Toronto Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is served by one major international airport and a significant secondary airport, along with a smaller regional facility. The primary airport is a global hub and Canada’s busiest, while the secondary airport specializes in short-haul and low-cost travel.

Choosing the correct airport and understanding the transport links, especially to downtown Toronto, is key to planning an efficient trip to Canada’s largest city.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Overview: Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s primary international gateway and busiest airport. It is located in Mississauga, approximately 22 km (14 miles) northwest of downtown Toronto. It is a major hub for Air Canada and serves as a focus city for many other international carriers.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: A modern terminal serving primarily Star Alliance airlines (Air Canada, United, Lufthansa) and some others like WestJet and Emirates.
• Terminal 3: Serves a diverse mix of airlines including many oneworld and SkyTeam members (e.g., British Airways, Delta, American), as well as several international carriers.

Note: The old Terminal 2 was demolished. Terminals 1 and 3 are not connected airside. Passengers can transfer landside via the free Terminal Link train or a shuttle bus.

Getting to and from Pearson Airport (YYZ):

• UP Express (Union Pearson Express):
  A dedicated airport rail link connecting both terminals to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes. This is the fastest and most reliable public transit option, especially during rush hour. Integrated with the local transit Presto payment system.
• TTC (Public Transit):
  The most economical option. Take the TTC Route 900 Airport Express bus from both terminals to the Kipling subway station (Line 2, Bloor-Danforth). From there, take the subway into the city. The total journey to downtown takes about 60 minutes.
• GO Transit (Regional Bus):
  GO Bus routes 40, 34, and others connect Pearson to various suburbs and key transit hubs like Square One, Yorkdale, and Richmond Hill Centre.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Uber/Lyft):
  Designated pick-up areas are outside each terminal. Flat-rate fares to downtown Toronto are available from taxis (approx. $55-$65 CAD). Ride-hailing is often slightly cheaper but uses dynamic pricing. The journey takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Car Rental:
  All major rental companies are located at the Toronto Pearson Car Rental Facility, a consolidated center accessible via a free, frequent shuttle bus from all terminals.

Best for: All international travel, long-haul flights, and most major domestic flights. This is the region’s main airport.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Overview: Billy Bishop Airport is a downtown airport located on the Toronto Islands, just a short ferry or pedestrian tunnel ride from the mainland at the foot of Bathurst Street. It exclusively handles short-haul flights using turboprop and regional jet aircraft, primarily operated by Porter Airlines and Air Canada Express.

Terminal:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern, award-winning terminal known for its efficiency and amenities. Security lines are typically very short.

Getting to and from Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ):

• Free Passenger Ferry / Pedestrian Tunnel:
  The airport is accessed from the mainland via a free, 90-second ferry (departs every 15 minutes) or a 5-minute walk through a pedestrian tunnel (open 5am-11pm). The ferry dock/tunnel entrance is at the foot of Bathurst Street.
• Free Airport Shuttle Bus:
  A complimentary Porter Airlines shuttle bus runs between the airport ferry dock and Union Station downtown every 15-20 minutes.
• TTC Streetcar & Walking:
  The 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina streetcars stop near the ferry dock. It’s also a 10-15 minute walk from Union Station.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Can drop off/pick up directly at the ferry dock/tunnel entrance on the mainland side.

Best for: Travel to major cities within a ~500 nautical mile range (e.g., Ottawa, Montreal, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C.) and business travelers who value proximity to the financial district.

Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Overview: Located in Breslau, about 100 km (62 miles) west of downtown Toronto, this airport serves the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region. It is a growing base for low-cost carriers (Flair Airlines) offering flights to Canadian and sun destinations. It is not a practical airport for Toronto-bound travelers unless their destination is Waterloo Region.

Getting to Toronto from YKF: Requires a 90-minute drive or a complex combination of local transit and GO Bus/train. Not recommended for Toronto visitors.

Best for: Residents of the Waterloo Region and travelers whose final destination is there.

Which Toronto Airport Should You Choose?

• Choose Toronto Pearson (YYZ): For all international flights, long-haul domestic flights (Vancouver, Calgary), and travel on major global airlines.
• Choose Billy Bishop (YTZ): If you are traveling to/from a city served by Porter or Air Canada Express within its range, and you prioritize a quick, pleasant, and downtown-centric airport experience. It is ideal for business trips to Toronto’s core.
• Consider Waterloo (YKF) only if: You are visiting the Kitchener-Waterloo area or find a significantly cheaper flight on Flair Airlines and are willing to handle the long transfer to Toronto.

Transferring Between Pearson (YYZ) and Billy Bishop (YTZ)

This is a major cross-city transfer.

• Distance & Time: About 30 km. The drive takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Best Options:
  1. UP Express + TTC/Shuttle: Take the UP Express from YYZ to Union Station. From Union, take the free Porter shuttle bus or a streetcar/taxi to the Billy Bishop ferry dock (~15 mins). Total time: ~75 minutes.
  2. Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Direct but expensive ($70-$100+) and subject to traffic delays.
• Minimum Connection Time: For a self-transfer on separate tickets, allow an absolute minimum of 4-5 hours between flights.

Essential Travel Information for Pearson (YYZ)

U.S. Preclearance: Pearson has U.S. border preclearance facilities. This means you clear U.S. immigration and customs before your flight, allowing you to land in the U.S. as a domestic passenger. Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your U.S.-bound flight.

Global Entry & NEXUS: If you have Global Entry (U.S.) or NEXUS (Canada/U.S.), you can use expedited security and customs lines at YYZ.

International to Domestic Connections at YYZ: You must collect your bags, clear Canadian customs, and re-check them if your flights are on separate tickets. On a single ticket, bags may be checked through, but you still must clear customs with them.

Dining & Amenities: Both terminals, especially T1, have excellent dining and shopping options featuring local brands.

Bottom Line: Most travelers will use Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Take the UP Express for the fastest, most reliable link to downtown. For trips to eastern Canada or the U.S. northeast, Billy Bishop (YTZ) offers a uniquely convenient and pleasant alternative. Always confirm your airport code (YYZ vs. YTZ) when booking, as they serve very different parts of the region.