Toronto Pearson Airport Guide for Newcomers

Moving to Canada is exciting, but arriving at one of the busiest airports in North America can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. From immigration procedures and baggage claim to transportation options and getting your first Canadian essentials, knowing what to expect can make your arrival much smoother.

If you’re planning your move, Canada First Service offers free newcomer consultations to help you understand settlement procedures, transportation options, and essential services before and after you arrive in Canada.

What Happens After You Land at Toronto Pearson Airport?

Whether you’re arriving as a permanent resident, international student, worker, or visitor, you’ll follow a series of standard arrival steps before leaving the airport.

Complete Your Customs Declaration

After leaving your aircraft, follow the Arrivals signs toward customs and immigration.

Most travellers can complete their declaration using automated kiosks or eGates, where you’ll:

• Scan your passport

• Take a photo

• Answer customs questions

• Receive a declaration receipt

Always declare any required goods honestly. Incorrect declarations can lead to delays, fines, or additional inspections.

Pro Tip: Completing your declaration in advance through the ArriveCAN system (when available) can significantly reduce your waiting time.

Immigration and Entry Process

After customs, newcomers proceed to immigration processing.

Depending on your immigration status, an officer may:

• Verify your travel documents

• Confirm your identity

• Ask questions about your visit or settlement plans

• Review your immigration documents

Permanent residents will be asked to provide a Canadian mailing address for their PR Card.

International students will receive their Study Permit after document verification.

Answer questions clearly and honestly. If you need language assistance, you can request support during the process.

Collecting Your Luggage

Once immigration is complete, proceed to the baggage claim area.

Large digital screens display the correct carousel number for every arriving flight.

Before leaving the area:

• Check every luggage tag carefully

• Inspect your bags for damage

• Report missing luggage immediately to your airline if necessary

Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

One advantage of arriving at Toronto Pearson is that many newcomers can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) directly at the airport through Service Canada.

Having a SIN allows you to:

• Work legally in Canada

• Open payroll accounts

• Access many government services

If the Service Canada office is closed during your arrival, you can always apply later at any Service Canada location or online.

Final Customs Check

Before exiting the airport, you’ll present your customs receipt to a border officer.

If you’re permanently moving to Canada and shipping household goods later, you should also declare those items during this stage.

Preparing the required personal effects documentation in advance can save significant time.

Stay Connected Immediately After Arrival

Toronto Pearson provides free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals.

You’ll also find mobile service providers and SIM card kiosks in the arrivals area, making it easy to:

• Activate a Canadian phone number

• Access maps

• Contact family or your accommodation

• Book transportation

Transportation Options from Toronto Pearson Airport

One of the biggest questions newcomers have is:

“What’s the easiest way to get to my new home?”

Fortunately, Toronto Pearson offers several convenient options.

UP Express: The Fastest Way to Downtown Toronto

The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) connects the airport directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Benefits include:

• Fast travel time

• Frequent departures

• Comfortable seating

• Easy connections to TTC and GO Transit

If you’re staying in downtown Toronto, this is often the quickest option.

Taxi Services

Licensed airport taxis are available outside both terminals.

Advantages include:

• Fixed fares for many destinations

• Credit card acceptance

• Professional drivers

• No surge pricing

This is a convenient choice for families or travellers with multiple suitcases.

Uber and Lyft

Ride-sharing services are widely available at Toronto Pearson.

Simply request your ride through the app and proceed to the designated pickup zone for your terminal.

These services often provide flexible pricing and multiple vehicle options.

Public Transit

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, several transit agencies serve the airport:

• TTC

• GO Transit

• MiWay

• Brampton Transit

These routes connect Toronto Pearson with Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and many surrounding communities.

Rental Cars

Planning to drive immediately after arrival?

Both terminals provide access to major rental companies.

Before renting, make sure you have:

• A valid driver’s license

• An accepted payment method

• Required identification documents

Some providers also have minimum age requirements or additional fees for younger drivers.

Need Help Navigating Transportation?

Finding the right transportation option can be confusing during your first days in Canada.

Our Transportation Services help newcomers understand public transit, airport transfers, travel planning, and local transportation systems so they can settle in with confidence.

Learn How Toronto Transit Works

After arriving, most newcomers quickly begin using Toronto’s public transportation network.

If you’re not familiar with TTC routes, subway lines, buses, streetcars, or PRESTO cards, check out our complete guide:

Toronto Public Transit and PRESTO Guide

It explains everything you need to travel around the city like a local while saving money on daily transportation.

Connecting Flights at Toronto Pearson

If Toronto is your first Canadian airport but not your final destination, remember:

• Immigration procedures usually happen at your first Canadian entry point.

• Allow extra time between flights.

• Some airlines require passengers to collect checked baggage and check it in again for domestic flights.

Always verify baggage procedures with your airline before travelling.

Flying Out of Toronto Pearson

When leaving Canada, arrive early:

• Domestic flights: approximately 2 hours before departure

• International flights: approximately 3 hours before departure

Most airlines also offer online check-in and self-service baggage drop for a faster experience.

If you’re travelling internationally as a Permanent Resident, always carry your PR Card to avoid complications when returning to Canada.

Helpful Tips for First-Time Arrivals

✔ Keep important documents in your carry-on bag.

✔ Save your accommodation address on your phone before landing.

✔ Connect to airport Wi-Fi before ordering transportation.

✔ Exchange only a small amount of cash at the airport if needed.

✔ Download Google Maps and transit apps before leaving the terminal.

✔ If you’re tired after a long flight, don’t rush—take a few minutes to organize your belongings before exiting.