Terminals, the UP Express, transit options, lounge access, and the smartest way to get downtown — a practical guide to navigating Toronto Pearson.
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is the busiest airport in Canada and the fourth busiest in North America. It's efficient once you know it, but first-time arrivals can spend more time than necessary figuring out transfers, terminals, and the trip downtown. Here's the full practical guide.
Pearson has two terminals: Terminal 1 (the main, newer terminal serving Air Canada, Star Alliance carriers, and most international flights) and Terminal 3 (serving WestJet, Sunwing, low-cost carriers, and some international partners). The terminals are connected by the LINK Train — a free automated shuttle that runs 24/7 every 5 minutes.
The Union Pearson Express train is the fastest and most comfortable way to downtown. Direct trains every 15 minutes, 25 minute journey to Union Station, and you can check in for Air Canada flights at Union Station on the way out. Cost: $12.35 one-way. The ride is comfortable, has WiFi, and drops you at Union Station which is the heart of downtown transit.
Bus 900 (Pearson Airport to Kipling subway station) runs 24/7 and connects to the Bloor-Danforth subway line. Cost is $3.30 with a PRESTO card (or $3.35 cash, exact change on the bus). Takes 20 minutes to Kipling and another 20–30 minutes on the subway to downtown. Budget option but cumbersome with large luggage.
Uber and Lyft pick up at designated rideshare zones in both terminals. Ground-floor exits, follow signs. Downtown fare is typically $35–55 depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi from the official stand runs $53 flat rate to downtown.
The smaller island airport is used by Porter Airlines for Eastern Canada and US East Coast routes. It's 2km from downtown — a short ferry or pedestrian tunnel walk takes you directly to the waterfront. If you're flying Porter into Billy Bishop, you're already in the city.
Get Your eSIM Before You Land If you're arriving from outside Canada, get an Airalo eSIM before you board. You'll have Canadian data the moment you land without paying roaming charges or hunting for a SIM kiosk.
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