Guide
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 3 at Pearson Airport
Which terminal your flight uses, how the two connect, and where pickup differs between them.
Written and reviewed by Rao Asif · Founder & CEO, Pearson Toronto Limo. Verified August 2026.
Quick answer: Pearson has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 serves Air Canada, United, Air India, Emirates, Lufthansa and other Star Alliance and international carriers; Terminal 3 serves WestJet, American, British Airways, Delta, Qatar Airways and others. The free Terminal Link train connects them in about 2 to 8 minutes, 24 hours a day. Confirm your terminal from your actual flight before travelling. Call +1 (905) 872-6411.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at a glance
| Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Example airlines | Air Canada, Air India, United, Emirates | WestJet, Air Transat, American, British Airways |
| Gate areas | D, E and F piers | A, B and C areas |
| Taxi pickup | Arrivals Level, Door D | Arrivals Level, Door E |
| Limo pickup | Arrivals Level, Door C | Arrivals Level, Door E |
| Pre-arranged desk | Inside, Door A | Inside, Door A |
| Inter-terminal link | Free Terminal Link train | |
Both terminals handle domestic, U.S. and international flights, and both process passengers through U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities - so destination type alone will not tell you the terminal. Your airline and specific flight decide it.
Which airlines use which terminal
| Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | WestJet |
| United Airlines | American Airlines |
| Air India | British Airways |
| Emirates | Delta |
| Lufthansa | Qatar Airways |
| Turkish Airlines | Air France |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Air Transat |
| Etihad, EVA Air, Egyptair | Porter Airlines, KLM, Korean Air |
Pearson's full airline directory covers far more carriers than fit in this table - see the airline-by-terminal guide for the complete list, and always verify your specific flight before travelling.
Confirming your terminal before you travel
A domestic flight does not automatically mean Terminal 1, and a U.S. or international flight does not automatically mean Terminal 3 - the airline's operation decides it. Check in this order:
- Your airline booking or app for the departure terminal.
- Your boarding pass for the printed terminal and gate.
- The operating airline - codeshare tickets can show one airline's brand while another carrier flies the aircraft, listed as "operated by" on the itinerary.
- Pearson's current flight information, searched by flight number, on the day of travel.
Getting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
The free Terminal Link train connects both terminals plus Viscount Station, running 24 hours a day with a published maximum wait of 4 to 8 minutes depending on the time of day, and a ride of about 2 to 8 minutes between stations. That figure is train time only - add the walk to the station, the wait, and any check-in, security, customs or baggage steps your itinerary needs before treating a connection as safe.
At Terminal 1, the station is reached through the parking garage area on Level 5; at Terminal 3, through the connection toward the Sheraton Gateway Hotel pedestrian bridge.
Airport pickup by terminal
Giving a driver the wrong terminal is one of the easiest avoidable delays at Pearson, since pickup points differ by building.
| Service | Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Door D | Door E |
| Limo | Door C | Door E |
| Pre-arranged desk | Door A | Door A |
| Uber / rideshare | Ground Level, Zones 4-5 | Arrivals Level, Zones 3-6 |
Related reading: Terminal 1 map guide · Terminal 3 map guide.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many terminals does Toronto Pearson have?
Two - Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both handle domestic, international and U.S. travel depending on the airline, so confirm your specific terminal rather than guessing from your destination.
Are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 connected?
Yes, by the free Terminal Link train, running 24 hours a day. The ride is about 2 to 8 minutes, but allow extra time for walking, waiting and any security or customs steps.
How do I know which terminal my flight uses?
Check your booking, boarding pass and Pearson's current flight information, and recheck on travel day since terminal and gate details can change.
Which airlines use Terminal 1 or Terminal 3?
Terminal 1 carriers include Air Canada, Air India, United, Emirates and Lufthansa. Terminal 3 carriers include WestJet, Air Transat, American, British Airways, Delta and Qatar Airways. Always verify your specific flight.
Does terminal choice affect my pickup?
Yes - taxi, limo and rideshare pickup points differ between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, so give your driver the correct terminal, not just "Pearson."
Rates and travel information on this page were verified August 2026 against official Toronto Pearson (GTAA) and public transit sources.
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