
Recommendation: Build a 2-hour buffer for domestic departures and 3 hours for international trips at YYZ to ensure a smooth start. For budget-conscious travelers, this approach often saves stress and reduces the risk of missing a flight during peak periods.
In this section, you’ll explore the airport’s layout and the core procedures. Toronto Pearson operates with two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, both offering landside check-in and airside departures. You’ll find most international flights in Terminal 1, while Terminal 3 covers a broad mix of carriers and services.
Dining and services span many venues, including outlets with salads and other light bites. In both terminals, you’ll find larger food courts near gate areas and smaller kiosks along corridors. To keep costs predictable, look for salads and bowls at counter-service outlets, with price ranges typically under $12 and daily deals at some locations.
Procedures and security run more smoothly when you prepare. Have your boarding pass and ID ready for entry checks, and store liquids in 100ml containers in a clear bag for security screening. Vaping is prohibited inside all terminals; use designated outdoor areas if needed. To speed up securing your seat and catching a gate, use airline apps for real-time updates and keep your bag organized to reduce backtracking and delays.
Distances inside YYZ can feel like miles, especially if you’re moving between terminals or gates. Use the Terminal Link or shuttles to minimize walking, and follow clear signage for baggage claim, check-in, and arrivals. For city connections, the UP Express runs from Pearson to Union Station in about 25 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes at peak times. This option provides a reliable, budget-friendly link between the airport and downtown, helping you manage the rate of changes to your travel plan and keep on time for your connection.
Arriving at YYZ: Accessible Parking, curbside drop-off, and terminal access
Choose curbside drop-off at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 forecourts and park in nearby accessible spaces to enter the terminal with minimal walking.
YYZ offers accessible parking spaces in each terminal garage, close to baggage claim and the arrivals area. Look for blue-and-white accessibility signage along the curb, and use the elevator or ramp to reach the arrivals level. If you travel with a mobility device, ask at the information desk for assistance and for the closest loading zones. Selecting the closest available spot reduces distance and helps you move through the process without extra fatigue. This facility provides seating, accessible washrooms, and clear routes to aid navigating your day. Without rushing, you can enter calmly and follow these steps to begin your trip smoothly.
During holiday peaks, curbside drop-off lines can form; arriving earlier helps ensure you reach the gate without delay. Create your plan based on your flight time, and have a backup route to the nearest garage if the primary lane is congested.
Parking and curbside drop-off strategies
- Selecting the closest accessible space on the garage level near baggage claim minimizes walking along the curbside route.
- Arrive early during holiday travel to avoid long lines at drop-off and to maintain a smooth start to your trip.
- Follow the airport procedures for curbside drop-off and park only in designated zones to keep traffic moving for other passengers.
- When loading and unloading with luggage, keep your passengers close to the door to avoid crossing traffic along the curb.
- Ask staff for assistance if you need a temporary escort from the drop-off area to the terminal entrance.
Terminal access and navigating the facility
The Terminal Link connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and provides a fast option to reach your connecting gates without leaving security. Enter via the main doors, then follow signs along the corridor to security or to the connecting transit area if you need to switch terminals. These signs guide passengers along moving walkways and accessible routes that are designed for everyone, including passengers with mobility needs or those traveling with children. This airport connects with these pathways to support smooth transitions between arrivals and departures for trips and transfers.
Inside the terminal, you will find food counters serving quick meals, including salads, with options labeled for different dietary preferences. Food and beverage areas line the arrivals zone and are designed to be easy to reach along the main concourses. For british passengers or anyone with dietary accommodations, staff can guide you to seating near the food court and label allergen-friendly items. If you travel with accessories like portable chargers or adapters, keep them within reach as you navigate from the curb to the gate. The facility includes accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating along each concourse to support your comfort during this leg of your trip.
Wheelchair Assistance: How to request help and what to expect at Terminals 1 and 3
Request assistance before you travel: contact your airline during check-in or use YYZ’s Passenger Accessibility link to arrange wheelchair support for Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Provide your flight number, terminal, gate (if known), departure and arrival times, and the number of bags, plus any mobility needs. This is advisable to ensure a pickup at the curb or arrivals area and to arrange a dedicated escort if needed. YYZ provides this service as a practical solution for travelers and supports a million passengers each year.
When you arrive, a trained agent meets you at the designated pickup point and helps you through security, to the gate, or to the Terminal Link between areas. The service is discreet, efficient, and convenient, making transitions easier while you focus on your plans. In Terminals 1 and 3 you’ll move through large, spacious concourses with enhanced accessibility features, clear signage, and friendly staff who understand long-term travel needs. Among the facilities you’ll encounter are shops, restaurants, wine stores in duty-free areas, magazines, and a wide range of services to support travelers. This unique approach remains a trusted solution for businesses and travelers alike and has supported travelers for years. If you prefer, you can request a direct escort to your gate and even treat yourself to a quick coffee or snack during a longer connection.
Tips to prepare: keep bags organized and within carry-on limits to speed handling; carry a valid photo ID and your flight details; if you use a mobility device, inform the agent so they arrange appropriate transport. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international ones to allow time for check-in and security. If you connect via trains between areas, the escort can accompany you; the Terminal Link offers a convenient way to move between terminals. In between gates, you can pause in convenient areas, explore shops, grab a bite at restaurants, and browse magazines or wine shops. The goal is a smooth, dignified experience that feels natural, with enhanced service across the western terminals designed for a million passengers and a positive traveler experience. Link to the booking form is provided by your airline or the YYZ accessibility page, and it’s advisable to book early to secure the arrangement.
Wayfinding and Mobility: Signage, maps, and wheelchair-friendly routes through security to gates
Begin at the information desk to grab a printed map or open the Pearson mobile app and load a live map. Choose a wheelchair-friendly route that stays on flat, wide corridors from security to your gate, creating a smoother trip.
Signage uses high-contrast colors, large fonts, and tactile features. Look for paired signage near intersections that point to accessibility services, mamava lactation pods, and the closest elevators. The signs are readily readable and updated through the app, with accessible pathways clearly labeled. Signage also marks temporary closures and queue routes to avoid unexpected delays during screening.
Maps are available at kiosks in terminals A, B, and C and in the mobile app. They show gate locations, departures, counters, and the nearest lifts and ramps. For wheelchair users, the routes stay away from stairs and maintain consistent width to minimize confusion and delays.
mamava pods provide privacy for nursing parents, with locations shown on maps and signs. Access can be arranged via reservations through guest services or the app. Ontario-based accommodations for mobility include extra-wide seating, quiet zones, and extended wait areas near departures.
Vaping signage marks prohibited zones and directs travelers to outdoor areas. Signage graphics feature crown motifs and admiral-style icons to aid quick recognition. The value of clear wayfinding lies in reducing confusion and stress, while audible announcements and large-print text support non-readers. A dedicated offer page lists massages and spa services, with prices posted at desks. For assistance, staff can coordinate with paired support options, from wheelchair escorts to pre-boarding help. Millions of travelers pass through Toronto Pearson annually, and a unique, well-coordinated system helps keep departures on time and comfortable.
Facilities and Restrooms: Accessible washrooms, family spaces, lactation rooms, and quiet areas
To minimize walking and preserve comfort, head to the accessible washrooms near the central information desks on the departures level, along the walkway that connects security to the gates, where you can reach facilities effectively for travelers.
Inside these units you’ll find wider stalls, lower sinks, grab bars, automatic doors, and baby-changing tables. Clear signage and regular cleaning keep the spaces reliable; the structures are designed to simplify navigation and reduce neck strain during transfers. These provisions support a diverse mix of travelers, including those on a budget, and reflect the metropolitan hub’s commitment to accessible service.
In Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, accessible washrooms are distributed across concourses and close to transfer points. Lynn and Kitts from guest services can point you to the nearest unit, especially during peak periods when the market of offerings around terminals becomes lively. The aim is to keep you informed and comfortable, wherever you’re headed.
Family spaces and lactation rooms
Family spaces sit near the main food court and along transfer corridors, providing seating for groups, space for strollers, and nearby changing tables. Lactation rooms are near information desks and staff corridors, with lockable doors, comfortable seating, a small table, and outlets for powering pumps. These areas are easy to reach and quick to use, and they offer a unique blend of privacy and practicality to support longer stays without delaying your travel. For a smooth transfer between terminals, these zones are strategically placed to ease movement around the terminal campus.
Quiet areas and additional notes

Quiet areas offer screens-free zones with low lighting and soft seating where you can recharge between flights. Some lounges feature televisions for light entertainment, but the quiet spaces remain calm and focused. When planning a layover, strategically choosing these areas helps travelers reset before a transfer around the terminals, and the market of campus offerings supports millions of travelers annually. The offerings include diverse cuisine options with clear labeling, including salt content, so you can pick choices that fit your needs.
Communication Support: TTY, induction loops, Braille signage, and visual alerts
Next to on-site information desks in the east concourses of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, TTY stations connect you to operators for text chats, booking details, and health-related queries while travelling conveniently.
Induction loops ring check-in counters, security checkpoints, and gate areas, enabling clear announcements for users with hearing devices.
Braille signage is installed on elevators, restrooms, and wayfinding panels throughout the airport. YYZ states that TTY and Braille signage are available across terminals, including east concourses.
시각 경고는 디스플레이에 캡션을 제공하고 도착, 출발 및 환승 구역에 색상으로 구분된 표시등을 제공하므로 승객은 시끄러운 공간에서도 업데이트를 확인할 수 있습니다. 이 시스템은 복잡한 허브에서도 안정적으로 유지되도록 설계되었습니다.
현장 지원 및 제공 사항: Crawford의 다양한 접근성 보조 장치 및 개선된 표지판은 서비스 데스크에서 이용할 수 있습니다. 인근에는 시장 지역과 소매점이 많아 샐러드 및 기타 품목을 판매하며 방문객에게 충전기 및 건강 용품에 대한 선택권을 제공합니다. 방문객과 승객은 Crawford 센터에서 지원을 요청할 수 있으며 휴대용 충전기와 같은 다양한 품목을 이용할 수 있습니다.
| 서비스 | 위치 | Access | 참고 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTY | 동쪽 콘코스, 터미널 1 & 터미널 3 안내 데스크 | 연중무휴 24시간 무료 | 상담원과의 텍스트 채팅; 예약 세부 정보 및 건강 문의 지원 |
| 유도 루프 | 체크인 카운터, 보안 검색대, 탑승구역 | 운영 시간 동안 활성 | 보청기 작동 가능; 직원이 루프 볼륨 조절을 도와드립니다. |
| 점자 표지판 | 엘리베이터, 화장실, 길 찾기 패널 | 끊임없는 | 올려진 문자; 높은 대비 색상 |
| 시각적 알림 | 도착/출발, 환승 구역에 표시 | On-site | LED 보드; 가능한 경우 발표 시 자막 제공 |
보조 동물: 입장 규칙, 배변 구역, 보조 동물의 편안한 여행

보안 검색대 및 체크인 시 보조 동물의 지정을 제시하고, YYZ 터미널 내에서는 항상 하네스를 착용하거나 짧은 가죽 끈을 착용하도록 하십시오.
입장 규칙
- 보안 검색 중 직원이 요청하는 경우 보조견의 자격 증명을 제시하세요.
- 동물을 하네스나 가죽 끈으로 통제하고, 줄을 서거나 좌석 공간에 동물을 방치하지 마십시오.
- 요청 시 인정된 프로그램의 건강 또는 지정 서류를 준비하십시오.
구호 지역 및 관리
- 각 터미널 내 지정된 구호 구역을 이용하십시오. 표지판이 쓰레기 봉투와 좌석이 있는 공간으로 안내해 드립니다.
- 구호 지역에 있을 때는 짧은 목줄로 동물을 가까이 두고 제공된 봉투를 사용하여 동물의 배설물을 치우십시오. 필요한 경우 에너지를 위해 작은 음식을, 수분 보충을 위해 물을 휴대하십시오.
- 구호 구역이나 검사 단계 사이에 사용할 수 있도록 휴대용 물통을 휴대하십시오.
여행 중 편안함을 유지하는 방법: 스트레스 없는 환경은 여러분과 동물 모두에게 도움이 됩니다. 가능한 한 일상을 유지하고, 안심을 위해 익숙한 물건을 가져오고, 게이트 근처의 휴식 공간을 찾아 더 오래 기다릴 것에 대비하세요. 터미널에 따라 다를 수 있는 지침은 항공사에 확인하고, 체크인, 보안 검색대, 게이트 사이를 원활하게 이동할 수 있도록 직원에게 도움을 요청하세요.
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