Ruth Haines
Whether you can leave the airport during a layover depends on several factors, including the length of your layover, the time of day, and the country in which you have your layover. If you have a long layover in Toronto, you may be able to leave the airport and visit the city. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located 17 miles from downtown Toronto, making it accessible for those with long layovers. To leave the airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs, and you may need a visa, depending on your nationality and the country you are transiting through. Transportation options from the airport to downtown Toronto include the UP Express train, which takes approximately 25 minutes and offers a special layover rate, as well as taxis and other public transportation options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Depends on factors like the duration of the layover, the time of day, and the length of security and immigration lines |
| Transportation to downtown Toronto | UP Express train, Union Express train, taxi, or public transportation |
| Luggage storage | Available at the Travel Store in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 |
| Things to do in downtown Toronto | Visit the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, Queen West, Gladstone Hotel, Poutini's House of Poutine, Steam Whistle Brewing |
| Things to do in the airport | Shopping, restaurants, bars, manicure, Interfaith chapel, currency exchange, shoe shine, art installations, spa, lounge |
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What You'll Learn
Leaving Toronto airport during a layover
Whether you can leave the airport during your layover in Toronto depends on several factors, including the length of your layover, the time of day, and your nationality. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your time in Toronto during a layover.
Length of Layover
The length of your layover is an important factor to consider. If your layover is relatively short, you may not have enough time to leave the airport, explore the city, and return in time for your next flight. Calculate the time needed for the plane to taxi to the gate, for you to disembark, and to get through the airport. Typically, this process can take around 30 minutes. Also, consider the time needed ahead of your second flight, which can vary depending on the airport and the type of flight (domestic or international). As a rule of thumb, allow 1-2 hours for this. Finally, factor in the time required to get to and from your destination in the city.
Time of Day
The time of day of your layover is another factor to keep in mind. If your layover is from early morning until late afternoon or evening, you'll have daylight hours to explore the city. However, if your layover is during the night, potential safety issues may arise, and there may not be many attractions open, except in cities with a vibrant nightlife scene.
Transportation Options
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover in Toronto, you have several transportation options. The UP Express train connects the airport to downtown Toronto in approximately 25 minutes, with tickets priced at $12. This train also offers a "layover" rate, providing up to seven hours of exploration time before you need to return to the airport. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, with rates based on distance and time. Additionally, Toronto offers various public transportation options, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit.
Things to Do in Toronto
Toronto has plenty to offer for those on a layover. Here are some suggestions:
- Explore downtown Toronto, including Union Station and the CN Tower.
- Visit St. Lawrence Market, one of the oldest public markets in the world, offering a variety of food options and antique markets.
- Stroll down Queen West to experience the neighbourhood's shops, restaurants, and street art.
- Indulge in Toronto's quintessential dish, poutine, at Poutini's House of Poutine.
- Visit Steam Whistle Brewing, a historic brewery, and opt for a scheduled tour if time permits.
- Relax and enjoy the various amenities within the airport, such as the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3, which offers comfortable seating, dining, and shower facilities.
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Transportation from the airport
If you're looking to leave Toronto's Pearson International Airport (YYZ) during a layover, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination. The airport is located 17 miles from downtown Toronto, making it accessible for those with long layovers.
One popular option is the UP Express train, which provides a direct connection from the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. The UP Express "layover" rate gives you up to seven hours to explore, and the train ride takes approximately 25 minutes. The fare has been reduced to $12, and it's half-price for seniors, while kids ride for free.
If you prefer a more flexible option, taxis are available at the arrivals level of each terminal. Taxi rates are pre-determined based on the distance and time to your destination. However, keep in mind that you may encounter potential traffic delays, especially during rush hour.
For those looking to save money, there are also public transportation options available, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Transit, Mississauga Transit, Brampton Transit, and the Pacific Western Airport Express. These options provide affordable and efficient connections to various locations in the area.
When planning your exploration during a layover, it's important to consider various factors. Ensure that you have sufficient time between your arriving and departing flights, accounting for time spent on taxiing, disembarking, and security checks. Additionally, be mindful of potential delays and always allow enough time to return to the airport and pass through security before your next flight.
Remember, if your layover is in another country, you may need to go through customs and immigration procedures, which can vary depending on the country's specific regulations. Always check the visa requirements for your nationality for each country you travel through, even during layovers.
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Customs and immigration procedures
When flying to Toronto, the customs and immigration procedures you need to follow will depend on whether you are travelling internationally or domestically, and whether your flight is a layover.
If you are travelling internationally into Canada, you will need to confirm your identity with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and declare any goods you are bringing into the country. This can be done at a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate, where you can scan your travel documents and submit your customs declaration. Up to five travellers can use a kiosk together. If you have a non-machine-readable travel document, you will be directed to a border services officer for in-person processing.
You can save time at Toronto Pearson Airport by completing an Advance CBSA Declaration using the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before your arrival. This allows you to fill in your customs and immigration declaration in advance and take advantage of Express Lanes on arrival.
If you are travelling on a US or international flight, you will need to go through US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) at Toronto Pearson Airport before boarding your flight. NEXUS cardholders and passengers with mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by presenting their boarding pass and a valid NEXUS card or Customs Declaration form.
If you have a layover in Toronto, you may be able to leave the airport between connecting flights. However, this will depend on several factors, including whether you are travelling internationally or domestically, the length of your layover, and your baggage. If you are travelling internationally, you will need to go through customs and immigration upon exiting and re-entering the airport, so be sure to allow enough time for this, as well as check-in and security. If your baggage is transferred directly to your next flight, you can leave the airport with just your carry-on luggage. However, if you need to collect your baggage before going through customs, this may make it more challenging to explore during your layover.
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Things to do in the airport
Toronto's Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport, with thousands of travellers passing through each year. If you're one of those travellers, you might be wondering what there is to do during your layover. Here are some things to do, both inside and outside the airport:
Inside the Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a range of facilities to keep travellers entertained. The airport features a variety of shops, including duty-free options, where you can indulge in some retail therapy. For food and drinks, you'll find several well-known chains, such as Starbucks, Subway, and Tim Hortons. There are also quick snack options, including kiosks selling coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, hamburgers, and baked goods.
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are full-service restaurants like Caplansky's Deli, Vinifera, and LEE Kitchen. For those who want to relax in a comfortable lounge, the airport provides access to lounges, even if you're not a First or Business Class flyer. Additionally, the airport has a Rest Zone in Terminal 1, pre-security, where you can nap comfortably.
Outside the Airport
If you have a longer layover and want to explore beyond the airport, downtown Toronto is approximately 17 miles away, and you can get there in a few different ways. The UP Express train will take you from the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. This train departs every 15 minutes, but there are no services between 1 am and 5:30 am.
Once you're in downtown Toronto, there are several attractions to visit. The CN Tower offers spectacular views of Lake Ontario. You can also explore the Hockey Hall of Fame, Ripley's Aquarium, or St. Lawrence Market for a food tour. If you're looking for shopping, Square One is one of Canada's largest malls, easily accessible from the airport by limo or public transit.
Keep in mind that when leaving the airport, you may need to go through immigration and customs, and certain countries' citizens may require a visa. Additionally, ensure you give yourself enough time to return to the airport, clear security, and board your next flight.
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Things to do in Toronto on a layover
Toronto is Canada's largest and busiest airport, located 17 miles from downtown Toronto. The city is easily accessible for those on a long layover. If you want to leave the airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs, and you may need a visa. You can take the UP Express train to downtown Toronto in around 25 minutes, or a taxi.
If you are staying in the airport, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also a permanent collection of works from worldwide artists, as well as rotating exhibitions in partnership with nearby institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum. Several airport lounges are accessible to any traveller, no matter the airline or flight class, and there is a decent amount of seating throughout the airport.
If you decide to head downtown, there is plenty to see and do. The CN Tower is an iconic needle-shaped building found in almost every photo of the city, offering awesome views of downtown Toronto. St. Lawrence Market is Toronto's oldest market, in operation since 1803, with over 100 vendors. Art lovers should head to Graffiti Alley, filled with colourful art, Kensington Market, home to independent eateries and vintage stores, and the Distillery District, with its cobblestone streets and quaint brick shops, breweries, restaurants, and galleries.
Toronto's Chinatown is a must-visit, with its mix of Chinese businesses, tea shops, and restaurants. You can also take a sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus tour, or a downtown bike tour. The Hockey Hall of Fame and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection are also recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the Toronto airport during a layover. However, there are several factors to consider, including the duration of your layover, transportation, and the weather. If your layover is less than 4 hours, it may not be worth leaving the airport.
To enter Canada during a layover, you must meet the country's entry requirements. This includes having a valid visa, eTA, or travel documents. Many countries are eligible for an eTA, an electronic travel authorization that can be acquired before travelling for $7 CAD per person.
You can take the UP Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. The train departs every 15 minutes and costs $12 CAD one way. Alternatively, you can take bus number 192 to Kipling subway station and then transfer to a subway train.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is located about 25 kilometres from the city centre, so there are many restaurants and attractions nearby. Some popular restaurants include Tim Hortons, Bahn Shop, and Caplansky's Deli. For attractions, you can visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Toronto Reference Library, or the free art gallery in the mezzanine lobby of TD South Tower.
