Toronto Airport Arrivals Guide

Travelling is a fantastic experience. You can gain exposure to foreign lands, new cultures and customs and many new sites that are sure to inspire you. Arrivals can be hectic.
What is not inspiring as a traveler is getting to your destination after you have gone through customs and immigration. If you are lucky you have made arrangements in advance, perhaps a friend or relative is available to meet you. If you are the solo traveler and are trying to get around, this can be a trial. To try and ease the pain, we have created the Toronto Airport arrivals guide.

 Update: Due to Covid 19 restrictions for passenger arriving into Toronto Pearson International airport. Please follow the link included for all updated government information.

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/healthy-airport/covid-19-testing-at-toronto-pearson/arriving-into-canada  

Many airports in large cities offer most of the same services that we will address below. Here the focus will be Toronto International airport. Pearson Airport (YYZ). Why Pearson you ask, why not J.F.K. (John F. Kennedy.) or London Heathrow? It is genuinely about familiarity. You see, it is a hub that we regularly use for business and Vacation Escapes destinations and arrivals.

These travel connections are busy 24 hours a day with a nonstop flurry of passengers and workers. Some moving with intention, others hoping for some intervention. For those seeking guidance, the Toronto airport arrivals guide can quickly and safely help you reach your preferred destination.

Public Transit -The Bus Services.

Pearson offers many ways to guide you to various locations, to aid you in your destination by way of public bus transit. This is an affordable method. Below are a few examples of what to expect when arriving in Toronto.

The Toronto Transit Commission (T.T.C.)

Not only is it the most significant public transit system in the vicinity, in fact, the entire country. Its network includes Buses, Subways, and Streetcars- yes Streetcars, and various other methods for seniors and those with accessibility issues. These Express buses will connect passengers to multiple subway lines that will whisk you into Union Station (Downtown Toronto). The departure schedule varies throughout the day. These buses leave from terminal one and terminal three.

Cost: $3.25 CDN. Duration: 50 mins. Please Note: That a transfer is necessary to access the subway at no extra charge. Request a Transfer from the Driver!

Go Transit ( Government of Ontario)

Go Transit buses run from Pearson to many of the surrounding suburbs. The buses leave from terminal one and three heading towards primary Go transit links. Hamilton Go Terminal, Richmond Hill Center and the Finch terminal. From here, you can connect with another bus ( TTC or GO) or sometimes a train ( depending on your vicinity) to take you further north, east or west. Please note that the GO bus will not deliver you directly into downtown Toronto.

“Mi” Way ( Mississauga Transit)

Mi way offers convenient travel locations within the City of Mississauga. Pearson, although known primarily as the Toronto airport, is situated in Mississauga. Close to the City of Brampton boundary. For those that know their destination, Mi way can be an excellent choice. “Mi” way buses can be found departing from Terminals 1 and 3.

Brampton Transit

As you may have guessed, Brampton Transit services the City of Brampton located north of the Airport. Like “Mi” Way, this is an ideal option for travelers that know their destination in Brampton. 

The Toronto Airport arrival guide has presented an overview of what is available. Please follow the link for more information and departure schedule. 

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/public-transit-buses

Rail Transportation

The UP Express Train

A new component to the public transit services that run into Toronto’s Union Station from Pearson (Toronto international airport) is the UP Express. The duration of this journey is approximately 25 mins. The train leaves either destination every 15 minutes. Although more expensive than some of the options mentioned above, you may find the extra money well spent. The cost of a one-way ticket is $12.35 CDN; children under 12 able to ride for free. 

Please Note: an additional $3.25 CDN may apply for the use of T.T.C services.

Schedules

Although it is called an “Express train,” it does stop at two G.O. Train Stations (Weston Station and Bloor station) before reaching its final destination at Union Station.

The first departure from Pearson is 5:27 am (05:27), with the last at 12:57 am (00:57).

Arriving at Toronto International Airport, follow the “Train to city” signs as they will guide you to the appropriate location for departure.

For more information, please follow the link below.

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/up-express

Hired Private Transportation

Taxis and Limousines

While the train and bus are viable forms of transportation, others may prefer the more direct “door to door” service. The Toronto Airport arrival guide suggests Taxi and premium Limousine services as an alternative.

Leaving from both terminals 1 and 3. These vehicles are available any time of day or night. The drivers are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable of the city and the G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area.) A flat fee can be negotiated, avoiding the risk of cost overages. They will not charge surge charges while in the City Of Toronto. These cars will accept all major credit cards. Airport limos are premium black vehicles and will charge ten percent more than the certified taxi.

Source the correct vehicle

 Look for the cars that have the GTAA (Greater Toronto Transit Authority) plate on the bumper or decal in the window. This is especially important as you will no doubt encounter other taxi services that may not be GTAA authorized. Using the recommended chauffeur service, you can travel with the knowledge that all cars meet or exceed the safety standards. This can be very comforting when going onto the frozen winter roads.

Estimated cost to Toronto City centre via Taxi: $53.00 CDN. Duration: 40 mins. Please note that the tariff for Limousines will be an additional 10 percent. This is a Toronto Airport Arrivals Guide estimate.

Travelling with animals

At the Toronto Airport, drives can refuse (by Law- I tried to find the specific by-law, but I would like to complete this sometime this year) to pick up passengers with animals unless they are service animals. It is recommended that if you encounter this inconvenience, that you ask the curbside attended to aid you in securing a vehicle that will accommodate your needs.

Accessibility

Be assured that while travelling with service animals, you can take the first limo or taxi in the cue and expect no additional charge for doing so. This also applies to small mobility aids such as walkers and crutches. This, too, is a law. For the record, Toronto used to have and may still have more by-laws than any other city in North America

For more information regarding rates, procedures, and pick up locations, please follow the link.

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/taxis-and-limos

Alternative Private Car Transportation

Ridesharing 

For those that feel comfortable using services such as UberX or Lyft, Pearson now provides locations for pick up. 

Uber and Lyft

Terminal 1 – Ground Level – Door Q or P 

Terminal 3 – Arrivals Level – Door D, outer curb

Uber Black and Lyft Lux

Terminal 1 – Door A 

Terminal 3 – Door A 

To determine the exact location for your location, please follow the link.

Estimated cost for this service to Downtown Toronto: $40.00 CDN. Duration approximately 40 minutes.

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/ride-sharing

Beyond the GTA

Short Distance Shuttles and Vans

Pearson can accommodate locations for pick up from many long distances Shuttles and Vans. These vehicles reach beyond the G.T.A. (Niagara-on-the-lake is an example) to ensure that you get to your desired location. It is advisable to make arrangements in advance to ensure the predetermined area for departure.

Follow the link below; it will advise you on where to meet after your appointed shuttle, as well as give you information to what company is most appropriate depending on your destination. 

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/long-distance-shuttles-and-vans

The Next Stop is…

From Toronto and Beyond

For those looking for information regarding travelling beyond the G.T.A… Locations such as Detroit, Buffalo or North bay and places in between. Contact Pearson international airport for more details. Toronto airport arrivals guide recommends taking the “UP express” to union station. From here, you can connect to your land transportation. All major carriers Via Rail,  Ontario Northland and Greyhound bus lines use this transportation hub. 

The Best Times

Are we there yet?

Travelling can be the most enjoyable and stressful time one can encounter. You are wound up with the anticipation of what you are about to experience or perhaps see friends and family. It is with good reason that you are excited.
However, getting off the plane after sitting for a prolonged period, the last thing you want to encounter is that “being lost” feeling. Where do I get my transfer? Is there a bus or train near or should I take a Taxi? Or the ever-popular “I don’t want to get ripped off, am I paying to much?” How do I get into town or out of town for that matter? We have all encountered it at some time.

Here the Toronto airport arrivals guide has tried to present some information to aid you from flighted creature to land-bound biped. Toronto is full of adventures and experiences. Amongst some of the largest cities in North America, you will find your stay extremely enjoyable. I would be remiss if I didn’t say: “Welcome to Toronto.” Whatever you have heard multiply it by a factor of 10 :)… Now just get out of the damn Airport!

What to do…This is the end

Now that you have made it to the bottom of the page, perhaps you have encountered similar experiences. Maybe you have had similar experiences in other locations. Have you taken the UP Express? What were your memories of it? Did it smell like pot? Please drop us a line in the comments section. For the record it is illegal to smoke Pot in public spaces, yes we can debate “what is public.”
If you would like more information regarding Toronto and vicinity, Please do so in the comments section, and we will be sure to answer the best we can.
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Thank you for the privilege of “bending your ear.”

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE