Lester B. Pearson International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Pearson is about 22 km from the centre of Toronto and the UP Express reaches Union Station in 25 minutes, but the last train leaves at one in the morning and the first at 5.30: those who land later or leave earlier rely on taxis or Uber on the often congested highways. With dawn or international flights, which require at least three hours' advance arrival, it makes sense to sleep near the terminals. For a stay of several days the train is more than enough, and the right hotel is next to Union Station, from where you walk to the waterfront and the theatre district. The two choices do not exclude each other: many spend only the last night at the airport.

Inside Terminal 3

At the airport · The hotel is in Terminal 3, with direct access; for Terminal 1 you board the Terminal Link, the free train a few steps from the entrance, which also connects the UP Express station.

Best for: Dawn departures, overnight layovers and arrivals after the last UP Express.

Pros

You walk to check-in, without depending on taxis or traffic
The free Terminal Link takes you to Terminal 1 and the UP Express
Rooms with a view of the runways, for those who like watching take-offs

Cons

Rates among the highest in the airport area, according to reviews
Around it there are only runways and roads: for dinner you stay at the airport or in the hotel

Recommended hotels in this area

Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport: Inside Terminal 3, a step from the free Terminal Link to Terminal 1 and the UP Express; rooms with runway views, twice the best airport hotel in Canada.

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Airport area (Mississauga)

Airport area · Free hotel shuttle, running 24 hours a day, for a journey of about 5 minutes to the terminals.

Best for: Those who want a cheaper hotel near the airport, with a free shuttle.

Pros

Free shuttle always running, useful with dawn flights
Restaurants and services in the area, without depending on the terminal
Prices generally lower than the hotel in the terminal

Cons

You need the shuttle and a wait between runs
Area of expressways and offices, with no nightlife

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport: On Caroga Drive, in Mississauga, about 5 minutes from the airport; the airport shuttle is free and runs 24 hours a day.

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Union Station and Financial District

City centre · UP Express from Terminal 1 to Union Station in 25 minutes, every 15 minutes from 5.30 to one in the morning; the hotels are opposite the station or a few blocks away.

Best for: Those with a few days in Toronto who want the waterfront, the CN Tower and the theatres on foot.

Pros

Direct 25-minute train with no stops
Waterfront and CN Tower 10-15 minutes on foot from Union Station
GO and VIA Rail trains to Niagara Falls from the same station

Cons

After one in the morning and before 5.30 you need taxis or Uber
The Financial District is quiet in the evening and at weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Fairmont Royal York: On Front Street West, opposite Union Station, where the UP Express arrives: from the train door to the hotel entrance you only cross the street.
The Omni King Edward Hotel: On King Street East, in the Financial District, four blocks from Union Station; building from 1903 near Eaton Centre and the Distillery District.

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