Travel to Toronto
Getting to and around Toronto is easy, with convenient options by air, road, rail, water, and public transit. Helpful travel tips will also help you prepare for a comfortable visit.
If you’re arriving by air, you’ll most likely be flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada’s largest and busiest airport. Located approximately 5-10 minutes from the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre and about 40 minutes from downtown. Toronto, Pearson offers extensive domestic and international connections, with direct flights to major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond.
For travelers arriving on regional flights, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located on the Toronto waterfront, provides convenient access to downtown Toronto and serves a number of Canadian and U.S. destinations.
Both airports are well connected to the city through public transit, taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttle options.
Toronto is easily accessible by road via Ontario’s extensive highway network. Highway 401, one of North America’s busiest highways, connects Toronto with cities across Ontario and Québec, while Highways 400, 404, 407, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) provide direct access from surrounding regions.
If you’re driving from Ottawa, allow approximately 4.5 hours; from Montréal, approximately 5.5 to 6 hours; and from Niagara Falls, approximately 1.5 hours. Visitors arriving from the United States can access Toronto through several border crossings, including Niagara Falls, Windsor, and Thousand Islands.
Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and offers seasonal ferry services between the mainland and the Toronto Islands. The Toronto Island ferries depart regularly from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and provide access to the islands' parks, beaches, and recreational attractions.
For visitors arriving by private vessel, several marinas and waterfront docking facilities are available throughout Toronto’s harbour. The waterfront district also offers sightseeing cruises and water taxi services during the warmer months.
Travel across Canada by rail with VIA Rail, which offers regular service connecting Toronto with Montréal, Ottawa, Québec City, Windsor, and destinations across the country. Toronto is also the eastern terminus of VIA Rail’s iconic transcontinental route, The Canadian, connecting Toronto and Vancouver.
Visitors arriving from the United States can utilize Bus Several scheduled intercity coach services provide direct connections to Toronto from destinations throughout Ontario, Québec, and the northeastern United States.
Major carriers operate frequent routes to Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal and other transportation hubs across the city.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates an extensive network of subways, streetcars, and buses throughout the city. Regional transit services, including GO Transit and UP Express, connect Toronto Pearson International Airport with downtown Toronto and surrounding municipalities. PRESTO cards and contactless payment options can be used across most public transit services. Toronto’s transit system is fully accessible and provides a convenient and affordable way to travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Licensed taxis are widely available throughout Toronto, including designated taxi stands at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Airport taxi services operate using regulated fare structures, while city taxis typically charge metered fares.
Uber and Lyft are both authorized ride-hailing providers throughout Toronto and operate at Pearson Airport, Billy Bishop Airport, and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Major car rental companies operate from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and locations throughout the city. Rental vehicles can be reserved in advance and provide convenient access to attractions across Toronto and Southern Ontario, including Niagara Falls, cottage country, and neighbouring cities.
Travel Tips & Tools for Toronto
Free Public WiFi
Free public WiFi is available at Toronto Pearson International Airport, many hotels, public libraries, cafés, shopping centres, attractions, and various public spaces throughout the city. Visitors will also find complimentary internet access at most conference venues and major transportation hubs.
What To Wear
Toronto is a diverse and cosmopolitan city with a generally smart-casual dress culture. Business attire is appropriate for professional meetings and conference sessions. Weather conditions can vary significantly by season, so visitors are encouraged to check forecasts before travelling and bring layers, particularly during spring and autumn.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Toronto, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are common, and ATMs are readily available across the city.
Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110–120 volts) are the same as in the United States. Most North American electrical devices can be used without adapters. International visitors may require plug adapters depending on their country of origin. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Tipping
When dining at restaurants, visitors should expect to tip between 15 and 20% for good service. Many restaurants automatically include a gratuity for larger groups. Tipping is also customary for taxis, ride-sharing services, hair and spa services, and hotel staff.
Emergency
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 for police, fire, or ambulance services anywhere in Toronto and throughout Canada.
