Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Toronto Pearson Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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there were lots of other people sleeping there. The airport staff were friendly. They even provided foamy mats for people to sleep on! -a traveller
YYZ Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Toronto Pearson Airport.
What to Expect
Toronto Pearson Airport (code: YYZ) has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The automated LINK Train runs landside between both terminals and a nearby parking lot, departing every five minutes or so, 24 hours a day. Both terminals are big (and can be confusing), so you’ll walk a lot to reach your gate and other amenities. If you’re in T1, save time by riding the Express Walkway, the world’s fastest-moving walkway.
This international airport can have long, slow security lines, so arrive early for peace of mind. Once airside, you’ll find numerous local and well-known eateries, shops and free WiFi. Since the pandemic, there are no concessions open 24 hours. Economy class travellers looking for some additional comfort can pay to enter several airport lounges, a few with showers.
Sleeping in Toronto Pearson Airport
Pearson Airport sees sleepers at all hours due to its hub status and, unfortunately, winter weather delays. There’s a decent amount of seating throughout, including armrest-free seats and benches. Most airside seating has armrests. Travellers particularly like the designated rest zone in Terminal 1 (Landside) and the free sleep pods and Muskoka chairs scattered throughout the airport. If you prefer to stretch out, the floor is an option, with some corner nooks providing shelter, but do bring a blanket, sleep mat, or sleeping bag for cushion and warmth. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- The designated rest zones in Terminal 1’s landside areas.
- The bar near Gate C34 has some benches and long, armrest-free seating you can use once it closes for the night.
- The 24-hour Starbucks on the landside area, but be sure to purchase something for your time.
- Landside, head behind the check-in counters to find some armrest-free benches and carpeted floors.
- Landside windows that line one side of the terminal have heat vents that more than one traveller took advantage of!
Common complaints are cold temps and noise, so bring an extra layer and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
For uninterrupted sleep, check out the hotel connected to Terminal 3 or the many nearby hotels with free shuttle service. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.
Read the latest some traveller reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Toronto Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
- CIBC Welcome Centre – In Terminal 1 on the Arrivals Level, there are six or seven large padded seats to sink into. Unfortunately, the seats are across from the International Arrivals door, so it is not particularly quiet. It would be best to have noise-cancelling headphones if you nap here during the daytime.
- Lounge 15 – Formerly known as Lounge Q. There is some recliner-style seating lined up along the window. Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level, Landside, Aisle 15.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Toronto Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: At the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Pearson Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you must go through security as there are no transit hotels. A hotel is connected to the airport, and most nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles. Airport shuttles pick up from Terminal 1 (Ground Level, Door R) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level, Doors A and G).
Hotels at Toronto Airport
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel – Connected to Terminal 3 via a climate-controlled walkway. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with a gym, pool, whirlpool, sauna and change room. » Check Rates
- ALT Hotel Toronto Pearson – Located at Viscount station, at the end of the LINK train line. » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with airport shuttles
- Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport – Located adjacent to Terminal 3. You could walk there from Terminal 3 if you just missed the shuttle and didn’t want to wait for the next one. » Check Rates
- Element Toronto Airport » Check Rates
- Comfort Inn Toronto Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Toronto Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, multiple locations (Domestic, International & Transborder, Commuter Terminal departures). Lounge Access: Maple Leaf Club Membership • Air Canada ticket holders can purchase passes during booking or online check-in.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, multiple locations (International, Domestic & US Transborder departures). Showers are available in a few locations. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
Terminal 3
- Air France KLM Lounge – Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse C, next to Gate 33. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near the duty-free stores. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (AA ticket is required) • Admiral’s Club Membership.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, multiple locations (International, Domestic & US Transborder departures). Showers are available in a few locations. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
Related Pages: Toronto Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us, “Water fountains are plentiful [on the] airside. There are also a few water bottle refill stations airside but not as common as water fountains.” (April 2024)
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:
- Terminal 1 (International Departures): Booster Juice (Level 2, landside, parking and link train) ▪ Tim Hortons (Level 2, airside, Gate E81).
- Terminal 1 (Canada Departures): Swiss Chalet (Level 3, landside, take out is 24 hours) ▪ Tim Hortons (Level 1, Airside, near D42)
- Terminal 3 (Canada Departures): Subway (Arrivals Level, landside, near Domestic Arrivals) ▪ Tim Hortons (Departures Level, airside, Gate B26/27.
- Terminal 3 (International Departures): Subway (Airside, near Gate B22) ▪ Tim Hortons (Landside, Arrivals) ▪ Wendy’s (Landside, Arrivals)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Whether you wish to store your coat before travelling to a warm destination or simply want to enjoy your layover unburdened by luggage, you can store your things at Excess Baggage Company. Locations: Terminal 1, landside, Level 3, Check-in area (Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM) ▪ Terminal 3, landside, Arrivals, under the escalator between exit B &C (Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM). Rates: unknown, we don’t have a post-covid update.
Mobile Charging
Multiple charging points are available at the boarding gates. Some seats have power points nearby.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Pay-to-use shower facilities are located in three areas: Airside in the three Plaza Premium Lounges ( see Airport Lounges above ) • Goodlife ( Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Level 1, Arrivals, Area F, four-hour visitor pass is $25.00 which includes use of shower facilities) • Sheraton Gateway ( Location: Terminal 3, Landside – see Airport Hotels above ) • Wellbeing Spa (Location: Terminal 3. Airside, near Gate A10).
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Toronto Airport. Connect to the “Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi” network.
Additionally, if you prefer, the airport has many seating areas equipped with iPads, which passengers can surf the internet while waiting to board.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Toronto Pearson Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Gate D24.
- Family Washrooms – Designated Family Washrooms can be found in Terminal 1, Landside on Level 1 and Level 3 and Terminal 3, Landside in the Arrivals and Departures section.
- Nursing – Mamava nursing pods are available in Terminals 1 and 3 (Airside). Additionally, there are nursing rooms in these locations: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate D37 • Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate E78 • Terminal 1 Airside, near Gate F87/F88 • Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate F67 • Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate B1.
Fitness – Goodlife Fitness has a 10,000 sq. ft gym with state-of-the-art training equipment, stretching area, and free weights. The facility offers change rooms with showers, soap, conditioner, lotion and hair dryers. Location: Terminal 1 on Level 1, Arrivals, Area F. Rate: $25.00 for four hours. They also have a clothing and shoe bundle to rent for $20. Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri) ▪ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat & Sun).
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the information desks for assistance. Locations: available on the Arrivals Level. Hours: unknown.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout Terminals 1 and 3.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic (scales are also available). Locations: T1, International, landside, Departures Level, 2 locations at Aisles 7 and 9 ▪ T3, International, Landside, Check-In Area. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (all locations).
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Not feeling well? The Apple Tree Medical Centre accepts walk-ins. Location: Terminal 1 Canada, Landside, Level 2 Parking and Link Train. Hours: Reception is staffed from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon – Fri) and 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat); you may use the online booking system outside these hours. Doctors are only on-site from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thurs).
- Pharmacy – DrugSmart Pharmacy has four locations: Terminal 1, Landside x 2 ▪ Terminal 1, Airside, USA Departures ▪ Terminal 3, Landside.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
- Currency Exchange – ICE has kiosks available at both terminals. Locations:
- Terminal 1: Landside, Level 3 Check-in, near Aisle 6.
- Terminal 3: Landside, Departures Level.
Pet Relief Areas – Travelling with a four-legged companion? Pet relief areas are available in the following locations: Terminal 1, Landside • Terminal 1, Airside, Canada Departures • Terminal 3, Airside, Canada/Intl Departures x 3 • Terminal 3, Landside.
Prayer Rooms – The Aviation Interfaith Ministry centres offer a quiet place to pray, meditate and reflect. Chaplains, Roman Catholic mass and Interdenominational Christian services are available. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, Level 1, Arrivals • Terminal 3, Landside, Level 1, Arrivals.
Therapy Dogs – If you need to relax before your flight, look out for the airport’s therapy dogs, identifiable by a bandana that says “St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.”
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in the gated areas of Terminals 1 and 3. A good variety of shops are available throughout the airport to help you pass the time. 7-11 is open 24 hours in these locations: Terminal 1, Level 1, Arrivals ▪ Terminal 1, landside (International), B6 of the Value Park Garage, Level 4.
Manicure – Break a nail going through security and need your nails done? Head to 10 Minute Manicure. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, Canada, Level 2 Gates, near Gate D37 (Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM) ▪ Terminal 1, Airside, USA, Level 2 Gates, near Gate F57 (Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM).
Spa – Relax before your flight at one of the following airport spa locations:
- Be Relax Spa – offers chair massages, table massages, nail services, waxing and facials. Locations: Terminal 3, Airside, Canada/International, near Gate B5 (Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) ▪ Terminal 3, Airside, Canada/International, near Gate B27 (Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM) • Terminal 3, Airside, Canada/International, near Gate C36 (Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Mon-Sat • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
- Wellbeing Spa – offers massages, facials, nail services and showers. Locations: Terminal 3, Airside, USA Departures, near Gate A10. Hours: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM.
Art in the Airport – Terminal 1 currently offers large sculptures (airside), a changing art display (Landside) and a dinosaur display (Landside). Terminal 3 has a film exhibition created by the Toronto International Film Festival.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Toronto Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Toronto on Tripadvisor.
Toronto Pearson Airport is served by the following airlines:
Terminal 1: Air Canada • Air India • Air North • Avianca • Canadian North • Copa Airlines • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • EVA Air • LOT • Lufthansa • Lynx Air • Scandinavian Airlines • TAP Portugal • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • WestJet.
Terminal 3: Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air France • Air Transat • American Airlines • Azores Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • British Airways • Canada Jetlines • Caribbean Airlines • Cathay Pacific • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Condor • Delta Air Lines • El Al Israel Airlines • Etihad Airways • Flair Airlines • Hainan Airlines • Icelandair • Interjet • KLM • Korean Air • OWG • PIA • Philippine Airlines • Royal Jordanian • Sunwing • WestJet.
Bus
Pearson Airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you are looking for a bus to your downtown hotel, need a connection to the Go Train or need to reach a subway station, there is probably a bus for you. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Toronto Pearson Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies operate on-site on Level 1 of the parking garages located next to Terminals 1 and 3: Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Hertz and National/Alamo. Several off-site rental agencies provide courtesy transportation from Viscount Station. Contact your rental agency of choice for details.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel • DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport • Courtyard Toronto Airport • Element Toronto Airport • Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport • Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Airport • Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport • Hampton Inn & Suites Toronto Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport • Hilton Toronto Airport & Suites • Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport • NU Hotel • Quality Inn Toronto Airport • Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel • The Westin Toronto Airport.
Shuttles pick-up from Terminal 1 (Ground Level, column “S5”) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level, column “C22”). Many hotels require that you call ahead for pick-up.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
A free and fully wheelchair-accessible 24-hour Link Train connects Terminals 1 and 3. Trains depart every four to eight minutes, depending on the time of day. There are three stops: Terminal 1 • Terminal 3/Sheraton Gateway Hotel • Viscount Station, Value Park Garage, Value Park Lot and ALT Hotel.
Long Distance Bus and Shuttle Service
Several companies provide service between Toronto Pearson Airport and locations throughout Ontario and across the border in the United States. Information on these services is available at Information Counters located in Terminal 1 (Ground Level) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level).
Taxi and Limousine
Licensed taxis and limousines are at Terminal 1 (Doors C & D), Terminal 3 (Doors D, E, F). Fares are based on a zone map, dividing the area between GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and Out-of-Town tariffs and charged according to time and distance. For locations outside of the Out-of-Town tariffs area, fares are charged per kilometre. Cash and credit cards are accepted. For safety reasons, do not accept rides from people approaching you in the terminal or asking you to follow them to the parking garage.
Train
The Union Pearson Express, or UP Express, is an express train that runs between YYZ airport and downtown in just 25 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes from 5:27 AM – 11:27 AM (Pearson to Union Station) and 4:55 AM – 11:00 PM (Union Station to Pearson), stopping at two other stations along the ride between the airport and downtown Toronto. Fare: $12.35 per adult. For tickets or more information, visit the UP Express website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.