Toronto down to Philadelphia takes in two countries and three very different sports cities. The border crossing is the only part that needs real planning; everything after it is familiar Northeast territory.
This route works in either direction and pairs naturally with the Northeast Corridor trip.
Toronto (BMO Field)
BMO Field is in Toronto's Exhibition Place, right on the waterfront. The compact size and downtown location mean the atmosphere will be intense. BMO Field is walkable from the city center, accessible by streetcar, and surrounded by the buzzing Liberty Village and King West neighborhoods.
Getting there: Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The UP Express train runs from the airport to Union Station in 25 minutes for around $12 CAD. From Union Station, take the GO Lakeshore West line one stop to Exhibition station — a 7-minute ride — which drops you right outside BMO Field. The TTC streetcar lines 509 and 511 are also nearby if you're coming from elsewhere in the city. Search flights to Toronto.
Where to stay: King West or the Entertainment District put you within walking distance of BMO Field and the city's best restaurants and nightlife. The waterfront area near the stadium has newer hotels with lake views. Search hotels in Toronto.
Don't miss: The pre-game walk along the Martin Goodman Trail from the CN Tower to BMO Field.
New York (MetLife Stadium)
The best transit option is the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line from Secaucus Junction — a quick 10-minute ride, with Secaucus connecting to Penn Station, making the full trip from central Manhattan around 40-50 minutes. NJ Transit buses also run from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on game days.
Getting there from Toronto: Fly YYZ to EWR (1.5 hours, frequent flights, $80-200). Driving is 490 miles via Buffalo and the I-90/I-87 corridor (7-8 hours including the border crossing). The flight is strongly recommended. Search flights to New York.
Border crossing (Canada → US): You'll need a valid passport. US citizens and Canadian citizens can cross freely with a passport. All other nationalities need an approved ESTA (Visa Waiver) or US visa. If driving, use the Peace Bridge (Buffalo) or Lewiston-Queenston Bridge for the fastest crossings. Budget 30-60 minutes at the border.
Where to stay: Manhattan for the full experience, Jersey City or Secaucus for value and proximity to MetLife. Search hotels near New York.
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
The stadium sits in a compact sports complex with Citizens Bank Park and the Xfinity Mobile Arena next door.
Getting there from New York: Amtrak from Penn Station to 30th Street Station — 75 minutes, $30-60, city center to city center. It's the best way to travel this leg. Search flights to Philadelphia.
Where to stay: Center City puts you on the Broad Street Line, which runs directly to the stadium (NRG Station — sometimes listed as Pattison). Search hotels in Philadelphia.
Don't miss: The sports complex atmosphere.
Getting Between Cities
| Leg | Distance | Best Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto → New York | 490 mi | Flight (YYZ→EWR) | 1.5 hrs | $80-200 |
| New York → Philadelphia | 95 mi | Amtrak | 75 min | $30-60 |
| Toronto → Philadelphia (direct) | 465 mi | Flight (YYZ→PHL) | 1.5 hrs | $80-180 |
Border notes: If flying Toronto to a US city, you clear US customs at Pearson Airport before boarding (pre-clearance). This means you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger — no customs line on arrival.
Open-jaw flights: Fly into Toronto (YYZ), fly home from Philadelphia (PHL). Or reverse it. Avoids backtracking entirely.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1-3: Toronto. Arrive YYZ. Explore Kensington Market, the Distillery District, and the waterfront. Attend a match at BMO Field.
Day 4: Fly to Newark. 1.5-hour flight. Take the AirTrain + NJ Transit to Manhattan or your hotel.
** Game day at MetLife Stadium.
Day 8: Train to Philadelphia. 75 minutes on Amtrak. Check into a Center City hotel.
Day 9-10: Philadelphia. Game day at Lincoln Financial Field. Explore Old City, South Street, Reading Terminal Market.
Day 11: Fly home from PHL.
Eleven days, three cities, two countries. The border crossing is seamless by air (pre-clearance at Pearson), and the Amtrak leg between New York and Philadelphia is one of the easiest inter-city trips in the US.