Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Guide
Quick summary
Canada's busiest airport and a major Air Canada hub, with two terminals linked by a free automated train. The UP Express train whisks you downtown in under 30 minutes.
The bottom line on YYZ
Pearson's split personality is the thing to plan around: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are joined only by the free automated Terminal Link train, and while the ride is just 4 to 5 minutes, you should allow at least 90 minutes to connect between them. The other time sink is U.S. preclearance, which both terminals have, so U.S.-bound passengers clear American customs in Toronto and should arrive about 3 hours early.
The smart way downtown is the UP Express from Terminal 1, reaching Union Station in about 25 to 28 minutes for roughly C$12.35, or around C$9.25 if you tap a PRESTO card, which beats a C$60 to C$75 taxi and rush-hour traffic. Parking? The Value Park Lot at about C$24 a day undercuts the garage and rides the same free train in.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the YYZ traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at YYZ
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are joined only by the free Terminal Link train β the ride is 4β5 minutes but you should allow at least 90 minutes to connect between them.
- Both terminals have U.S. preclearance, so U.S.-bound passengers clear American customs in Toronto and should arrive about 3 hours early.
- Tap a PRESTO card or contactless on UP Express (about C$9.25) instead of the paper fare (about C$12.35) β and skip the C$60β75 taxi downtown.
Terminals at YYZ
Toronto Pearson has two active terminals: Terminal 1 (Air Canada, Star Alliance, Emirates and most international carriers) and Terminal 3 (WestJet, oneworld, Delta, and various leisure airlines). The free, automated Terminal Link train runs 24/7 and connects T1, T3 and the Value Park Lot / Viscount station in a few minutes each way β the ride between terminals takes roughly 4β5 minutes, so allow extra time if your connecting flight departs from the other terminal. Both terminals have U.S. preclearance areas, so passengers flying to the United States clear U.S. customs and immigration in Toronto before boarding.
YYZ parking rates & options
| Garage (T1/T3) β daily maximum | About C$38β42 per day |
| Value Park Lot β per day | About C$24 per day |
| Express Park (T1) β premium daily | About C$55 per day |
| Hourly garage rate | About C$5 per half hour |
| Cell phone (waiting) lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at YYZ
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is C$31 a day β C$24 at the value park lot β per day versus C$55 at the express park (t1) β premium daily. Over a week that is C$217, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
The fastest way downtown is the UP Express train from Terminal 1: it reaches Union Station in about 25β28 minutes with trains every 15 minutes. Fares are roughly C$12.35 one-way (about C$9.25 with a PRESTO card); kids under 12 ride free. The TTC 900 Airport Express bus links to the subway for a single transit fare, and GO Transit / regional buses serve nearby cities. Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) pick up on the arrivals level β expect roughly C$60β75 to downtown depending on traffic.
YYZ vs ORD vs JFK: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
Terminal 1 is the lounge-heavy terminal: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges (plus the invitation-only Air Canada Signature Suite for international business class) and a Plaza Premium Lounge open to Priority Pass and pay-at-the-door guests. Terminal 3 has its own Plaza Premium Lounge and airline lounges. American Express also operates Centurion-style lounge access in T1 for eligible cardholders. Most independent lounges accept walk-ins for a fee if you're not a member.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals β connect to the network and accept the terms. There is no time limit, so it's fine for long layovers.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
For long or overnight layovers, Terminal 1 stays busy well into the night with dining and shops, while Terminal 3 is quieter for sleeping. Both terminals are largely airside-secure but comfortable seating without armrests is limited, so many travelers use a lounge or a hotel day-room. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel is connected directly to Terminal 3 by an indoor pedestrian bridge β ideal for a short overnight without leaving the airport. Remember that U.S.-bound passengers clear U.S. preclearance in Toronto, so arrive at least 3 hours early for U.S. flights.
Insider tips
- Take UP Express instead of a taxi to downtown β it's cheaper and beats rush-hour traffic.
- Tap a PRESTO card or contactless payment on UP Express to save a few dollars over the paper fare.
- Allow at least 90 minutes to connect between T1 and T3 via the free Terminal Link train.
- For U.S. flights, arrive 3 hours early to clear U.S. preclearance in Toronto.
- Use the free cell phone lot so pick-up drivers can wait without paying garage rates.
YYZ airport β FAQ
οΌ β How do I get from Toronto Pearson to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express train from Terminal 1 reaches Union Station downtown in about 25β28 minutes, running every 15 minutes for roughly C$12.35 one-way (about C$9.25 with PRESTO). Taxis and rideshare run around C$60β75, and the TTC 900 bus connects to the subway for a single transit fare.
οΌ β How much is parking at Toronto Pearson?
Daily garage parking in Terminal 1 or 3 runs about C$38β42 per day. The cheaper Value Park Lot is around C$24 per day with a free Terminal Link train to the terminals, and the cell phone waiting lot is free. Pre-booking online is usually cheaper than the drive-up rate.
οΌ β How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Pearson?
Take the free, automated Terminal Link train, which runs 24/7 and connects T1, T3 and the Value Park Lot. The ride between the two terminals takes about 4β5 minutes; allow at least 90 minutes for a connection.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at Toronto Pearson?
Yes. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals with no time limit β just connect and accept the terms.
οΌ β Is there a hotel inside Toronto Pearson?
Yes. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel is connected directly to Terminal 3 by an indoor pedestrian bridge, making it the most convenient option for an overnight layover without leaving the airport.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Toronto Pearson International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.