Toronto's Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is the airport in toronto

Toronto, Canada's largest city, is served by several airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ) being the largest and busiest airport in the country. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, it is about 25 kilometres from downtown Toronto. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Other airports in Toronto include Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport in Markham (YKZ), which closed in November 2023.

Characteristics Values
Name Toronto Pearson International Airport
IATA Code YYZ
ICAO Code CYYZ
Location Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Distance from Downtown Toronto 15-27 km
Year Opened 1939
Number of Terminals 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3)
Number of Runways 5
Airlines Air Canada, Porter Airlines, WestJet, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Sunwing Airlines
Number of Destinations 160+
Other Amenities Lounges, shops, restaurants, duty-free outlets, nursing pods, children's play area, baggage carts, etc.
Other Airports in Toronto Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport (YKZ)

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Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ)

Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada and serves as a hub for other airlines such as Porter Airlines, WestJet, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, and Sunwing Airlines. The airport is managed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and supported by around 50,000 workers. It offers an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights to all major and many secondary cities across Canada. More than 50 airlines operate non-stop or direct flights from Pearson to over 180 destinations across six continents.

The airport's history dates back to 1937 when the Government of Canada agreed to build two airports in the Toronto area. One site selected was on the Toronto Islands, which became the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). The other site was near the town of Malton in what was then Toronto Township, later becoming Mississauga. This airport, originally intended as an alternate to the downtown airport, became its successor due to having more space. The first scheduled passenger flight at the Malton Airport landed in 1939, and during World War II, it served as a base for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

YYZ provides a wide range of international flight options and is accessible from multiple directions. It is known for its diverse facilities, including lounges, shops, restaurants, duty-free outlets, and more. The airport wait times can be unpredictable, with long security lines during peak hours. It is recommended to check the latest wait time updates and allow plenty of time for security clearance. YYZ also offers various parking options, including long-term lots and express parking.

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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The airport is named after Billy Bishop, who was a Canadian World War I flying ace. The airport code, YTZ, comes from the telegraph station in Toronto, which was coded TZ.

Billy Bishop Airport has one main terminal with comfortable lounges, dining options, free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, and more than 20 destinations. It is home to flights on Porter Airlines and Air Canada, with web check-in and Nexus available for members. The airport is modern and one of the most walkable and bikeable in North America. It is also home to a flight school and Ornge air ambulance services.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is easy to get to and quick to get out of. It is well-loved by travellers for its convenience, incredible personnel, effortless navigation, and spectacular views. The airport is also notable for its use of renewable energy, powering all its operations, including moving sidewalks, airfield lights, and the ferry.

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Toronto's airport code

Toronto Pearson International Airport, located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is the main airport serving Toronto and its surrounding regions. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and recipient of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize. Its IATA code is YYZ, derived from the telegraph station code for Malton, Ontario, where the airport is located.

YYZ has two active public terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which collectively handle domestic, transborder, and international flights. The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet. It offers an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights and connects to more than 150 international destinations.

Toronto also has a smaller airport called Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, coded YTZ. This airport is conveniently located in the heart of the city and offers flights to 20+ destinations. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere, efficient check-in and security processes, and locally sourced dining options.

In summary, while Toronto has multiple airports, the main airport serving the city is Toronto Pearson International Airport, coded YYZ, which offers a wide range of domestic and international flight options.

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Airport transportation methods

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving as the primary global hub for Air Canada and handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024.

There are several transportation options available for travelling to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Here are some of the most common methods:

Train

The UP Express train service offers a direct and efficient connection between the airport and Toronto Union Station in Downtown Toronto. The train departs every 20 minutes and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. This option is often recommended as it is affordable, with tickets priced between $1 and $9, and provides a relatively quick travel time.

Bus

Bus services, such as Flixbus USA, provide a more economical alternative to the train. Buses depart from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto Station every two hours, with tickets ranging from $4 to $80. The journey typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the source. Additionally, Rider Express operates on this route twice daily.

Taxi

For those seeking a more direct and private option, taxis are available at the airport. The fastest way to get from the airport to Downtown Toronto is by taxi, with an estimated travel time of 20 minutes. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost, with taxi fares ranging from $45 to $55.

Driving

If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, the road distance between Toronto Pearson Airport and Downtown Toronto is approximately 16.8 to 17 miles. The driving time is estimated to be around 20 to 29 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Toronto also has another airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city. This smaller airport provides easy access and a quick exit for travellers.

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Airport facilities

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main airport serving Toronto and the surrounding region known as the Golden Horseshoe. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Downtown Toronto. The airport has five runways and two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which are designed to handle domestic, transborder, and international flights. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet.

Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers and visitors. Both terminals offer free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, and 24-hour food options. Terminal 1 has a larger number of gates (58) compared to Terminal 3. Pay-to-use shower facilities are available in Terminal 1 (Landside, Level 1, Arrivals) and Terminal 3 (Airside, near Gate A10). Nursing pods and children's play areas can be found in both terminals, providing convenience for families travelling with young children.

The airport also features a variety of dining and shopping options. Restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from quick bites to healthy meals. Duty-free shopping includes luxury items, gifts, souvenirs, and travel essentials. Additionally, there are ATMs, currency exchange services, and a pharmacy for added convenience.

For travellers with layovers or overnight stays, Toronto Pearson Airport provides information on nearby hotels, and the LINK Train connects both terminals and the Viscount Station parking area, operating 24 hours a day. The airport also showcases art exhibitions and live music events, adding to the overall experience.

Frequently asked questions

Toronto has several airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), and Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport (YKZ, now closed). Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 25-27 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is situated on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main airport serving Toronto and its metropolitan area. It is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024.

The airport was originally known as Malton Airport and was sold to the Government of Canada in 1958. It was renamed Toronto International Airport and later, in 1984, it was officially renamed Lester B. Pearson International Airport in honour of the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, who was born in Toronto.

Toronto Pearson International Airport has two terminals that cater to both domestic and international flights. The airport is well-equipped with lounges, shops, restaurants, duty-free outlets, and more. It also offers a variety of parking options.

Both YYZ and YTZ offer various ground transportation options, including cabs, public transportation, and car rentals. YTZ, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and attractions.

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