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Your group's ride from Toronto Pearson

Toronto Pearson is where most trips to southern Ontario begin. Here's what happens between the baggage belt and the moment everyone is sitting down, and how long the ride into the city usually takes.

Two ways a pickup works here

Pearson treats booked cars and booked buses differently. Pre-arranged taxis and limousines meet their passengers at Door A, which you'll find in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A chartered bus doesn't wait at a door. Your group goes to the Arrivals Level curb, and one person gives the Groundside Traffic Officer the bus company's name and the charter number. The officer calls the bus forward and points you to where it will stop.

Minibuses sit somewhere in between, so ask when you book which routine your vehicle will follow. Either way, keep the charter details on the phone of whoever lands first, not zipped inside a checked suitcase.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class, rear view
Mercedes-Benz V-Class, rear view

What to send before you fly

Every company doing a pre-arranged pickup has to register it online with the airport before arriving. The operator takes care of that, but it needs your flight numbers, your terminal and an honest head count. If half the family lands at Terminal 3 and the rest at Terminal 1, say so: the free Terminal Link train carries Terminal 3 travellers across, and everyone can meet in one spot.

The airport's own rules sort vehicles by size, with mini-buses covering 13 to 25 seats and buses anything from 26 up. That's a handy yardstick when you're choosing between a Sprinter, a larger minibus and a coach for a wedding party with suitcases and garment bags.

The terminals

  • Terminal 3
  • Terminal 1

Good to know at Toronto Pearson International Airport

  • When booking a vehicle, ask the company directly whether it can carry a non-folding or non-collapsible mobility aid.
  • The UP Express train leaves from Terminal 1 every 15 minutes and reaches Union Station in about 28 minutes; Terminal 3 passengers take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1 first.
  • Pearson sits in the city of Mississauga, about 20 km northwest of downtown Toronto in a straight line.
  • Pearson charges a per-pick-up fee for pre-arranged services that varies by vehicle class, from sedans up to mini-buses (13-25 seats) and buses (26+ seats).
  • Companies and drivers providing pre-arranged services must register their pick-up reservations online with the airport before arriving.

The drive into Toronto

Pearson isn't in Toronto at all. It sits in Mississauga, about 20 km north-west of downtown in a straight line. By road it's about 28 km to Union Station. On clear roads that's 25 to 30 minutes; at rush hour, allow a good deal more. If you land mid-afternoon on a weekday, book dinner with that in mind.

Staying at one of the airport hotels on Dixon Road or Airport Road before an early flight home? Then the last transfer is a short hop. Niagara Falls is about 130 km from Toronto, roughly an hour and a half, and makes an easy first outing for visiting relatives.

Your questions

Could we just take the UP Express?

If you're travelling light, yes. Trains depart from Terminal 1 every 15 minutes, and the ride to Union Station is about 28 minutes. With grandparents, car seats or a dozen suitcases, one vehicle to the hotel door is usually easier than a train followed by taxis.

Someone in our party uses a wheelchair that doesn't fold. What should we do?

Mention it on your quote request. Pearson itself advises asking the transport company directly whether it can carry a non-folding mobility aid, so that question goes to the operator before anything is confirmed.

What happens if our flight is late?

Give us flight numbers rather than just a landing time, so the pickup can follow the real arrival. If you're held up at customs or the carousel, message the operator's contact so the vehicle isn't called forward too soon.

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