Toronto's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To All Of Them

Toronto has several airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) being the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It is located in Mississauga, about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Toronto. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is another airport located within Toronto's city limits on an island directly across from downtown. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton is another option, located about 40 miles outside of Toronto.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the ideal airport for travellers looking for an extensive long-haul international network, as over 40 airlines fly to more than 160 destinations worldwide. It is a hub for Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, FedEx Express, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Porter Airlines, Sunwing Airlines, and more. The airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, as well as multiple lounges for a relaxing pre-flight experience.

When it comes to transportation, YYZ offers various options. Those travelling by car can choose from several parking lots, including long-term and express parking. Taxi and limousine services are also available, with designated pickup zones. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can be accessed at specific locations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Additionally, public transit buses, such as the TTC, Brampton Transit, MiWay, and GO Transit, provide convenient connections to Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and other nearby areas.

For a direct route to downtown Toronto, the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) train is a popular choice, offering a 25-minute travel time to Union Station. This service runs every 15 minutes and provides a more affordable and efficient alternative to taxis, especially during peak traffic hours.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The airport offers flights to over 20 cities in Canada and the US and connections to over 100 international destinations. It is the hub for Porter Airlines and also serves Air Canada. Since 2010, YTZ has been using renewable energy to power all its operations, including moving sidewalks, airfield lights, and the ferry.

Passengers can take a 90-second ferry ride to the airport, which is free for pedestrians, or walk through the pedestrian tunnel. There is also a free shuttle bus that takes passengers from the ferry terminal to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Hungry travellers can get their caffeine fix at Balzac's Coffee Roasters or check out Market@416 for grab-and-go items. There are also plenty of other dining options, as well as duty-free shopping, including alcohol, confectionery, and beauty products.

For those who want to get some exercise before their flight, there is a pedestrian tunnel that connects the mainland to the island terminal. The tunnel entrance is inside the pavilion, and elevators will take you down 100 feet, where you will be standing right under Lake Ontario. Moving sidewalks are also available, including one of the longest escalator systems in Canada.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

The airport is a base for low-cost carriers that fly domestic and transatlantic routes. However, there are only a few direct routes servicing this airport, including Cancun, Montego Bay, and three domestic routes. Due to its distance from Toronto, travellers planning to visit the city will need to rent a car, take a bus, or call for a taxi, which can be quite expensive.

Hamilton International Airport is one of seven airports in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which also includes eight heliports and one water aerodrome. Combined with Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Hamilton International Airport served over 53 million passengers in 2018, making Toronto the world's 31st busiest city airport system.

Toronto's airports: how to choose between them

Toronto has several airports to choose from, but the two main ones are Toronto Pearson International Airport (also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Here's a breakdown of each to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson International Airport is Toronto's main airport and the largest in Canada in terms of passenger traffic. It has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and handles both domestic and international flights. It is located in Mississauga, about 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Toronto, and is accessible by car, train, bus, taxi, or ridesharing services.

Pros:

• It offers a wide range of domestic and international flight options, serving over 160 destinations worldwide.
• It has a variety of shopping and dining options, including duty-free shopping.
• It provides easy connections to downtown Toronto via the Union Pearson Express Train, which takes approximately 25 minutes.
• It has multiple parking options, including long-term lots and express parking.

Cons:

• The distance from the airport to downtown Toronto can result in longer travel times, especially during rush hour.
• It can be more expensive to travel to and from the city centre.
• The security lines can be unpredictable, with long wait times during peak times.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, also known as the Toronto Island Airport, is a smaller, regional airport located just offshore of downtown Toronto. It is the closest airport to the city centre and is easily accessible by ferry or pedestrian tunnel. It is served by Porter Airlines and offers flights to over 20 cities in Canada and the US, with connections to international destinations.

Pros:

• Highly convenient location, just a 25-minute walk or a 90-second ferry ride from downtown Toronto.
• Quick and easy connection to the city centre via a complimentary shuttle bus from the ferry terminal to Union Station.
• Offers stunning views of the downtown skyline during takeoff and landing.
• Has a range of dining and duty-free shopping options.

Cons:

• Limited flight options compared to Pearson International Airport, with a focus on regional destinations.
• Only serves Porter Airlines and Air Canada Express for one route, so you must book with these carriers to take advantage of the airport's location.
• The ferry or pedestrian tunnel connection to the airport may be inconvenient for those with heavy luggage.

When deciding between Toronto's airports, consider your travel needs and preferences. Pearson International Airport is ideal for those seeking a wide range of domestic and international flight options and those staying in the western suburbs. On the other hand, Billy Bishop Airport is perfect for travellers looking for a quick and convenient connection to downtown Toronto, particularly if they are flying regionally within eastern Canada and the US.

Airports in the Greater Toronto Area

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is served by several airports, catering to a range of travel needs. Here is an overview of the major airports in the region:

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. Located in Mississauga, about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Toronto, it serves as a major hub for Air Canada and WestJet. With two passenger terminals and five runways, YYZ offers an extensive route network, providing daily departures to over 180 domestic and international destinations across six continents. The airport is easily accessible by road, rail, and public transportation options, including the Union Pearson Express train, which connects the airport to downtown Toronto in 25 minutes. YYZ is an ideal choice for travellers seeking long-haul international flights, Air Canada frequent flyers, and those staying in the western suburbs.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, commonly known as the Island Airport, is a regional airport located on the Toronto Islands. It is the closest airport to downtown Toronto, offering a quick ferry ride or pedestrian tunnel connection to the city centre. YTZ is the hub for Porter Airlines, with flights to over 20 cities in Canada and the United States. It also offers connections to over 100 international destinations. This airport is ideal for travellers seeking regional flights within eastern Canada and the US, as well as those looking for a seamless connection to downtown Toronto.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

Located in Mount Hope, Hamilton, about 40 miles from downtown Toronto, this airport offers competitively priced flights and convenient access to the Niagara Wine Region. It serves as a base for low-cost carriers operating domestic and transatlantic routes. While there are limited direct routes, Hamilton International Airport provides an alternative for travellers willing to rent a car or take public transportation to reach Toronto.

In addition to these major airports, the Greater Toronto Area also includes several heliports, a water aerodrome, and smaller regional airports, such as the Brampton-Caledon Airport and the Burlington Executive Airport. Each airport offers unique advantages in terms of location, flight options, and accessibility, catering to the diverse travel needs of visitors to the region.

Frequently asked questions