- Cheap car rental at Toronto Airport
- Car rental desks at Toronto Airport Terminal
- Car rental return at Toronto Airport
- Car rental types at Toronto Airport
- Best car rental deals at YYZ Airport
- About Toronto International Airport
- Things to do near Toronto Airport
- Car rental tips Toronto Pearson Airport
- FAQs
Book a cheap car rental at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
Toronto Pearson International Airport is one of the most convenient and cost-effective locations to rent a car in the Greater Toronto Area. As Canada's busiest airport, it offers access to a wide range of rental suppliers, creating strong competition that helps keep rates affordable. Through VIP Cars, you can compare deals from multiple providers and secure some of the cheapest car rental prices available at YYZ, all from a single platform.
Instead of checking individual suppliers separately, we allow our customers to view prices, vehicle categories, rental terms and inclusions side by side, making it easier to find the most economical option for their journey in Canada.
Picking up your vehicle directly at the airport also gives you immediate access to major highways connecting Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and popular destinations like Niagara Falls.
Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, an airport pickup saves time, provides greater vehicle choice, and allows you to start your journey as soon as you land.
Where are the car rental desks located at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)?
Picking up a rental car at YYZ Airport is simple, as most major car rental companies operate directly from T1 and T2. After landing and collecting your luggage, simply follow the signs for "Car Rentals" to reach the rental desks.
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Car rental Toronto Airport Terminal 1
If you arrive at Terminal 1, head to the arrivals area and follow the signs for car rentals. The rental desks of major suppliers like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are located in the Terminal 1 Parking Garage on Level 1.
Once you complete the paperwork, the staff of your chosen provider will direct you to the nearby parking area where your vehicle is parked and ready for pickup.
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Car rental Toronto Airport Terminal 3
Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 can also pick up their rental car without leaving the airport. After collecting your bags, follow the car rental signs to the Terminal 3 Parking Garage. Here, all rental counters of brands like National, Alamo, Dollar and Thrifty are located.
After checking in at the desk, you will be guided to the designated parking area to collect your vehicle.
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Off-airport suppliers at YYZ Airport Terminal
In addition to the rental companies located inside Toronto Pearson Airport, several off-airport suppliers operate nearby and provide free shuttle services to and from the terminals. These locations are often just a few minutes from the airport.
Popular off-airport suppliers serving YYZ include Routes Car Rental, ACE Rent A Car, Economy Rent A Car, NextCar, MEX Rent A Car, City Car & Truck Rental and Zoom Rent A Car.
After landing, you need to follow the pickup instructions provided in your booking confirmation voucher to reach the designated shuttle pickup area. The shuttle will then take you to the rental office, where you can complete the paperwork and collect your vehicle.
How to return a car rental at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)?
Returning your rental car at YYZ Airport is a smooth process if you know in which terminal you need to drop-off the vehicle. As you drive toward the airport on the highway, keep an eye on the overhead signs. They will split into lanes for Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Just choose the lane for your supplier’s parking garage (as mentioned in your Rental Confirmation Voucher).
Car rental return YYZ Terminal 1
If your provider operates from Terminal 1, follow the airport signs directing you to the car rental return area. Follow the signs down to Level 1. Drive right into the designated lane for your specific company (like the Hertz lane or the Avis lane).
A staff member will scan the car, check the fuel, take your keys and hand you a receipt. After completing the return process, you can walk or take the designated airport connection route back to the terminal for check-in and departure.
Car rental return YYZ Terminal 3
For rentals associated with Terminal 3, follow the car rental return signs as you enter the airport grounds. Turn left into the second parking entrance, which is specifically for rental cars. Head toward the end of the garage structure. You will see the signs for companies like Enterprise, National and Alamo.
Park the car in your company's lane. Once the staff finishes your paperwork, you can walk through the indoor pedestrian bridge right over to the Terminal 3 terminal building.
Returning an off-airport rental car
If you rented from an off-airport supplier such as Routes, ACE Rent A Car, Economy Rent A Car, NextCar, MEX Rent A Car, City Car & Truck Rental or Zoom Rent A Car, you will need to return the vehicle to the company's local rental office rather than directly to the terminal.
After dropping off the car, a complimentary shuttle will take you back to Toronto Pearson Airport for your flight.
After-hours drop-off at YYZ Airport: If you return the car outside normal business hours, just park the car in your supplier’s lane, lock the doors and slide the keys into the metal drop box located right by their desk. All the instructions are clearly mentioned in your booking voucher.
Popular car rental types at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
The airport serves a wide range of travellers, from business visitors and city explorers to families heading across Ontario. With us, you can book a vehicle of your choice from our rental suppliers at YYZ. You can select from budget-friendly compact cars to spacious SUVs and premium luxury vehicles. Choosing the right vehicle depends on your travel plans, group size, and the destinations you plan to visit.
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Compact & economy cars
Compact and economy car rentals at YYZ Airport are among the most popular rental choices at Toronto Airport due to their affordability and fuel efficiency. Common models include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Kia Forte.
These vehicles are ideal if you are staying in Downtown Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton or Markham, where parking can be limited and city driving is common. Business travellers and solo visitors often prefer economy cars because they offer lower rental costs while remaining comfortable for daily travel around the Greater Toronto Area.
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SUVs
SUVs are best for families, groups and if you are planning longer road trips across Ontario. Popular models include the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Equinox.
An SUV provides extra passenger space, luggage capacity and a higher driving position, making it a practical choice for trips to Niagara Falls, Blue Mountain, Muskoka, Algonquin Provincial Park and other outdoor destinations. During the winter months, many of our customers also prefer SUVs for added confidence when driving in snowy conditions.
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Minivans & vans
Families and larger groups arriving at YYZ Airport frequently choose minivans and passenger vans for added comfort and luggage space. Common models include the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Transit and Chevrolet Express Van.
These vehicles are ideal for group trips to Niagara Falls, sporting events, family vacations, university visits and sightseeing tours across Southern Ontario. With seating for up to 7, 8 or more passengers depending on the model, minivans and vans allow everyone to travel together while providing ample room for suitcases, strollers, sports equipment and shopping bags.
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Luxury cars
Toronto is a major business and financial hub, creating strong demand for luxury rental vehicles. Popular premium models include the BMW 3 Series, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi A4, Audi Q5 and Cadillac XT5.
Luxury car rental at YYZ Airport is often chosen by business executives, corporate travellers and visitors attending meetings or events in downtown Toronto. They are also popular for special occasions, weekend getaways and scenic drives along the Niagara Parkway or through Ontario's wine regions.
Best car rental deals at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
We offer rental options for every type of traveller, whether you need a car for a quick business trip, a week-long vacation or an extended stay in Ontario. By comparing offers from multiple suppliers through our platform, you can find competitive rates and exclusive discounts across a variety of rental durations.
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Short-term rentals
Short-term rental deals are ideal if you only need a vehicle for a few days. A 24-hour rental is a popular option for business travellers attending meetings in Downtown Toronto or Mississauga, while weekend rentals are often chosen by visitors planning a quick getaway to Niagara Falls, Blue Mountain or Prince Edward County.
For example, a compact car can be a cost-effective choice for city driving, while a midsize SUV is better suited for a weekend road trip with family or friends. Weekly rentals are also particularly popular among tourists exploring multiple destinations across Southern Ontario, as the daily rate is often lower than booking several shorter rentals.
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Long-term rentals
Long-term rental deals provide excellent value if you are staying in the Toronto area for several weeks or months. These rentals are commonly used by corporate travellers on temporary assignments, newcomers settling in the Greater Toronto Area, students and families waiting for a personal vehicle.
Popular long-term rental choices include economy cars for daily commuting, midsize sedans for added comfort and SUVs for families requiring extra space. In many cases, monthly rental rates work out significantly cheaper on a per-day basis compared to short-term bookings, making them a practical alternative to vehicle ownership for extended stays.
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Last-minute car rentals
With us, you can also find last-minute car rental deals in YYZ Airport at great prices. These rentals are popular among travellers whose flights have changed, visitors extending their stay or locals who suddenly need a vehicle for a day or two.
For the best chance of securing a good last-minute rate, compare multiple suppliers on our platform, where available deals from leading rental companies can be viewed in one place. Flexible travellers may also find significant savings by choosing a different vehicle category based on current availability.
Toronto Pearson International Airport: Overview
| Address: | 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2, Canada |
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| IATA Code: | YYZ |
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada's busiest airport and a major gateway for domestic and international travel. Located in Mississauga, 14 miles away from Toronto city center, the airport connects travelers to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Major airlines operating at YYZ include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa.
With modern amenities and excellent transport connections, YYZ serves as a convenient starting point for exploring Toronto and the rest of Ontario.
Facilities at Toronto Pearson Airport
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
- Restaurants, cafés and food courts
- Duty-free and retail shopping outlets
- Currency exchange and banking services
- Airport lounges
- Car rental facilities
- Short-term and long-term parking
- Hotel shuttle services and nearby airport hotels
- Pet relief areas for travellers with service animals and pets
Things to do near Toronto Airport (YYZ )
Toronto is the most culturally diverse city in Canada and, just like its people, it offers a multitude of places that travelers can explore easily. If you wish to take road trips from Toronto to various nearby places, renting a car is the best option. Here are a few places you can easily drive to in a Toronto Pearson International Airport car rental
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Dundas Peak
Drive time: 60 minutes from Toronto -
Albion & Webster Falls
Drive time: 55 minutes from Toronto -
The Albright-Knox Gallery
Drive time: 2 hours from Toronto -
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes from Toronto -
Prince Edward County
Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Toronto -
Wallingford-Back Mine
Drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes from Toronto -
The Cheltenham Badlands
Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Toronto -
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Drive time: 7 hours from Toronto -
The Heidelberg Project
Drive time: 4 hours from Toronto
VIP Cars’ tips for car rental at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Traffic around Highway 401 and Highway 427 can be busy, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Plan additional time when picking up or returning your rental vehicle.
- If you plan to use Highway 407 ETR, Ontario's electronic toll road, ask your rental supplier about toll charges and payment options to avoid unexpected fees.
- Booking your rental car in advance can help you secure lower rates, better vehicle availability and a wider choice of car categories during the peak summer travel season (June to August) as well as major holiday periods such as Victoria Day (May), Canada Day (July), Labour Day (September), Thanksgiving weekend (October), Christmas and New Year's holidays (December) and March Break (March).
- If you are visiting between November and March, ask about winter tires or choose an SUV for trips to destinations such as Blue Mountain, Muskoka or Algonquin Park.
- If you are planning to drive to nearby U.S. destinations such as Buffalo or Niagara Falls, New York, confirm cross-border travel rules with your rental supplier before pickup.
- Families travelling with young children can reserve child seats online before arriving at YYZ because in Ontario, a child should remain in a forward-facing child seat until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb) and use a booster seat until they reach 36 kg (80 lb), 145 cm (4 ft 9 in) in height or 8 years of age.