The official Scotiabank Arena drop-off for private vehicles is the Gate 5/6 area on the west side of the building, in the Bremner Boulevard traffic loop. It is congested before and after events and is sometimes closed to traffic, so groups need a backup meeting point a short walk away. This guide explains where the drop-off is, when to arrive, how pickup works after the event, and which vehicle suits your group. It is for anyone organizing a group trip to a Leafs game, a Raptors game or a concert, because the last 500 metres decide how the night starts and ends.
Key Takeaways
- Private vehicles drop off and pick up at the west side Gate 5/6 area, in the Bremner Boulevard traffic loop.
- The arena warns that this area can be congested and may be closed to traffic at times. Agree on an alternate meeting point nearby.
- Gates open one hour before puck drop or tip-off. Concert gates generally open 60 minutes before the listed start time.
- After the event, expect road restrictions around the arena. Drivers wait two to three blocks away, and the group walks to an agreed spot.
- Set the meeting point and exchange phone numbers before you go inside.
- Call Limo Rentals at +1 647-695-6835 or +1 289-294-0506, or book at limorentals.ca.
Where the Scotiabank Arena Drop-Off Is
Scotiabank Arena is at 40 Bay Street, on the northwest corner of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Bay Street. Union Station is to the north and is linked to the arena by the Galleria and the PATH walkway system.
The arena’s customer service policy states that fans being dropped off or picked up by private vehicle should use the west side Gate 5/6 area in the Bremner Boulevard traffic loop. Maple Leaf Square sits just outside Gate 6, so this side of the building is easy to recognize.
The same policy adds two cautions. The area can be congested before and after events. There may also be times when it is closed to traffic, with the exception of Wheel-Trans vehicles. For that reason, the arena suggests that fans arriving by private vehicle consider an alternate location nearby in which to meet.
That advice matches what chauffeurs see on event nights. Stopping rules around the arena are enforced, and vehicles cannot wait at the curb. Bay Street and the Bremner loop fill quickly as the start time approaches. A driver who reaches the loop early can stop, unload and leave. A driver who reaches it late may not get in at all.
Getting to the Arena by Road
The arena publishes driving directions for both approaches.
- From the west: take the Gardiner Expressway east, exit at Spadina Avenue, continue on Lake Shore Boulevard and turn left onto Bay Street.
- From the north and east: take the Don Valley Parkway south to Lake Shore Boulevard and continue west to Bay Street.
Both routes end on the same few blocks, and so does everyone else’s. On a weeknight, the trip into the downtown core also overlaps with the evening rush. Build that into your pickup time.
Public parking is available nearby, including an underground garage at 15 York Street with an entrance off York Street and Bremner Boulevard. The arena’s own underground parking has a height limit of two metres, so it does not suit larger vehicles.
When to Arrive
Gates open one hour before puck drop or tip-off for all games. Concert gate times vary, but gates generally open 60 minutes before the start time on the ticket.
For a group, the best plan is to reach the drop-off close to gate opening. The Bremner loop is quieter, the unloading is calm and nobody misses the opening. For a 7:00 p.m. game, aim to be at the arena by about 6:00 p.m. Arriving 15 minutes before the start is the pattern that leaves groups walking from several blocks away.
A few details from the arena’s visitor information help on the night:
- The arena recommends Gates 3, 4 and 5B for shorter lines.
- General admission ticket holders enter through the Premium Entrance on Bay Street.
- An accessible entrance lane is located at Gate 1 in the Galleria.
- Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the building.
If your group includes general admission floor tickets, tell your driver. The entrance is on the Bay Street side, not the west side, and the walk from Gate 5/6 should be part of the plan.
Choosing a Backup Meeting Point in Downtown Toronto
Because the Gate 5/6 area can close, every group needs a second option. Choose it with your driver before the day.
A good backup spot has four features:
- It is two to three blocks from the arena, outside the busiest streets.
- It is on a street that normally stays open after events.
- It has a clear landmark, such as a hotel entrance or a named street corner.
- The whole group can walk there safely, including anyone with limited mobility.
Streets a short walk to the west and south of the arena, such as York Street and Queens Quay, are common choices. The right spot depends on the event and on road conditions that night, so treat any location as a plan to confirm, not a guarantee.
Share the exact spot with everyone in the group, in writing. A pin on a map works better than a description.
Pickup After the Event
Pickup is the harder half of the night. Scotiabank Arena seats 19,800 for basketball and 18,800 for hockey, and almost everyone leaves within the same few minutes.
When a full house exits, police often close or restrict the roads beside the arena, including Bay Street and parts of Lake Shore Boulevard West, so that pedestrians can clear the area. A vehicle cannot wait at the doors during that period. Texting a driver to “come to the front” at that moment does not work.
Experienced chauffeurs handle this by waiting two to three blocks outside the restricted area, on a street with a clear route out of the core. The group walks to the car. The car does not come to the group.
The Communication Sequence
A simple, agreed sequence prevents most problems.
- Before going in, confirm the meeting point with the driver and exchange phone numbers. Name one person as the group’s contact.
- Near the end of the event, the contact messages the driver. For a game, that might be late in the third period or the fourth quarter.
- The driver confirms the position, including the side of the street.
- The group gathers inside or at an agreed gate, then walks to the meeting point together.
- The contact confirms that everyone is on board before the vehicle leaves.
Phone networks can be slow when thousands of people leave at once. That is another reason to fix the location before the event and not rely on messages afterward.
Leaving Early or Staying Late
Two alternatives avoid the peak. Leaving a few minutes before the end means reaching the car while the roads are still open. Staying in the area for 30 to 45 minutes after the event lets the crowd and the traffic thin out. Tell your driver which approach you prefer when you book.
When Rogers Centre Has an Event Too
Rogers Centre is a short distance west of the arena along Bremner Boulevard. When both venues host events on the same evening, the same streets carry two crowds. Traffic into the downtown core is heavier, and the Bremner loop is more likely to be restricted.
Check the Rogers Centre schedule for your date. If there is an overlap, leave earlier and choose a backup meeting point farther from Bremner Boulevard.
Public Transit or a Chauffeur?
Public transit is a strong option for this venue. Union Station connects the arena to the TTC subway and GO Transit, and the walk through the Galleria is indoors. For one or two people, it is hard to beat.
A chauffeured vehicle makes more sense for a group. Everyone travels together from one pickup address. Nobody has to drive or park. The ride home is arranged, and the evening can continue on the way back. For birthdays, corporate outings and client nights, the travel becomes part of the event.
Choosing a Vehicle for the Downtown Core
Smaller vehicles are easier to stop and load near the arena. Larger vehicles carry the whole group but need more room at the curb.
- Lexus ES or Lincoln MKZ sedan: two or three passengers
- GMC Yukon XL or Chevrolet Suburban: small groups who want one vehicle
- Stretch limousine: mid-size groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
- Party bus: larger groups who want to travel together
For a stretch limousine or a party bus, the backup meeting point matters even more. A long vehicle needs a spot where it can stop legally and pull away easily. Limo Rentals offers downtown limo service and party bus rental in Toronto for event nights. The comparison of a party bus and a limo for a night out can help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Scotiabank Arena drop-off for private vehicles?
The arena directs private vehicles to the west side Gate 5/6 area, in the Bremner Boulevard traffic loop. Maple Leaf Square is just outside Gate 6. The area can be congested and is sometimes closed to traffic, so agree on a backup meeting point nearby.
How early should a group arrive in Downtown Toronto for a game?
Aim to reach the arena about one hour before the start, when the gates open. The drop-off area is quieter and unloading is easier. On weeknights, allow extra time for the evening rush on the way into the city.
Where does the driver wait after the event?
Drivers usually wait two to three blocks from the arena, outside any road restrictions. The group walks to an agreed meeting point. Confirm the location and exchange phone numbers before you go inside.
Is public transit better than a limo for an arena night?
For one or two people, public transit through Union Station is quick and simple. For a group, a chauffeured vehicle keeps everyone together and removes driving and parking. The choice depends on group size and the occasion.
Does a Rogers Centre event affect the drop-off?
Yes. Rogers Centre is a short distance west along Bremner Boulevard. When both venues are busy, the roads near the arena are more crowded and more likely to be restricted. Leave earlier and pick a backup meeting point farther away.
What vehicle works best in the downtown core?
Sedans and SUVs are the easiest to load near the arena. Stretch limousines and party buses suit larger groups but need a suitable place to stop. Give your group size when you book, and plan the meeting point with the vehicle in mind.
Book Your Arena Night
To arrange group transportation to Scotiabank Arena, call Limo Rentals at +1 647-695-6835 or +1 289-294-0506, email info@limorentals.ca, or request a quote through the downtown limo service page. Share the event date, start time, group size and pickup address, and settle the drop-off and meeting points when you book.