Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport sits in Mississauga, Ontario, 22 kilometres west of downtown Toronto. As Canada's busiest airport, it handles over 45 million passengers annually across two main terminals, connecting the Greater Toronto Area to destinations worldwide. While named after a former prime minister, the airport's location is firmly in Mississauga, a point often lost on travellers who assume the "Toronto" label means proximity to the city's core.

Getting There

Toronto Pearson is accessible by several modes of transport. The UP Express train runs from Union Station in downtown Toronto to Terminal 1 every 15 minutes, taking about 25 minutes. A single fare costs roughly $12 CAD, making it the most efficient option for those heading downtown. The TTC's 900 Airport Express bus connects to Kipling subway station, while MiWay buses serve Mississauga and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshares are available 24/7 but can cost $50–$70 to downtown depending on traffic. For those driving, Highway 401 and 427 converge near the airport. Parking includes a paid lot and multi-storey car parks per terminal, with daily rates from $20 to $35. The airport also offers wheelchair-accessible car parks and drop-off zones.

Inside the Terminal

Pearson has two main terminals: Terminal 1 (Air Canada and Star Alliance) and Terminal 3 (WestJet and other international carriers). Both are connected by a free inter-terminal train, the LINK. Terminal 1 is modern, with high ceilings and natural light, while Terminal 3 feels more compact but equally functional. Check-in and security can be busy during peak times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (especially 5–7 pm). Facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout, baggage storage (at Terminal 1 arrivals and Terminal 3 departures), changing tables in washrooms, and wheelchair-accessible toilets and seating. Multiple on-site services include currency exchange, pharmacies, and lounges. The environment is clean and efficient, though distances between gates can be long in Terminal 1—allow 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other. Signage is clear in English and French, and staff are generally helpful.

Toronto Pearson International Airport and Mississauga

Mississauga, Canada’s sixth-largest city with over 700,000 residents, is often overshadowed by its neighbour Toronto. But the city has its own distinct identity and reasons to visit. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the country, reflected in its diverse restaurants and annual festivals like Carassauga (a multicultural festival). The city’s downtown, centred around Square One Shopping Centre, offers over 360 stores, making it the largest mall in Ontario. Along Lake Ontario, Port Credit is a waterfront village with marinas, parks, and seafood restaurants. For nature lovers, the Riverwood Conservancy and Rattray Marsh Conservation Area provide trails and wildlife viewing. Culturally, the Living Arts Centre hosts theatre and concerts. Mississauga’s proximity to Toronto (30 minutes by train) also makes it a practical base for exploring both cities. Many businesses and conference centres are located here, so passengers may be transiting for work rather than tourism. The presence of Pearson means that the airport is not just a gateway to Toronto but to Mississauga itself—a city that continues to grow as a economic and cultural hub. Though not as famous as its larger sibling, Mississauga offers a more relaxed pace, well-served by public transit, and is home to the airport that bears a Toronto name but sits firmly within its borders.

Practical Information

Toronto Pearson International Airport is open daily (24 hours for terminal operations, though shops and services may have limited hours). Contact information: phone +1 416-247-7678, website https://www.torontopearson.com/en. The busiest times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5–7 pm—plan to arrive three hours before international flights and two hours for domestic. Wheelchair assistance is available by request; book through your airline or airport services. A concrete piece of advice: For quick access to downtown Toronto, take the UP Express rather than a taxi; it is faster, cheaper, and avoids traffic. If you are driving, book parking in advance online to save money, as rates at the gate are higher.