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international airport in Toronto, Canada
(Redirected from Pearson Airport)
North America > Canada > Ontario > Greater Toronto Area > Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ  IATA), ☏ +1 416-247-7678, toll-free: +1 866-207-1690. The airport is in Mississauga, a city adjacent to the west of Toronto. As Canada's busiest airport, it handled 50.5 million passengers in 2019.   Toronto is also served by the small Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ IATA), near the city centre, which handles only short-haul flights in central Canada and the northeastern U.S. The code for any airport in Toronto is YTO IATA. (updated May 2022)

Understand

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Malton Airport, built on what were farmers' fields in the 1930s, hosted its first scheduled passenger flight (a Trans-Canada Airlines DC-3 landing) on August 29, 1939. From 1940-1942, Malton hosted a World War II British Commonwealth Air Training Plan flight school. Malton Airport became Toronto International Airport in 1960. Various terminal buildings have been constructed and demolished over the years as the airport expanded; Aeroquay One (1964) was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a new Terminal 1, while Terminal 2 (1972) was demolished in 2007.

As Toronto surpassed Montreal to become Canada's largest city in the 1970s, traffic through Pearson has been steadily increasing. While flag carrier Air Canada's corporate headquarters remain in Montreal, Toronto Pearson is now the airline's largest hub. The airport is also one of Westjet's hubs.

While Montreal traffic was split for many years with the construction of an awkward outlying airport at Mirabel, a second major Toronto-area airport proposed for Pickering met with strong local opposition since the mid-1970s and was never constructed. While some short-range flights to destinations like Montreal, New York and Chicago operate from Toronto Islands airport, the bulk of Toronto's passenger volume by necessity goes through Pearson, the second-busiest airport for international traffic (behind John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City) in North America.

Flights

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Inuksuit (traditional Inuit statues) outside Terminal 1

There are two terminals at the airport: 1 and 3 (2 was demolished due to new development). Flights are arranged in this way:

 Terminal 1 (Star Alliance, Air North, Canadian North and Emirates)
Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air China, Air North, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Canadian North, Copa Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United
 Terminal 3 (Skyteam, Oneworld and all non-alliance airlines except Air North, Canadian North and Emirates)
Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, Air France, Air Transat, American Airlines, Azores Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Condor, Delta, Etihad Airways, Flair, Hainan Airlines, Icelandair, KLM, Korean Air, Pakistan International, Philippines Airlines, Porter Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Sunwing Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines (temporary suspended), WestJet

Departures

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For flights to the United States, you go through U.S. border preclearance for customs and immigration after check-in. This is generally a quick process and saves any queuing in the U.S. It also allows airlines to fly to U.S. airports which do not have customs and immigration facilities, since passengers who went through border preclearance are treated as domestic passengers on arrival to the U.S. At peak times, the lines at security can be very long so allow plenty of time to get through the system.

Arrivals

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For both Terminals 1 and 3, the international arrivals are located on the eastern side of the terminals and the domestic arrivals are located on the western side.

Connecting flights

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Just like the United States, Canada does not allow for sterile transit, so passengers connecting from one international flight to another need to pass through customs and immigration before re-checking their bags to their final destination. Ensure that you meet all the entry requirements for Canada, including having a visa if necessary, before you book your flights. The sole exception is when arriving on a non-U.S. international flight and transferring to a U.S.-bound flight in the same terminal. In that case, you don't have to clear Canadian customs and immigration, and you can proceed straight to the U.S. border preclearance facility. However, you will still need to have a visa for Canada if required for your nationality.

If your flights require you to change terminal, you must retrieve your luggage, exit the secure area, re-check your bags at the other terminal and re-clear security.

Destinations

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Direct flights to Toronto are available from every major Canadian airport, from North America, South America, Asia, and Europe.

Direct flights from within Ontario

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Direct flights from elsewhere in Canada

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Direct flights from the United States of America

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Direct flights from elsewhere in North America

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Direct flights from South America

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Direct flights from Asia

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Direct flights from Africa

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Direct flights from Europe

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Airlines

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Canadian airlines operating to Toronto:

  • Porter Airlines, toll-free: +1-888-619-8622. A regional airline better known for its services from Downtown Toronto, Porter offers direct flights as far as Vancouver and Halifax from Toronto Pearson. Porter Airlines (Q1811473) on Wikidata Porter Airlines on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2023)
  • Sunwing Airlines, toll-free: +1-877-786-9464. Low-cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter. Sunwing Airlines (Q1198402) on Wikidata Sunwing Airlines on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2022)
  • WestJet, toll-free: +1-877-952-0100. Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. WestJet (Q1059770) on Wikidata WestJet on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2022)

Ground transportation

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Map
Map of Toronto Pearson International Airport

By public transit

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By train

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The Union Pearson Express train goes to downtown Toronto:

  • 1 Union Pearson Express (UP Express) (Terminal 3 at airport), ☏ +1 416-869-3600, toll-free: +1 844-438-6687, fax: +1 416-869-1662. 5:30AM - 1:30AM. UP Express trains operate between the airport and Union Station providing connections to the Toronto subway at Bloor Station (near Dundas West Station on Line 2) and Union Station (Line 1). (UP Express also has an intermediate stop at Weston station on Lawrence Avenue West.) A trip takes 25 minutes and trains depart every 15 minutes. The station provides airline check-in kiosks, luggage racks, onboard Wi-Fi and up-to-the-minute flight information. UP Express station is at Terminal 1; the airport's Link train connects Terminal 3 to the UP Express station. Tickets and Presto cards can be purchased at the UP Express station. Adult: $12.35 cash, or $9.25 with a credit card, mobile wallet app or Presto card; senior: $6.20 cash or $5.80 with Presto card; free for children 12 and under. Long layover return-trip adult tickets (7 hours or less) are sold discounted as one-way fare at the UP Express service counter in Terminal 1 or online. Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 Station (Q16901889) on Wikidata Union Pearson Express on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2024)

You can pay by tapping a debit or credit card on a Presto reader, including cards in your phone or watch. Use the same card to tap on and tap off to avoid duplicate charging of the fare. Debit cards may incur a $15 pre-authorization charge.

If you want to take advantage of lower senior (65+) or youth (13-19) fares, you can buy a Presto card at the UP Express station for $9 ($4 for the card plus a $5 minimum balance), and have it set for reduced fares at the purchase point. Otherwise, it is easier to use a credit card. Besides the UP Express, Presto is supported by many transit operators in the Greater Toronto Area. Children 12 or under ride free.

UP Express passengers must tap their card on a Presto reader on the platform before boarding the train, and tap off after arrival. If you use the intermediate stops at Bloor or Weston station, use only the UP Express Presto readers to tap on/off; do not use the GO train Presto readers.

By bus

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Toronto Pearson provides a webpage indicating where to board the various bus services at Terminal 1 and 3 often indicating the column (pillar) where buses stop.

Various local buses serve Pearson airport. All accept the Presto card (see also previous section) as well as credit or debit cards for fare payment. Note: Each passenger must have separate card.

Airport Express routes

Both Brampton Transit and TTC name their express route to/from the airport as "Airport Express" even though they go to different cities (in opposite directions!) Brampton Transit buses are blue and white while TTC buses are red and white. Be sure to check the route number (route 115 for Brampton Transit; route 900 for TTC) before you board the bus.

  • 1 Brampton Transit, ☏ +1-905-874-2999, . Brampton Transit (Q4956262) on Wikidata Brampton Transit on Wikipedia (updated May 2022) Operates the Airport Express (route 115) bus from the airport to Bramalea City Centre in Brampton, a suburb directly north of Mississauga. Brampton Transit stops only at Terminal 1. Fares are payable in exact cash or by Presto card or credit card.
  • GO Transit, ☏ +1-416-869-3200, toll-free: +1-888-438-6646. Operates bus and rail commuter/regional transit within and near the Greater Toronto Area. GO Transit (Q1357727) on Wikidata GO Transit on Wikipedia (updated May 2022) It offers two airport service routes operating from Terminal 1 on the ground floor. Both routes run 24/7 with a frequency of every 30 minutes in rush hours, every 60 minutes at other times. Some GO buses have under-floor compartments for luggage. Fares can be purchased with cash, debit or credit card at the machine near Door R. The fare can also be paid on the bus by tapping a Presto card or a credit card on the Presto reader, but remember to tap both on and off at the beginning and end of trip respectively.
  • MiWay, ☏ +1-905-615-4636, . MiWay (Q1526431) on Wikidata MiWay on Wikipedia (updated May 2022) Operates two bus routes connecting the airport with Square One (City Centre Transit Terminal) within the city of Mississauga. MiWay buses stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Fares are payable in exact cash or by Presto card or credit card.
    • Route 7 Airport runs via the airport from Square One mall (Cooksville) and Westwood Mall (Malton).
    • Route 100 Airport Express runs weekdays only between the airport and Winston Churchill station stopping at Square 1.
Presto cards & Presto tickets

Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 each have a fare vending machine inside the terminal building on the ground level opposite the TTC bus stop. These machines sell Presto cards (used by most transit operators in the Greater Toronto Area) and Presto tickets used exclusively for TTC services. The machines accept payment by cash or credit card and issue your choice of either a Presto card or Presto ticket. When boarding a bus supporting Presto, tap your Presto card or ticket on the Presto reader at the front door of the bus. Remember: Presto tickets are valid only on TTC vehicles. A credit or debit card may be used to pay the TTC fare. (Source)

  • Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), ☏ +1-416-393-4636. Toronto's main transit system and one of the most heavily used in North America. TTC consists of buses, streetcars and subway lines. Toronto Transit Commission (Q17978) on Wikidata Toronto Transit Commission on Wikipedia (updated May 2022) Bus service from the subway to the airport is same as to any other destination in Toronto. TTC stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Fare is by Presto card, Presto ticket (see sidebar) or by exact change. If paying by cash, get a transfer from the driver to make connections to other TTC vehicles.
    • Route 900 Airport Express runs every 10 minutes or better to/from Kipling Station on Line 2, making the journey in 20–25 minutes.
    • Route 52/52A Lawrence West is a local bus connecting to Lawrence and Lawrence West stations, both on subway Line 1. Running every 10 minutes or better, this is a slow route making frequent stops. The route number is 52 from the airport and 52A to the airport. Do not take routes 52B or 52D as these bypass the airport despite their tempting sign saying "extra fare required west of airport".
    • Route 952 Lawrence West Express is a rush-hour service following the 52A route but with fewer stops.
The following are night bus routes running when the subway is shut down between 1:30AM and 5:30AM (8AM on Sundays):
  • Route 300A Bloor-Danforth night bus provides service along Line 2 of the subway and goes directly to the airport.
  • Route 332 Eglinton West night bus runs from the airport to Yonge Street.
  • Route 352 Lawrence West night bus runs from the airport to Yonge Street.
  • Route 320 Yonge does not go to the airport, but it does provide a night connection downtown for riders coming from routes 300A, 332 and 352.

Intercity buses

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A few intercity buses serve the airport directly.

By taxi

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Airport taxi fares range from $26-120 (east, to Oshawa) and $33-95 (west to Burlington), including the fuel surcharge. Limousine fares are $28-132 (east) and $23-104 (west). Fares out of town are typically $1.65/km (taxi) and $1.75/km (limousine).

  • Taxis to downtown Toronto run a flat rate of $65, including fuel surcharge (other areas of the city vary but are also flat rate,) while airport limousines go slightly higher ($71 to downtown Toronto). Limousines are generally slightly larger (though not stretched), most are dark-blue or black Lincoln MKT Town Cars or Toyota Highlanders and a bit more comfortable than taxis. As the airport is not in Toronto, regular Toronto city cabs do not pick up fares at the Pearson air terminals. Government approved rates can be found online.
  • Fake taxis (also called "Gypsy Cabs" by the locals) are frequently found congregating around Pearson Airport. If a driver approaches you inside the arrivals hall and asks if you need a ride, and you didn't arrange a car in advance, they are definitely unlicensed (legitimate cab drivers are prohibited by law from entering the terminal building to look for passengers.) While the risk of being a victim of crime as an unlicensed taxi passenger is very low, drivers and their vehicles are not held to the same safety and maintenance standards as their licensed counterparts. If you decide to patronize a Gypsy Cab, proceed at your own risk and be sure to agree on a fare in advance!

By ride hailing

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Ride hailing passengers are picked up from the airport at the following locations with signage that states "Ride App Pickup":

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

Ride hailing services:

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  • Lyft. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Uber. (updated Jul 2022) UberX, Uber Black and Uber SUV services are available. The latter two sometimes using the same vehicles as the existing limo service but at a premium price (UberBlack for $88 to $115, UberSUV $100 to $128, of which $15 per ride goes to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority). UberX costs about $35 to $40 to downtown Toronto, and Greater Toronto Airports Authority charges a $4.50 pickup fee and $4 drop-off fee.

By rental car

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The following car rental companies operate at Terminal 1:

By bicycle or on foot

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Pearson can be reached on foot by walking to Viscount Station (near the ALT Hotel and Value Park Lot), then taking the free Terminal Link train to your departure terminal. The station and trains are large enough to accommodate bicycles as well. Most if not all the roads to the terminal buildings prohibit bicycles and pedestrians, making Viscount the best option for those using non-motorized transport.

Get around

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Terminal Link at Terminal 3
  • Terminal Link train runs every 4-8 minutes between Terminal 1, Terminal 3 (including Sheraton Gateway Hotel) and Viscount Road (Value Park Garage, Value Park Lot and Alt Hotel). Free.
  • There is no "airside" connection between terminals. For connecting flights at different terminals, take the same Terminal Link train. In addition to any time necessary for customs, baggage, and re-clearing security, plan for another 20 minutes from the arrivals area in one terminal to the check-in at the other. If you plan on checking bags, ask if you need to claim them in Toronto or if they can be checked through; it's not always possible depending on the combination of airlines and destinations.

Wait

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There are various temporary or permanent art exhibitions scattered through Terminal 1, and eight permanent sculpture installations. The Royal Ontario Museum operates a small display of dinosaur fossils on the landside of International Arrivals area; other partners for temporary exhibitions include Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, the CONTACT Photography Festival, Design Exchange, Ontario Crafts Council and Open Studio.

Lounges

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  • American Admirals Club, Terminal 3, US Transborder departures (Near duty free stores). 5:00 am - 7:00 pm. (updated Apr 2018)
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Domestic Express: Terminal 1, Commuter Terminal; Domestic: Terminal 1 on level 4; US Transborder: Terminal 1 on level 4, node F; International: Terminal 1 on level 3, node F. (updated Apr 2018)
  • Air France / KLM Crown Lounge, Terminal 3 international departures (Just above Gate C33, elevator access opposite gate C32). (updated Aug 2022)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge, Domestic: Terminal 1 departures (pre-security), Terminal 1 departures, Terminal 3 departures; US Transborder: Terminal 1 departures, Terminal 3 departures; International: Terminal 1 departures, Terminal 3 departures. (updated Apr 2018)

Eat and drink

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Terminal 1

This is a partial listing, see also the full directory. There is also a pre-security food court in Terminal 1 on Level G Ground Transportation near Door Q. Intended for airport staff but open to everyone, they are easy to walk past but provide more affordable food options. However, as of June 2023, only Tim Hortons has reopened in this food court.

After security, there are a number of bars and cafes embedded in the departure gate area. The tables are equipped with tablets and tables. While they are mainly for the customers for the restaurant establishments, you can sit there and wait for your next flight, catch up on work or charge up your electronics as a non-paying customer.

  • A & W, Terminal 1, domestic airside, ☏ +1 647-479-7879. Inexpensive fast food, hamburgers, root beer. 
  • Apropos, Terminal 1, US airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. Brew pub. 
  • Caplansky's, Terminal 1, Level 3, landside, ☏ +1 416-776-3100. Snack bar and deli. 
  • Corso, Terminal 3, domestic airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. Trattoria featuring traditional Italian cuisine, rustic Italian flavours, fresh-made pastas, pizzas, salads and antipasti. 
  • Fetta Panini Bar, Terminal 1, international airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. 
  • Heirloom Bakery Café, Terminal 1 and 3, international airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. Soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. 
  • Nobel Burger Bar, Terminal 3, US airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. Chef-inspired gourmet burgers. Open kitchen in the centre of the restaurant, build your own burger or choose from a menu. 
  • Starbucks, Terminal 1, landside, ☏ +1 416-776-3100. Coffee shop, multiple locations. 
  • Subway, Terminals 1 and 3, landside, ☏ +1 905-672-6980. Submarine sandwiches. 
  • Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill, Terminal 1, Level 3 landside near D gates security, ☏ +1 416-776-9758. 11AM-7PM daily. Chicken. Moderately-priced sit-down restaurant. (updated Oct 2024)
  • Tim Horton's, Terminal 1 and 3, landside and airside (except Terminal 3 US Transborder). Coffee, doughnuts and sandwiches. Several locations in both terminals. Same price as stores outside of the airport. (updated Oct 2024)
  • Vinifera, Terminals 1 and 3, international airside, toll-free: +1-866-508-3558. Wine bar, menu features small plates, salads and paninis with fresh ingredients. 

The airport has partnered with Uber Eats to deliver foods from restaurants at the airport to the waiting area at the gates. This is offered in the international and domestic sections of Terminal 3.

Terminal 3
  • 7-Eleven, Terminal 1, landside, ☏ +1 905-671-2875. Convenience store, two locations. 
  • Best Buy Express, Terminals 1 and 3, landside and airside. Consumer electronics. 
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Terminals 1 and 3, ☏ +1 905-672-5305. Major domestic chartered bank with currency exchange and banking service. Located in Terminals 1 and 3 at departures level spread out in pre and post security. 
  • Maclean's, Terminals 1 and 3, landside, ☏ +1 905-694-8479. News stand. 
  • Relay, Terminals 1 and 3, multiple locations, ☏ +1 905-694-9513. News stand. 
  • Samsonite, Terminals 1 and 3, landside, ☏ +1 416-776-1313. Travel luggage. 
  • Toronto Marketplace, Terminal 3, landside, ☏ +1 905-612-8596. Souvenir shop on Terminal 3 departure level. 
  • Travel Store, Terminal 3, landside, ☏ +1 905-612-6677. Travel accessories, luggage, travel backpacks and bags, leather goods, jewellery, watches, umbrellas and belts. Luggage storage service. 
  • International Currency Exchange (ICE), Terminal 1 and 3, landside, ☏ +1 416-776-1311. Foreign currency exchange, multiple locations in both terminals. Rates are poor compared to exchange offices in the city: in Sep 2018, the buy rate for USD was $1.15, and the sell rate was $1.50. (updated Sep 2018)

Connect

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Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals. Select “Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi” from the network list, launch a web browser and click "connect" on the Boingo landing page. Note that the landing page asks you to enter your email but you are not obligated to enter anything. Just click on the checkbox and agree to the terms and conditions to be granted with internet access.

After security, the airport has renovated many of the waiting areas near the gates to accommodate more food vendors, many of them have table service. These areas are outfitted with iPads, power outlets and restaurant-quality tables and chairs. You do not need to make a purchase from the food vendors to sit in these areas.

Cope

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Trolleys are available for free on landside in both terminals.

Baggage storage

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  • Luggage storage are available at the Excess Baggage Company stores on Arrival level in Terminal 1 and Departure Level in Terminal 3. $20 to $25 per bag per day.

Health services

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  • DrugSmart Pharmacy (On Level 2 in Terminal 1 landside), ☏ +1 844-759-4325, . M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa Su 10AM-7PM. Over-the-counter medication available. Has pharmacist onsite M-F to prescribe medication, conduct medication review and administer injections. (updated Dec 2024)

Spiritual services

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  • Aviation Interfaith Ministry, Interfaith centres in Terminals 1 and 3. One set of daily religious services in each terminal. Interdenominational Christian worship service weekdays, Toronto Airport Catholic Chaplaincy Holy Mass seven days a week. Pastoral care to guests, airport and airline employees and their families. 

Exercise

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Sleep

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There is one hotel in the airport, and another nearby:

The main hotel strip serving Pearson airport is Airport Road (Mississauga), which continues into Toronto as Dixon Road (Etobicoke). The municipal boundary is Highway 427, a busy freeway.

See Mississauga#Sleep and Toronto/Etobicoke#Sleep for additional options.

Nearby

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Malton (Mississauga):

Etobicoke (Toronto):

There are also a few restaurants on the Airport Road/Dixon Road hotel strip, either as part of various hotels or operated stand-alone.

Nearby

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The immediate area around Toronto Pearson International Airport are industrial or warehouses. You can take the UP Express to downtown Toronto in 25 mins or public transit (GO Bus, Mississauga Transit) to Square One Mall in Mississauga in 30 to 40 mins.

This huge airport travel guide to Toronto Pearson International Airport is a usable article. It has information on flights and ground transportation as well as some complete entries for food and beverage options at the airport. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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