YYZCYYZ · MEGA HUB

US pre-clearanceUP Express trainAir Canada connections

Toronto Pearson International

Toronto, Canada · 1 (Air Canada / Star Alliance) · 3 (others)

LAT 43.6777 · LON -79.6248 · TZ America/Toronto · REGION NORTH AMERICA

7.4Intel score / 10

Editorial guideLast verified September 11, 2026Live data placeholder — no API connected

Pearson is Canada's main hub with two terminals linked by the LINK train. US-bound passengers clear US immigration before departure (pre-clearance) — a big time saver on arrival. The UP Express reaches downtown Union Station in 25 minutes. Terminal 1 is modern and large; Terminal 3 is older but fine.

layover6.8

sleep5.2

lounge7.6

transit7.8

hotel8

family6.8

terminal7.6

01Connections

Same terminal: 60–75 min domestic/international. T1↔T3: 90–120 min (LINK train + security). US-bound: add 45–60 min for pre-clearance. International arrival onward: 2h (bags usually re-checked airside on one ticket).

Minimum connection times change

Airlines publish legal minimums per terminal pair; these figures are our comfortable recommendation, not the legal minimum. Verify with your airline for your specific itinerary.

02Sleep & nap options

Fair. Sheraton attached to T3 by walkway; Alt Hotel via the LINK train; airside seating is armrested and the terminals quieten overnight.

on airport
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport — Covered walkway from Terminal 3. Attached to Terminal 3 by skywalk; T1 is a LINK train ride away.
on airport
Alt Hotel Toronto Pearson — LINK train stop at Viscount station, 5–8 min. Stylish, well priced, reached by the free LINK train — no shuttle.

03Showers

Airline lounges (Air Canada Signature, Plaza Premium — which also sells shower-only entry).

04Food & coffee

Decent; T1 has the wider range. Prices are high.

05Wi-Fi & charging

Free, reliable.

06Lounges at YYZ

Terminal 1, international departures (E gates) · Star Alliance

Air Canada Signature Suite

Exceptional if you qualify; eligibility rules are the catch.

hot foodpremium barquietworkspace

9.2

Terminal 1, international departures · —

Plaza Premium Lounge (T1 International)

Reliable paid option when you have no airline access.

showerhot foodworkspacepaid

7.4

07Getting into Toronto

Mode	Time	Notes
UP Express	25 min to Union Station	Every 15 min from Terminal 1; cheapest reliable option.
TTC bus 900 + subway	50–60 min	Budget option to Kipling station.
Taxi / rideshare	30–60 min	Flat fares to downtown zones for taxis.

08Transit & visa reminder

Confirm before you plan to leave the airport

Most visa-exempt visitors need an eTA to enter or transit Canada; some nationalities can transit without one under specific programs. Check IRCC rules.

09Layover ideas by time window

Under 4h
Stay airside; Plaza Premium lounge (paid) or a T1 meal.
4–7h
UP Express to Union Station for the waterfront or St Lawrence Market; back 2h early (2.5h if US-bound).
7h+
Downtown half day; the train makes it low-risk.

Build a YYZ layover plan →

10Traveler warnings

US pre-clearance adds time before US departures — arrive 3h early.
Winter storms delay departures; de-icing queues are long.
T1 and T3 are separate buildings.

11Frequently asked

Do I need an eTA to transit Toronto?

Most visa-exempt travelers need an eTA even to transit; some passengers on specific programs are exempt. Check the IRCC site before booking.

How do I get from Pearson to downtown Toronto?

UP Express train from Terminal 1 to Union Station in about 25 minutes, every 15 minutes.

Sources & verificationLast verified September 11, 2026

Greater Toronto Airports Authority — Pearson guide
IRCC — eTA and transit rules
Metrolinx — UP Express

Airport operations, hours and access rules change. Request a correction if something is out of date.