Billy Bishop vs Pearson: Which Toronto Airport for Your Group?

By the Top Bus Editorial Team  |  Airport Transfers and Group Transportation, Toronto, Ontario

Key Takeaways

•       Billy Bishop Airport is 3 km from downtown Toronto and suits domestic, city-centre-focused travel.

•       Toronto Pearson is Canada’s largest airport, serving international and long-haul routes from Mississauga.

•       For groups, access logistics differ significantly between the two airports.

•       Billy Bishop has a ferry and pedestrian tunnel but no direct public transit.

•       Pearson connects to downtown via the Union Pearson Express in 25 minutes.

•       Top Bus serves both airports with door-to-door group transfer service.

Introduction

Choosing between Billy Bishop Airport and Toronto Pearson depends on your group’s flight, location, and timeline. Both are within the city — but they serve very different types of travel.

This guide compares the two airports on location, access, facilities, and routes served. Use it to plan the right airport transfer for your group.

Toronto has two distinct airports. Getting the choice wrong costs time, money, and stress on travel day. This guide gives you the verified facts to make the right call for your group.

Billy Bishop Airport vs Toronto Pearson: At a Glance

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: Everything Your Group Needs to Know

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits on the Toronto Islands, just 3 kilometres from downtown Toronto. It is minutes from the front door of most downtown hotels and offices.

The airport is operated by the Toronto Port Authority, which is responsible for managing the waterfront and air facilities at this location. The Toronto Port Authority oversees operations, security, and ongoing development of the site.

The airport serves over 2 million passengers annually. It offers domestic routes across Canada and US destinations via US Border Preclearance facilities on site.

The Government of Canada invested CA$30 million in a US preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Airport. The facility opened on March 10, 2026. Passengers flying to the US complete customs and immigration inspections in Toronto before departure.

In 2026, Ontario Premier Ford proposed expanding Billy Bishop for jets, targeting 10 million passengers annually. The federal government rejected the proposal in July 2026 after public consultation showed broad opposition. Ontario says it will continue to pursue expansion. Current operations remain unchanged.

Getting to Billy Bishop Airport

There are no direct public transit routes to Billy Bishop Airport. Two access options exist.

The first is the ferry service. The ferry crosses the Western Channel from the mainland in approximately 90 seconds. It transports passengers and vehicles between Bathurst Street on the mainland and the airport terminal.

The second is the pedestrian tunnel. The pedestrian tunnel opened on July 30, 2015. It connects the terminal to the mainland at the foot of Bathurst Street. It is free for all passengers.

A shuttle bus connects the airport to Toronto Union Station. This option adds time compared to a direct taxi or private transfer from downtown Toronto.

Billy Bishop Airport Facilities

Billy Bishop Airport operates a single integrated terminal. It is compact by design and easy to navigate.

•       Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal

•       Lounges with locally sourced menus

•       Duty-free retail

•       Complimentary baggage carts

•       Lost and Found service

•       Medical and emergency services including air ambulance support

•       US Border Preclearance for US-bound passengers

The smaller footprint means shorter walk times between the entrance and the gate. Security lines are typically shorter than those at Pearson. For groups, this translates to less time managing a large party through a complex terminal environment.

Routes Served from Billy Bishop Airport

Billy Bishop Airport serves over 20 cities across Canada and the United States. It handles domestic routes to Montreal, Ottawa, and other Canadian cities.

The airport has a shorter runway than Pearson. This limits the aircraft types that can safely fly into and out of the airfield. As of 2026, the airport primarily serves turboprop and regional jet operations.

If your group needs a long-haul international flight, Billy Bishop Airport is not the right choice. For domestic and short-haul US destinations, it is the most convenient option for downtown-based groups.

Toronto Pearson International Airport: Everything Your Group Needs to Know

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada’s largest airport. It is located in Mississauga, approximately 29.5 kilometres from downtown Toronto. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which manages facilities, operations, and ongoing capital development.

Pearson handles over 50 million passengers annually at peak capacity. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Five runways give Pearson the capacity for a full international schedule. This includes cargo, charter, and scheduled services.

Pearson is the departure point for most international, transoceanic, and long-haul flights from the Toronto area. It handles routes across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Pearson Airport: Motor Coach Parking and Drop-Off

Toronto Pearson has designated motor coach loading zones at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Groups arriving by charter bus use the designated ground transportation areas on the departures level.

Motor coaches pick up arriving groups at the arrivals level ground transportation zone. Confirm your terminal and pickup zone with your provider before travel day. T1 and T3 ground transportation areas are separate. Allow transfer time if the group splits across terminals.

Current Pearson ground transportation zone maps are available at gtaa.com. Confirm drop-off procedures with your provider, as zones are subject to change.

A single charter bus drop-off at the correct terminal is more efficient than multiple taxis. One vehicle, one zone, one clear pickup point.

Getting to Toronto Pearson

The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) connects Pearson Airport to Union Station in approximately 25 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night. This is the fastest way to reach the airport by express rail from downtown Toronto.

TTC bus routes also serve the airport. Route 900 Airport Express connects Pearson to the Kipling and Yorkdale subway stations.

By road, the airport is accessible from Highway 401, Highway 409, and the 427. Rush hour traffic on these routes can significantly extend travel times. Plan buffer time for morning and evening peak hours.

The UP Express has luggage limits and does not suit large parties with checked bags. A private group transfer provides door-to-door service with full luggage capacity.

Toronto Pearson Terminals: T1 and T3

Pearson operates two terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both have full international departure and arrivals halls, security, and customs facilities.

Confirm which terminal your group’s flight departs from before planning your transfer. T1 and T3 are not within easy walking distance of each other. A vehicle transfer between terminals takes time.

•       Terminal 1 handles most Air Canada and Star Alliance flights

•       Terminal 3 handles many international carriers and charter flights

•       An internal shuttle connects the terminals — allow extra time if connecting between the two

Arriving groups should confirm the arrivals hall location and meet-and-greet arrangements before travel day. This is especially important for large groups where coordination at arrival is critical.

Pearson Airport Facilities

Toronto Pearson offers a comprehensive range of passenger facilities across both terminals.

•       Over 60 retail and dining outlets across both terminals

•       Airport lounges for premium and business travelers

•       US Border Preclearance for US-bound passengers

•       Full customs and immigration for arriving international passengers

•       Medical and emergency services on site

•       WiFi throughout both terminals

•       Currency exchange and ATMs

•       Assistance services for passengers requiring mobility support

Which Airport Is Right for Your Group?

The right airport depends on three things: your destination, your group’s location, and your timeline. Getting this right saves time, reduces stress, and avoids unnecessary detours on travel day.

Choose Billy Bishop Airport If…

•       Your flight is a domestic route or a US destination with preclearance

•       Your group is based in downtown Toronto with minimal luggage

•       You want a shorter, simpler airport experience with less walking

•       Speed from the city centre to the airfield is the top priority

•       Your flight operates within Billy Bishop’s schedule (5:00 AM to 11:00 PM)

Choose Toronto Pearson If…

•       Your flight is international, transoceanic, or long-haul

•       Your group has significant luggage or checked baggage

•       Your flight is outside Billy Bishop’s operating hours

•       You need the full range of international carrier options

•       Your group is departing from outside downtown Toronto

•       You need 24-hour airport access for early or late flights

Group Transportation Considerations

For groups, both airports present access challenges that a private transfer solves. Planning the right vehicle and departure time removes most of these challenges before they arise.

Billy Bishop has no direct public transit. The ferry is impractical for large groups with luggage. A private group transfer drops passengers at the terminal entrance — the closest possible option.

Pearson has UP Express access. The train has luggage limits and requires a walk to the terminal. For groups of 10 or more, a private coach bus or Sprinter van is most efficient.

Planning Your Group Transfer: Practical Guide

Good planning for any airport transfer starts before travel day. Here is what to sort out in advance.

How Far Ahead Should You Book?

Book your group airport transfer at least 48 to 72 hours before your flight. For groups of 15 or more, book further in advance. Confirm vehicle availability and your assigned driver.

For summer, December holidays, and early morning rush-hour departures, book a week or more ahead. Early departures book up faster than afternoon transfers.

Pearson operates 24 hours. Early morning international departures often require a 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM pickup from central Toronto. Plan this well in advance and confirm the driver is familiar with the route.

What to Tell Your Transfer Provider

•       Exact pickup address and number of passengers

•       Which airport and which terminal — T1 or T3 at Pearson

•       Flight number and departure time

•       Volume of luggage — checked bags or oversized items

•       Whether any passengers need assistance or have mobility requirements

•       Whether child car seats are required

The more detail you provide at booking, the smoother the transfer runs. Extra bags, late additions, or changed pickup times can all affect vehicle capacity and timing.

Timing the Journey to the Airport

For Billy Bishop Airport, allow 30 to 45 minutes from most downtown Toronto hotels. Add time if your group needs to cross by ferry.

For Toronto Pearson, allow 45 to 60 minutes from downtown Toronto under normal conditions. Rush hour runs 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. Allow 90 minutes or more during these windows.

For international departures at Pearson, the airport recommends arriving three hours before your flight. In peak conditions, plan your hotel departure four to five hours before the flight.

A professional driver accounts for these windows. They monitor real-time traffic and depart on a schedule built around your terminal.

Arriving at the Airport as a Group

Large groups should coordinate a single arrival point. At Billy Bishop, this is straightforward — the terminal is compact and groups can gather quickly.

At Pearson, confirm the arrivals hall and the check-in zone before travel day. Different airlines check in at different areas within T1 and T3. Splitting a group across separate taxi or rideshare vehicles creates coordination hassles at the terminal.

A single group transfer vehicle eliminates this entirely. One vehicle, one arrival, one check-in lineup — the whole group boards together and arrives together.

Returning from the Airport

Group transfers work in both directions. Arriving groups need the same door-to-door service in reverse.

At Billy Bishop, arrivals walk through customs and exit the terminal directly. The ferry or tunnel is the next step. A waiting vehicle provides immediate transport. No taxi lines after a long flight.

At Pearson, arrivals pass through customs and immigration at the international arrivals hall. For groups with multiple checked bags, this takes time. Your driver waits in the designated meet-and-greet area once the group has cleared customs.

Top Bus monitors flight arrivals in real time. If your flight lands early or runs late, your driver adjusts automatically. You will not pay for waiting time caused by airline delays.

The Future of Billy Bishop Airport

Billy Bishop Airport has seen significant discussion about its future in recent years.

Billy Bishop has been the subject of expansion proposals for over a decade. In 2013 and 2015, proposals to extend runways were considered but not approved.

In 2026, Ontario Premier Ford proposed expanding the airport for jets. The expansion plan aims for 10 million passengers annually. This would represent a significant shift in the airport’s role within Canada’s aviation network.

The final decision rests with the Toronto Port Authority, Transport Canada, and the federal government. The City of Toronto has long been divided on airport expansion.

For groups planning travel in 2026 and beyond, the airport’s current operations remain in place. Any changes to flight operations will be announced well in advance.

Top Bus Airport Transfer Services: Both Airports, One Provider

Top Bus provides group transfers to and from both Billy Bishop and Toronto Pearson, serving Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Toronto Area. All vehicles hold a valid CVOR certificate under Ontario commercial carrier standards.

Group Arrival Tips at Pearson

Groups arriving at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 exit through separate customs and arrivals halls. Set a clear meeting point before the flight. Pearson arrivals at both terminals are busy. Groups can lose each other in high-traffic periods.

Your Top Bus driver monitors the flight in real time. If your flight lands early or late, the driver adjusts. Confirm the meet-and-greet zone before you depart. It is the most important coordination step for a smooth group airport transfer.

Why Groups Choose Top Bus for Airport Transfers

•       Door-to-door pickup from any Toronto or GTA address

•       Service to both Billy Bishop and Pearson — one company, both airports

•       Full-size coach buses for groups of 15 to 56 passengers

•     Sprinter vans and minibuses for smaller groups and executive transfers

•       Professional, licensed drivers experienced on both airport routes

•       Flight monitoring — your driver adjusts for delays and early arrivals

•       Luggage management — no limits that public transit imposes

•       Pre-booked, transparent pricing — no surge pricing or taxi lines

View Top Bus airport transfer services at topbus.ca/airport-transportation. Request a quote for your group by calling +1 289-402-5287.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Bus  |  1780 Sismet Rd, Mississauga, ON L4W 1Y8  |  topbus.ca  |  +1 289-402-5287