2026 layover guide
Toronto (YYZ) connection time
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection, 1 h 30 min if you change terminals outside security. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 45 min
By Terminal Link train, with another security check
A few changes mean security again
Quick answer
Plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection at YYZ, 1 h 30 min if you change terminals. Some terminal changes mean going through security again.
- Same terminal
- 1 h 15 min (comfortable: 1 h 45 min)
- Changing terminals
- 1 h 30 min by Terminal Link train
- Hub airlines
- Air Canada and WestJet
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate25 min
- Transfer security screening20 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at YYZ
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Same terminal, no passport control Transfer security where required | 1 h 15 min Comfortable: 1 h 45 min |
Changing terminals, inside security By Terminal Link train | 1 h 30 min Comfortable: 2 h |
Changing terminals, outside security Includes another security check | 1 h 30 min Comfortable: 2 h |
Connecting to a U.S. flight U.S. preclearance before you board | 2 h 15 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 2 h 15 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around YYZ
Terminals
Terminals 1 and 3.
Changing terminals
The Terminal Link train connects Terminals 1 and 3. Flights to the U.S. leave from U.S. preclearance areas, so you clear U.S. immigration and customs in Toronto.
Passport control and transfers
International-to-U.S. connections follow the connection signs to preclearance without entering Canada; allow extra time.
Tips for connecting at YYZ
- •Air Canada uses Terminal 1; WestJet uses Terminal 3.
Plan your trip through YYZ
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
YYZ connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at YYZ and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection and 1 h 30 min when you change terminals.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
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