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Toronto Airports Guide
Toronto is served by two main airports, offering travelers flexibility in choosing flights and prices. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada's busiest airport and primary international gateway, while Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) provides convenient downtown access for regional travel.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
YYZ
Location: 22.5 km northwest of downtown Toronto
Best for: International travel, long-haul flights, major airlines
Transport: UP Express train, TTC, buses, taxis, ride-sharing
Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, major international carriers
Features: Canada's busiest airport, extensive amenities
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
YTZ
Location: 3 km from downtown Toronto (Toronto Islands)
Best for: Regional flights, business travel, quick access
Transport: Pedestrian tunnel, free ferry, taxis, ride-sharing
Airlines: Porter Airlines, Air Canada Express
Features: Quick downtown access, pedestrian tunnel to mainland
Choosing Between Toronto Airports
- YYZ (Pearson): Better for international travel, more flight options, Air Canada hub
- YTZ (Billy Bishop): Closer to downtown, primarily regional flights, Porter Airlines hub
- Transport Time: YYZ to downtown: 25-60 minutes; YTZ to downtown: 10-20 minutes
- UP Express: Pearson's dedicated airport train to Union Station (25 minutes)
- Consider: Your final destination in Toronto, flight availability, and travel time
Best Time to Book Flights to Toronto
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book domestic flights 3-8 weeks in advance for optimal pricing
- For international flights, book 2-5 months ahead
- For peak seasons (summer, holidays), book 3-6 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
- Look for airline sales during shoulder seasons (spring and fall)
Best Time to Visit Toronto
- May-June: Spring, mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds
- September-October: Fall, pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage
- July-August: Summer, warm weather, festivals, peak tourist season
- December-February: Winter, cold weather, holiday events, lowest prices
- Shoulder Seasons: April and November offer good value with moderate weather
- Major Events: Consider TIFF (September), Caribana (July/August), Christmas markets
Airlines That Fly to Toronto
Toronto is a major North American aviation hub with extensive domestic, transborder (USA), and international service from airlines around the world.
Major Canadian Airlines
- Air Canada (Flag carrier with extensive domestic and international network)
- WestJet (Major Canadian carrier with domestic and international routes)
- Porter Airlines (Regional carrier based at Billy Bishop Airport)
- Air Transat (Leisure carrier with seasonal international routes)
- Flair Airlines (Ultra-low-cost carrier with domestic and US routes)
- Lynx Air (Low-cost carrier with domestic and sun destination routes)
Major International Airlines
- American Airlines (Multiple US hubs and cities)
- Delta Air Lines (Multiple US hubs and cities)
- United Airlines (Multiple US hubs and cities)
- British Airways (Direct flights from London)
- Lufthansa (Direct flights from Frankfurt)
- Air France (Direct flights from Paris)
- KLM (Direct flights from Amsterdam)
- Swiss International Air Lines (Direct flights from Zurich)
- Turkish Airlines (Direct flights from Istanbul)
- Emirates (Direct flights from Dubai)
- Qatar Airways (Direct flights from Doha)
- Air India (Direct flights from Delhi)
- China Southern (Direct flights from Guangzhou)
- Air China (Direct flights from Beijing)
- Japan Airlines (Direct flights from Tokyo)
- ANA (Direct flights from Tokyo)
- Korean Air (Direct flights from Seoul)
- Singapore Airlines (Direct flights from Singapore via Frankfurt)
Toronto Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check Canadian entry requirements based on your nationality
- Ensure your passport has adequate validity (requirements vary by country)
- Consider applying for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if required
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances and fees for your specific airline
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Research ground transportation options to your accommodation
- Check Canadian customs and declaration requirements
At Toronto Airports
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international
- Have boarding passes and travel documents ready for inspection
- Use UP Express from Pearson for fastest transport to downtown (25 minutes)
- Use the pedestrian tunnel at Billy Bishop for quick mainland access
- Take advantage of airport lounges during long layovers
- Use the free WiFi available throughout both airports
- Be prepared for potential customs and immigration queues
- Consider NEXUS for faster border clearance (for eligible travelers)
Toronto-Specific Travel Tips
- Use Toronto's public transportation system (TTC - subway, streetcars, buses)
- Purchase PRESTO card for convenient public transport payments
- Download essential apps: Transit, Uber, local weather, TTC apps
- Stay in neighborhoods like Downtown, Entertainment District, Yorkville, or Distillery District
- Try Canadian and multicultural cuisine - Toronto is incredibly diverse
- Visit attractions early to avoid crowds, especially CN Tower and museums
- Explore different neighborhoods: Kensington Market, Queen West, The Beaches
- Be prepared for variable weather - layers are recommended
- Carry both Canadian dollars and credit cards
- Learn about Canadian customs and tipping culture (15-20% at restaurants)
- Consider purchasing CityPASS for discounted attraction entry
Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto Flights
Which Toronto airport is closer to downtown?
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is much closer to downtown, located just 3 km away on the Toronto Islands (10-20 minutes travel time). Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) is about 22.5 km from downtown (25-60 minutes depending on traffic).
What is the cheapest month to fly to Toronto?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to Toronto, as these are the coldest months with fewer tourists. November and early December also often have good deals before the holiday season.
How early should I arrive at Toronto airports for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons or if checking baggage, consider arriving 3.5 hours early, especially at Pearson which can be very busy.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Toronto from Europe?
Multiple airlines offer direct flights from Europe including Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, and LOT Polish Airlines from various European cities.
What is the best way to get from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express (Union Pearson Express) train is the fastest and most reliable option, taking 25 minutes to Union Station. Taxis, ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), and airport limousines are also available. The TTC also offers bus and subway service.
Is there a shuttle between Pearson and Billy Bishop airports?
There is no direct shuttle service between the two airports. The best option is to take the UP Express from Pearson to Union Station, then a short taxi or ride-share to Billy Bishop Airport (about 45-60 minutes total).
What is the flight time from Vancouver to Toronto?
The flight from Vancouver to Toronto takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Do I need a visa to visit Toronto?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits. Many other nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada. Some nationalities require a visitor visa. Always check current entry requirements based on your nationality.
What are the busiest travel days at Toronto airports?
Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days. Holiday weekends, summer months, March Break, and during major events see extremely high passenger volume.
Is Toronto safe for tourists?
Toronto is generally very safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The city has good public safety infrastructure and emergency services.