see all your options at once.