Airport Parking Guide for Toronto Pearson International Airport

Many international airports can prove intimidating for the casual traveller when it comes to parking. But Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has a variety of options for the weary traveller looking to park his or her car for a few hours or days. This Airport parking guide is for those seeking to make their travelling experience as stress-free as possible with a little advance planning. So let’s take a look at one of Canada’s busiest airports!

First, some details about Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. There are three terminals in this airport, all servicing domestic and international airlines. So right off the start you need to find out which terminal your flight is departing or arriving from. Thankfully there are strategically placed signs on the drive into the airport area that detail which airlines are operating out of each terminal, making it easy to figure out which terminal you need to aim for and where you should try to park your vehicle.

Let’s start at Terminal One and see what’s available in the way of parking. This terminal has close to nine thousand parking spaces available to airport visitors, with designated disabled parking spaces strategically placed on different levels of the parking garage. Both short-term and long-term parking is available here, with the short-term parking closer to the airport terminal itself.

Terminal Two has over three thousand parking spots open; with over twenty of them designated as disabled parking spaces in the multi-level garage. Terminal Three has the same number of airport parking spaces available, with almost forty of them set aside for disabled drivers. Terminal Three is the newest addition to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and is equipped with the most current technology as well as being the most popular for international flights.

Currently the short and long-term parking rates are set at $2.25 for the first half-hour, rising to $5.50 from a half-hour to an hour and continuing at $3.25 for each half-hour after the original hour. The daily maximum for both parking areas is set at $21.75 (after three hours) with a weekly maximum of $108.75 (five to seven days) with an extra $14.50 each extra day after the first week. These rates may seem high at first, but consider that these rates are being given in Canadian dollars and will vary depending on your local currency and the exchange rate.

To make the most efficient use of your time and money, the airport parking authority offers these hints. Choose short-term parking if you plan to be at the terminal for less than four hours. This option also offers you the chance to be as close to the airport terminal as possible, making it easier to find and retrieve passengers and luggage and get back on the road. The long-term parking option should be used if you think that you will be at the airport for more than four hours.

One new option being offered at the airport parking zones is the availability of curbside valet parking service at Terminal One. This is a great idea for those not wanting to go through the routine of finding a parking spot and then walking back to the terminal or are physically unable to go great distances without stress. This service is only offered at Terminal One with an eye towards future expansion if it goes well. The current rate for this service is $20 premium above the rates for Long-Term parking. You can pre-register for this service via the airport website and save yourself even more time.

There is a final option offered to visitors seeking airport parking – a reduced rate lot. This special parking lot is not connected directly to the airport, but lies across from Terminal Three and provides shuttle buses twenty-four hours a day to run passengers back and forth from the lot to all three terminals. The rate for this airport parking is $13 a day or $59 per week. You may find it a more viable option for those seeking to save money, but be aware that it is totally separate from the terminal. While shuttle service is available you may not want to be that far from the actual airport, depending on the weather and personal circumstances.

Travelling can be a stressful experience even for the seasoned traveller, but knowing where you’re going and what airport parking options are available to you can help allieviate some of the pressure. This airport parking guide to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport hopefully will help you consider your options and decide what to do before heading out for your flight or to pick up a passenger. Whether you’re only going to be there for a few hours or away for a few days on a business or personal flight, a little pre-trip planning can avoid unwanted surprises and make your flying experience as enjoyable as possible.