Airport Overview
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada's largest and busiest airport and the second busiest in North America after Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta. Located 22 km northwest of downtown Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario, Pearson handles over 50 million passengers annually across its two terminals. It serves as the primary hub for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, and is a major transborder gateway for flights between Canada and the United States.
The airport offers direct connections to over 180 destinations worldwide and is a key hub for Star Alliance traffic in North America. Pearson has undergone significant modernization in recent years, with major upgrades to Terminal 1 infrastructure and passenger facilities.
Terminals
YYZ operates two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both terminals handle domestic, transborder (US), and international flights.
- Terminal 1: The main terminal, home to Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Transat, and most Star Alliance member airlines including Lufthansa, Swiss, United, and Singapore Airlines. Divided into domestic (D gates), transborder (E gates), and international (F gates) sections.
- Terminal 3: Handles WestJet, Sunwing, Porter Airlines, and a number of international carriers including American Airlines, Delta, and various charter operators. Has separate domestic and international sections.
WiFi Availability
Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network "Pearson Free WiFi." Connect by selecting the network and accepting the terms of service — no registration or time limits. Speed is generally good for streaming and video calls. Rogers and Bell also offer paid premium WiFi options at certain lounges and service points for faster speeds.
Transport to City Center
UP Express (Union Pearson Express)
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) provides fast, direct rail service between Pearson Airport and Union Station in downtown Toronto. Trains depart every 15 minutes and the journey takes just 25 minutes. The fare is CAD $12.35 one-way or CAD $9.25 with a loaded PRESTO card. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily, making it the most convenient transport option to downtown.
Bus Services
MiWay and Brampton Transit operate local bus routes to destinations in Mississauga and Brampton. The 905-Express Bus from Terminal 1 connects to Mississauga City Centre and Brampton Gateway. GO Transit also serves the airport with bus routes to various GO stations for onward train connections across the Greater Toronto Area.
Taxi and Rideshare
Licensed taxis are available at designated stands outside both terminals. A metered taxi to downtown Toronto typically costs CAD $50–$75 and takes 30–55 minutes depending on traffic on Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway. Uber and Lyft are available from designated rideshare pickup zones. During rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM), rideshare and taxis can take significantly longer than the UP Express.
Airport Lounges
Pearson offers extensive lounge options across both terminals, with a particularly strong selection in Terminal 1.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Terminal 1, domestic): Air Canada's flagship domestic lounge with hot food, full bar, and shower suites
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Terminal 1, international): International Maple Leaf Lounge with premium dining and extensive bar; showers available
- Air Canada Signature Suite (Terminal 1): Ultra-premium lounge for Concierge Key members and international business class passengers
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1 & 3): Independent lounges accepting Priority Pass, credit card benefits, and day passes
- Escape Lounge (Terminal 3): Priority Pass accepted; food, drinks, and comfortable seating for Terminal 3 travelers
Hotels Near the Airport
Multiple hotel options are within minutes of YYZ, ranging from on-site properties to nearby options with shuttle service.
- Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel: Connected directly to Terminal 1 via a climate-controlled walkway — zero outdoor commute needed
- Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre: 5-minute shuttle from Terminal 1 with excellent conference facilities and a pool
- Alt Hotel Toronto Airport: Modern boutique hotel steps from Terminal 3 with minimalist rooms and a popular restaurant
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport: Full-service hotel near Terminal 3 with complimentary shuttle and dining
- Hampton Inn & Suites Toronto Airport: Reliable mid-range option with breakfast included and shuttle service
Food and Restaurants
Both terminals have a wide range of dining options, with Terminal 1 offering more upscale choices post-security in the international zone.
- Cibo Wine Bar (Terminal 1, International): Italian cuisine and wine bar with a broad menu including pasta, pizza, and antipasto
- Caplansky's Deli (Terminal 1, Domestic): Toronto institution serving smoked meat sandwiches, latkes, and classic deli fare
- Freshii (Terminal 1 & 3): Canadian health food chain serving wraps, bowls, salads, and smoothies
- Tim Hortons (Terminal 1 & 3): Canada's beloved coffee and baked goods chain — multiple locations throughout the airport
- Milestone's Grill + Bar (Terminal 3): Full-service Canadian casual dining with burgers, pastas, and cocktails
- Starbucks (Terminal 1 & 3): Multiple locations available pre- and post-security in both terminals
Travel Tips
- Take the UP Express for the most reliable journey to downtown — road traffic at Pearson can be severe during rush hours, and the 25-minute train ride beats any road option.
- NEXUS card holders can use dedicated NEXUS lanes at US Preclearance facilities, significantly speeding up the border crossing process for US-bound flights.
- US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance is conducted at Pearson before boarding — US-bound travelers complete US immigration and customs in Toronto, arriving as domestic passengers in the US.
- Arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic and transborder departures, and 3 hours for international flights — security lines can be long during peak morning and evening periods.
- NEXUS and TSA PreCheck lanes are available at security checkpoints — enrollment significantly reduces wait times.
- Long-term parking at YYZ is expensive (CAD $28–$38/day). Off-airport lots and the Park'N Fly service offer cheaper alternatives with free shuttle service.
- In winter, allow extra time as snow and ice can cause significant road and runway delays — the UP Express is unaffected by road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Toronto Pearson to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express (Union Pearson Express) train is the fastest and most reliable option, taking just 25 minutes from the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. Trains run every 15 minutes and cost CAD $12.35 (or CAD $9.25 with a PRESTO card). It operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
Is WiFi free at Toronto Pearson Airport?
Yes, free unlimited WiFi is available throughout both terminals via the "Pearson Free WiFi" network. There are no time limits or registration requirements beyond accepting the terms of service. Connection is straightforward and speeds are suitable for most travel needs.
How do I transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Pearson?
Terminals 1 and 3 are not connected airside. To transfer, you must exit the secure zone at your arrival terminal, take the free Link Train shuttle (runs every few minutes), and re-clear security at the departure terminal. Always allow at least 60 minutes for inter-terminal connections, longer during busy periods.
Which lounges at YYZ accept Priority Pass?
The Plaza Premium Lounges in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 accept Priority Pass memberships. The Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 also accepts Priority Pass. Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges require Air Canada or Star Alliance status, or a qualifying credit card — they do not accept Priority Pass.