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A newcomer’s guide to navigating Toronto Pearson airport

Knowing what to expect when you arrive at Toronto Pearson airport can help to make navigating this busy airport smoother, faster, and less overwhelming.

According to data by StatsCan, Lester B Pearson Internationalmore commonly known as Toronto Pearson or as the code YYZis Canada’s busiest airport, with passenger traffic having increased b 24.8% from 2022 to 2023.

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CIC News has put together this guide to help you navigate the airport.

Landing at Toronto Pearson Airport

Customs declarations

Toronto Pearson airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, so all flyers enter Canada through one of these terminals. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2008.

Everyone arriving to Canada on an international flight must confirm their identity and submit their customs declaration.

Toronto Pearson airport has automated the process so you can use a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate.

How do I use Toronto Pearson’s primary inspection kiosks?

In addition to English and French, the kiosks have options for other languages such as Hindi, Korean, simplified Chinese, and Punjabi.

They require you to scan your passport on the scanner, and take a photograph through the kiosk camera. Sometimes, foreign nationals may be asked to provide fingerprints.

The kiosks then ask questions regarding items you’re carrying with you. There are some items you have to declare when arriving in Canada. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, from fines and penalties, to being barred entry into Canada.

The kiosk will then issue you a receipt which should be handed to a border services officer later.

Note: you can save time by using Advance Declaration. This is a feature in the ArriveCan app wherein you can fill out your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance to save you time when you arrive at the airport.

Who cannot use the kiosks?

The following passengers will not be able to use a kiosk:

  • Travellers with a non-machine-readable travel document;
  • Travellers with a travel document that is not a passport or a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card;
  • Unaccompanied children under the age of 16;
  • Refugee claimants; and
  • Travellers requiring special services.

These travellers will be directed to a border services officer for in-person processing.

Immigration interview

Those having their first landing in Canada have to follow the signs to the Arrivals and Customs, to the Immigrations area.

Once you reach the area, you’ll find lines for Canadian and non-Canadian citizens. Join the line for non-citizens.

This process may take time, depending on the length of the line.

When you get to the end of the line, an immigration officer will look at your documents and ask some questions. Make sure you answer clearly and truthfully. If you have trouble understanding the language (English or French), it’s possible to ask for assistance or a translator.

Once the immigration officer has determined that you meet entry requirements, they will stamp and sign your CoPR (if you are landing for PR).

You will be asked to check for typos, and then to sign the document.

The immigration officer will also ask you for a Canadian address so that your PR card can be mailed to you.

It takes roughly one month for a new PR card to arrive, so it’s best to submit an address that you have access to until that time. If you do not have access to a permanent address, it might be best to share the address of a trusted friend or family member instead.

If you are arriving as an international student, an officer will issue you a printed study permit, after checking your documents.

Baggage collection

Next, you can proceed to the baggage claim area.

There will be digital screens in place to help you find the right carousel for your luggage.

Getting your SIN at Toronto Pearson airport

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson Airport have Service Canada offices in this area. These currently operate Monday to Friday, 6am to 9pm local time*.

You can get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from here by filling out a form, showing your passport and signed COPR. You will receive your SIN number on the spot.

If the office is not functioning at the time of your arrival, you can always get your SIN number later. All you have to do is approach any Service Canada centre close to you, or apply for one online later.

*Timings are subject to change, kindly confirm before your travel.

CBSA declaration

Prior to exiting the airport, you will need to go to the next CBSA checkpoint and show the officer your declaration kiosk receipt.

Newcomers moving permanently to Canada can bring their belongings with them or send them later. You will have to fill out the BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document and list the goods you are bringing. You can submit this to a customs officer.

The officer here may ask you for more information about your travels and about what’s in your luggage.

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Travel tip: Toronto Pearson has Wi-Fi that you can connect to. Outside the Arrival area, some phone providers have kiosks, if you’re looking to get a new sim immediately after landing.

Getting to your new home

There are a number of options when it comes from getting from Toronto Pearson to your new home, depending on your final destination.

Train to downtown Toronto

The Union Pearson Express (UP Express): The UP Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes, between 5.27am and 12.57am. It makes two stops along the way – at Weston and at Bloor GO Stations.

Note: You can travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 easily using the Terminal Link train. This runs 24 hours a day and connects to the UP Express.

Ground transportation options:

Taxis and limos: Licensed Toronto airport taxis are available. The queues are not very long and they offer flat charges –  no surge pricing – to Toronto destinations and accept all major credit cards. It’s possible to find them at Terminal 1, Door D and Terminal 3, Door E.

Ride Sharing: You can use apps like Uber or Lyft to request a pick-up from Pearson. The designated pick up areas for ride share apps are:

  • Terminal 1, Ground Level, Door Q or P.
  • Terminal 3, Arrivals Level, Door D.

For Uber Black or Lyft Lux, the designated pick up areas are:

  • Terminal 1,  Door A
  • Terminal 3: Door A

Car rental

There are a number of car rental service providers on site in Terminal 1 and 3, as well as other operators near Pearson airport that offer pick-up service from Viscount Station (which is accessible from the Terminal Link train). You can find a list of care rental providers here.

It’s recommended to contact the operators directly and book your vehicle in advance.  

In order to rent a car, you need a valid driver’s license and a mode of paying (usually a credit card or debit card.) 

Most rental companies also have minimum age requirements. In Ontario, that is usually 21. Some operators may place additional restrictions or change an additional fee for those under the age of 25.

Public transit buses

For travel to Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, there are many Pearson Airport buses. This includes areas like Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and more:

  • TTC Express buses;
  • GO Transit
  • Miway (Mississauga); and
  • Brampton Transit.

For long distance travel

If you’re planning to reach a destination further away – whether it’s other parts of Ontario or even US cities – you can view your options here.

Ask a friend to pick you up

If a friend or family member is coming to pick you up, they can head to the arrival area of the appropriate terminal.

Connecting through Toronto Pearson Airport

Your first point of entry is usually where the immigration interview takes place.

So, if you have a connecting flight from Toronto Pearson to another domestic airport, you should ensure you have sufficient time for the landing process before your next flight.

Travel tip: If you have a connection to another Canadian airport, always double check if you need to reclaim your checked bags at the baggage area. Depending on the airline and the destination, you may need to claim your checked luggage at Toronto Pearson and then check it in again when flying domestically.

The airline you are flying on may be unaware of this and may incorrectly tell you that your checked bags will be going to your final destination.

Flying out of Toronto Pearson

Getting to the airport

Passengers should arrive at the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights. Both terminals operate domestic and international flights.

There are a number of options to get to the airport:

The UP Express: The train connects downtown Toronto to Toronto Pearson, with trains leaving every 15 minutes. It has two stops in between – Bloor and Weston.

Rideshare: There are spaces for services like Uber and Lyft to drop off travellers.

Parking: For those intent on driving to the airport, Toronto Pearson offers a number of parking options. Details can be seen here.

Travel tip: If you are running late, speak to an airline official when you reach the airport to help speed up the process.

Check in

Self-serve check-in kiosks and automated baggage drops are available in both terminals.

You can also check in online in advance (which most airlines recommend), then use the kiosks to drop off luggage.

At the time of check-in, be prepared for additional questions as well to show any required documents, depending on your destination.

Flying to the US

When flying from Toronto Pearson to the US, travellers can clear customs and immigration before boarding their flight.

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have pre-clearance areas with US border control, allowing you to proceed through US immigrations and customs before boarding your flight.

Travel tip:

If you’re flying out of Canada as a PR and intend to return to Canada, you should carry your PR card with you. It serves as proof of your immigration status and will allow you to re-enter the country.

If you’re flying to another country, ensure you check its visa requirements in advance. A lot of countries, for example, offer visa on arrival for Canadian PRs.

Security

The next step would be getting through security. Airport officials will guide you through this process.

There are special security lines for:

  • Trusted Travellers (e.g., NEXUS, Global Entry);
  • Family/Special Needs security line; and
  • American Express Priority Security Lane.

Travel tip:

If you’re flying to another country and have a connection in Pearson, you may have to undergo security twice – once in the original airport and another time at Toronto Pearson. Check with your airline.

After security

Both terminals offer grab-and-go, and dine-in options, as well as duty-free shopping. You can shop for luxury brands, cosmetics, fragrances, liquor, and candy before your trip.

Travel tip: Both terminals also have water bottle filling stations. Simply carry an empty water bottle with you (through security) and you can refill it at the closest station.

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