First Time Flying Into Toronto? Here's What You Need to Know About Getting Around

 Landing at a new airport is always a little disorienting, and Toronto Pearson — Canada's busiest airport — is no exception. If this is your first trip to the city, here's a straightforward rundown of what to expect once you land and how to avoid the most common first-timer mistakes.

Know Which Terminal You're In

Pearson has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Most international carriers use Terminal 1, while Terminal 3 handles a mix of domestic and international flights. If someone is picking you up, double-check which terminal your flight actually lands at — it affects where you'll be told to meet your ride.

Don't Assume Your Phone Will Work Immediately

If you're arriving internationally, sort out a SIM card or eSIM before you need to coordinate a pickup. Airport Wi-Fi is available in both terminals, but it's easy to lose signal walking through customs and baggage claim right when you need to confirm your ride.

The Ground Transportation Options, Ranked by Situation

• Traveling light and heading downtown? The UP Express train gets you to Union Station in 25 minutes flat, no traffic to worry about.
• Traveling with a group or a lot of luggage? A taxi or a pre-arranged private transfer will save you the hassle of hauling bags through a subway transfer.
• On a tight budget? The TTC's 900 bus connects to the subway system, though it takes close to an hour with the transfer.
• Landing late at night or worried about missing a pickup zone? This is where a pre-booked service really pays off — someone is watching your flight status and waiting specifically for you, rather than you trying to flag down a ride in an unfamiliar arrivals hall.

For visitors who'd rather not figure any of this out on arrival, booking with a company like Airport Transportation Toronto ahead of time means a driver is already tracking your flight and waiting when you land — one less thing to think about after a long flight.

A Few Small Things That Trip Up First-Timers

• Tipping is customary for taxi and private drivers in Canada, typically 15–20%.
• Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, so you don't need to scramble for Canadian cash right away.
• Traffic into downtown can be unpredictable during rush hour (roughly 7–9am and 4–7pm) — build in extra time if you're on a schedule.

Toronto is an easy city to navigate once you're settled in, and getting from the airport to your first stop is usually the only tricky part of the whole trip. Plan that piece ahead of time, and the rest tends to fall into place.