Did you know that Toronto Pearson International Airport now operates with two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3? It’s important to learn about it because a wrong terminal pickup means missed calls and curbside waiting. I faced it once.
Both the terminals at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) handle domestic, international, and U.S. transborder flights. Terminal 2 was permanently demolished in 2008 after consolidation under the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
Airlines are now divided between T1 and T3, not by destination type alone. To avoid this terminal confusion, a pre-booked limo service is important that will track your flight, confirm your terminal, and position your chauffeur correctly.
Pre-book your airport limo now!
What Is the Current Terminal Structure at Toronto Pearson (YYZ)?
Toronto Pearson operates on a two-terminal model to centralize passenger flow and airline operations. All scheduled commercial flights now move through a simplified structure designed for capacity, customs processing, and ground access efficiency at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Why Does Toronto Pearson Operate Only Two Terminals?
The airport consolidated older infrastructure to modernize operations and reduce fragmentation between airlines. This shift improved baggage systems, security flow, and international processing under one coordinated system managed by the GTA Authority.
As a result, passenger activity is concentrated in two fully equipped terminals.
Active Passenger Terminals
- Terminal 1
- Largest terminal at YYZ
- Integrated customs and U.S. pre-clearance facilities
- Centralized check-in halls and baggage systems
- Terminal 3
- Full-service international processing
- Dedicated security screening zones
- Separate arrivals and ground transportation access
What Happened to Terminal 2?
- Closed permanently in 2007
- Demolished in 2008
- Its airline operations were redistributed to Terminal 1
Is the Infield Concourse a Public Terminal?
- Not accessible for regular passenger departures
- Used for operational overflow or special circumstances
- Not assigned as a standalone terminal in 2026
In 2026, every commercial passenger departure or arrival at YYZ takes place through Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 only.
What Is the Difference Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?
The key difference at Toronto Pearson International Airport is airline assignment, not destination type. Both terminals handle domestic, international, and U.S. transborder flights. The separation depends on which airline operates your flight.
What Defines Terminal 1 at YYZ?
Terminal 1 is the airport’s primary and largest terminal.
- Main hub for Air Canada
- Handles Star Alliance partner flights
- Domestic, international, and U.S. departures
- Integrated U.S. pre-clearance and customs facilities
- Newer infrastructure and centralized layout
Terminal 1 processes the highest passenger volume at YYZ.
What Defines Terminal 3 at YYZ?
Terminal 3 serves a mix of Canadian, U.S., and international carriers.
- Major base for WestJet
- Used by Air Transat
- Supports charter and seasonal airlines
- Full customs and security screening facilities
- Separate arrivals and ground transportation zones
Terminal 3 operates independently but offers the same core passenger processing capabilities as Terminal 1.
The difference between terminals at YYZ is airline-based structure and operational scale, not flight category.
How to Transfer Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at YYZ?
Always check your arrival and departure terminals before landing. If they differ, follow the airport transfer signs immediately after exiting your gate to save time.
If your arrival and departure terminals differ at Toronto Pearson International Airport, you do not need to exit the airport. Transfers between terminals are handled by an automated people mover system, Terminal Link Train.
What Is the Terminal Link Train?
The system is called the Terminal Link Train.
- Free service
- Runs every few minutes
- Available 24/7
- Connects Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and Viscount Station
- Fully automated operation
How Long Does It Take?
- Ride time: about 2–4 minutes
- Average total transfer: 10–15 minutes including walking
When Should You Allow Extra Time?
- International arrivals requiring customs
- Checked baggage transfers
- Layovers under 90 minutes
- Peak travel hours
Follow the terminal signage carefully and proceed directly to the train to avoid unnecessary delays.
Where are the limo and Taxi Pick-Up Areas at Each Terminal?
Limo and taxi pick-ups at Toronto Pearson International Airport are located on the Arrivals Level of both active terminals in designated ground transportation zones. Drivers are not allowed to wait in general passenger lanes.
Terminal 1 Pick-Up Location
At Terminal 1, pickups take place:
- On the Arrivals Level curbside
- Inside marked limo and licensed taxi zones
- Near numbered pillars assigned for commercial vehicles
- Under official “Ground Transportation” signage
Passengers exit the baggage claim and proceed directly to the assigned curbside column.
Terminal 3 Pick-Up Location
At Terminal 3, pickups are located:
- On the Arrivals Level
- In the designated ground transportation area
- Within clearly marked commercial vehicle sections
- Separate from public drop-off lanes
Pre-arranged airport limo services meet passengers in these regulated curbside areas for direct loading.
Whether you’re landing at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, booking a professional limo ensures direct pickup without delays. For special events or celebrations, many travelers also reserve a party limo Toronto service directly from Pearson for seamless airport transfers.
Are Toronto Pearson Terminals Open 24 Hours?
Yes. Both active terminals at Toronto Pearson International Airport operate 24 hours a day. Passenger processing, security screening, and arrivals continue around the clock.
What Operates Overnight?
- Late-night international arrivals
- Early morning domestic departures
- U.S. transborder flights with pre-clearance
- Baggage claim access
- Essential airport services
What May Close at Night?
While Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 remain open 24/7:
- Some retail stores close overnight
- Certain restaurants operate limited hours
- Lounge access depends on airline schedules
Is Ground Transportation Available 24/7?
- Airport taxis operate continuously
- Pre-arranged limo services run overnight
- Ride-share services remain active
- Public transit schedules vary by time
If you have an early departure or midnight arrival, both terminals remain operational, and transportation services are available at all hours.
How Can I Check Which Terminal My Flight Uses?
Start by checking your airline ticket confirmation. Your terminal is usually listed near the departure or arrival details. Do this at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid last-minute surprises at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Check Your Booking Confirmation
- Review your e-ticket email
- Look for “Terminal 1” or “Terminal 3” beside flight details
- Reconfirm during online check-in
Airline terminal assignments can update close to departure time.
Use the Official Toronto Pearson Website
- Visit the airport’s flight information page
- Enter your airline or flight number
- Verify the listed terminal in real time
This provides current YYZ terminal information directly from the airport system.
Contact Your Airline Directly
- Call customer service
- Use the airline’s mobile app
- Confirm during check-in at the counter
Always confirm your terminal before arranging ground transportation.
Confirm your terminal, then reserve your airport limo in advance for smooth airport pickup.
Quick Comparison – Terminal 1 vs Terminal 3 at YYZ
Here is a clear side-by-side overview of the two active terminals at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
| Feature | Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 |
| Main Airlines | Air Canada, Star Alliance partners | WestJet, Air Transat |
| Flight Types | Domestic, International, U.S. transborder | Domestic, International, U.S. transborder |
| Open 24/7 | Yes | Yes |
| Limo Pickup Area | Arrivals Level ground transportation zone | Arrivals Level ground transportation zone |
Both terminals handle the same flight categories. The difference is airline assignment and operational scale, not destination type.
Why Terminal Knowledge Matters for Airport Transfers
Knowing your terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport directly impacts your pickup timing and cost. A wrong terminal selection can delay your ride and create unnecessary waiting fees.
Avoid the Wrong Pickup Location
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have separate ground transportation zones
- Drivers cannot wait outside the assigned terminal
- Miscommunication leads to curbside delays
Reduce Waiting Charges
- Professional limo services track flights
- But drivers must stage at the correct terminal
- Wrong terminal details increase idle time
Prevent Missed Connections
- Tight schedules require precise pickup planning
- Business travelers often move on fixed timelines
- Event transfers demand punctual coordination
Ensure Smoother Limo Coordination
- Confirmed terminal means direct curbside meet-up
- No cross-terminal confusion
- Faster exit from Arrivals Level
Toronto Pearson Has Two Active Terminals
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, only two passenger terminals operate in 2026: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was permanently closed and demolished. Both active terminals handle domestic, international, and U.S. transborder flights and are connected by the free Terminal Link Train.
Remember just one thing: confirm your airline and terminal before you travel. It prevents wrong pickups, delays, and last-minute changes at the curb.
Flying through YYZ soon? Book your airport limo in advance and travel confidently from the correct terminal.
FAQs
1. Can my airline change terminals at Toronto Pearson after I book my ticket?
Yes. Airlines at Toronto Pearson International Airport may reassign flights between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 due to operational adjustments. Always recheck your terminal 24 hours before departure using your airline’s website or the official YYZ flight status tool.
2. Do I need to clear customs again when transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?
It depends on your route. If you arrive on an international flight and connect to a domestic or U.S. flight, you must complete customs and border processing before transferring. The terminal change itself does not trigger customs. Your flight category does.
3. How early should I arrive if my flight departs from Terminal 1 vs Terminal 3 at YYZ?
Arrival time depends on flight type, not terminal.
- Domestic: Arrive 2 hours early
- U.S. transborder: Arrive 3 hours early
- International: Arrive 3 hours early
Both terminals follow similar security timelines, but U.S. pre-clearance at Terminal 1 can require additional processing time during peak hours.
4. Can I walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson?
No. The terminals are not connected by pedestrian walkways. Use the free Terminal Link Train, which operates 24/7 and connects both terminals within minutes.
5. What happens if my driver goes to the wrong terminal at YYZ?
If pickup is scheduled at the wrong terminal, the driver must exit and re-enter the airport loop, which may cause delays and waiting charges. Confirming your airline and terminal in advance prevents this issue and ensures direct curbside pickup.
6. Does Toronto Pearson use different terminals for domestic and international flights?
No. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 handle domestic, international, and U.S. transborder flights. The terminal depends on your airline, not your destination.
7. Where do I go for U.S. pre-clearance at Toronto Pearson?
U.S. pre-clearance facilities operate inside both active terminals at Toronto Pearson International Airport. If your flight is to the United States, follow signs for U.S. Departures after security screening in your assigned terminal.
8. Can I change terminals after checking in at Toronto Pearson?
Yes, but only if your connecting flight departs from the other terminal. Use the free Terminal Link Train. Allow enough time if you must clear security or customs again.
9. Are hotel shuttles and private transfers located at the same pickup areas as taxis?
No. Hotel shuttles, licensed taxis, and pre-arranged limo services use designated commercial ground transportation zones on the Arrivals Level. Drivers cannot pick up passengers from random curbside lanes.
10. What is the busiest terminal at Toronto Pearson Airport?
Terminal 1 is the busiest because it serves as the primary hub for Air Canada and its partner airlines. It handles a higher passenger volume compared to Terminal 3.