Toronto Pearson International Airport · YYZ

Stopover in Toronto: what to do and when to leave

Pearson is far from the center and one exit adds immigration, UP Express, connections and a cautious return to the terminal. Union Station and the waterfront are a concentrated route; Avoid turning a stopover into a tour of all of Toronto.

Calculate my scale

With less than 9 hours, stay in YYZ. From 10–12 hours you can fit Union Station and the waterfront if you can enter Canada, the luggage continues to the destination and you reserve three hours to return. Add Distillery District only with 13 hours or more.

Your safety comes first. Reviewed on August 17, 2026 · Guidance, not immigration authorization.

Quick decision

Leave for Toronto?

Only from 10 h of stopover

And only if you have confirmed entry, luggage to your destination and a protected return.

RequirementEntry and visa

Check Canada entry requirements before crossing immigration.

LuggageBilled to destination

Confirm that the luggage is checked to the final destination before departure.

Return Come back 3 hours before international departure.

Guidance margin, not an official requirement.

Calculate my caseSee official transportation

Depending on the duration

What to do during your stopover

2–4 h

Stay airside

Food, lounge or rest are safer than crossing immigration.

5–9 h

YYZ with ease

Use terminal services without turning the layover into a race.

10–12 h

Waterfront essential

UP Express and a single walk along the lake, with the return decided before starting.

1 pm or more

Toronto with margin

Add Distillery District or a second downtown area without spreading out.

Safe decision

What changes
the calculation

Calculate the time you can actually use. Not all scale is useful time.

Entry requirements

Visa, eTA or exemption depending on your nationality.

Minimum connection time

Consider the MCT of the airport and your itinerary.

Procedures and controls

Immigration, security and possible additional procedures.

Transfers

Transfers between terminals and to the city center.

Day and time

Traffic, schedules and city activity.

Imprevistos

Delays, door changes or operating conditions.

Door to door timeYour scale is reduced like thisSee breakdown

They are indicative ranges. The line, the time and a change of terminal can extend each section.

  1. 01
    Arrival at the door 0:00

    Confirm T1 or T3 and exit door.

  2. 02
    Border and departure 0:35–1:15

    Varies depending on flight and slot.

  3. 03
    Towards Union Station0:25–0:35

    UP Express plus access to the station.

  4. 04
    Protected return 3:00 before

    Reserve room for train, security and door.

Routes with margin

Choose a plan you can cancel

UP Express + ride

Union Station + waterfront

10–12 hr stopover

A single central area that is easy to shorten when the weather changes.

Open route
UP Express + streetcar/ride

Downtown + Distillery District

1 pm or more

Only with a wide margin and a determined train turn before starting.

Open route

Inside the airport

Plan B without leaving

When not all conditions are met, the best plan is to conserve energy and connection.

UP Express

Connects YYZ to Union Station; save the return train before starting your ride.

T1 and T3

Confirm terminal and gate before leaving: internal controls and transfers are part of the margin.

Break

Lounges and hotels are preferable if the urban margin is no longer protected.

Quick answers in YYZ

Find what you need

Don't guess where it is. Choose what you are looking for and we will tell you which area to check, with the official directory just one click away.

Try a quick search:

T1 · T3 · confirm your terminal

A break without missing the door

Pearson brings together the food offering for T1 and T3 in its official directory. Choose terminal and security area first to see what is next to your door.

See location and official route

The shops, hours and accesses change. This guide points out where to check it; The official airport directory has the final say.

Your scale, without improvising

Make it yours in 30 seconds

Choose how much margin you have, mark the three critical checks, and save the guide to return to during your trip.

How long is your layover?

Recommended plan

Union Station + waterfront

Toronto. Leave only if entry, baggage and transportation ( Come back 3 hours before international departure. ) are resolved before you start.

before leaving0/3
Return to the airport UP Express, taxi and bus · check transport and service alertsPlan B insideRest, rooms and official servicesCity routeUnion Station + waterfront · confirm the destination before leaving

Your connection is not generic

Plan your stopover in Toronto

Our tool estimates your actual time, shows you what you can do, and helps you decide with confidence.

Calculate my scale

Frequently asked questions

Before deciding

Can I leave Pearson during a layover?

Yes, if you can enter Canada, the luggage continues to its destination and you have time to return to the correct terminal, security and gate.

How long does it take from YYZ to downtown?

UP Express arrives at Union Station in approximately 25 minutes; adds immigration, access to the platform, waiting and the final walk.

What to do with an 11-hour layover in Toronto?

Union Station, outer CN Tower and the waterfront form a compact outing. If the return margin is no longer protected, lounge and hotel at YYZ are the safest plan.