Who else is transiting YYZ right now?
Key Facts
- Airport: Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Country: Canada
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- 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.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Toronto signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-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 24 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
Getting out of Pearson Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Toronto
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Toronto and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse TorontoJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.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
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
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 →