Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) serves Canada’s largest and most popular city. It is the country’s busiest airport.
The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, approximately 23 km northwest of downtown Toronto.
In 2024, YYZ handled almost 47 million passengers, making it one of the top 20 busiest North American airports and a major international gateway for Canada.
Major Airlines - Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat
Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada, the country’s flag carrier. The airline operates over 6500 flights per month, serving more than 150 destinations in Canada, the US, and throughout the world.
YYZ also hosts major operations by WestJet, Porter Airlines, and Air Transat - the next 3 largest airlines in Canada. Together, they serve more than 2300 monthly flights and 60+ destinations.
Toronto Airport is also an operating base for Flair Airlines - Canada’s foremost ultra-low-cost carrier.
Many US carriers also offer direct flights to and from Toronto. The airport has US pre-clearance facilities, meaning flights from YYZ to the US are treated as domestic, speeding up arrival procedures. United, American, and Delta connect Canada’s largest airport to their respective hubs in the USA. Flights to smaller airports are operated by their subsidiaries, United Express, American Eagle, and Delta Connection, respectively.
As a major world airport, Toronto receives flights from dozens of international airlines. Big names include British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, EVA Air, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Aeromexico, Qatar Airways, KLM, Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and others.
In total, over 50 airlines operate through YYZ, serving more than 180 destinations worldwide. Check out all airlines that have scheduled flights to and from Toronto Airport.
The airport supports a high volume of international traffic, including trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific, continental U.S, and domestic routes. See all destinations from YYZ here.
Terminal Layout and Gates
There are 2 major passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Terminal 2 was operational until 2008, when it was demolished to make way for the expansion of Terminal 1.
- Terminal 1 is a large modern building with three “piers/concourses” and 77 gates. It is used by Air Canada, all Star Alliance member airlines, and a few other carriers.
Concourse D serves domestic flights.
Concourse E serves international flights. Concourse D and E are connected airside.
Concourse F serves transborder (US-bound) flights.
- Terminal 3 is the newer terminal (although not recently renovated like T1) and is used by most Oneworld airlines, plus most Canadian carriers. Terminal 3 has 4 concourses:
Concourse A: serves transborder (US-bound) flights.
Concourse B: serves international/domestic flights.
Concourse C: serves international/domestic flights. Concourses B and C are connected airside.
Infield Concourse (IFC): A small detached terminal, connected by bus to T3. It is used rarely, on an ad hoc basis.
The two terminals are connected via the free automated LINK train, which runs every 4-8 minutes, 24 hours a day, and also links them to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and the Value Park lot, where the Toronto Pearson Viscount station is located.
Connecting Flights and Transit at YYZ
Connecting between flights at Toronto Airport is generally streamlined, but you need to be aware of a few important points.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are not connected airside. To transfer between the two, you must retrieve your bags, use the LINK train to go to the other terminal, and check them in there yourself.
If both of your flights use the same terminal (which is standard if you fly with the same or partnering airlines), your bags will normally be checked through to your final destination. This assumes your second flight is on the same day.
Transfers between two domestic flights do not require any extra steps.
If you arrive via an international flight, note that border control in Toronto is mandatory for all passengers. Some nationalities need a transit visa, even if not leaving the airport. You may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you’re visa-exempt (unless you are a U.S. citizen). The application can be completed online and costs $7.
When connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight, you may also need to re-check your bags manually. There are a few exceptions to this rule - chiefly, if you fly with select few airlines (Air France, KLM, Delta, to name a few) from select destinations (Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) and proceed on a flight by WestJet or Air Canada. Inquire with your airline to see if you are eligible.
Toronto Airport has U.S. pre-clearing facilities. If you are flying to the USA, the Immigration and Border Protection check is conducted at Toronto Airport, thus simplifying your arrival in the U.S. Thereafter, all flights from Toronto to the US are treated as if they were domestic.
Wi-Fi and other services
Free WiFi is available throughout Terminals 1 and 3 via the “Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi” network. After selecting it, you will be redirected to a Boingo landing page where you need to accept the terms and conditions in order to connect.
As a major world airport, YYZ offers a plethora of customer services, which include:
Baggage storage: Offered by the Excess Baggage Company, located in Domestic Arrivals in Terminal 1 and near Check-in in Terminal 3. The cost is $20 for 8 hours, $25 per day, and $10 per day after that.
Lost and Found: Located between doors R and S of Terminal 1, before Security. Items are kept for 30 days. Open on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Secure Wrap stations: One in each terminal, near the check-in desks.
Pharmacy: Several DrugSmart Pharmacies - two landside in Terminal 1, one landside in Terminal 3, and one airside for US departures in T1. They sell OTC medication and have pharmacists on site for prescriptions, check-ups, and injections.
Chapels: One in each terminal with a daily religious service.
Fitness Center: Located in Terminal 1 before Security. A day pass costs $25.
Several ATMs and CIBC Banking Centers, both before and after Security, in both terminals.
Several ICE Currency exchange kiosks, selling over 100 international currencies. It can be found in both terminals, both landside and airside.
Family restrooms: Several Mamava Nursing Pods and Nursing Rooms in both terminals, both before and after Security.
Pet-relief areas: Over 10 service dog and pet-relief areas in both terminals, both airside and landside.
Lounges at Toronto Pearson Airport
With 14 lounges, Toronto Airport is one of the best in the world for premium travelers.
Some of those lounges are airline-specific and only welcome passengers with premium or elite status from their respective airlines, while others are accessible for a fee or with a membership.
Air Canada, as the largest airline at YYZ, maintains 4 Maple Leaf lounges, a Maple Leaf Cafe, and a Signature Suite:
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Domestic): Located near gate D53 and open from 5:00 AM to midnight every day.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International): Located at Level 3 near the E gates. Opens at 5:15-5:45 and closes at 10:45 PM.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder): Located on Level 4 near the F gates and is open from 4:15 AM to 8:30 PM daily.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Express (Transborder): A smaller lounge located near gates F84 to F99 and open between 5 AM and 8:30 PM daily.
Air Canada Café (Domestic): Not strictly a lounge in the traditional sense, but this cafe has a bar stocked with alcoholic and soft drinks, and offers light snacks and grab-and-go options.
Air France and KLM also have a joint lounge at YYZ, in Terminal 3. It’s on the floor above the International Departures area - use the elevator near Gate C32 to reach it. It opens at 9 AM every day and closes at 10:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays or 6:30 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
The independent lounges at Toronto Airport are all Plaza Premium Lounges with locations listed below:
Plaza Premium Lounge (T1 Domestic): Located right after Security and open from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T1 Transborder): Located near Gate F55 and open daily from 5:30 AM to 9 PM.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T1 International): Located on the floor above Departures - use the elevator near gate E77 to reach. It’s open every day from 5:30 AM to 1 AM.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T3 Domestic): Located near Gates B24 and open from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T3 Transborder): Located at Gate A10 and open from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
Plaza Premium Landmark Lounge (T3 International): Located on the floor above Departures - use the elevator near gate C32 to reach. It’s open every day from 5:30 AM to 1 AM.
Admission to the Plaza lounges above is open to all passengers regardless of airline. They offer fresh food (including for dietary requirements), drinks, quiet spaces, TVs, Wi-Fi, and reading materials. Some offer additional amenities. You can upgrade to a VIP section for an additional fee.
Walk-ins are accepted, though a prior reservation will get you better rates. The fees for any of the above lounges are:
2 hours = $59
3 hour = $72
6 hour = $96
Babies under 2 enter for free. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 get a 30% discount.
Dining Options at YYZ
Toronto Pearson Airport offers an extensive range of dining and retail options in both terminals and spread throughout all concourses (areas) of the airport.
Before Security in Terminal 1, there is a food court on Level G, near Door Q.
In Terminal 1, you’ll find:
Heirloom Bakery Cafe: After security, near Gate E75. It’s open from 5:00 AM until the last flight.
La Place: After security, near Gates E74/E75 (International area). Open 12:00 PM to 21:00 daily. Offers made-to-order flatbread pizza, salads, and smoothies.
APL Restaurant “Apropos”: A bar & restaurant after Security in the Transborder Concourse, near Gate F62/F65. Open from 5:00 AM until the last flight. Offers vegetarian and vegan meals too.
Fetta Panini Bar: Located in the International area, airside.
Caplansky's: A snack bar and deli on Level 3 (airside).
Apropos: A brew pub in the Transborder Concourse.
Bar 120: Near Gate D20 in the Domestic Concourse. Offers wines, cocktails, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more in an open-air setting.
Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra: A rustic Italian restaurant in the Domestic Concourse, near gate D41.
Camden Food Company: A small deli selling locally-sourced snacks and meals, including gluten-free, organic, and fair-trade options. It’s in the Domestic Concourse, near Gate D31.
Terminal 3 hosts restaurants, including:
Fionn MacCool’s: A traditional Irish pub located near Gate B24 and open every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Caplansky’s Deli: Serves Jewish soul food, including lox bagels and smoked meat sandwiches. Find it near Gate B39.
Vino Volo: A winebar that also has small bites on the menu to pair with your wine. Located near Gate B3.
Archeo Pizzeria: A quick-serve Italian-style pizzeria near gate A10.
El Catrin Taqueria: Serves traditional and modern Mexican specialties. Find it near Gate A10 (Transborder).
Ice Bar: A casual bar for a quick drink and light Middle Eastern food. Near Gate C36.
Smoke’s Poutinerie: Try one of Canada’s most famous dishes - poutine! This food-truck-style eatery serves creative variations of it plus fresh fries. Located before Security in Arrivals.
Spread throughout the airport, you will also find several Starbucks, Subways, and of course, Tim Hortons, where you can get a cup of coffee, light bites, or desserts.
Neither of the lists is exhaustive - the airport has over 50 different dining establishments to fit any taste or craving!
Transportation options at YYZ
The official address of Toronto Airport is 6301 Silver Dart Drive. Ground access is provided by Highway 401/407 and Airport Road.
For public transport, most people use the UP Express rail service. It links the airport’s Terminal 1 station with downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. For connections to Terminal 3, use the LINK train, which runs every 4-7 minutes, 24/7.
Using the UP Express, you can connect to the Toronto subway at Bloor Station for Line 2 (near Dundas West Station) or Union Station for Line 1. Train frequency is around 15 minutes between 4:55 AM (6 AM on weekends) and 1 AM. The trip to Downtown takes approximately 25 minutes. The ticket costs $12.35 for adults - you can buy a ticket at the airport station or tap your contactless card when boarding the train. Presto Cards are also accepted.
Buses and long-distance coaches also serve the airport:
Brampton Transit: Express bus service to Brampton, which departs from Column S2 of Terminal 1.
MiWay (Mississauga): Express and local bus service within Mississauga, which departs from Column S4 of Terminal 1.
GO Transit: Service to North York, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Oakville, and Hamilton in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Buses depart from Columns Q2 to Q4 of Terminal 1.
TTC (Toronto): Express bus and subway service to downtown Toronto, which departs from Column R4 of Terminal 1 and Column C8 to C12 of Terminal 3.
Several long-distance bus lines connect YYZ Airport to Hamilton, Kitchener, Kingston, Waterloo, Niagara Falls, North Bay, Gravenhurst, Port Elgin, Exeter, and other places. Companies providing long-distance bus service include Airways Transit, Megabus.com, Flixbus, Niagara Airbus, Onexbus, Ontario Coachway, TOK Coachlines, and others.
Rideshares and taxis operate curbside at both terminals. The trip to Downtown Toronto costs around CAD$60 and takes approximately 30 minutes. Flat rates are available to specific destinations. Uber, Lyft, and other licensed ride share providers have their pick-up locations at Door Q or P (T1) and Door D, outer curb (T3), with prices to the city slightly cheaper most of the time.
Many hotels, especially those near the Airport, offer complimentary shuttles to and from their properties. The pick-up locations are at Door E (Terminal 1) and Doors B and G (Terminal 3). For reservations or information about frequency, contact your hotel directly.
For private transfers from Toronto Airport, check here.
Car Rentals are Toronto Pearson Airport
The car rental counters are located on Level 1 of the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking garages.
The companies present at the airport are Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and National/Alamo.
Several others are near the airport and offer complimentary pick-ups from either terminal. These include local brands like Iversta Rent A Car, Peel Car Rentals, and Zoom Rent-A-Car, and larger companies like Europcar and SIXT.
Official parking at Toronto Pearson
Multiple parking options are offered by the airport. General lots are located near either terminal, allowing you to save time, while economy lots are connected to the terminals via the LINK train, thus presenting a viable budget parking option.
The following parking lots and garages exist at YYZ:
Express Park: A short-term solution for Terminal 1. It’s ultra convenient as it’s directly connected to the terminal. Every 20 mins cist CAD 7 during the day (12 PM to 7:59 PM) or CAD 6 overnight (8 PM to 11:59 AM) with a daily maximum of CAD 59. Ten EV charging stations are located on Level 4, Aisle C-19.
Daily Park: A covered garage connected via climate-controlled walkway to Terminal 1. The rates without reservation per 20 minutes are CAD 8 (12:00 PM to 7:59 PM) or CAD 7 (8 PM to 11:59 AM) with a daily maximum of CAD 38. The walking time to Terminal 3 is about 5 minutes.
Preferred Park: A premium-economy reserved, covered parking, located on Level 3, j21. The rate per 20 minutes without reservation is CAD 7.50 with a daily cap of CAD 42.
Value Park Garage: Economy covered parking is just a 10 to 15-minute LINK train ride to the terminals. It’s located at 6145 Viscount Road. The daily rate is CAD 30 with a weekly max of CAD 150 for the first 7 days and CAD 30 per day thereafter. Note that there is a height restriction of 2.2 m. The Value Park Garage also has a Preferred Park section with a minimum stay of 72 hours.
Value Park Lot: This uncovered parking lot is the most affordable way to park at the airport. Located at 6135 Viscount Road and also linked via the airport LINK train to the terminals. Costs CAD 24.49 per day, inclusive of taxes.
Valet Care: First-class parking is only available at Terminal 1. Walk straight into the terminal and let the staff park the car for you. A one-time fee of CAD 20 applies, plus a daily maximum of CAD 56 or a weekly max of CAD 275 for the first 7 days.
Two cell phone waiting lots: Free for up to 45 minutes. Suitable for those waiting for arriving passengers. One of the lots is equipped with EV charging.
Hotels near Toronto Pearson Airport
A hotel connected by a pedestrian bridge to Terminal 3 (within the terminal complex) is the Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport Hotel. With large and clean rooms, all required amenities, and a well-acclaimed restaurant, it’s a frequent choice for those who want to stay near the airport. The hotel was last renovated in 2021.
Numerous other hotels in Mississauga and the west-Toronto corridor provide shuttle service and are within a short drive. Bigger brands include the Holiday Inn International Airport by IHG, Embassy Suites by Hilton Airport, and Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel.
See more airport hotels near Toronto Pearson, details about their amenities, and current rates here.
Toronto, ON, Canada
