Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada's largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary gateway to the Greater Toronto Area. Located approximately 22 kilometers northwest of downtown Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Air Canada.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1: Home to Air Canada and all Star Alliance carriers, plus WestJet. A large, modern facility opened in 2004 with interconnected piers (D, E, F)
• Terminal 3: Serves oneworld, SkyTeam, and other international carriers including British Airways, Air France, KLM, and Cathay Pacific

Both terminals are connected by the free LINK Train, an automated people mover that runs 24 hours a day. The journey between terminals takes approximately 3-5 minutes.

A key feature for US-bound travelers: YYZ offers US Customs and Border Protection preclearance, allowing passengers to clear US immigration and customs before boarding in Toronto. This means you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger.

YYZ is located approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of downtown Toronto. Travel times vary based on traffic:

• Downtown Toronto: 30-60 minutes by car (can exceed 90 minutes during rush hour)
• North York: 25-45 minutes
• Mississauga: 10-20 minutes

The most reliable option for getting downtown is the UP Express train, which operates on a fixed schedule regardless of traffic. During peak traffic hours (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays), public transit is significantly faster than driving.

Uber and Lyft are available at both terminals. Rideshare pickup zones are located on the arrivals level.

• Terminal 1: Ground level, Arrivals area between Doors D and E
• Terminal 3: Ground level, outside Arrivals

Typical rideshare fares to downtown Toronto: C$45-70, varying by demand and traffic

Taxis operate on a zone fare system. Fares to downtown Toronto are typically C$55-65 depending on exact destination. Taxis are available at designated stands outside arrivals at both terminals.

Rideshare tip: During peak hours, pre-arranged pickups may have wait times of 10-20 minutes. Consider walking to the departures level for faster pickup if traveling light.

UP Express

The UP Express is a dedicated airport rail link connecting Pearson to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Service details:

• Travel time: 25 minutes to Union Station
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Hours: 5:30am to 12:30am daily
• Fare: C$12.35 one-way (PRESTO card), C$13.50 cash

To reach UP Express:

• Terminal 1: Follow signs to Level 6, cross the pedestrian bridge
• Terminal 3: Take the LINK Train to Terminal 1, then follow signs

The UP Express stops at:

1. Pearson Airport (Terminal 1)
2. Weston Station
3. Bloor Station (subway connection)
4. Union Station (downtown, multiple transit connections)

Tip: Using a PRESTO card saves C$1.15 per trip and allows free transfers to TTC within 2 hours.

TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

For budget travelers, the TTC offers connections via the Kipling subway station:

1. Take the 192 Airport Rocket bus from Terminal 1 or 3 (runs 24/7)
2. Connect to Kipling Station on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth)
3. Ride subway downtown

Total fare: C$3.35 (single fare with PRESTO) Total time: 60-75 minutes to downtown

The 192 bus also stops at Lawrence West Station for Line 1 connections.

Late-night service: The 52 Lawrence West Night Bus operates when subway is closed (approximately 1:30am-5:30am).

GO Transit

GO buses connect Pearson to various Greater Toronto Area locations including:

• Yorkdale (Line 1 subway)
• York Mills (Line 1 subway)
• Hamilton (direct service)
• Square One (Mississauga)

GO Transit is useful for destinations outside central Toronto.

Pearson offers multiple parking options at varying price points:

Daily Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Location	Notes
Value Park Garage	C$22/day	Terminal 1	Covered, connected via walkway
Value Park Lot	C$20/day	Terminal 3	Outdoor, short walk to terminal
Express Park	C$35/day	Both terminals	Closest to terminals

Hourly Parking

Location	Hourly Rate	Daily Max
Terminal 1 Garage	C$8/hour	C$48/day
Terminal 3 Garage	C$8/hour	C$48/day

Pre-booking discount: Reserve online at least 24 hours ahead for 10-15% savings on daily rates.

Off-site alternatives: Private lots along Airport Road offer rates from C$12-18/day with shuttle service. Popular options include Park'N Fly and OnAir Parking.

Pearson has expanded dining options significantly. Highlights by terminal:

Terminal 1:

• Fetta (Pier D): Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients
• Camden Food Co. (Pier E): Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads
• La Prep (pre-security): Fresh salads and wraps
• Paramount Fine Foods (Pier D): Middle Eastern cuisine
• Caplansky's Deli: Classic Montreal smoked meat sandwiches

Terminal 3:

• Mill Street Brewery (post-security): Canadian craft beer and pub fare
• Hero Certified Burgers: Canadian burger chain
• Moxie's Grill: Casual dining with extensive menu
• Tim Hortons (multiple locations): Canadian coffee and donuts classic

Late-night options: Tim Hortons locations operate extended hours. Many restaurants close by 9-10pm.

Vegetarian/dietary options: La Prep and Camden Food Co. offer good vegetarian selections. Paramount Fine Foods has halal options.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals at YYZ.

Network name: Toronto Pearson Free Wi-Fi

To connect:

1. Select the network from your device's settings
2. Open a browser and accept terms
3. Watch a brief advertisement (15-30 seconds)

Speeds are adequate for browsing, email, and video calls. Streaming may buffer during peak hours. Premium WiFi is available in airline lounges.

SIM cards are available at several locations:

Terminal 1:

• YYZ Wireless (arrivals area)
• InMotion Entertainment (post-security)
• Best Buy Express kiosk

Terminal 3:

• Travel SIM kiosk (arrivals)
• InMotion Entertainment

Major Canadian carriers include:

• Bell: Best nationwide coverage
• Rogers: Strong urban coverage
• Telus: Good coverage, often competitive pricing
• Fido/Chatr/Lucky Mobile: Budget prepaid options

Typical costs: Prepaid SIM with data starts around C$30-50 for basic plans. Consider pre-ordering from carriers' websites for airport pickup.

eSIM alternative: Bell, Rogers, and Telus all support eSIM activation. Services like Airalo offer Canadian eSIMs starting around C$10-15 for short stays.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, including:

• Post-security near gates
• Arrivals areas
• Pre-security shopping areas

Major Canadian banks with ATMs at YYZ:

• TD Bank
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
• BMO (Bank of Montreal)
• Scotiabank
• CIBC

Using your own bank's network or a fee-free ATM card is recommended. Out-of-network fees are typically C$3-5.

Currency exchange: ICE Currency Exchange and Interchange Financial operate in both terminals. Airport exchange rates include significant markups (often 5-8% above market rate). Consider using:

• Your bank's ATM with a no-foreign-fee card
• Wise or similar services
• Exchanging only small amounts at the airport

Duty-free shopping is available for international departures:

• Terminal 1: Duty Free Americas (Piers E and F)
• Terminal 3: World Duty Free (post-security)

Best buys at Canadian duty-free:

• Canadian whisky and spirits (Crown Royal, etc.)
• Canadian maple products
• Ice wine (Niagara specialty)

General retail in both terminals includes:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics and accessories
• Relay: Convenience items and snacks
• iStore: Apple products and accessories
• Canadian souvenir shops: Maple products, clothing

Terminal 1 generally offers more shopping variety than Terminal 3.

YYZ has numerous lounge options depending on your airline status and credit card benefits.

Priority Pass Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1, Pier D): Hot food buffet, showers available. Open 5:30am-11pm. Can get crowded during peak hours
• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1, Pier E US Transborder): For US-bound passengers post-preclearance
• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 3): Similar amenities to Terminal 1 location

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (multiple locations): Air Canada/Star Alliance status or Business Class
• Air Canada Signature Suite: First Class and Super Elite members on eligible flights

Terminal 3:

• American Airlines Admirals Club: AA status or membership
• British Airways Lounge: BA Club World passengers and status holders
• KLM Crown Lounge: KLM/Air France Business Class and Flying Blue Elite Plus

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass (included with Amex Platinum, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, and other premium cards): Access to Plaza Premium lounges
• Dragon Pass: Alternative lounge access program
• Day passes: Plaza Premium sells day passes for approximately C$50-65

On-airport:

• Sheraton Gateway Hotel: Connected to Terminal 3 via indoor walkway. The only hotel directly attached to the airport. Rooms feature soundproof windows. Rates typically C$200-350/night
• Alt Hotel Toronto Airport: Modern design hotel connected to Terminal 1 via LINK Train (Viscount Station). Rates typically C$150-250/night

Near airport (with shuttle service):

• Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel: Full-service hotel with pool
• Hilton Toronto Airport: Conference facilities and restaurant
• Holiday Inn Toronto Airport: Budget-friendly with 24-hour shuttle
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport: Reliable mid-range option

For budget options, hotels along Dixon Road offer rates from C$100-150/night with airport shuttles.

Toronto offers diverse attractions accessible from YYZ:

• Downtown Toronto & CN Tower: 25 minutes via UP Express to Union Station
• Distillery District: 30-35 minutes (UP Express + streetcar)
• Royal Ontario Museum: 30-35 minutes (UP Express + subway Line 1)
• Niagara Falls: 90 minutes by car or 2 hours by GO Transit bus

Getting around Toronto: The TTC subway, streetcar, and bus system covers the city well. A single PRESTO fare (C$3.35) includes free transfers within 2 hours.

Seasonal considerations:

• Winter (December-March): Temperatures regularly drop below -10°C. Dress in layers and allow extra travel time for potential delays
• Summer (June-August): Pleasant weather but can be humid. Peak tourist season

Toronto classics to try: Peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market, poutine from Smoke's Poutinerie, craft beer from local breweries like Steam Whistle or Bellwoods.

Day trip options:

• Niagara Falls: One of the world's great waterfalls, accessible by GO Transit or tour bus
• Niagara-on-the-Lake: Charming wine country town
• Blue Mountain: Ski resort in winter, hiking and activities in summer (2 hours north)