Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's busiest airport, servicing its largest city: In 2023, 45 million passengers traveled through this hub. The more than 50 airlines serving Pearson fly to more than 160 destinations around the world, making this quite a popular international layover spot if you’re flying Air Canada.
Terminal information and tips
There are just two terminals at Pearson: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3). If you’re wondering what happened to Terminal 2, it was demolished years ago, and T1 was expanded to cover its turf. The terminals connect via a 24-hour Terminal Link train before security, but there’s no post-security connection. If you need to transfer between terminals, you’ll go through security again.
T1 primarily serves Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, while T3 handles the rest of the airlines flying through Pearson. This means many layovers won’t require you to transfer terminals. I find the transfer itself is easy to navigate, though the security lines can get very long, making the process stressful if you’re short on time.
In both terminals, you’ll find three separate sections: domestic, international and transborder (for US-bound flights). Once you’re in one, you can’t hop over to the others, so make sure you’re in the right place.
The best way to get to and from the airport
Pearson is located in Mississauga, about 14 miles from downtown Toronto. It's well connected to the city by public transportation and roads. Traffic can be heavy here, so I'd recommend opting for public transportation when possible.
Public transportation
A convenient way to get between Pearson and downtown Toronto is the UP Express train, which stops only at T1. Trains run every 15 minutes and take 28 minutes to reach Union Station in the city center. From Union Station, you might be able to walk to your hotel, or you can easily grab an Uber, taxi, public bus or subway.
Public buses, run by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), also connect both terminals to the city. The 900 Airport Express bus takes about 20 to 25 minutes to reach Kipling Station, while the 52 Lawrence West bus takes 70 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. They’re a cheaper option, but from these subway stations, you’ll need to continue your journey to downtown. If you’re not in a rush, it’s a solid choice.
Taxis, rideshares and driving
You can find taxis and rideshares waiting outside both terminals. If you’d rather drive yourself, car rental counters are available on-site. Honestly, though, driving to downtown Toronto can be a pain. Since public transit is so convenient, I’d only rent a car if I were planning to explore other destinations in the region.
Security lines
Pearson is notorious for long security lines, so arrive early at this airport. I’d recommend at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Pro tip: You can check current security wait times on the airport’s website.
To skip most of the wait, you can pre-book a security time slot through the YYZ Express program. It’s free, but only available from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm at Terminal 1 and 6:00 am to 10:00 pm at Terminal 3. Book your spot online up to 72 hours before your flight, then look for the YYZ Express lane when you arrive. Time slots are limited and fill up fast, so it pays to plan ahead.
YYZ Express isn’t the only shortcut. Certain American Express cardholders have access to a priority lane. If you’re traveling to the US and have Global Entry or NEXUS, you can use the Trusted Travellers priority lane to speed things up.
Preclearance
If you’re flying to the US from Pearson, you’ll go through customs and immigration preclearance before you even board the plane. This means you clear US customs in Toronto, not when you land. You can use the Mobile Passport Control app or NEXUS to expedite the process, but in my experience, it can still be slow, so budget extra time.
The big plus? When you land in the US, it’s like arriving on a domestic flight. You can just grab your bags and walk right out of the airport. If you have a connecting flight, your checked luggage will be automatically transferred, so you don’t have to re-check it.
Things to do during a layover
Pearson is a huge layover hub, so there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself with some time to kill here. What you can do depends on how much time you have.
Less than four hours
If your layover is less than four hours, I’d recommend staying airside, as security lines can be long. Pearson has plenty of shopping and dining options throughout both terminals to keep you entertained. One of my favorite things to do is catch a live music performance through the YYZ Live program, where local artists perform inside the terminals on various dates throughout the year.
Four to six hours
With a bit more time, you could explore an attraction near the airport. For a dose of nature, I’d head to the Humber Arboretum, a 250-acre green space perfect for a walk. If you’re more into culture, the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada is also nearby.
More than six hours
If you have a long layover, you might have enough time for a quick trip to downtown Toronto. To avoid traffic, I’d take the UP Express train. If you’d rather just relax, you could book a room at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, which is connected to Terminal 3, or the ALT Hotel, located at the Terminal Link train’s Viscount station.
Alternative airports
I’d argue that nine times out of 10, you’ll probably fly into Pearson when you’re heading to Toronto. It just has the most flight options. But if you’re looking for alternatives, you’ve got a few.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Billy Bishop is much smaller than Pearson, but it’s incredibly close to downtown Toronto. It’s actually on an island right across from the city, which is why some locals call it the Toronto Island Airport. One thing I really enjoy about flying into Billy Bishop is the view of the CN Tower on approach. Plus, taking the 90-second ferry from the airport to the mainland is a pretty unique experience.
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
The airport in Hamilton is about an hour’s drive from Toronto and has limited flights.
It can be a good option if you find a cheap fare or if you’re also planning to visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. Just know that a cab to Toronto will be pricey, so it’s best to rent a car or take a bus.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
A nearby US airport option is in Buffalo, New York, about a two-hour drive from Toronto.
You’ll need to factor in time for the border crossing, which can get busy during peak hours. And don’t forget your passport. This is a great choice if you want to visit Niagara Falls, as it’s about a 45-minute drive away.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
