Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): Complete Travel Guide
With more than 50 million passengers a year, Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ) is the busiest hub in Canada and the country’s main eastern gateway. Close to 50 airlines connect the airport to over 160 destinations worldwide. In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to navigate Toronto Pearson International Airport, from ground transportation to lounges, hotels, and credit card perks.
Getting To and From YYZ
Toronto Pearson International Airport sits at 6301 Silver Dart Drive in Mississauga, Ontario, near the western edge of Toronto. Both Mississauga and Toronto belong to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and the airport is roughly 25 km from the downtown core.
UP Express Train
The Union Pearson (UP) Express is the fastest way to travel between the airport and downtown Toronto. The train connects Terminal 1 to Union Station in just 25 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes during service hours. A one-way adult fare starts at $12.35 CAD, and the train also stops at Weston and Bloor stations.
Public Transit Options
Several public transit operators serve Toronto Pearson airport from both terminals. As a result, you can reach the airport affordably from almost anywhere in the GTA.
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): 24/7 bus service from Terminals 1 and 3, including the 900 Airport Express to Kipling subway station, plus routes 52, 952, 300A, 352, and 332. Furthermore, your fare includes free transfers to the subway and streetcars.
- GO Transit: Regional buses from Terminal 1 to Hamilton, Richmond Hill, and North York, with onward connections as far as Niagara Falls.
- MiWay: Local buses from Terminal 1 to the City of Mississauga.
- Brampton Transit: Local buses from Terminal 1 to Brampton.
- Megabus: Direct service to Belleville, Kingston, Nappanee, Port Hope, and Trenton, with connections as far as Ottawa and Montreal.
Taxis, Rideshares, and Shuttles
Licensed taxis and limos run on fixed zone-based fares. You can hire them at doors C and D in Terminal 1, and at doors D, E, and F in Terminal 3. Uber and Lyft also pick up and drop off passengers at the airport, although a $3.15 CAD airport fee is added to every rideshare trip.
Many nearby hotels offer complimentary 24/7 shuttles to and from both terminals. In addition, the free Terminal Link train runs around the clock between Viscount Station, Terminal 1, and Terminal 3, with direct access to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and the ALT Hotel.
Terminals at Toronto Pearson
Toronto Pearson airport has two active terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. They are connected landside by the free Terminal Link train. The original Terminal 2 was demolished in 2007, and that area has since been used to expand Terminal 1. Both terminals handle international, domestic, and US transborder flights.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the largest terminal in Canada and one of the biggest in the world by floor space. It serves Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, plus Air North, Canadian North, and Emirates. The terminal spans four levels:
- Ground level: Public buses, rideshares, and other ground transportation.
- Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim, with a 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, CIBC Banking Centre, and SIM card kiosks.
- Level 2: Departures concourse, plus a landside mezzanine with a Subway restaurant.
- Level 3: Check-in counters, with Air Canada occupying dedicated rows by destination and class.
Terminal 1 has three departure concourses: D for domestic flights, E for international flights, and F for US transborder flights. The D and E concourses are connected airside, while the F concourse is separated because it is a US pre-clearance area.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is set on three floors and hosts WestJet, Delta, and most Oneworld and SkyTeam carriers. Level 1 handles arrivals, with a Tim Hortons, Subway, Smoke’s Poutinerie, and SIM card kiosks. Level 2 handles check-in and departures, while Level 3 is an airside mezzanine for arrivals and connections.
Terminal 3 has four departure concourses: A for transborder flights, B and C for international and domestic flights, and the Infield Concourse (IFC) used as needed. The B and C concourses are connected airside, while the A concourse is separated for US pre-clearance.
Airlines and Destinations
Toronto Pearson hosts close to 50 airlines flying to more than 160 destinations worldwide. Generally, Star Alliance carriers operate from Terminal 1, while SkyTeam, Oneworld, and most other carriers operate from Terminal 3.
| Alliance | Terminal | Main carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Star Alliance | Terminal 1 | Air Canada, Air India, Avianca, Copa, EgyptAir, Ethiopian, EVA Air, LOT, Lufthansa, SAS, TAP, Turkish, United |
| SkyTeam | Terminal 3 | Aeromexico, Air France, China Eastern, Delta, KLM, Korean Air |
| Oneworld | Terminal 3 | American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Royal Jordanian |
| Other | T1 / T3 | WestJet, Air Transat, Flair, Emirates, Etihad, Icelandair, Condor, Philippine Airlines and more |
Airport Lounges at YYZ
Toronto Pearson airport currently operates 14 lounges. Some are open to passengers with a premium cabin ticket or elite status, while others welcome travellers with the right credit card or a paid membership. After security and customs, the airport’s lounges are by far the best place to relax before a flight.
Air Canada Lounges (Terminal 1)
As Air Canada’s main hub, Terminal 1 includes three Maple Leaf Lounges (domestic, transborder, and international), one Maple Leaf Lounge Express near gates F84–F99, an Air Canada Café near gate D20, and the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite near gate E77.
The Signature Suite is reserved for passengers flying on higher-fare Air Canada business class tickets (fare classes J, C, D, Z, and P). If you booked through Aeroplan, you must hold a Business Class (Flexible) or First Class (Flexible) fare to enter.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
Plaza Premium Lounges
Plaza Premium operates six lounges at Toronto Pearson, one in each concourse across both terminals. Cardholders can typically access these lounges with the American Express Platinum Card or with eligible cards via DragonPass. In addition, you can book a lounge visit (and shower facilities) for a fee.
Other Lounges
The Air France/KLM Lounge in Terminal 3 welcomes SkyTeam premium-cabin guests as well as Priority Pass and DragonPass cardholders. The American Airlines Admirals Club is open to AA premium-cabin passengers, members, elite-status holders, and selected credit cardholders.
For more lounge access strategies, see our guide to the Best Credit Cards For Airport VIP Lounge Access.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $0 |
Priority Services and YYZ Express
If you fly in a premium cabin, hold elite status, or carry the right credit card, several priority services can speed up your trip through Toronto Pearson airport.
- Priority Security Lane: Available with upper-tier American Express cards. Log into the Toronto Pearson page on the American Express website to receive QR codes for you and your travel party.
- YYZ Express (powered by CLEAR): Lets you book a security screening time slot for domestic and international departures from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. However, this service is not offered for US-bound flights.
- Mobile Passport Control: Speeds up US pre-clearance by letting you complete declarations in advance and use an express line.
- Advance CBSA Declaration: The Canadian equivalent for arrivals into Canada, with an express queue.
- NEXUS and Global Entry: Both trusted-traveller programs are accepted at Toronto Pearson.
The following American Express cards include Priority Security Lane access at YYZ:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $799 |
Hotels At and Near YYZ
Two hotels sit directly on the airport site. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel is connected to Terminal 3, while the ALT Hotel is at Viscount Station and links to both terminals via the free Terminal Link train. Furthermore, the Sheraton Gateway is a Marriott property, so you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and use Free Night Awards.
Beyond the airport, dozens of nearby hotels offer 24/7 free shuttle service. Many participate in popular loyalty programs, which makes it easy to stack points on top of regular travel rewards.
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel (on-site, Terminal 3)
- Element Toronto Airport
- Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Toronto Airport
- The Westin Toronto Airport
- Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport
- Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
- Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport
- Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
Car Rentals at YYZ
Car rental options at Toronto Pearson airport are plentiful, with on-site counters at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. In addition, several off-site companies operate near the airport and run shuttles from Viscount Station.
- On-site: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo
- Off-site (with shuttle): ACE, Europcar, Payless
International Transfers and US Pre-Clearance
If you arrive from outside Canada, you must meet Canada’s entry requirements, including any required visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Even when you only connect between two international flights (for example Amsterdam–Toronto–Cancun), you still need to clear the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at Toronto Pearson airport.
Because Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are not connected airside, any transfer between the two requires you to claim your bags and move them landside via the Terminal Link train. By contrast, when you connect between two international flights in the same terminal on the same day, your bags are typically checked through to your final destination. When in doubt, ask the airline ground staff at check-in or on arrival.
Bottom Line
Toronto Pearson airport is Canada’s largest and busiest hub, but a little planning makes it easy to navigate. Confirm your terminal in advance, build in extra time for security and customs, and take advantage of the UP Express train for a quick ride to downtown Toronto. If you travel often through YYZ, the right credit card can unlock lounge access, priority security lanes, and hotel points at on-airport properties — all of which transform a long layover into a comfortable break.
Toronto Pearson Airport – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) located?
Toronto Pearson International Airport sits at 6301 Silver Dart Drive in Mississauga, Ontario, about 25 km west of downtown Toronto. Mississauga is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
How many terminals does Toronto Pearson have?
The airport has two active terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. They are connected landside by the free 24/7 Terminal Link train. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2007, and that space was used to expand Terminal 1.
How do I get from Toronto Pearson to downtown Toronto?
The fastest option is the UP Express train from Terminal 1 to Union Station, with a 25-minute ride and departures every 15 minutes. You can also use the TTC bus network, GO Transit, taxis, limos, or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
What terminal does Air Canada fly out of in Toronto?
Air Canada operates exclusively out of Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson, including all domestic, US transborder, and international flights, both arrivals and departures.
What terminal do WestJet, Delta, and Flair use at YYZ?
WestJet, Delta Air Lines, and Flair Airlines all operate out of Terminal 3. Most other carriers, including SkyTeam and Oneworld members, also fly from Terminal 3.
How early should I arrive at Toronto Pearson airport?
Arrive at least 3 hours before any flight to the United States or another international destination, and at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Also check live wait times on the airport’s online dashboard before you leave home.
Do I clear US Customs at Toronto Pearson?
Yes. If your flight is bound for the United States, you clear US Customs and Border Protection at Toronto Pearson’s pre-clearance facility before boarding. CBP officers process passengers at both terminals daily from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Which credit cards offer lounge access at YYZ?
The American Express Platinum Card and other premium cards give you access to Plaza Premium Lounges at YYZ, often through DragonPass or Priority Pass. Air Canada lounges are reserved for premium-cabin passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and selected Aeroplan cardholders.
Is there a hotel inside Toronto Pearson airport?
Yes. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel is connected directly to Terminal 3 and is the only hotel physically inside the airport. The ALT Hotel at Viscount Station is also a short Terminal Link train ride away from both terminals.
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