Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest and busiest aviation hub. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Ontario or a seasoned business traveler, navigating “YYZ” requires an understanding of its layout, transport options, and world-class amenities. Located approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) from Downtown Toronto, Pearson serves as the primary gateway for Air Canada, WestJet, and numerous international carriers.
Toronto Pearson operates two active terminals. Note: There is no “Terminal 2”; it was decommissioned to streamline operations.
As one of the largest terminals in the world by floor space, Terminal 1 handles the majority of international and domestic flights for Air Canada and the Star Alliance network (including United Airlines).
Designed for efficiency, Terminal 3 hosts WestJet, Delta, British Airways, and American Airlines.
Navigating from the airport to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is most convenient via professional ground transportation.
For a stress-free arrival, licensed airport taxis and limousines are the preferred choice for door-to-door service.
Pearson offers several lounges to relax in after a long flight, categorized by travel type:
Lounge Type | Location | Access/Hours |
Domestic | Terminal 1 (Level 3) | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
International | Terminal 1 (Gate E77) | Extended hours on Wed/Fri |
Transborder | Terminal 3 (Gate A10) | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
If you lose an item within the terminal, visit the Lost and Found office in Terminal 1 (between Doors R and S).
Pearson features curated dining experiences from renowned Toronto chefs like Susur Lee and Lynn Crawford.
For travelers with early flights or long layovers, several high-end hotels are located within minutes of the airport:
Toronto Pearson is a complex ecosystem designed to move millions of passengers seamlessly between ground transportation and aircraft. The airport operates through two primary hubs: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Terminal 1 is Canada’s largest terminal and a primary hub for global travel. It features 58 gates across three main concourses:
Highlight: Terminal 1 features the ThyssenKrupp Express Walkway, one of the world’s fastest moving sidewalks, designed to help passengers navigate the terminal’s vast distances in record time.
Terminal 3 serves a diverse range of airlines, including WestJet, Air Transat, Etihad Airways, and Pakistan International Airlines.
Pearson has partnered with Toronto’s top culinary talent to offer a dining experience that reflects the city’s diverse food scene.
A licensed airport taxi from Pearson to Downtown Toronto typically costs between $60 and $75 CAD using the GTAA-certified flat-rate system. This is often more predictable than rideshare services, which may implement surge pricing during rush hour or inclement weather.
Taxi and limo pickup zones are located on the Arrivals Level of both terminals:
Note: Only licensed airport vehicles with the GTAA decal on the window are permitted to pick up passengers at these curbside locations.
Both are licensed, professional services that offer flat rates. However, an Airport Limo is typically a premium black sedan or SUV (like a Lincoln Town Car or Chevy Suburban) and charges approximately 10% more than a standard taxi for the added luxury and comfort.
For domestic flights within Canada, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure. For international or U.S. transborder flights, arrive 3 to 4 hours early to account for security and U.S. Customs pre-clearance.
Yes, most airport taxi and limo services are pet-friendly, provided your pet is in a secure travel carrier. If you are traveling with a larger animal, it is best to pre-book a minivan or SUV to ensure there is enough space for the crate and your luggage.
The terminals are connected by the Terminal Link Train, a free automated people mover that runs 24/7. The train departs every few minutes and takes approximately 2 to 5 minutes to travel between stations.
If you have pre-booked a taxi or limousine, our dispatch team monitors your flight number in real-time. We will adjust your pickup time automatically so your driver is waiting for you whenever your plane touches down, regardless of delays.
Skip the rising meter and travel with peace of mind to or from Pearson International.