Toronto Pearson to Downtown: A Traveler's Arrival Notes

Toronto Pearson is Canada's busiest airport, split across two terminals, and it handles the vast majority of long-haul flights into the city. A smaller number of short regional and US flights use Billy Bishop Airport, right on the downtown waterfront, which changes the arrival experience considerably.

Notes below cover what actually matters in the first hour after landing, rather than trying to summarize the whole city.

Note on the Two Airports

Pearson (YYZ) sits about 25km northwest of downtown and is where nearly all international and most domestic flights land. Billy Bishop (YTZ), on an island just off the downtown waterfront, mainly serves short-haul routes to the US and other Canadian cities, and gets you into the city centre in minutes rather than the better part of an hour.

Note on Border Processing

Most international arrivals at Pearson use an automated primary inspection kiosk, scanning your passport and taking a photo before a brief conversation with a border officer, which tends to move faster than a fully staffed desk system. NEXUS members skip to a dedicated lane. Queues still build during busy transatlantic and transpacific arrival windows, so allow 30-45 minutes as a rough cushion.

Note on the UP Express

The Union Pearson Express train runs nonstop between Pearson and Union Station downtown in about 25 minutes, with frequent departures and a straightforward fare that can be paid with a contactless card. It is, for most travelers, the easiest way into the city, especially with luggage, since it avoids highway traffic entirely.

Note on Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing apps both operate from designated pickup areas at Pearson, and the trip downtown takes 30-45 minutes without traffic, longer during rush hour on the 401 or Gardiner Expressway. This option makes more sense if your hotel isn't near a UP Express or subway stop.

Note on Where to Stay

Downtown, near Union Station or along the King Street corridor, suits most short visits well, keeping you close to the subway and within walking distance of the waterfront and entertainment district. Travelers focused on shopping or a quieter base sometimes choose Yorkville instead, still on the subway line.

Note on Local Transit

The TTC subway, streetcars and buses run on a single fare system, payable with a Presto card or contactless bank card, and the system covers the downtown core well even if it isn't as extensive as some other major cities. Streetcars are worth using for east-west trips through downtown neighborhoods.

Note on Money and Tipping Culture

Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere in Toronto, including on the TTC, so carrying much Canadian cash isn't necessary for most short trips. Tipping around 15-20 percent at restaurants is standard and generally expected rather than optional, and many payment terminals now prompt a tip percentage directly, which can catch first-time visitors off guard. Currency exchange counters exist at Pearson but, as elsewhere, tend to offer weaker rates than a bank card withdrawal.

Note on Weather Considerations Year-Round

Toronto's seasons swing more dramatically than many first-time visitors expect, with humid summer heat giving way to genuinely cold winters that regularly dip well below freezing. Snow and ice can affect the drive downtown from Pearson between December and March, even when the UP Express keeps running on schedule. Spring and fall are milder and generally the easiest seasons for walking the downtown core without heavy layers.

Note on Timing a Short Visit

• Pearson's Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are a fair walk or a short shuttle ride apart, so check your terminal before a tight connection.
• Winter arrivals should expect possible weather delays between December and March.
• Downtown sights cluster closely enough for a short stay to work well on foot and transit alone.

Accessibility and Family Travel Notes

Pearson's terminals are well equipped with elevators, accessible washrooms and staff assistance available on request through your airline ahead of arrival. The UP Express and most downtown subway stations have step-free access, though not every older station on the line does, so it's worth checking ahead if mobility is a concern. Traveling with young children is straightforward too, since strollers move easily through the airport and most downtown attractions and restaurants are used to accommodating families.