Toronto's Main Airport: All You Need To Know

what is main airport in toronto

Toronto is served by several airports, but the main airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located in Mississauga. It is Canada's busiest airport, handling approximately 44.8 million passengers in 2023, and functions as a major hub for international travel and as the main hub for Air Canada. Toronto Pearson International Airport is about 15-27 kilometers from downtown Toronto and is accessible by train, bus, car, or ridesharing services. Another notable airport in Toronto is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), a smaller, downtown-based airport located on the Toronto Islands near downtown. It is Canada's 6th busiest airport and offers a more intimate experience with shorter wait times and less crowded spaces.

Characteristics Values
Name Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Location Mississauga
Distance from Downtown Toronto 15 miles (25 km) or 27 km
Transport Options Union Pearson Express Train, ridesharing apps, public transit buses, taxis, limousines, rental cars
Parking Options Long-term lots, express parking, valet care, Value Park Lot
Terminals 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 or 3)
Facilities Lounges, shops, restaurants, duty-free outlets, nursing pods, children's play area, pet relief areas
Passenger Traffic 44.8 million passengers in 2023
Airlines Air Canada

shunhotel

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ) is the main airport serving Toronto, Canada, and its metropolitan area. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, it is about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from downtown Toronto. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Toronto Pearson is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport has five runways and two passenger terminals, along with numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities. It covers an area of 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres).

As of 2025, more than 50 airlines operate non-stop or direct flights from Toronto Pearson to over 180 destinations across all six inhabited continents. The airport serves as a hub for Air Canada and Porter Airlines, and most international airlines fly here as well. It also serves as a base of operations for Flair Airlines and Sunwing Airlines.

Toronto Pearson offers several facilities and services to ensure smooth and efficient operations. It is equipped with a Traffic Management Unit (TMU) to control aircraft and ground traffic, an extensive de-icing facility, and a dedicated snow removal team for winter operations. The airport also maintains facilities for United States border preclearance and handles a significant portion of Canada's international air cargo.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is easily accessible from downtown Toronto. The UP Express train connects the airport to Union Station in just 25 minutes, providing a convenient and frequent service every 15 minutes.

shunhotel

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Billy Bishop Airport is located on the Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride from the downtown core. The airport is named after Billy Bishop, a Canadian World War I flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient. The airport is primarily used for short-haul and domestic flights, with Porter Airlines operating a significant hub at the airport.

The airport has a single runway and a small terminal building, with a variety of food and retail options available for passengers. Due to its proximity to the city, Billy Bishop Airport is a popular choice for business travellers and those looking for a convenient and efficient travel experience.

In addition to its regular passenger services, Billy Bishop Airport also offers charter flights and helicopter tours of the city. The airport is also home to a small aviation museum, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Museum, which showcases the history of the airport and the early days of aviation in Toronto.

For travellers looking to explore the Niagara Wine Region, alternative airport options include Hamilton International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport, both of which offer competitively priced flights and convenient access to the region.

shunhotel

Location and accessibility

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main airport serving Toronto and its metropolitan area. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, it is around 22.5-25 kilometres (14-16 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Toronto's western district of Etobicoke. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and 49.5 million in 2018.

Toronto Pearson is a major hub for international travel, serving all six inhabited continents. It also operates an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights to all major and many secondary cities across all provinces and territories of Canada. More than 50 airlines operate out of Pearson, offering non-stop or direct flights to over 180 destinations. The airport has five runways, two passenger terminals, and numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities. It covers a site of 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres).

The airport is accessible by several transport options. The UP Express train runs from the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes and operates almost every 15 minutes. A taxi will also take around 25 minutes with no traffic, costing about $65 Canadian dollars, although delays are common.

There are several other airports in the Greater Toronto Area. Billy Bishop Airport is closer to downtown Toronto than Pearson, although it has fewer direct routes. Hamilton International Airport is located 40 miles outside Toronto, around a one-hour drive, and offers competitively priced flights and convenient access to the Niagara Wine Region. However, it only offers a few direct routes, and alternative transport options to Toronto are limited. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is also located around 110km from Toronto, a two-hour drive, and is useful for accessing Niagara Falls.

shunhotel

Facilities and services

Toronto Pearson International Airport, officially named Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is the main airport in Toronto. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving as the main aviation hub for Ontario Country, of which Toronto is the capital. In 2019, the airport welcomed over 50 million passengers.

Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services for passengers, including:

Eating and Shopping Options: The airport features a large duty-free store selling a variety of tax-free goods. Passengers can also find a selection of coffee shops, snack bars, restaurants, and fast-food outlets within the terminal buildings.

Accessibility Options: Toronto Pearson is fully accessible for travellers with disabilities. It offers facilities such as lifts/elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses connecting the terminal buildings. There are also dedicated disabled parking spaces in the airport's car parking areas.

Business Services: The airport provides business and conference facilities, including a comprehensive business centre located in Terminal 2, offering fast internet access.

Parking: Pearson Airport offers both short-term and long-stay parking options. The "Preferred Park" option allows travellers to reserve a specific parking spot in advance. The Cell Phone Waiting Area is convenient for pick-ups and drop-offs, and valet services and car washing amenities are also available.

Ground Transportation: The airport provides easy access to Toronto's city centre, located about 17 miles (28 km) away. Various transit options are available, including train and bus services.

Cargo Facilities: Toronto Pearson handles approximately half of Canada's international air cargo. It has three main cargo facilities: Cargo West (Infield), Cargo East (VISTA), and Cargo North (FedEx). The latter serves as the Canadian hub for FedEx Express.

Aircraft Maintenance: The airport has seven aircraft maintenance hangars operated by major airlines for line maintenance and routine inspections.

Fire and Emergency Services: The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Fire and Emergency Service maintains three stations at the airport, with over 80 firefighters providing fire and rescue operations.

De-icing and Snow Removal: Pearson Airport's Central De-icing Facility is the largest in the world, servicing thousands of aircraft each winter. During winter, the airfield maintenance unit expands into a dedicated 24-hour snow removal team to ensure normal airport operations despite significant snow accumulation.

Chicago O'Hare: A Sprawling Aviation Hub

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Transportation options

Toronto Pearson International Airport, located in Mississauga, is the main airport serving Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is about 25 kilometres or a 25-minute drive from downtown Toronto with no traffic.

Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a range of transportation options for passengers travelling to and from the airport. Here are some options to consider:

UP Express train

The UP Express train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the airport and downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Union Station in the city centre. This is a comfortable and efficient way to travel, especially if you have luggage.

Taxi

A taxi from the airport to downtown Toronto can take around 25 minutes with no traffic and cost about $65 Canadian dollars. However, delays and traffic can increase the travel time.

Car rental

If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental services are available at the airport. This option provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas like the Niagara Wine Region. Keep in mind that you may encounter traffic, and driving conditions can vary depending on the weather.

Bus

Bus services, such as Megabus, provide an affordable alternative to reach Toronto from the airport. This option may be more economical, but it could also be slower and subject to traffic delays.

Airport shuttle

Some hotels and accommodations in the area may offer airport shuttle services. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option, especially if your hotel provides direct transfers to and from the airport.

Limousine or private car service

For a more luxurious or specialised transportation experience, you can consider booking a limousine or private car service. This option may be suitable if you require a personalised or premium travel experience.

When travelling to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport, it is important to consider your specific needs, budget, and time constraints. Each transportation option has its own advantages and drawbacks, so choosing the right one can enhance your overall travel experience.

Frequently asked questions

The main airport in Toronto is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, about 15-27km from downtown Toronto.

You can get to the airport via the Union Pearson Express Train, ridesharing apps, public transit buses, or by car.

Toronto Pearson International Airport has two terminals with lounges, shops, restaurants, duty-free outlets, and more.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment