Toronto Airport Guide

Toronto Pearson is the Greater Toronto Area's main international airport, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 handling domestic, U.S., and international flights. The airline split is easy to misremember—WestJet is currently in T3, for example—so check the operating airline and terminal on Pearson's flight information before you leave.

The free Terminal Link train connects T1, T3, and Viscount station landside around the clock. For downtown, UP Express is the simplest rail option: it leaves from T1, and T3 passengers reach it on Terminal Link.

If you are flying to the United States, Pearson has U.S. preclearance. You complete the required U.S. border process before departure, then normally arrive in the United States as a domestic passenger.

Pearson connection steps depend on the arriving country, onward country, airlines, baggage, and terminals. Do not assume every international arrival must collect bags and clear security again: Pearson specifically says not all connecting travellers repeat security, and dedicated processes can keep some passengers on the secure side.

Use Pearson's official connection guide with the operating airlines and cities from your itinerary. It tells you whether your route requires a terminal change, customs, baggage collection, or security. Your airline remains the authority for through-checked bags and the connection it sold.

Getting Between Terminals

Method	When to Use	Frequency
Terminal Link	T1 ↔ T3 ↔ Viscount	24 hours; maximum scheduled wait 4–8 min

Terminal Link travel between stations takes about two to eight minutes. In T1, follow train signs to Parking Garage Level 5. In T3, follow signs toward the Sheraton Gateway pedestrian bridge and train platform. If the train is disrupted, follow the airport's temporary shuttle directions.

US Preclearance

If flying to the United States from Toronto, you will clear US Customs and Border Protection before boarding:

1. Check in and proceed to the US departures area
2. Clear Canadian exit screening (security)
3. Clear US immigration (passport control, fingerprints, photo)
4. Clear US customs (declaration)
5. Proceed to gate in the preclearance area

The required time varies by flight and border demand. Follow your airline's check-in cutoff and Pearson's live guidance rather than relying on a universal airport minimum.

International Arrivals

Follow the purple connection signs and the route produced by Pearson's connection guide. Some itineraries use dedicated customs and connection facilities; others require baggage collection, a terminal change, or another security check. Confirm bag handling with the airline at your origin.

Pearson is in Mississauga, northwest of downtown Toronto. For Union Station and the downtown core, UP Express avoids road traffic. TTC, GO Transit, MiWay, and Brampton Transit are useful for other parts of the region. Taxi, airport limo, and rideshare make more sense for a direct suburban address or a group with luggage.

Use the signed pickup zone for the service you booked; do not move to an unsigned departures kerb. Licensed taxis and airport limousines have staffed pickup areas outside both terminals, while app-based rideshare instructions identify the current column or door. Check the airport map or app after landing because construction can change curb assignments.

UP Express

The UP Express links Pearson and Union Station in about 28 minutes, normally every 15 minutes, seven days a week. It stops at Weston, Mount Dennis, and Bloor on the way. The published start time differs on weekdays and weekends, so check the live schedule for an early departure.

Pearson currently publishes an adult one-way fare of C$12.35 or C$9.25 with PRESTO, but fares can change. PRESTO, contactless cards and devices, and UP tickets are accepted at the station.

To reach UP Express:

• Terminal 1: Follow the “Train to City” signs; the station is beside Terminal Link
• 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. Mount Dennis Station
4. Bloor Station (Line 2 connection via a walk to Dundas West)
5. Union Station (downtown, subway and regional rail connections)

TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

For a lower-cost TTC trip, take the accessible 900 Airport Express from either terminal to Kipling Station on Line 2, then continue by subway. Pearson also lists routes 52A and 952 toward Lawrence and Lawrence West stations. Routes 300 and 332 provide overnight service.

At T1, TTC buses leave from Ground Level, Column R4. At T3, use the Arrivals Level stops around Columns C8–C12. Buy or load PRESTO at the airport machines, or check current contactless and cash payment rules before boarding.

GO Transit

GO Transit, MiWay, and Brampton Transit serve destinations outside central Toronto. Routes change more often than the airport rail link, so use Pearson's public-bus departure page or the relevant agency trip planner instead of relying on an old route list.

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)