Craft beer and indie coffee coming to Union Station

As if a 25-minute direct trip to Pearson isn't attractive enough, Metrolinx has announced that the new UP Express lounge will be home to amenities like free Wi-Fi, boarding pass kiosks, and retailers such as Mill St. Brewery, Balzac's, and The Drake General Store.

"The UP Express will transform the way people travel to and from the airport and make it easier to experience everything that the province and the city have to offer," says Kathy Haley, President of UP Express in a press release. "Our flagship station will be the first place to showcase the unique brands and products that you can find in Toronto.

Located on the second level of the station, guests waiting to board the train to Toronto Pearson International Airport (or those waiting for arrivals) will be able to buy a beer, coffee and light fare while eyeing arrival and departure statuses on flight boards.

This is big news for anyone familiar with the dismal offerings at Union Station (no offense to Cinnabon.) Perhaps the best part is that you don't need to be bound for Pearson to access the lounge. Just note that while your coffee will be welcome on the UP Express, you'll have to to chug your beer before boarding.