Owais Crawford
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) from downtown Toronto, offering excellent transport connections and numerous amenities and facilities for travellers with long layovers. If you have a long layover, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport and explore the city. The answer is yes, as long as you meet the requirements for entry into Canada, including having the appropriate visa and going through customs and security. Toronto is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi, and there are luggage storage options available at the airport. However, it is important to plan your return to the airport, allowing enough time for security and customs, especially considering the current long wait times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but not recommended for layovers less than 4 hours |
| Transport to downtown Toronto | UP Express train (25 minutes), taxi (30-40 minutes), TTC bus to Kipling Station (then transfer to the subway) |
| Transport costs | UP Express: $12 CAD one way, $25.70 for a family of 5; TTC bus: cost-effective |
| Time to return to the airport | 2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights |
| Luggage storage | Available at Toronto Pearson Airport in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 |
| Visa requirements | Need a Canadian visa or an eTA (electronic travel authorization) |
| Customs | Need to go through customs before leaving the airport and when returning |
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What You'll Learn
Toronto Pearson Airport facilities and amenities
Toronto Pearson International Airport is located 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of downtown Toronto, in the city of Mississauga. The airport has two public terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which handle domestic, transborder, and international flights. The airport is equipped with numerous facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers during layovers.
For those with long layovers who wish to leave the airport, the city of Toronto is easily accessible. It is a 30-40 minute drive or a 25-minute train ride to Union Station in downtown Toronto. The UP Express Train offers a discounted fare for those briefly visiting the city, with a 7-hour ticket that is enough time to explore. However, it is important to remember the customs and security procedures when returning to the airport for your connecting flight.
For those who prefer to stay within the airport during shorter layovers, Toronto Pearson offers a range of facilities and amenities. The airport has numerous seating options, including chairs without armrests, providing comfort for those waiting. There are also premium airport lounges, some with paid access, where passengers can relax and freshen up. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel, connected to Terminal 3, offers day-use rooms, subject to availability. The hotel, along with lounges and spa facilities, provides shower facilities for passengers. Toronto Pearson also boasts an extensive range of dining and shopping options, allowing passengers to indulge in local cuisine and unique shopping experiences.
The airport is well-equipped to cater to passengers with special needs, offering various special services to ensure a seamless travel experience. Additionally, the airfield maintenance unit ensures year-round operational efficiency, with a dedicated 24-hour snow removal team during the winter months. Toronto Pearson's Central De-icing Facility is the largest in the world, capable of servicing multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Toronto Pearson International Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet. It is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and supported by a large workforce of approximately 50,000 employees. The airport also maintains facilities for United States border preclearance, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border travel.
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Transport options to and from the airport
If you have a long layover at Toronto Pearson Airport, you can leave the airport and head to downtown Toronto, which is only a 30- to 40-minute drive away. The UP Express train gets you to Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. The adult one-way fare is $12.35, or $9.25 with PRESTO. Children under 12 ride for free. Trains run every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
If you prefer to take a taxi, the ride to downtown Toronto takes around 40 minutes. You can also book a shuttle service to and from the airport, which offers a direct and comfortable ride.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, please keep in mind that you should be back at Pearson Airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
There are also transport options within the airport. The Terminal LINK Train is automated and free, connecting the terminals 24/7.
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Toronto entry requirements
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) is a common airport for layovers. Travellers with long layovers can leave the airport and visit downtown Toronto, which is only a 25-minute train ride or a 30-40 minute drive away. However, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to go through customs and security again when you return to the airport. To be eligible to leave the airport during a layover, you must be eligible to enter Canada. This means complying with the country's entry requirements.
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Most people also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but not both. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for an eTA, including those from:
- Argentina
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
- Seychelles
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
In addition to these requirements, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). If you're travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport.
There are also strict rules about the goods you can bring into Canada. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Food products, in particular, are highly regulated, and banned food items will be confiscated. If you have recently visited a farm or had contact with wild animals, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card.
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Luggage storage
Toronto Pearson Airport does not offer on-site luggage storage facilities. However, there are convenient alternatives nearby, such as Stasher, which provides secure and affordable bag drop locations around the city. Stasher connects travellers with trusted local businesses that can store their luggage for a few hours or even days. With round-the-clock access at many locations, travellers can drop off or pick up their bags at any time, which is perfect for late-night or early-morning flights.
Stasher offers competitive pricing and easy online booking, allowing travellers to locate the nearest drop-off point to the airport. Insurance coverage is also included for extra peace of mind. When visiting Toronto, especially during a layover, having reliable off-site luggage storage options can enhance your experience and provide flexibility.
In addition to Stasher, there are other luggage-related services available at Toronto Pearson Airport. For example, Excess Baggage sells luggage and accessories, and they also offer a baggage delivery service where you can send your bags anywhere worldwide. Baggage carts are free to use and available at many locations throughout Terminals 1 and 3. Additionally, there are luggage-wrapping stations in Terminal 1 near Aisles 2, 7, and 13, and in Terminal 3 near Check-In Zone 5, where you can securely wrap and protect your luggage in less than 30 seconds.
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Things to do in Toronto
Yes, you can leave Toronto Pearson Airport during a layover. However, you will need to fill out ArriveCAN, go through customs, and possibly random testing when leaving the secure area. You will also need to be eligible to enter Canada.
Now, here are some things to do in Toronto during a layover:
Explore Downtown Toronto
Take the UP Express Train from the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto, which takes around 25 minutes. From there, you can wander the streets, soak in the nightlife, and visit restaurants and bars in the Distillery District. You can also check out Toronto's trademark, the CN Tower, which offers a fixed-price dinner for $80, including the elevator ride.
Visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Take a 20-30 minute taxi ride north of the airport to the McMichael gallery, which showcases Canadian art. This gallery is not in Toronto, so many tourists don't make it there, but it's worth a visit if you're interested in art.
Relax at an Airport Hotel
If you don't want to venture too far from the airport, you can stay at an airport hotel, such as the Sheraton Gateway Hotel connected to Terminal 3, which offers day-use rooms. The Sandman, a mainstay of the Toronto Pearson Airport, is another option with a pool, fitness area, and restaurant.
Enjoy the Airport Amenities
Toronto Pearson Airport has numerous amenities to keep you entertained during your layover. You can find various cafes, restaurants, and bars offering local Toronto cuisine, such as Caplansky's Deli, or well-known chains like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. There are also premium airport lounges, some of which are accessible upon payment. Additionally, if you're looking to stay active, Goodlife Fitness at Terminal 1 offers a large workout facility with cardio and strength training equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, but you will need to go through customs and security before leaving the airport and when you return. Make sure you have enough time to go through security and customs before your next flight.
The city of Toronto is only a 30-40 minute drive from Toronto Pearson Airport. The UP Express train is the fastest way to get downtown, taking only 25 minutes to reach Union Station in the heart of the city.
Toronto Pearson Airport has free wifi, iPads, plenty of seating, and lounges. There are also many food options, including Tim Hortons, Bahn Shop, and Nobel Burgers.
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