Airport · YYZ
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto, Canada
Silver Dovelet — CC BY-SA 4.0
IATA
YYZ
ICAO
CYYZ
Continent
North America
Country
Canada
Transport
Getting To & From Toronto Pearson International Airport
The Union Pearson (UP) Express train runs from Terminal 1 directly to downtown Toronto's Union Station in 25 minutes, with standard one-way adult fares costing $12.35 CAD (about US$8.90), or $9.25 CAD (about US$6.70) with a PRESTO card. Official airport taxis and limousines operate on flat-rate pricing to downtown Toronto (set by zone; sources list about $53 to $63 CAD, roughly US$38 to US$46, for central Toronto, plus tip), while app-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft pick up from designated zones. Local public transit options include the TTC 900 Airport Express bus connecting to the municipal subway system.
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Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
Toronto Pearson operates two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is the largest facility, primarily handling Air Canada, Star Alliance carriers, and select international flights across domestic, transborder (US), and international concourses. Terminal 3 handles SkyTeam, oneworld, and various independent or low-cost carriers for domestic, US, and international destinations. The automated Terminal Link train connects the two terminals, parking garages, and the Viscount Station hotel-shuttle area free of charge 24 hours a day.
Hours of Operation
Toronto Pearson International Airport operates 24 hours a day, though strict aircraft noise curfew rules limit scheduled movements between late night and early morning hours. Main security checkpoints typically open around 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM daily.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Clear Security Smarter: Utilize YYZ Express, a free virtual queuing system, to pre-book a specific time slot for security screening up to 72 hours before departure.
- Arrival Windows: For international and U.S. transborder flights—especially during the heavy morning bank of departures between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM—plan to arrive at least 3 hours prior to scheduled departure.
- U.S. Preclearance: If flying to the United States, you will clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection at YYZ before boarding, meaning you arrive on American soil as a domestic passenger.
- Connection Margins: Ensure you respect minimum connection times, factoring in baggage re-check and customs formalities if transferring between domestic, transborder, or international flights.
Comfort
Lounges
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) provides a mix of airline-specific and independent paid-access lounges across both terminals, though availability depends heavily on your departure zone. In Terminal 1, Priority Pass and independent travelers can access the Plaza Premium Lounge locations in Domestic Departures and USA Transborder Departures. Terminal 3 features a much broader array of Plaza Premium options covering Domestic, International, and USA Departures, alongside the KLM Crown Lounge for eligible airline passengers. Air Canada operates its major Maple Leaf Lounges in Terminal 1 (Domestic, Transborder, and International) for its elite frequent flyers and business class customers, while other international carriers utilize contracted spaces.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Wi-Fi at Toronto Pearson is completely free throughout all public areas of Terminals 1 and 3 via the Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi network. Travelers simply select the network on their device and accept the terms on the landing browser page. While the connection is generally reliable for basic browsing and messaging, heavy streaming can occasionally cause slowdowns during peak bank hours. For device charging, fixed power outlets and USB ports are integrated into seating areas near many boarding gates. Additionally, Pearson features free self-service portable power bank charging kiosks where passengers can swipe a credit card to borrow a portable charger for up to 12 hours, provided it is returned to a kiosk to avoid a replacement fee.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Terminal dining at Toronto Pearson reflects the city's diverse culinary scene, featuring a mix of local celebrity chef concepts and reliable casual chains. Terminal 1's airside stands out with venues such as Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee offering upscale Asian-infusion, Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra for Italian fare, and Twist by Roger Mooking for contemporary global flavors. Terminal 3 has options such as Vino Volo, Fionn MacCool's and Nobel Burger Bar. Fast-casual staples like A&W, Tim Hortons, and various grab-and-go CIBO Express markets are widely distributed across both terminals.
Driving In
Parking
Official on-site parking at YYZ is structured by proximity and duration, with a range of prices in Canadian dollars. The Express Park in the Terminal 1 garage is tailored for short-term stays and quick pickups. Standard Daily Park spaces in the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 garages offer covered multi-level parking within a 3-minute walk of the check-in counters. For budget-conscious travelers, the official Value Park Garage and Value Park Lot are located off-site on Viscount Road. Check torontopearson.com for current rates and connect to the terminals via the free 24/7 Terminal Link train. Off-site alternatives like Park'N Fly provide further long-term competition with complimentary shuttle services.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
Accommodation options directly linked to the airport infrastructure are limited to two primary properties. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport is physically integrated into Terminal 3, offering direct indoor access via an enclosed walkway and connection to Terminal 1 via the airport's automated train. The Alt Hotel Toronto Airport is situated just a short ride away next to Viscount Station, linked directly to the terminals 24 hours a day via the complimentary Terminal Link train. Numerous other branded hotels (including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG properties) line Airport Road and Dixon Road, accessible via individual hotel shuttles or rideshares.
Sources: Toronto Pearson Airport Official Website, UP Express Fares, Priority Pass YYZ Lounges, Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi Guide, Toronto Pearson Power Banks, Toronto Pearson Eat and Drink Directory, Toronto Pearson Official Parking Rates, Toronto Pearson Hotels Guide