Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Toronto Pearson Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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there were lots of other people sleeping there. The airport staff were friendly. They even provided foamy mats for people to sleep on! -a traveller
YYZ Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Toronto Pearson Airport.
What to Expect
Toronto Pearson Airport (code: YYZ) has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The free automated LINK Train connects both terminals landside, as well as the Viscount Station parking area, running every 4-8 minutes, 24 hours a day. Both terminals are big (and can be confusing), so you’ll walk a lot to reach your gate and other amenities.
This international airport can have long, slow security lines, so arrive early for peace of mind. Once airside, you’ll find numerous local and well-known eateries, shops and free WiFi. Several restaurants and a convenience store are open 24 hours daily to help you prepare for your overnight stay. Economy class travellers looking for some additional comfort can pay to enter several airport lounges, a few with showers.
Sleeping in Toronto Pearson Airport
Pearson Airport sees sleepers at all hours due to its hub status and, unfortunately, winter weather delays. There’s a decent amount of seating throughout, including armrest-free seats and benches. Most airside seating has armrests. Travellers particularly like the designated rest zone in Terminal 1 (Landside). If you prefer to stretch out, the floor is an option, with some corner nooks providing shelter, but do bring a blanket, sleep mat, or sleeping bag for cushion and warmth. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- The designated rest zones in Terminal 1’s landside areas. A recent review mentioned a landside rest zone in area 15, featuring lounge chairs and benches without armrests (May 2024)
- The row of seats without armrests before heading to Terminal 3 (November, 2024).
Common complaints are cold temps and noise, so bring an extra layer and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
For uninterrupted sleep, check out the hotel connected to Terminal 3 or the many nearby hotels with free shuttle service. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.
Read the latest some traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Toronto Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Toronto Pearson Airport is open 24 hours.
- Landside (public areas): Open at all times in both terminals.
- Airside (past security): Overnight access depends on flight schedules. Security checkpoints typically close overnight and reopen around 4:30 AM, though exact times can vary by checkpoint and operational needs.
What this means for airport sleepers: If you arrive late at night without a same-day boarding pass, expect to remain landside until security reopens.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Lounge 15 (formerly Lounge Q) offers limited rest-friendly seating, including some recliner-style chairs arranged along the windows.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level, Landside, Aisle 15
Availability: 24 hours, but seating fills quickly overnight
Realistic expectation: This is one of the better landside rest spots, but it is not a quiet room and lighting remains on.
Cots
Toronto Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: At the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Pearson Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you must go through security as there are no transit hotels. A hotel is connected to the airport, and most nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles. Airport shuttles pick up from Terminal 1 (Ground Level, Door R) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level, Doors A and G).
Hotels at Toronto Airport
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel – Directly connected to Terminal 3 via a climate-controlled walkway. Includes a 24-hour fitness centre, pool, and on-site dining. » Check Rates
- ALT Hotel Toronto Pearson – Located at Viscount Station at the end of the LINK train line. » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with airport shuttles
- Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport – Adjacent to Terminal 3; walkable if you miss the shuttle. » Check Rates
- Element Toronto Airport » Check Rates
- Quality Inn Toronto Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Toronto Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
Terminal 1
- (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate D20. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (International) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 3, Node F, International Departures. Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Mon, Fri, Sun); 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Tue, Wed, Thurs); 4:15 AM – 11:00 PM (Sat). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Transborder) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, US Transborder Departures. Hours: 4:45 AM – 8:45 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures, Level 3, near Gate D20. Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes . Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (International, Terminal 1) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, near Gate E77. Hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (US Transborder, Terminal 1) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, US Transborder Departures, near Gate F55. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
Terminal 3
- (Domestic/International) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Domestic/International Departures, near Gate B24.
Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes (International Departures location only, subject to availability, first-come, first-serve, no advance booking). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. - (US Transborder) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, US Transborder Departures, T Level, elevator access after Duty Free Stores. Hours: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
Drinking Water
Free drinking water is available via fountains and refill stations throughout both terminals, landside and airside (approximately 37 locations).
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:
- Terminal 1 (Landside): Booster Juice (Level 2, parking and link train) • Starbucks (Level 1, Arrivals) • Subway (Level 2, Mezzanine) • Tim Hortons (Level 1, Arrivals).
- Terminal 1 (Airside): A&W (near Gate D37) • Osmow’s (near Gate D37) • Starbucks (near Gate E75) • Subway (near Gate E70).
- Terminal 3 (Landside): Subway (Level 1, Arrivals) • Wendy’s (Arrival Level).
- Terminal 3 (Airside): Booster Juice (near Gate B41) • Tim Hortons (near Gate B26).
Vending machines are also available.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is available through the Excess Baggage Company.
Locations & Hours:
- Terminal 1, Landside, Domestic Arrivals: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Terminal 3, Landside, Check-in Area: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (closing time is early—plan accordingly)
Rates:
- CA$20 / 8 hours
- CA$25 / 24 hours
- CA$35 / 48 hours
- CA$10 for each additional day
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations are widely available in both terminals, including near gates, rest zones, and some seating areas with built-in tablets.
Showers
Pay-to-use shower facilities are located in three areas:
- Airport lounges – Many lounges offer showers, but access requires lounge entry via airline status, membership, credit card benefit, or paid pass. see Airport Lounges above
- GoodLife Fitness (Terminal 1, landside, Arrivals level) – Full locker rooms with showers are included with a paid day pass.
- Wellbeing Spa (Terminal 3, airside, near Gate A10) – Offers paid standalone showers as well as spa treatments.
- Sheraton Gateway
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Toronto Airport. Connect to the “Toronto Pearson Public Wi-Fi” network.
Some seating areas near departure gates also include tablet-equipped stations for casual internet browsing.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Toronto Pearson Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Art in the Airport – Art installations—including photography, paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions—are displayed throughout both terminals. Live music performances and special exhibitions are also held periodically.
- Terminal 1: Features large-scale sculptures, rotating art displays, and a dinosaur exhibit.
- Terminal 3: Hosts a film installation curated in collaboration with the Toronto International Film Festival.
Travellers can check the official website for current exhibitions and scheduled performances.
Family Services
- Children’s Play Areas – Children’s play areas are available airside in both terminals, offering a place for kids to burn off energy before a flight.
- Family Washrooms – Designated family washrooms are available throughout Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and the Infield Concourse.
- Nursing – Mamava nursing pods are available airside in Terminals 1 and 3. Additional nursing rooms are also located airside in both terminals.
Fitness – Goodlife Fitness has a 10,000 sq. ft gym with state-of-the-art training equipment, stretching area, and free weights. The facility offers change rooms with showers, soap, conditioner, lotion and hair dryers. Location: Terminal 1 on Level 1, Arrivals, Area F. Rate: CA$25.00 for a day pass. They also have a clothing and shoe bundle to rent for CA$20. Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat & Sun).
Information Desk – Airport information desks are available in both terminals to assist with directions, services, and general questions. Operating hours vary.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout Terminals 1 and 3.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Paid luggage-wrapping services are available landside in both terminals to help protect bags during travel.
- Porters – Porter services are available in both terminals for passengers needing assistance with luggage. This service must be booked in advance through the airport’s website and is fee-based.
Medical Services
- Pharmacy – DrugSmart Pharmacy operates multiple locations across both terminals, offering over-the-counter medications and travel essentials.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside throughout the airport. Bank fees and withdrawal limits may apply.
- Banking Services – CIBC banking centres provide full-service banking and currency exchange at select airside locations.
- Currency Exchange – ICE currency exchange kiosks are available throughout Terminals 1 and 3, landside and airside.
Pet Relief Areas – Travelling with a four-legged companion? Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are available in both terminals and the Infield Concourse, landside and airside.
Prayer Rooms – The Pearson Chapels provide quiet spaces for prayer, meditation, and reflection in both terminals. Chaplain services and scheduled worship services are available.
Therapy Dogs – Travellers may occasionally encounter therapy dogs operated in partnership with St. John Ambulance, identified by official bandanas. Availability varies by day and time.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shops are available airside in both terminals. A variety of retail stores are located throughout the airport for last-minute purchases and browsing. A 7-Eleven convenience store is open 24 hours in Terminal 1 (Arrivals level).
SIM Cards – Prepaid Canadian SIM cards are available for purchase at select mobile carrier kiosks in both terminals. Availability and hours vary.
Spa – Paid spa services—including massages, personal care treatments, and (at select locations) showers—are available airside in both terminals through Be Relax Spa and Wellbeing Spa.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Toronto Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Toronto on Tripadvisor.
Toronto Pearson Airport is served by the following airlines:
Terminal 1: Air Canada • Air India • Air North • Avianca • Copa Airlines • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • EVA Air • LOT • Lufthansa • Royal Air Maroc • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines.
Terminal 3: Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air France • Air Transat • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Arajet • Azores Airlines • BermudAir • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • British Airways • Caribbean Airlines • Cathay Pacific • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Condor • Delta Air Lines • Etihad Airways • Flair Airlines • Hainan Airlines • Icelandair • KLM • Korean Air • Neos • PIA • Philippine Airlines • Porter Airlines • Qatar Airways • Royal Jordanian • Saudia • Sun Country Airlines • Sunwing • WestJet.
Bus
Pearson Airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you are looking for a bus to your downtown hotel, need a connection to the Go Train or need to reach a subway station, there is probably a bus for you. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Toronto Pearson Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies operate on-site on Level 1 of the parking garages located next to Terminals 1 and 3: Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Hertz and National/Alamo. Several off-site rental agencies provide courtesy transportation from Viscount Station connected to the terminals via Link Train. Contact your rental agency of choice for details.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel • DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport • Courtyard Toronto Airport • Element Toronto Airport • Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport • Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Airport • Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport • Hampton Inn & Suites Toronto Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport • Hilton Toronto Airport & Suites • Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport • NU Hotel • Quality Inn Toronto Airport • Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel • The Westin Toronto Airport.
Shuttles pick-up from Terminal 1 (Ground Level, Door R) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Level, Doors B and G). Many hotels require that you call ahead for pick-up.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
A free 24-hour Link Train connects Terminals 1 and 3. Trains depart every four to eight minutes, depending on the time of day. Passengers can use this service to reach the following locations: Terminal 1 • Terminal 3 • Sheraton Gateway Hotel • ALT Hotel • Viscount Station • Value Park Garage • Value Park Lot.
Long Distance Bus and Shuttle Service
Several companies provide service between Toronto Pearson Airport and locations throughout Ontario and across the border in the United States. Information on these services is available at one of the many information counters located in both terminals or on the Toronto Pearson Airport website.)
Taxi and Limousine
Licensed taxis and limousines are at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level (Doors C & D), Terminal 3, Arrivals Level (Door E). Fares are based on a zone map, dividing the area between GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and Out-of-Town tariffs and charged according to time and distance. For locations outside of the Out-of-Town tariffs area, fares are charged per kilometre. Cash and credit cards are accepted. For safety reasons, do not accept rides from people approaching you in the terminal or asking you to follow them to the parking garage.
Train
The Union Pearson Express, or UP Express, is an express train that runs between YYZ airport and downtown in just 25 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes from Pearson to Union Station from 5:27 AM – 0:57 AM on weekdays and from (Pearson to Union Station 6:27 AM – 0:57 AM on weekends. From Union Station to Pearson, trains depart every 15 minutes from 4:55 AM – 1:00 AM on weekdays and from 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM on weekends. Trains stop at two other stations along the ride between the airport and downtown Toronto. Fare: CA$12.35 per adult. For tickets or more information, visit the UP Express website.
Last updated: 2025-12-29
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.