Flights to Toronto
Ride the UP Express from Pearson to Union Station in 25 minutes, then eat through Kensington Market, catch a Jays game and ferry to the Toronto Islands for the skyline view.
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Language
- English (French is Canada's other official language)
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (ET), UTC−5 / UTC−4 in summer
- Plug type
- Type A / B (120 V, 60 Hz)
- Main airport
- YYZ – Toronto Pearson International
Overview
Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the most multicultural anywhere, and the best way to experience it is neighborhood by neighborhood. Kensington Market's vintage shops and food stalls sit beside Chinatown on Spadina Avenue, Little Italy and Little Portugal line College and Dundas Streets, and the Danforth is the heart of Greektown. The Distillery District's Victorian brick warehouses now hold galleries, cafés and a popular winter holiday market.
On the waterfront, the CN Tower rises over the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Ripley's Aquarium. The Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, with its Frank Gehry redesign, anchor the cultural core. St. Lawrence Market has been feeding the city for more than two centuries; order a peameal bacon sandwich there. For a break from the grid, ferries cross to the car-free Toronto Islands for beaches, bike paths and the definitive skyline photo.
Toronto Pearson is Canada's busiest airport and Air Canada's main hub, while Billy Bishop, on the Toronto Islands, puts you minutes from downtown on Porter Airlines and Air Canada flights. Both have US preclearance, so you clear US border inspection before your flight home.
Highlights of Toronto
CN Tower
Ride the elevators up the 553-meter tower to the LookOut level and the glass floor for views across Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.
Toronto Islands
Ferries from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal reach Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point for beaches, bike rentals and skyline views.
Kensington Market
Browse vintage shops, empanada stands and cafés in this bohemian enclave; the streets go pedestrian on selected summer Sundays.
St. Lawrence Market
Try a peameal bacon sandwich in the South Market hall, and visit the Saturday farmers market.
Royal Ontario Museum
Dinosaur galleries, world cultures and the angular Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance on Bloor Street.
Where to stay
Downtown / Financial District
Close to Union Station, the UP Express and the PATH underground walkway; ideal for business trips and first-timers.
Entertainment District & King West
Theaters, the TIFF Lightbox, restaurants and nightlife steps from the CN Tower; suits social travelers and event-goers.
Yorkville
Upscale hotels, boutiques and quiet streets near the ROM on the Line 1 and Line 2 subway; good for couples and shoppers.
Queen West & Ossington
Indie shops, galleries and some of the city's best bars and restaurants; best for repeat visitors and foodies.
Airports and getting into town
From Pearson, the UP Express leaves Terminal 1 every 15 minutes and reaches Union Station in about 25 minutes, with stops at Weston and Bloor. The TTC 900 Airport Express bus connects to Kipling subway station for a slower, cheaper option. Taxis and limos to downtown take roughly 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. From Billy Bishop, walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the mainland, then take the free shuttle to Union Station or walk to Queens Quay for the 509 Harbourfront streetcar.
Best time to visit
Late May through September offers warm weather, patios and festivals, including Pride Toronto in June and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival in late July and early August. Early September brings the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and fall color peaks in October. Winters are cold and snowy but good for skating at Nathan Phillips Square and the Distillery Winter Village.
Airlines flying to Toronto
Popular routes to Toronto
Flying out of Toronto
Travel tips from our desk
- Tap a credit card, phone or PRESTO card on TTC subways, streetcars and buses; the same card works on UP Express.
- Use the PATH underground walkway to cross downtown in winter; it links Union Station to dozens of office towers and malls.
- Sales tax is added at the register rather than included in shelf prices, and tipping at restaurants is expected.
- Flying back to the US? Pearson and Billy Bishop both have US preclearance, so allow extra time before your flight.
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Canada
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Explore San Francisco →Flights to Toronto — frequently asked questions
Should I fly into Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop?
Pearson has the most flights and all long-haul service. Billy Bishop, on the Toronto Islands, is minutes from downtown and serves Canadian and selected US cities with Porter and Air Canada.
When is the best time to visit Toronto?
June to September for patios, festivals and island days, and early September for TIFF. October brings fall color, and winter is cold but festive.
How do I get from Pearson to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express train runs every 15 minutes from Terminal 1 to Union Station in about 25 minutes. The TTC 900 bus to Kipling station is a cheaper, slower alternative.
Do I need a passport to fly to Toronto from the US?
Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to fly to Canada. Check current entry requirements for your nationality before you book.
Is Niagara Falls an easy day trip from Toronto?
Yes. Niagara Falls is roughly 130 km away, reachable by car, GO Transit trains and buses, or organized tours.
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