Toronto's Pearson Or Billy Bishop: Which Airport Reigns Supreme?

which airport in toronto is better

Toronto has two major airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest airport in Canada, located about 25 minutes from downtown Toronto in the suburb of Mississauga. It is a hub for Air Canada and most international airlines. On the other hand, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a small regional airport located in downtown Toronto, near Union Station and major hotels and attractions. The only airline that serves this airport is Porter Airlines, which offers short-haul flights within Canada and the US. So, which airport is better? It depends on your preferences and travel plans. If you want a wider range of flight options and don't mind a slightly longer commute to the city centre, Toronto Pearson International Airport might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a smaller, quieter airport that is conveniently located in the city centre, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport could be the preferable option.

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Toronto Pearson International Airport

The airport offers various transportation options to and from Toronto and beyond. The UP Express train, also known as the Union Pearson Express, provides a quick connection to downtown Toronto, reaching Union Station in just 25 minutes. Additionally, bus services, taxis, and limos are available for travel within Toronto and to nearby cities such as Mississauga, Brampton, and Hamilton.

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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Billy Bishop Airport is conveniently situated near Union Station and many major hotels and attractions in downtown Toronto. It is accessible via a 90-second ferry ride from the mainland, which is free for pedestrians and CA$11 round trip for cars, or through a pedestrian tunnel. A free shuttle bus is available to take passengers from the ferry terminal to Union Station. The airport has one passenger terminal and one main east-west runway, with a shorter runway at a 20-degree angle and a seaplane base.

The airport is served by Porter Airlines, offering short-haul flights to destinations in northeast Canada and the US. While the number of direct routes is limited, Billy Bishop Airport provides a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. It has been praised for its central location, ease of navigation, and spectacular views of the Toronto skyline during takeoff and landing.

In terms of amenities, Billy Bishop Airport offers a taste of Toronto through its lounges and restaurants featuring locally sourced menus. Passengers can also enjoy duty-free shopping for luxury items, gifts, souvenirs, and travel essentials. Additionally, the airport provides complimentary baggage carts, nursing pods, and a secure Lost and Found service.

In 2017, Billy Bishop Airport was named the "Best Airport in North America" based on the 2016 "Airport Service Quality Survey." However, in 2019, it was ranked 124th in the world and the worst in Canada by AirHelp, with on-time performance being an area for improvement.

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Hamilton Airport

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, or simply Hamilton Airport, is located in the neighbourhood of Mount Hope, 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) southwest of downtown Hamilton and 64 kilometres (40 miles) southwest of Toronto. The airport serves Hamilton and adjacent areas of Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area.

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Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main airport serving Toronto and is the busiest airport in Canada. However, travellers have a few other airports to choose from when visiting Toronto, including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Hamilton Airport, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

The airport has two runways and is served by the Buffalo Airport Fire Department, which responds to all fire and emergency medical aid calls in the terminal complex and adjacent property. The airport's terminal has a total floor area of 462,256 square feet, with 24 gates. Major carriers include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, US Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport has played a significant role in the development of business and tourism in the Buffalo Niagara region. The airport first opened in 1997, with a $56 million terminal featuring 15 gates. The terminal has since undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

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Airport transport options

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the major airport serving the Toronto area and is located in Mississauga, about 25 minutes from downtown Toronto with no traffic. There are four other airports in the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is accessible by various transport options, including:

  • UP Express train: This is the recommended way to travel to and from the airport, as it is a quick and convenient option. The UP Express train departs from Union Station in downtown Toronto and arrives at the airport in just 25 minutes, running almost every 15 minutes.
  • Shuttle services: Several companies offer airport shuttle services to and from Toronto Pearson Airport, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience. These shuttle services can be booked in advance and offer features such as luxury minivans, luggage assistance, and experienced chauffeurs familiar with the local road systems.
  • Taxi and limo services: Aeroport Taxi & Limousine Service is one example of a company offering taxi and limo services to and from the airport. These services provide reliability, comfort, and privacy for travellers.
  • Public transportation: While not specified, there are likely public transportation options available to reach the airport, such as buses or trains. However, these options may involve dealing with traffic and waiting for connections.
  • Driving: Individuals can also choose to drive themselves to the airport and park their vehicles in the designated parking garages. However, it is important to allow extra time when parking at the airport due to maintenance or other factors.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, also known as the Toronto Island Airport, is another option located just offshore downtown Toronto. This airport is conveniently located near Union Station and major hotels and attractions. To access the airport, passengers can take a 90-second ferry ride (free for pedestrians) or walk through a pedestrian tunnel. A free shuttle bus is also available from the ferry terminal to Union Station. Porter Airlines is the only airline that serves the Toronto city centre from this airport, offering short-haul flights within Canada and the U.S.

Frequently asked questions

Toronto Pearson International Airport (also known as YYZ or Lester B. Pearson) is the busiest airport in Toronto and Canada, with most international airlines flying through it. It is located in Mississauga, about 25 minutes from downtown Toronto with no traffic. It is ideal for those looking for an extensive long-haul international network, Air Canada frequent flyers, and those staying in the western suburbs.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (also known as YTZ) is a small regional airport located in downtown Toronto on an island. It is ideal for those staying downtown or in the core of the city, as it is conveniently located near Union Station and many major hotels and attractions. However, it only handles smaller planes and has limited flights.

Hamilton Airport is another option, but it is further away from Toronto and may be inconvenient to get to.

Overall, the "better" airport depends on your specific needs and destination in Toronto.

The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) train is the fastest and most reliable way to get from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes and gets to Union Station in just 25 minutes. The train fare is currently CAN$12.35 one-way.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which will cost around CAN$50-60, or use ridesharing services like Lyft or Uber, which will cost around CAN$42-50.

The cheapest option is to take the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus for CAN$3.25 one-way, but this option takes over an hour and may not have dedicated luggage racks.

Billy Bishop Airport is already located in downtown Toronto, so you can easily get to the city centre by taking a shuttle bus, walking, or taking a short Uber ride.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the busiest airport in Canada, with daily departures to over 180 domestic and international destinations. It is ideal for those looking for a wide range of flight options and for Air Canada frequent flyers. However, it can be very busy and crowded, especially at security, and it is not as conveniently located as Billy Bishop Airport.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is a smaller and quieter airport, making it easier to get in and out of. It is conveniently located in downtown Toronto, but it only handles smaller planes and has limited flights. Additionally, there is a bylaw prohibiting planes from landing after 11 pm, so delayed flights may be diverted to another airport.

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