General Airport Information
Canada's largest and arguably most significant gateway, Pearson sits in Mississauga, roughly 17 miles (28 km) out from downtown Toronto. This is a modern, high-tech hub that spreads passenger operations across two terminal buildings while offering a deep menu of services and amenities. Reaching more than 155 destinations worldwide, the airport welcomes millions of travellers a year and hosts a long list of carriers, from full-service names to budget operators.
Between its many shops, restaurants, and bars, its varied parking, and extras like chapels, children's play areas, and lounges, YYZ stands comfortably as Canada's leading airport and ranks among the busiest aviation hubs anywhere in the world.
Terminals
Two terminal buildings make up the Toronto Airport complex, linked by the free, automated people mover known as the Terminal Link Train. Terminal 1 counts among the largest such buildings on Earth, having grown over what used to be Terminal 2, and chiefly looks after Air Canada and its fellow Star Alliance members. Terminal 3, by contrast, takes in many unaffiliated carriers along with the Oneworld and SkyTeam alliances.
Hotels
There is no hotel sitting directly inside the terminal buildings at Pearson. That said, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel connects to Terminal 3, while the Alt Hotel is a quick, easy hop away on the Terminal Link Train. Beyond these, plenty of properties cluster near Toronto Airport, and anyone after a bed in downtown Toronto will find the choice all but limitless.
Parking
Leaving the car at YYZ is refreshingly simple. Passengers and visitors can pick from a broad spread of options at Pearson, covering short-term bays, long-stay lots, valet, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones. You can also reserve a preferred space in advance or opt for the Park & Ride the UP choice, which rolls parking and transit to downtown Toronto on the UP Express Train into a single fare.
Layover at the Airport
Layovers tend to get a bad name as dead time you simply have to endure, yet a stopover at Pearson can prove genuinely enjoyable. Short on time? There is no shortage of things to do without leaving the building. With more hours to spare, you can step out and take in the lively city of Toronto, capital of Ontario.
