Toronto Airport: the Largest and Busiest Airport in Canada
The main Canadian airport is, without a doubt, Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Officially named Lester B. Pearson International Airport, it is most commonly referred to as Toronto Pearson International Airport. It received its nowadays name in 1984 as a tribute to the 14th prime minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, who, in fact, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
YYZ Airport lies about 17 miles/28km northwest of Toronto’s downtown, in the district of Mississauga, whereas a small fraction of its complex is located in Etobicoke. Besides being the largest and busiest Canadian airport, it is the main aviation hub serving Ontario Country, the capital city of which is Toronto. Verily, more than 50 million passengers passed through Toronto Pearson airport terminals in 2019. Its passenger traffic was considerably affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, in 2022, Toronto Airport served approximately 37 million passengers, remaining one of the most important airports worldwide. Moreover, it is Toronto’s second-largest employer, while aiming at being a leader in sustainability, taking many actions towards that goal.
Toronto Airport Info
IATA Code: YYZ
ICAO: CYYZ
Location: Mississauga and Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC -4
Airport Map: Toronto Airport at Google Maps
Toronto Airport’s Layout
Toronto Pearson Airport has 2 terminal buildings and a total of 106 gates. Furthermore, it consists of five runways and 30 taxiways.
The new and huge terminal 1 not only replaced the old terminal building but was also expanded, taking over the old terminal 2. It is the largest in Canada and among the biggest in the world, and mainly serves the national air carrier, Air Canada, and other Star Alliance airlines.
On the other hand, terminal 3 handles flights from the airlines-members of SkyTeam and Oneworld. Moreover, the Infield Concourse (IFC) is linked to terminal 3. Hence, passengers arriving or departing from the IFC gates pass through customs and retrieve their luggage or check in at terminal 3.
YYZ Airlines
Toronto Airpot houses all the major international airlines and conventional providers, along with plenty of domestic airlines and low-cost air carriers. In fact, it is the key airport base for Air Canada and Air Canada Express, as well as an important hub for WestJet, Flair Airlines, and cargo FedEx Express and a focus city for Air Transat, Lynx Air, and Swoop. Overall, the airport handles numerous scheduled and charter flights, serving air travel to and from 155 cities of the world.
Parking Facilities
Pearson Airport offers both short-term and long-stay parking facilities to meet its passengers’ needs. Parking lots are to be found at terminals 1 and 3 as well, while with the “Preferred Park” option, travelers can reserve one specific parking spot before even arriving at YYZ Airport. Moreover, the Pearson Airport Cell Phone Waiting Area is ideal for picking-ups and dropping-offs. Valet services and many side amenities, such as car washing, are also available.
Transit Options
Traveling from Toronto Pearson Airport to the Toronto city center is possible via various transit modes. Thus, you can opt for:
- A 30-minute taxi ride
- The 25-minute UP Train
- A journey with one of the airport bus lines
- A lavish Toronto airport transfer
- A handy airport car rental
Services and Amenities
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) offers all the necessary services and amenities anticipated from one of the most important international aviation hubs. In detail, it provides passengers with:
- Many retail options and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage carts
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
- Meet & Greet services
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Nursing pods and rooms
- Children playgrounds
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapels
- Pet relief zones
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Conference and meeting rooms
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Address: 6301 Silver Dart Drive Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Phone Number: (416) 247-7678 / 1 (866) 207-1690 (toll free)
The City of Toronto
Besides being the biggest Canadian city, Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario. It is known for its multicultural character, offering countless options for art lovers, foodies, and travel enthusiasts. Its diversity is visible everywhere, from its unlike neighborhoods and architectural style, to its eating and drinking alternatives. Some of its major attractions are the CN Tower, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. With its vibrant downtown area, excellent transit network, and charming waterfront, Toronto offers visitors a unique combination of urban lifestyle and a more “natural” ambiance.
FAQs
Does Toronto have 2 airports?
Apart from the large and busy Toronto Pearson Airport, Billy Bishop Airport also serves the area of Toronto. Even though it is located considerably closer to the city center and serves both domestic and international flights, Billy Bishop Airport is significantly smaller than Toronto Pearson Airport.
What is the name of the Toronto Airport in Canada?
The official name of Toronto Airport is Lester B. Pearson International Airport, but it is widely known as Toronto Pearson Airport. It is named after the 14th prime minister of Canada, who even received a Nobel Peace Price in 1957. The airport took its nowadays name in 1984.
Why is Toronto airport called YYZ?
Toronto’s IATA Code isn’t formed by letters of its name as is usually the case. The first “Y” is “left” from the code that was used before World War II. On the other hand, “YZ was the Morse Code for the rail station in Malton, Ontario.
Is Pearson the largest airport in Canada?
Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest and busiest Canadian airport. In fact, in 2019, it welcomed more than 50 million passengers. Even though the Covid-19 pandemic downscaled its numbers, the airport seems to come back and has a stable route toward its initial passenger traffic.
How far is Toronto Airport from the city?
Toronto Airport lies 17 miles/28km from downtown Toronto. It is to be found in Mississauga. As a matter of fact, a small part of its complex lies in the district of Etobicoke. Thus, the ride from the airport to the city center usually lasts 30 minutes. Still, heavy traffic can raise that time to even 70 minutes.
Does Toronto have subway from the airport?
Toronto Pearson Airport is linked to downtown Toronto via train and bus. You won’t find a subway line running from the airport to the city of Toronto. However, the airport’s connection to Toronto and its surrounding areas is overall adequate.
How early should I get to Pearson Airport?
Toronto International Airport is a big airport consisting of two terminal buildings. Thus, if you want to enjoy a stress-free check-in experience, you should arrive at the airport two hours before your flight if your destination is domestic, whereas, for international flights, it is advisable to be at YYZ Airport at least three hours prior to your departure time.
How can I get from Toronto Airport to downtown Toronto?
You can opt for an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or rent a car from YYZ Airport. Alternatively, a bus ride is a cheap but also tedious way to travel from Toronto Airport to downtown Toronto, as you’ll have to change between lines, whereas the airport train combines convenience and low cost.