Layover Guide

Toronto

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Ontario! Toronto is a sprawling, multicultural metropolis and a major global travel hub. With Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) serving as Canada's largest and busiest gateway, a layover here offers a unique opportunity to sample the city's world-class dining, iconic skyline, and diverse neighborhoods. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, navigating from the airport to the city center is remarkably efficient, allowing you to explore everything from the CN Tower to the historic Distillery District. While our current flight data for this specific hub is being updated, YYZ remains the primary international gateway for those exploring /canada.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 18, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

10 curated experiences for Toronto

Avg itinerary: 23s

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Home to These Airports

Major Airports in Toronto

YYZ

Toronto Pearson International Airport

YYZ is massive. Ensure you have enough time to clear customs if leaving the terminal. Utilize the UP Express for a quick 25-minute trip to downtown Union Station. For shorter layovers, Terminal 1 and 3 offer premium lounges and an array of international boutiques.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in TorontoFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

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* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Toronto connection.

Flights to Toronto

Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Toronto Layover

10 experiences to discover

011.5 - 2 hours

CN Tower Observation Deck

Visit the world-famous CN Tower for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. If you're feeling brave, try the EdgeWalk.

26 km (25 mins via UP Express) from airport

021.5 - 2 hours

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Located right at the base of the CN Tower, this massive indoor aquarium features a dangerous lagoon and an incredible moving sidewalk through a shark tunnel.

26 km from airport

032 hours

The Distillery Historic District

Stroll through a pedestrian-only area filled with Victorian-era industrial architecture, art galleries, and boutique shops.

28 km from airport

041 hour

St. Lawrence Market

Consistently ranked as one of the best food markets in the world, it is the perfect spot to grab a famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich.

27 km from airport

051.5 hours

Hockey Hall of Fame

A must-visit for sports fans. See the Stanley Cup and explore the history of Canada's favorite sport in a beautiful historic building.

26 km from airport

062 - 3 hours

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history, easily recognizable by its striking 'Crystal' architecture.

25 km from airport

072 hours

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Explore an extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, along with major international exhibitions in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building.

26 km from airport

0845 mins

Graffiti Alley

A vibrant stretch of street art located in the Fashion District, perfect for unique photography and a quick walk.

26 km from airport

091 hour

Toronto Harbourfront Centre

Enjoy a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Ontario, with parks, art installations, and views of the Toronto Islands.

26 km from airport

101.5 - 2 hours

High Park

Toronto's largest public park features hiking trails, a lakefront, and even a small zoo, offering a green escape near the city center.

20 km from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels/Airbnb

View on Viator

Fits your layover3+ hours layover

Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels/Airbnb

Finding comfortable transport is a hectic task, Come on let’s move with GTA Elite limos with reliance. Schedule private transfers We provide professional and reliable chauffeurs to our valuable clients. Pick a right option on booking page on next step that suits for you

Duration

1 hour

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 3h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Toronto layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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Guided Bicycle Tour - Toronto Waterfront, Island and Distillery

View on Viator

Fits your layover6+ hours layover

Guided Bicycle Tour - Toronto Waterfront, Island and Distillery

Tours are guided by locals who know Toronto intimately and will show you the unusual sights and give you plenty of information to help you plan your stay in the city. We keep our groups small so that we can answer all of your questions and adapt our tours where possible to show you things you are interested in.

Duration

3h 15m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5.3h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (10 mins)

We ride through the Distillery District and give you the history and current use of the area.

Attraction stop (45 mins)

We will ride from the West side of the Island to the East Side with brief stops throughout.

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Ireland Park commemorates the Irish Famine migrants who arrived on Toronto's shores between 1846 and 1849. Some 38,500 Irish men, women and children landed in Toronto, then a city of just 20 000 inhabitants. The seven sculptures reflect the tragic loss of life on the North Atlantic, as well as upon arrival on Canadian shores. This site also offers spectacular views of the Toronto skyline.

Ready to book for your Toronto layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Toronto.

Where to Eat

Best Places to Eat on Your Stopover

Canoe

Contemporary Canadian$$$$TD Bank Tower, Downtown

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

Thai$$Entertainment District

Terroni

Italian$$Adelaide St / Queen St W

Kinton Ramen

Japanese Ramen$Various Locations

Carousel Bakery

Canadian (Bakery)$St. Lawrence Market

Richmond Station

Farm-to-Table$$$Downtown

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Steakhouse$$$YYZ Terminal 1 / Downtown

Shop & Browse

Where to Shop in Toronto

CF Toronto Eaton Centre

The city's premier shopping destination with over 200 retailers and a stunning glass galleria.

26 km

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

A high-end luxury mall featuring flagship stores for global brands like Gucci and Apple.

15 km

Queen Street West

Known for trendy boutiques, local designers, and an edgy, artistic vibe.

25 km

Bloor-Yorkville

Toronto's 'Mink Mile,' home to upscale designer boutiques and the flagship Holt Renfrew store.

27 km

YYZ Duty Free

Comprehensive duty-free shopping within Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 for luxury goods and spirits.

0 km

Navigate

Getting Around Toronto

The most efficient way to travel from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to the city center is the UP Express (Union Pearson Express) train. It departs every 15 minutes and reaches Union Station in just 25 minutes. Once downtown, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) provides extensive subway, streetcar, and bus services. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and official taxi stands are located outside the arrivals level of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. For those staying at the airport, the Terminal Link train connects the terminals and the Sheraton Gateway Hotel for free.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Your Toronto Layover

Always check your visa requirements for Canada before leaving the airport.

The UP Express train is the fastest way to avoid Toronto's notorious highway traffic.

Use the free luggage storage services at YYZ or lockers at Union Station to explore hands-free.

If you have a US-bound flight next, you may clear US Customs at YYZ, so arrive back early.

Download the TTC app or use a credit card for 'Tap to Pay' on all public transit.

Toronto experiences four distinct seasons; pack layers if you plan to step outside.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout YYZ to help you plan your route.

Stay mindful of rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if taking a taxi or Uber.

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Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.

Yyz Toronto Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Toronto hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Managing Your Time in Toronto

For a 2-4 hour layover, stay within the airport. YYZ offers excellent dining, lounges, and an indoor spa. For a 4-8 hour layover, take the UP Express to Union Station. You can visit the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, or have a quick meal in the Entertainment District before heading back. If you have 8+ hours, you can venture further into neighborhoods like the Distillery District, visit a major museum like the ROM, or enjoy a shopping spree at the Eaton Centre. Always aim to be back at the airport 2-3 hours before your departing flight.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Toronto Pearson (YYZ) during a layover?

Yes, provided you have the necessary travel documents (visa or eTA) to enter Canada.

How long does it take to get from YYZ to downtown?

The UP Express train takes exactly 25 minutes to reach Union Station.

Is there luggage storage at YYZ?

Yes, 'Excess Baggage' provides luggage storage services in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

What is the best way to get around downtown Toronto?

The TTC subway and streetcars are the most efficient ways to navigate the downtown core.

Do I need Canadian dollars for my layover?

While most places accept credit/debit cards, having a small amount of CAD can be helpful for minor purchases.

Is there a hotel inside the airport?

Yes, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 and accessible from Terminal 1 via the Link train.

Will I have to clear customs during my layover?

If you are arriving on an international flight and leaving the airport, you must clear Canadian customs.

Is Toronto safe for solo travelers on a layover?

Toronto is consistently ranked as one of the safest major cities in North America.

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