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Key Facts
- Airport: Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Country: Canada
- Layover window: 6 hours
- Recommended time outside: 4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
- Visa & Entry: Canada eTA required for most visa-exempt nationalities (except US) — apply at canada.ca/eTA ($7 CAD, instant approval). US citizens need passport only.
Insider tip
Pearson is one of the busiest airports in North America. NEXUS/Global Entry lanes move very fast for pre-cleared travellers. UP Express departs every 15 minutes.
Getting to Toronto City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| UP Express (to Union Station) | CAD $12.35 | 25 min |
| Taxi / Uber | CAD $55–75 | 30–50 min |
Top Toronto: Where to Go
Distillery Historic District
40 min from city centreVictorian industrial complex turned arts district. Free to wander. Best Christmas market in North America (Dec).
CN Tower & Ripley's Aquarium
35 min from city centreRipley's Aquarium (CAD $40) beneath the CN Tower is excellent for families. The CN Tower glass floor is CAD $55.
Kensington Market
40 min from city centreToronto's most bohemian neighbourhood — vintage shops, global street food, and the best empanadas in Canada.
Eat Like a Local in Toronto
Poutine (fries, cheese curds, gravy) at PDC (Poutineville) in the Distillery District — Toronto's definitive comfort food, CAD $15.
6-Hour Itinerary
0–45 min
Clear immigration and transit formalities
Check visa requirements before your flight — many nationalities get free transit entry.
45–90 min
Head to city centre by express transport
Most major hub airports have an express rail link that is faster and cheaper than taxis.
90–210 min
Explore the closest landmark district in Toronto
Stick to neighbourhoods within 20 minutes of the city centre for safe timing.
210–270 min
Lunch or dinner at a local restaurant
Airport food costs 2–3x more than city restaurants — worth eating out if time allows.
270–360 min
Return to airport (allow 90 min before departure)
International flights require check-in 2–3 hours before departure. Do not cut it close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 6-hour layover in Toronto?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 6 hours enough to leave Pearson Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Pearson to Toronto city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Pearson?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at YYZ
Book a transfer or rental from Pearson Airport
Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.
Things to do in Toronto
Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.
Trains & buses from Toronto
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Toronto
Compare 400+ airlines departing Pearson Airport
Hotels near Toronto Airport
A day-use hotel near the airport is a great option for a 6-hour layover.
Other layover guides for Toronto
Planning a longer stay in Toronto?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Toronto Destination Guide →