YYZ · Toronto, ON, Canada · International Hub

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
  • Minimum connection time: 45 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 1 hr 30 min before domestic, 3 hr before international
  • To Toronto: about 25 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes · Sleep pods: Yes

Terminals & connections

Toronto Pearson International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. Terminals connected landside; re-security required. US Preclearance at T1 and T3 for US-bound flights.

Terminal 1

8 airlines: Air Canada, Lufthansa, SWISS International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and more

Star Alliance hub (Air Canada main base).

Terminal 3

13 airlines: WestJet, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and more

Non-Star Alliance carriers.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
45 min
Domestic to international
1 hr
International to domestic
1 hr 30 min
International to international
1 hr
Transfer system
LINK Train between T1 and T3 (landside)
Airside connected
No

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave YYZ.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at YYZ is 30 minutes at peak and 10 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 30 min before a domestic flight and 3 hr before international.

TSA PreCheck
Not available
CLEAR
Not available
Global Entry
Available

US Preclearance for US-bound passengers. NEXUS for eligible.

Lounges

1 notable lounge at YYZ, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Terminal 1

Air Canada / Star Alliance

Access: Business, Aeroplan Super Elite, Star Gold

Amenities: Showers, Buffet

Amenities

7 of 7 core amenities available at YYZ: showers, sleep pods, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pharmacy, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Available

Premium lounges, Plaza Premium

Sleep pods

Available (from $55/hr)

Plaza Premium offers sleep rooms

WiFi

Free (good)

Nursing rooms

Available

Both terminals

Chapel

Available

Multi-faith prayer rooms

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas

Dining highlights

Terminal 1: Caplansky's Deli, Fetta Panini Bar

Ground transport to Toronto

YYZ is about 25 min from downtown Toronto by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
UP Express
Train
Nonstop to Union Station (CAD 12.35).
 $9-$10 25 min
TTC + bus 900
Subway
 $3-$4 45-70 min
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare
Traffic into downtown can be heavy.
 $35-$70 25-75 min
Toronto Taxi
Taxi
Flat $55-80 to zones.
 $45-$75 25-60 min

Parking

YYZ parking ranges from $16/day economy to $48/day short-term.

Short-term
$48/day
Long-term
$25/day
Economy
$16/day
Valet
$55/day

Can I leave YYZ during a layover?

With a 3-hour layover, stay inside YYZ. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Toronto. Round-trip to the city center is about 50 min plus re-screening on return.

UP Express to downtown 25 min. 6+ hour layovers can see CN Tower. US visa-free; eTA required if transiting.

Overnight layover hotels

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel (T3)
    On-airport
    $$$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at YYZ?

Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight from YYZ, and 180 minutes before an international flight. Peak-time TSA waits at YYZ can hit 30+ minutes, so add buffer.

What is the minimum connection time at YYZ?

YYZ requires at least 45 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. YYZ terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: LINK Train between T1 and T3 (landside).

How long does it take to get between terminals at YYZ?

Budget 10 min for same-terminal transfers and 25 min for different-terminal transfers at YYZ via LINK Train between T1 and T3 (landside). Terminals connected landside; re-security required. US Preclearance at T1 and T3 for US-bound flights.

Can I leave YYZ during a 6-hour layover?

With 3 hours you should stay inside YYZ. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Round-trip to the city center is about 50 minutes plus re-screening. UP Express to downtown 25 min. 6+ hour layovers can see CN Tower. US visa-free; eTA required if transiting.

Does YYZ have showers?

Yes, YYZ has showers at Premium lounges, Plaza Premium.

Does YYZ have sleep pods?

Yes. Plaza Premium offers sleep rooms offers private sleep rooms starting around $55/hour.

Is WiFi free at YYZ?

Yes. YYZ offers free WiFi throughout the airport.

What is the cheapest way to get from YYZ to Toronto?

The cheapest option is typically TTC + bus 900 at $3-$4, taking 45-70 minutes.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at YYZ?

YYZ does not support TSA PreCheck and does not have CLEAR. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 30 minutes. US Preclearance for US-bound passengers. NEXUS for eligible.

Where should I eat at YYZ during a layover?

Notable dining at YYZ includes Caplansky's Deli (Terminal 1), Fetta Panini Bar (Terminal 1).

How much does parking cost at YYZ?

YYZ parking rates: $48/day short-term, $25/day long-term, $16/day economy, $55/day valet. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.

Is there a hotel at YYZ for overnight layovers?

Yes. Sheraton Gateway Hotel (T3) is on-airport (On-airport) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.

Which terminal does my airline use at YYZ?

YYZ has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal 1: Air Canada, Lufthansa, SWISS International Air Lines; Terminal 3: WestJet, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at YYZ?

Yes. Pet relief areas.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at YYZ?

Yes. Multi-faith prayer rooms.

Compare YYZ to other airports

See how YYZ ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.

Best for layovers YYZ is workable for 6h+ layovers With sleep pods YYZ has Plaza Premium offers sleep rooms from $55/hr Shortest MCT YYZ dom-to-dom: 45 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr 30 min

Airlines operating at YYZ

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of YYZ.

Compare other airports

Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Toronto Pearson International Airport before flying.