Where to Sleep at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): Rest Pods, the Sheraton Gateway and Quiet Spots

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is a common place to get stuck for a long layover or an overnight connection, and you have a handful of ways to rest. There are free recliners and lie-flat benches, semi-private pods you can rent by the hour, and a hotel connected directly to the terminal. This guide covers every Toronto Pearson airport sleeping option, what each costs, and which terminal it is in. If you are driving to an early flight, also compare a park, sleep & fly package that bundles a room with parking and an airport shuttle.

Free rest: recliners and benches

For a free rest, head to Terminal 1, Area 15. There you will find the CIBC Energy Pods, which are ergonomic recliners meant for sitting back and relaxing rather than lying flat, along with Muskoka chairs and, usefully, some benches without armrests. Those armrest-free benches are the best free option if you actually want to lie down. As at most airports, the halls stay bright and busy, so an eye mask and earplugs make a real difference.

Rogers Passenger Pods (free, airside)

Toronto Pearson has Rogers Passenger Pods in Terminal 1 near Gate D35, on the airside of security, and the good news is that they are free: no booking, no kiosk, first come, first served. Set your expectations right, though. Each pod is a semi-open work nook with a desk and two benches rather than a soundproof sleep cabin, so it suits laptop work or resting your eyes more than a proper nap. For actual horizontal rest inside Terminal 1, look for the free CIBC Energy Pods, reclining lounger chairs, and bring the eye mask and earplugs.

Sheraton Gateway: the hotel attached to the terminal

For a real night or a shower, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel is connected directly to Terminal 3 by a climate-controlled walkway, so you never step outside. It is a full hotel with 24 hour fitness, a pool and on-site dining. Many travelers also book it for a day-use stay of a few hours between long flights, which can be worth it if you need guaranteed rest.

Other hotels and day-use rooms

Beyond the Sheraton, there are many hotels a few minutes from YYZ with free or paid shuttles, and several offer day-use rooms by the hour. For a longer wait this is often more comfortable, and cheaper per hour, than the in-terminal options.

Airside or landside, and getting between terminals

Where you can rest depends on where you are. The Rogers Passenger Pods are airside in Terminal 1, so you can use them without leaving security. The CIBC recliners and benches in Terminal 1 Area 15 are landside, and the Sheraton connects to Terminal 3 on the landside. A free LINK train runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 around the clock, so you can move between them. If you are connecting and stay airside, plan around the Rogers Pods and gate seating; if you have cleared customs or are flying domestic, the recliners, benches and hotels are all open to you.

Tips for an overnight at YYZ

• For a free flat surface, aim for the armrest-free benches in Terminal 1, Area 15.
• For a private paid nap without leaving security, use the Rogers Passenger Pods near Gate D35.
• For a real night or a shower, the Sheraton Gateway is connected to Terminal 3, or book a nearby day-use room.
• Bring an eye mask and earplugs, keep your bag against you, and set an alarm.
• Use the free LINK train to move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

For more on staying near the airport, see our guide to hotels near Toronto Pearson, and for connection planning read our Toronto Pearson layover guide.

At a glance: where to sleep at YYZ

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Toronto Pearson (GTAA) and operator information; Sleeping in Airports and layover guides. Image: "Interior of Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1" by Daniel Case, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Disclaimer: facilities, prices and opening hours can change. Verify current details before you travel.