Toronto, ON (YYZ) YYZ: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Lester B. Pearson International Airport

Get straight from Lester B. Pearson International Airport to the city centre without dither—booking your ticket in advance means you can zoom through the airport and be on your way to the city. We, at Omio, have collected information on the facilities that you have after landing, and the main places worth stopping at in the city centre to make planning your trip easier.

Arriving at Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto's main airport, is named after Canada's former prime minister. It's the hub for Air Canada, and is located in Mississauga, which is 14 miles northwest of the center of Toronto. It's among the 30 busiest airports in the world. Nearly 50 million travelers pass through the airport per year, headed for both domestic and international destinations. Toronto Pearson International Airport, as it is also known, serves as the hub for WestJet and FedEx. Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and sits along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. The city hosts the internationally acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival every September. Toronto is full of art and culture, with attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Persian-inspired Aga Khan Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Travelers can also climb the famous 1,814-foot (553-meter) CN Tower.​

What's the best way to get from Lester B. Pearson International Airport to the city center?

Toronto Pearson International Airport is connected to major transit and highways. The UP Express train takes travelers to Union Station in Downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. The first train leaves the airport at 5:27 a.m. each day. There's a train every 15 minutes until the last train leaves at 12:57 a.m. Travelers can also choose from a wide range of buses heading to and from Lester B. Pearson International Airport. TTC Express buses leave the airport for the city center from Terminals 1 and 2. The 52 W Lawrence and 900 N Airport Express are some buses to catch during the day. At night, the 300 W Bloor-Danforth and 332 W Eglinton West buses are available. The 34 Finch Terminal, 40-Richmond Ctr, and 40-Hamilton GO Transit buses leave Terminal 1.  There are also limo services, car-share services, and taxis. For those who want to be in total control, car rentals are readily available.​

How far is the city center from Lester B. Pearson International Airport?

Toronto Pearson International Airport is 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Downtown Toronto. Travelers can reach the city center using an express train, limo, taxi, or one of the many buses that leave the airport every day. The fastest way to get to Downtown Toronto is via the UP Express train. It takes only 25 minutes, with a train leaving every 15 minutes. Using a GO Transit bus, it takes an average of 30 minutes to make the journey from Terminal 1 to Finch Bus Terminal. TTC buses operate from Terminals 1 and 3 every day. Some of the lines to use include 52 E Lawrence West, the 300 E Bloor-Danforth night bus, and the 900 N Airport Express.​

What services are there at Lester B. Pearson International Airport?

Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a wide range of duty-free shops. There are restaurants curated by top chefs, serving delicacies from Asian, Italian, and Canadian cuisine, and more. The hotel also boasts business-class lounges for international and domestic travelers. With health spas, medical centers, and interfaith ministry centers, Toronto Pearson International Airport offers complete wellness services to travelers. Lester B. Pearson International Airport has free WiFi at all four of its terminals, including an infield terminal that's opened during peak season to offset demand in the adjoining terminals. There's also a VIP terminal for private aircraft, and 24/7 concierge services. The airport also houses a nursing area for younger family members, and a pet relief area for traveling animals. There are also baggage services on hand to relieve travelers of any heavy luggage.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Premium cab services or limos don't charge extra fees to carry mobility aids. Travelers with limited mobility are encouraged to take the first taxi in line. Buses and trains also have racks for baggage and traveling equipment such as foldable wheelchairs. Service animals are also allowed to use public transport to Lester B. Pearson International Airport. At the airport, facilities are structured to help people with limited mobility get around without trouble. Check-in kiosks and restrooms are all fully accessible, and airlines always offer mobility assistance, as long as it's requested some 48 hours before departure. There's barrier-free access at the airport, with several elevators and ramps. In-terminal shuttle services are available at designated spaces throughout the airport. ​

Local tips: what to know before flying to Lester B. Pearson International Airport

Children under 12 ride free on the UP Express train to the airport from Union Station. To catch a GO Transit bus from the airport, travelers should go to Columns Q2-Q4 on the ground level of Terminal 1. TTC buses are at Column R4 in Terminal 1 and Columns C8-C12 from Terminal 3. To get an all-day pass, travelers should use the 900 Express route between Pearson Airport and Kipling Station. The 52A and 952 Lawrence West routes also offer all-day passes for travelers heading to the airport. Additionally, limo services are available for a flat rate to select destinations in Toronto. Make sure to check for GTAA-licensed number plates on the premium black cars located at the arrivals level. Interestingly, there are therapy dogs to help travelers feel welcome at the airport. A dozen dogs on the St. John Ambulance team help travelers relieve stress before boarding.​