Layover guides
Toronto layover guide
If you have a few hours you can leave Toronto Pearson and glimpse the downtown core, especially the waterfront and a quick bite. In 2‑3 hours you can see the CN Tower base area and a market.
YYZ · Toronto Pearson International Airport
19 km to the centre
Fastest way into the city: about 25 min
Leave the airport with at least 5 hours
How long is your layover?
6 hours is too short to leave the airport
Passport control, the trip into the city and the way back would leave less than 2 hours. Stay at the airport and rest.
If you stay, use free Wi‑Fi, explore the art installations, or relax in an airline lounge; a transit hotel is in Terminal 3 for short rests.
About 3 hours in the city
Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
UP Express → Union Station · about 25 min-
1
about 1 hourArt Gallery of Ontario
Large gallery with Canadian and international art, worth a stroll
0.5 km-
2
about 1 hour
Kensington Market
Eclectic neighbourhood with vintage shops and street art, lively walk
- Back to the airport · about 25 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Open this layover as a plan About 7 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- UP Express → Union Station · about 25 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Art Gallery of Ontario
Large gallery with Canadian and international art, worth a stroll
- 0.5 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Kensington Market
Eclectic neighbourhood with vintage shops and street art, lively walk
- 1.4 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Bata Shoe Museum
Museum dedicated to shoes, quirky collection in a historic building
- 0.4 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Royal Ontario Museum
Museum with natural history and world cultures, good for a few hours
- 1.7 km
-
5
about 1 hour
Allan Gardens Conservatory
Victorian greenhouse with tropical plants, calm spot in downtown
- Back to the airport · about 25 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
A night in the city and a full day of sightseeing
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- UP Express → Union Station · about 25 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Art Gallery of Ontario
Large gallery with Canadian and international art, worth a stroll
- 0.5 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Kensington Market
Eclectic neighbourhood with vintage shops and street art, lively walk
- 1.4 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Bata Shoe Museum
Museum dedicated to shoes, quirky collection in a historic building
- 0.4 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Royal Ontario Museum
Museum with natural history and world cultures, good for a few hours
- 1.7 km
A night in the city-
5
about 1 hour
Allan Gardens Conservatory
Victorian greenhouse with tropical plants, calm spot in downtown
- 1.4 km
-
6
about 1 hour
St. Lawrence Market
Large market with fresh produce and local foods, great for a snack
- 1.3 km
-
7
about 1 hour
Harbourfront Centre
Waterfront complex with galleries and events, pleasant for a break
- Back to the airport · about 25 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.
Getting into the city
UP Express
→ Union Station · about 25 min
Runs every 15 min, tickets bought via app or kiosk
TTC 192 Airport Rocket
→ Yorkdale/Union Station stops · about 30 min
Every 15‑20 min, pay with PRESTO card
Airport taxi
→ Downtown core · about 35 min
Available 24/7, fare by meter, use credit card
Good to know
Leaving the airport
You must clear Canadian customs and immigration before leaving the airport; visa requirements depend on your nationality and should be verified with official sources.
Left luggage
Left‑luggage lockers are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 for a fee.
If you stay at the airport
If you stay, use free Wi‑Fi, explore the art installations, or relax in an airline lounge; a transit hotel is in Terminal 3 for short rests.
A quick bite
Grab a peameal bacon sandwich at the St. Lawrence Market area for a quick local taste.
Written with AI using Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Check details before you travel. Wikivoyage: Toronto
Layover tips
Buy a PRESTO card for seamless transit
Avoid rush‑hour (7‑9 am, 4‑6 pm) on roads
Keep valuables close and stay in well‑lit areas
Questions about a layover in Toronto
How long does the UP Express take to downtown?
About 25 minutes from Terminal 1 to Union Station.
Can I store my carry‑on at the airport?
Yes, there are coin‑operated lockers in both Terminals 1 and 3.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport?
Only if your nationality requires a Canadian entry visa; check official guidelines.
Is there a place to shower in the airport?
Many airline lounges and the transit hotel offer shower facilities for a fee.
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