A Guide to Toronto Pearson International Airport

If you’re flying to or from Canada, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through Toronto Pearson International Airport, the busiest airport in the country, with flights to almost 200 worldwide destinations.

Parts of the Toronto airport may feel vaguely familiar to you because its Infield Concourse is often used for the filming of movies and TV shows.

Since Toronto Pearson is quite a busy airport, you may find this guide and these helpful airport maps, handy in helping you know where you need to go.

Airlines flying out of Pearson International Airport

Toronto Airport uses two primary terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 connects to the Infield Concourse, which is typically only used in summer months. A separate VIP Terminal caters to private aircraft. Take a look at these lists to see where your flight will board.

Terminal 1

• Air Canada
• Air Canada Jazz
• Avianca Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Egyptair
• Emirates
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Eva Air
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines

Terminal 3

Lounges at Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson Airport is home to half a dozen Plaza Premium lounges, spaced evenly throughout the terminals, as well as several lounges hosted by airlines.

Terminal 1

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounges hosts three lounges in Terminal 1, one each in the domestic departures, international departures, and U.S. trans-border areas of the terminal. If you’re an American Express Platinum cardholder; a member of Lounge Club, Priority Pass, Dragon Club, or Diners Club; or a cardholder of any of several specific bank cards accepted by Plaza Premium, you have automatic access to the lounge. All other passengers can purchase day passes on a walk-in basis, with advance reservations also available.

All Plaza Premium Lounges serve a hearty hot and cold buffet, which includes vegetarian options, as well as self-serve liquor selections. You can also expect free Wi-Fi, charging stations for your mobile devices, and comfortable seating. In the Terminal 1 domestic departures and international departures lounges, you’ll also find TVs and showers if you want to freshen up before you fly.

In the international departures lounge, you’ll also find dishes cooked to order at a live cooking station and local beers on draft, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide a stunning view of the tarmac.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

With high ceilings and plenty of natural light, the large Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Terminal 1 is divided into several sections with different types of seating. A small business center provides printers to help you get handouts ready for your big presentation if need be, and showers and a child-care center are also available. Enjoy hot and cold dishes at the sizable buffet, complete with a pho bar and fresh-baked cookies for dessert. The self-serve liquor bar also provides a wide selection, including several beers on tap.

Terminal 3

Plaza Premium Lounges

Just as in Terminal 1, Plaza Premium hosts three lounges in Terminal 3: one for domestic departures, one for international departures, and a U.S. trans-border lounge. Access requirements are the same in both Terminals.

Food and drink offerings parallel those in Terminal 1, and Wi-Fi and charging stations are provided in all lounges. In the Terminal 3 domestic departures lounge, you can take advantage of spa services, including massages and manicures. Shower facilities are available in the international departures lounge, along with reclining seats that make it easy to take a little snooze. The wellbeing center at the U.S. trans-border lounge offers shower facilities, chair massage, and manicure services.

Air France KLM Lounge

You can only access this lounge if you hold a same-day boarding pass for an Air France or KLM international flight — and flights to the U.S. don’t count. Business-class and first-class passengers have automatic access, while other passengers can purchase a same-day pass. Priority Pass members also can visit this club.

You’ll find both French and Dutch specialties at the cold buffet in this lounge, with smoked Gouda and Heineken beer on the Dutch side and quiche and French wine on the French side. Ample comfortable seating awaits you here, along with a small business center to help you get some work done.

American Airlines Admirals Club

If you’re a member of the Admirals Club or hold an American Airlines-branded credit card, you have access to this club, as long as you’re holding a same-day boarding pass on an American Airlines or oneworld flight. American Airlines and oneworld first-class and business-class passengers may also use the lounge, as can military members in uniform.

A small business center supplies PCs and printers for your use, and the cold buffet provides snacks and a continental breakfast. There’s a full bar, at which you can purchase premium food and drinks.

Hotels at Toronto Pearson International Airport

While Toronto Pearson International Airport is located 14 miles away from the city itself, you can still find a few hotels within quick reach of the terminals, including one four-star option.

Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport

You can enjoy direct access to Terminal 3 from the Sheraton Hotel at Pearson Airport, which features double-paned windows to block out airport noise. Take advantage of the full business center to prepare for meetings and presentations, and relax from the stress of flying at the indoor pool or the gym that’s open 24/7. Two dining options are available, or you can upgrade to a Club Room to enjoy free breakfast and snacks. If you need to convene a meeting or sit down with some clients, a wide array of meeting space is available to help you achieve your objectives.

Shopping at Toronto Pearson International Airport

While you’ll find plenty of high-end shopping once you’ve crossed international security at Pearson, your choices are a little more limited if you’re heading out on a domestic or U.S.-bound flight.

Terminal 1, domestic and U.S.-bound

Delight yourself (and everyone waiting for you at home, and your seatmates on the plane, for that matter) when you stop in at Dylan’s Candy Bar or Rocky Mountain Chocolate to pick up amazing sweet treats. If your makeup kit needs a little updating, head to MAC Cosmetics or The Body Shop. Look for dedicated duty-free wine and liquor stores from Dufry to take home a special gift, or stop in at Metalsmiths Sterling to find a unique piece of silver jewelry. Choose the reading material you need for your flight at Ink or Trip Advisor, and upgrade your travel electronics at iStore or The Source.

Terminal 1, international

Give yourself a little extra time before you fly to explore the luxury retailers grouped in Terminal 1’s international concourse. Enhance your outfit by stopping in at the shops of high-end designers including Burberry, Chanel, Jo Malone, and Gucci. You’ll find handbags and even luggage at Coach, Longchamp, and Tumi. If you’re looking for a special gift, check out the luxury jewelry at Swarovski and Bvlgari, or take some time to look over the premium watches at Montblanc, Omega, Masters of Time, Rado, Tissot, and Longines.

In addition to the duty-free fashion design shops, you can continue your duty-free shopping at Toronto Duty Free from Dufry, stocking up on fine fragrances, liquor, tobacco, electronics, and other luxury goods. You’ll also find duty-free skincare products at La Mer and MAC Cosmetics.

Terminal 3, domestic and U.S.-bound

Use the time before you board to pick up reading material and other travel essentials at 6 and Sundry or Relay, or fill out the gaps in your toiletries kit with duty-free cosmetics from Bobbi Brown. The Scoreboard lets you show your love for the Toronto Blue Jays and other local sports teams, and Tax and Duty Free by Dufry let you pick up those luxury goods you want to bring home.

Terminal 3, international

If you’re looking for designer fashion, indulge your shopping whims at the duty-free shops from Burberry, Bvlgari, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Dunhill, See by Chloe, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Pick up comfortable clothes for flying at popular Canadian store Lolë, or grab a pair of sunglasses for your vacation at Suncatcher. Dufry’s Tax and Duty Free Stores offer all the luxury you’re looking for in the form of high-end fragrances, liquors, and tobacco, and Tom Ford sells duty-free fragrances and cosmetics.

Restaurants at Toronto Pearson International Airport

Your access to restaurants and quick-serve spots at Pearson International Airport depends largely on where you’re flying, since international, domestic, and U.S.-bound passengers are separated once you pass through security. Look for plenty of offerings from well-known chefs.

Terminal 1, domestic

• Bar 120: You may not expect to molecular gastronomy at an airport, but this restaurant from chef John Placko brings a hint of fun to otherwise normal sandwiches.
• Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra: Whether you choose pizza or pasta, calamari or salads, you’ll be delighted by the Italian offerings at this popular table-service restaurant that also offers an interesting wine list.
• David’s Tea Toronto: If you truly want a good cup of tea, skip all the airport Starbucks and head to this dedicated tea shop.
• Mill Street Brewery: This popular Toronto brewery comes to the airport with craft beer and upscale pub grub.
• Twist by Roger Mooking: Enjoy a dash of Trinidad fun at this lunch spot from one of Canada’s favorite chefs.

Terminal 1, international

• Fetta: Chef Mark McEwan from television series “Top Chef Canada” serves up panini that takes the idea of a sandwich to a new level (white cheddar and fig marmalade, anyone?).
• Vinefera: Stop here to try some intriguing wines before you fly, along with a small plates menu.
• Boccono Pronto: This is the quick-serve version of celebrity chef Massimo Capra’s sit-down restaurant in the domestic section of Terminal 1, ideal when you’re in a rush but still crave pizza.

Terminal 1, U.S.-bound

• The Hearth by Lynn Crawford: Enjoy locally sourced ingredients at this spot from one of the judges of reality television series “Chopped Canada”. Fish tacos and hearth-baked flatbreads are among the favorites.
• Red Rocket: Elevated diner fare is especially enjoyable when you dine inside a trolley car replica.
• Booster Juice: Healthy, fast, and easy to take with you, with smoothies and juices big enough to substitute for a whole meal.

Terminal 3, domestic and international

• Acer: Chef Guy Rubino brings you sushi, ramen, rice bowls, and other Japanese delights so you can board feeling refreshed but not overstuffed.
• Corso: Crispy crust and flavorful sauces fuel the pizzas at this spot with a menu designed by chef Rocco Agostino.
• Beerhive: Some consider this craft beer spot the best bar at Toronto Pearson — and the pub grub is pretty good, too.
• Caplansky’s Deli: This offshoot of the popular deli on Toronto’s College Street features Jewish soul food to make your heart sing.
• Tap & Pour: You’ll find Mill Street brews at this pub, along with hearty burgers and other pub favorites.
• Fionn MacCool’s: Head here for an Irish breakfast, or stop in later in the day to enjoy the vibe of an Irish pub.

Terminal 3, U.S.-bound

• Nobel Burger: Here’s another eaterie from Mark McEwan, an ideal choice when you’re wanting comfort food.
• Cork and Well: Heading south? Stop at this welcoming bar for a drink before you fly.
• Freshii: Looking for something fresh? Check out the salads and rice bowls at this quick-serve spot.

When you want to make that 14-mile connection to downtown Toronto, you can make the last stage of your journey smooth and comfortable when you book a reliable Blacklane airport transfer for Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto.

Book a Reliable Transfer