Toronto
Pearson
Canada's busiest airport — and a gateway to one of the world's most livable cities. Here's everything you need to own your layover.
Know Before You Land
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is consistently ranked among North America's best-connected airports. Two terminals, efficient transit, and a city worth exploring — it's a layover you'll actually look forward to.
🛂 Customs & Transit
International-to-international connections don't require clearing Canadian customs if you stay airside. Entering Canada? Budget 45–90 min for customs and security re-entry.
🔁 Terminal Connection
Terminals 1 and 3 are connected landside by the free LINK Train (5 min). Airside connection requires clearing security again. The train runs every few minutes.
📶 Wi-Fi & Amenities
Free unlimited Wi-Fi (network: Pearson Wi-Fi). Sleeping pods available in T1. Showers in select Plaza Premium lounges. Charging stations throughout both terminals.
💱 Money & Currency
Canadian dollars accepted everywhere. ATMs and exchange kiosks in both terminals. Airport rates are unfavorable — use a downtown ATM for better rates if heading to the city.
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 3
Both terminals serve international flights, but the experience differs. Know which one you're in before making plans.
Terminal 1 — Main Hub
- Air Canada, Star Alliance partners
- Larger footprint, newer facilities
- Plaza Premium lounges (Intl)
- Sleeping pods (Minute Suites)
- Direct UP Express platform
- Level 3 departures, Level 2 arrivals
- Best dining variety
Terminal 3 — Secondary
- WestJet, Delta, smaller carriers
- Quieter, easier to navigate
- Swissôtel lounge access
- LINK Train to T1 & UP Express
- Less congested security
- Smaller but solid food options
- Free parking bus to economy lots
Where to Decompress
YYZ has a solid lounge scene — from premium airline clubs to pay-per-visit options. No Priority Pass? Day passes are available at most.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge — T1 International
Air Canada's flagship lounge. Excellent food, full bar, showers. Best lounge in the airport. Post-security, Pier E.
Plaza Premium Lounge — T1 Domestic & International
Multiple locations. Pay-per-use (from ~$50 CAD), Priority Pass, and credit card access accepted. Showers, hot food buffet, bar.
Air Canada Signature Suite — T1
Ultra-premium lounge for First Class and Super Elite passengers. Private dining, à la carte menu, exceptional views.
Plaza Premium T3 & SATH T3
Smaller options in Terminal 3. Good for WestJet and other T3 passengers who don't want to take the LINK Train.
Eat, Browse, Restock
YYZ punches above its weight on food — local Toronto brands sit alongside international options. Pre-security has the best variety if you have time.
Cactus Club Café
Upscale Canadian casual in T1. Burgers, salmon, cocktails — a proper sit-down meal airside.
Tim Hortons
Quintessentially Canadian. Double-double coffee and Timbits are mandatory if this is your first time.
Pho Pasteur
Solid Vietnamese pho in T1. A rare find at an airport — warm, filling, and reasonably priced.
Terroni
Toronto's beloved Italian trattoria has an airport outpost. Thin-crust pizza and house-made pasta.
Indigo Books
Canada's biggest bookstore chain — great for travel reads, gifts, and Canadian-made goods.
Steam Whistle Brewpub
Toronto craft brews on tap. A classic green-bottle Pilsner at the airport? Don't skip it.
The UP Express: Your Layover Superpower
The Union Pearson Express is one of the best airport rail links in North America — fast, clean, frequent, and a proper city experience in itself.
🚆 Route & Timing
- Cost: ~$12.35 CAD one-way Cheaper with Presto card. Buy at kiosks in T1 or download the UP Express app. Children 12 and under ride free.
- What's near Union Station CN Tower (10 min walk), Distillery District (15 min Uber), St. Lawrence Market (12 min walk), Ripley's Aquarium (8 min walk).
- Time Budget: 4h+ layover recommended 25 min each way + 30 min buffer = you need at least 3.5h after clearing customs. Best with 5h+.
- Return frequency Trains run every 15 min. Last train to airport varies — always check the UP Express schedule before heading downtown.
Make Every Hour Count
Pearson rewards those who plan ahead. Whether you're exploring downtown or staying airside, these tips will save you time and stress.
Know Your Transfer Type
International transit staying airside? You won't need to clear customs. But any exit — including to grab the UP Express — requires clearing the border and re-entering security.
eTA for Canadians & Visa Requirements
Most visitors need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to transit through Canada, even if not leaving the airport. Check requirements before your trip — it's cheap and quick to get.
Best Spot for a Nap
Minute Suites in T1 offer private sleeping pods (hourly rate). Free options: quiet zones on the upper level of T1 past security, or the seating by the Transborder gates early morning.
Short Layover? Stay in T1
For layovers under 3 hours, skip the city. T1's international zone has great food, lounges, and a Cactus Club. The LINK Train to T3 takes 5 min if needed — build it into your time.
Canadian SIM or eSIM
If you'll be in Toronto more than a few hours, a prepaid Telus or Rogers SIM from the airport is worthwhile. Google Maps and Uber work brilliantly in Toronto. eSIM options are cheaper — set up before landing.
Weather & Seasons Matter
Toronto winters are real — sub-zero temps and snow are common November–March. Summer (June–August) is warm and ideal for waterfront walks. Always check forecasts before planning an outdoor itinerary.
Explore More Layover Guides
Toronto is just one stop. We've mapped out the world's best airports for stopovers — from Paris to Seoul to Sydney.