YYZ Airport Insights & Guide
Key YYZ Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know YYZ Airport
Welcome to our Toronto Pearson Airport online guide. Nestled in Mississauga, Ontario, YYZ is an international gateway connecting Canada to the world. Among its many features, the airport boasts an impressive array of dining and shopping options, including celebrity chef Susur Lee's Asian-inspired restaurant, Lee Kitchen. This guide will help you navigate YYZ, whether you're an experienced traveler or embarking on your first journey. If you're curious about other airports on your itinerary, our worldwide airport guide offers an extensive overview of airports around the globe.
WATCH VIDEO: Experience the arrivals at Pearson Airport in Toronto and discover the services available on Level 1:
Airport News
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) is undergoing significant changes to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. The airport has secured a billion-dollar investment aimed at upgrading its infrastructure, which includes modernizing terminals and improving baggage handling systems. Additionally, the airport has launched the LIFT initiative, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements to streamline airport operations and reduce environmental impact. These developments are expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers. (sources: Simple Flying, Storeys)
Navigating YYZ's Terminals
Toronto YYZ Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 has 58 gates and is used by Air Canada, Air Transat, and other Star Alliance airlines. Terminal 3 has 46 gates and is used by WestJet, Delta, and other SkyTeam airlines. Both terminals offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and services for passengers to enjoy while waiting for their flights.
When arriving at the airport, passengers should check their airline and flight number to determine which terminal they need to go to. The terminals are connected by the Terminal Link train, which runs 24/7 and is free of charge. The train ride takes approximately 8 minutes and stops at both terminals as well as the Value Park Garage and the Viscount Station parking lot.
Passengers can also use the airport's interactive map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates. Simply click on the following link to access the map: interactive airport map.
Connecting Between Terminals
Connecting between terminals at YYZ is easy and convenient. The airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which are connected by a Terminal Link train. The train runs 24/7 and is free of charge, making it the most popular option for passengers who need to transfer between terminals. The train ride takes only a few minutes, and it runs every 4-8 minutes during peak hours.
If you prefer to walk, it's possible to do so between the two terminals. The walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers, and it takes around 20-25 minutes to walk between the two terminals. However, keep in mind that this option may not be suitable for passengers with limited mobility or those carrying heavy luggage.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from YYZ-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Toronto Pearson has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you’re flying Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners, you’ll be in Terminal 1, which is the larger of the two. Terminal 3 serves other airlines, including WestJet and international carriers. Use the Terminal Link train to move between terminals quickly." — John D., Mississauga, ON, July 2023
"Make sure to download the Toronto Pearson app. It provides real-time updates on gate changes and terminal maps, which can be a lifesaver if you’re in a rush." — Priya S., Brampton, ON, August 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The UP Express is the fastest way to get to downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to reach Union Station. It’s much more reliable than taking a taxi during rush hour." — Ahmed K., Toronto, ON, September 2023
"If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, consider booking a private shuttle in advance. It’s more comfortable and can be more economical for families or groups." — Maria G., Etobicoke, ON, October 2023
Parking
"The Value Park Garage is a great option if you’re looking for long-term parking. It’s cheaper than the Terminal garages and offers a free shuttle service to the terminals." — David L., Vaughan, ON, November 2023
"For short trips, the Express Park near Terminal 1 is convenient and reasonably priced. It’s perfect for picking up or dropping off passengers." — Emily R., Markham, ON, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"If you have a long layover, head to the Plaza Premium Lounge. It’s accessible to all travelers for a fee and offers comfortable seating, good food, and showers." — Jason M., Richmond Hill, ON, January 2024
"There are plenty of dining options in both terminals, but my favorite is Caplansky’s Deli in Terminal 3. Their smoked meat sandwiches are a must-try." — Sofia P., Oakville, ON, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check the security wait times on the Toronto Pearson website before you leave for the airport. It can save you a lot of stress, especially during peak travel times." — Michael T., Toronto, ON, March 2024
"Enroll in the Nexus program if you travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. It significantly speeds up the customs process and can save you a lot of time." — Olivia H., Burlington, ON, April 2024
iFly Tip: Navigate through airports like a pro with our expert travel tips.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Toronto Pearson Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, as vehicles are not allowed to park or wait for passengers for more than a few minutes. This is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to prevent congestion at the airport.
For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas located near both terminals. These waiting areas are free of charge and allow drivers to park their vehicles and wait for their passengers to call them once they have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up. This is a convenient option for those who do not want to circle around the airport or pay for parking while waiting for their passengers.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of Toronto YYZ Airport, you'll have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking options, with a total of six parking garages and lots located near both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
For those who want to avoid the hassle of finding parking, YYZ also offers a cell phone waiting area where you can wait for your arriving passenger to call you before heading to the terminal.
If you require handicapped parking, designated spaces are available in all parking garages and lots. These spaces are located close to the elevators and shuttle bus stops for your convenience.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near YYZ Airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy for you to get to your terminal.
Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Pearson Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, use a shared ride service, or take public transportation, there are several options available to suit your needs.
If you're interested in renting a car, you'll find several major car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can easily book your rental car online or in person at the rental car counters located in the parking garages.
If you prefer to take a taxi, you'll find designated taxi drop-off areas outside each terminal. Fares are regulated by the airport and are based on the distance traveled. You can expect to pay around $50-$60 for a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Toronto.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside each terminal, and fares are based on time and distance traveled. Keep in mind that some shared ride services may have restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage allowed.
If you're traveling on a budget, public transportation is also available at the airport. The UP Express train is a fast and convenient way to get to downtown Toronto, with trains departing every 15 minutes. The fare is $12.35 one way, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Additionally, several bus routes also serve the airport, including the TTC 192 Airport Rocket and the MiWay 7 Airport Express.
iFly Tip: Discover what pilots do during each stage of your flight by reading our pilot's flight guide.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a convenient and comfortable stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our selection of hotels offers a range of amenities, including airport shuttle services, comfortable accommodations, and strategic locations for exploring the local area. From the Sheraton Gateway Hotel situated within the airport premises to the environmentally conscious Alt Hotel, each hotel has its unique offerings. Some are ideal for the on-the-go business traveler, while others cater to leisure travelers looking to explore the city. Ready to book? Check out our Pearson Airport Hotels now.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Travelers passing through YYZ Airport will find a plethora of dining and shopping options to explore. From celebrity chef Susur Lee's Asian-inspired dishes at Lee Kitchen to the luxury bags and accessories at Longchamp, there's something for everyone. This guide provides a sample of some of the most popular restaurants and stores at the airport, but be sure to check at the airport for the most up-to-date information on locations and hours.
Looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal? YYZ has you covered. Terminal 1 offers Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee, Boccone Pronto, and Freshii, while Terminal 3 boasts Paramount Fine Foods, Wendy's, and Starbucks. If you're looking for a place to shop, YYZ has plenty of options. Terminal 1 has Victoria's Secret, Longchamp, and The Body Shop, while Terminal 3 has Boutique iStore, Metalsmiths Sterling, and The Duty Free Store.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, here's where to find everything you need.
Passenger Services
Toronto Pearson Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving millions of passengers each year. The airport offers a range of passenger services to make the travel experience more convenient and comfortable.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can easily connect to the network and stay connected with their loved ones or work while waiting for their flight.
If you have lost an item, the lost and found department can help you locate it. The department is located in Terminal 1 and can be reached by phone or email. The airport also has a baggage storage service, which allows passengers to store their luggage for a fee.
Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's play areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. These play areas are designed to keep children entertained and engaged while waiting for their flight.
For passengers with special needs, Toronto YYZ Airport offers a range of services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible washrooms, and designated parking spaces. Passengers can request these services in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
Need to do some banking? There are several banks and ATMs located throughout the airport, including Bank of Montreal, CIBC, and TD Canada Trust. These banks offer a range of services, including currency exchange and ATM withdrawals.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical clinic located in Terminal 1. The clinic is staffed by medical professionals and can provide a range of medical services, including first aid, vaccinations, and travel health advice.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's essential to stay updated on the status of your flight, especially when you're at the airport. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at YYZ.
One of the most convenient ways is to use the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display board in the terminal and search for your flight by airline, flight number, or destination.
Another way to stay informed is by using the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines have apps that allow you to receive push notifications about any changes to your flight status, including delays, cancellations, and gate changes. You can also check your flight status on the app and receive updates via text or email.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at YYZ Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Want to speed through security? Learn more in our TSA PreCheck Guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
- Terminals: The airport features two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, connected by the Terminal Link train.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include Air Canada, WestJet, and American Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the YYZ Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Toronto Pearson handles over 50 million passengers annually, averaging around 140,000 passengers per day.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees approximately 1,250 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from YYZ are Vancouver, New York, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton.
- Hub Status: Toronto Pearson serves as a hub for Air Canada and WestJet, and is also used by Air Transat, Sunwing Airlines, and FedEx Express.
Airport History
YYZ Airport, originally known as Malton Airport, was built in 1937 as a military airfield. It was later converted into a civilian airport and officially opened in 1960. Since then, it has become the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving over 50 million passengers annually.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1937 - Malton Airport is built as a military airfield
- 1958 - The airport is transferred to civilian control and renamed Toronto International Airport
- 1960 - The airport officially opens to the public
- 1984 - The airport is renamed Toronto Pearson International Airport in honor of Lester B. Pearson, former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner
- 1996 - The airport undergoes a major expansion, including the addition of a new terminal building
- 2015 - The airport introduces a new automated baggage system to improve efficiency and reduce wait times
- 2020 - The airport experiences a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Toronto Pearson International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: YYZ
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 416-247-7678
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Toronto Pearson International Airport, 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2, Canada
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
Toronto Pearson Airport Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport