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.
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.
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.
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.
Free unlimited Wi-Fi (network: Pearson Wi-Fi). Sleeping pods available in T1. Showers in select Plaza Premium lounges. Charging stations throughout both terminals.
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.
Both terminals serve international flights, but the experience differs. Know which one you're in before making plans.
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's flagship lounge. Excellent food, full bar, showers. Best lounge in the airport. Post-security, Pier E.
Multiple locations. Pay-per-use (from ~$50 CAD), Priority Pass, and credit card access accepted. Showers, hot food buffet, bar.
Ultra-premium lounge for First Class and Super Elite passengers. Private dining, à la carte menu, exceptional views.
Smaller options in Terminal 3. Good for WestJet and other T3 passengers who don't want to take the LINK Train.
YYZ punches above its weight on food — local Toronto brands sit alongside international options. Pre-security has the best variety if you have time.
Upscale Canadian casual in T1. Burgers, salmon, cocktails — a proper sit-down meal airside.
Quintessentially Canadian. Double-double coffee and Timbits are mandatory if this is your first time.
Solid Vietnamese pho in T1. A rare find at an airport — warm, filling, and reasonably priced.
Toronto's beloved Italian trattoria has an airport outpost. Thin-crust pizza and house-made pasta.
Canada's biggest bookstore chain — great for travel reads, gifts, and Canadian-made goods.
Toronto craft brews on tap. A classic green-bottle Pilsner at the airport? Don't skip it.
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.
Pearson rewards those who plan ahead. Whether you're exploring downtown or staying airside, these tips will save you time and stress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toronto is just one stop. We've mapped out the world's best airports for stopovers — from Paris to Seoul to Sydney.