Charter Buses for Groups Attending TIFF in Toronto
The Toronto International Film Festival runs about 11 days in early to mid-September. The 2027 dates are not announced yet, and only the festival confirms them. The street closures around King Street West are what change a coach plan.
Dates and booking
In 2026 the festival ran September 10 to 20. Expect a similar window, but hold off on firm transport times until the organizer publishes the 2027 schedule and your screening times are known.
Dates and venue
- 2027 dates not yet announced; the festival runs 11 days in early to mid-September (September 10-20 in 2026)
- TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra theatres and other venues in downtown Toronto
What was closed in 2026
King Street West was closed from University Avenue to Spadina Avenue from 5:00 on the opening Thursday to 5:00 the following Monday. Side streets were closed too, including Simcoe, Peter, Widmer, Charlotte, Ed Mirvish Way and Blue Jays Way.
A free street festival filled King Street between Peter Street and University Avenue over the first weekend. The TTC diverted or slowed the 504 King and 508 Lake Shore streetcars during closures and red-carpet events.
Venues include TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall and the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra theatres, all on or near the closed blocks. The coach will not reach the door. Plan a set-down outside the closure and a short walk.
Where a coach can stop downtown
The city signs three motor coach loading areas downtown: York Street (east side) by the Sheridan Centre, Victoria Street (west side) by the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, and Carlton Street (north side) by the Holiday Inn.
Under city rules a bus can also pull in at a No Standing or No Parking sign to load, then must move on. It cannot sit there waiting. The city has about 75 free bus-only parking spaces for the wait. Idling is limited to 1 minute in any 60.
Hotels and airports
Hotels on King Street West sit inside the 2026 closure. Check-in with luggage may mean a walk from the nearest open street. Toronto Pearson is about 28 km from Union Station, 25 to 30 minutes in light traffic and much longer at rush hour. Billy Bishop is about 3 km from the core.
Questions
What are the TIFF 2027 dates?
They have not been announced. The festival runs about 11 days in early to mid-September, and the organizer confirms the dates.
Can the coach drop us at Roy Thomson Hall?
Not while King Street and the side streets are closed. The coach sets down on an open street nearby.
How does a charter bus meet a group at Pearson?
At the Arrivals curb, the group tells the Groundside Traffic Officer the charter number and which bus company it is. The officer dispatches the bus.