Can I Walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Pearson? 2025 Complete Guide for Travelers

Author: Jameson Richman Expert

Published On: 2025-10-26

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Can I walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Pearson? If you’re planning a connection, arriving for pickup, or trying to decide whether to move between terminals on foot, this comprehensive 2025 guide explains your options, walking times, shuttle services, security considerations, accessibility tips, and practical advice to make the transfer smooth. Read on for step‑by‑step scenarios, recommended minimum connection times, maps and links to official sources so you can plan with confidence.


At a glance — quick answer

At a glance — quick answer

Yes, you can walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport in many cases, but whether you should depends on your situation (luggage, tickets, immigration status, physical mobility). Walking is possible landside for most travelers, but it can be a long walk and is often slower or less convenient than the free inter‑terminal shuttle and automated services. If you must cross airside (secure area) or clear customs, additional steps will apply — contact your airline or check the official Toronto Pearson guidance before you move.

Why this matters: common travel scenarios

Understanding the differences between walking, shuttles, and airside transfers helps you avoid missed connections, long walks with bags, or needless lines at customs. These are common situations travelers face:

  • Connecting from an international arrival at Terminal 1 to a domestic departure from Terminal 3.
  • Arriving at Terminal 3 and needing to meet someone at Terminal 1 landside.
  • Wanting to save cost/time by walking instead of waiting for a shuttle.
  • Travelers with mobility needs or a lot of luggage.

Where to find official information

Always double‑check with official sources for the latest operating hours, temporary closures, or construction updates:


Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3: what to expect

Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3: what to expect

Walking between terminals is physically possible landside (outside the sterile area), but the distance is nontrivial. Expect the walk to take roughly 15–25 minutes for an average, unencumbered pedestrian. With heavy luggage or children, allow 25–40 minutes. Distances and times vary depending on your exact start and end points inside each terminal.

Typical walking route

Most pedestrian routes follow clearly marked signs for "Terminal 1" or "Terminal 3." You will generally walk through public corridors and skyways. Key points:

  • Follow directional signage inside the terminal to the Arrivals or Departures level depending on your start point.
  • The path is mostly indoors but can involve long corridors; there may be moving walkways in sections, but not necessarily continuous moving walkways across the whole distance.
  • Allow extra time for elevators or escalators if you have wheeled luggage or mobility devices.

When walking is a good option

  • You have light carry‑on only and want the exercise or to avoid waiting.
  • There are no luggage check or customs constraints (you’re meeting someone landside).
  • Time is abundant and you prefer independence over shuttle timetables.

When walking is not recommended

  • You have checked baggage that isn’t checked through — you’ll need to reclaim and recheck, which usually involves customs and can make walking not feasible.
  • You must remain airside (sterile) for connecting flights — airside transfers have separate procedures and might use shuttle services.
  • You have limited connection time — shuttles or airline transfer services are typically faster and safer for tight connections.
  • Mobility issues or large groups — use accessible shuttle services or request assistance from your airline.

Shuttle and inter‑terminal transfer options

Pearson provides inter‑terminal transfer services that are faster and are the recommended option for many passengers. These services are designed to move passengers and their luggage between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, typically operating frequently and free of charge.

Free inter‑terminal shuttle

There is a free shuttle service between terminals that runs landside; it’s often the fastest way to carry checked luggage and avoid a long walk. Shuttle frequency varies by time of day but is designed for connecting passengers and curbside transfers. Check the official terminal transfer page on the Toronto Pearson website for current schedules and pick‑up/drop‑off points.

Automated people mover or Terminal Link (where available)

In the past several years, Pearson has developed mechanical and automated connections to improve transfers. Services and infrastructure change over time — confirm current operating status and the exact stations via Pearson’s official website before you travel.

Airside vs landside: important differences

One of the most critical distinctions is whether you need to transfer airside (inside security) or landside (outside security). That impacts whether you can simply walk or must pass through security/customs.

Airside transfers

If both flights are within the secure zone and your luggage is checked through, your airline may provide an airside transfer or allow you to remain airside and use a designated connector. Not all airlines or ticketing arrangements permit this. If in doubt, confirm with your airline before arrival.

Landside transfers (most common)

If you arrive internationally and must clear customs, you’ll go landside to retrieve luggage and then travel to the departing terminal to check in again. For these situations, expect to go through CBSA processing, then transit between terminals via shuttle or on foot.


Minimum recommended connection times at Pearson (practical guidance)

Minimum recommended connection times at Pearson (practical guidance)

Airlines publish minimum connection times (MCTs), but practical real‑world recommendations are higher to allow for delays, security, and immigration:

  • Domestic to domestic (same airport, different terminals): allow at least 60–90 minutes if you must change terminals and reclaim luggage.
  • Domestic to international (or vice versa): allow at least 90–150 minutes — international checks and security lines add time.
  • International to international (connecting through Pearson): allow at least 120–180 minutes if you need to clear customs and recheck baggage.

These are conservative guidelines: if your airline confirms baggage is checked through and you remain airside, shorter connections can work. Always verify with your airline and use the official Pearson transfer recommendations.

Accessibility, assistance and traveling with mobility needs

Pearson is equipped to assist passengers with reduced mobility. If you need wheelchair assistance or have other accessibility needs:

  • Request assistance in advance through your airline when booking or at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
  • Assistance typically includes transfer between terminals and escort through security lines when needed.
  • If you plan to walk, be mindful of distances and ask for help if required — airport staff can arrange a quicker transfer if walking is impractical.

Practical tips to make the transfer faster and less stressful

  1. Check-in baggage: Ask your airline at check‑in whether your bags can be checked through to your final destination — this can eliminate the need to reclaim and recheck.
  2. Arrive early: Give yourself buffer time for customs, security, and potential shuttle wait times.
  3. Light packing: If possible, travel with carry‑on only to make walking between terminals realistic and quick.
  4. Use airline lounges: If you have long layovers, airline lounges often have staff who can advise and sometimes arrange transfers.
  5. Follow signage and staff directions: Look for "Inter‑Terminal Shuttle" or ask an information desk; staff can help point you to the quickest landside route.
  6. Download maps and apps: Save terminal maps offline or use airport apps to navigate faster during low‑signal conditions.

Examples: three real‑world scenarios

Examples: three real‑world scenarios

Scenario 1: International arrival at Terminal 1, connecting to domestic at Terminal 3

You arrive at Terminal 1 from an international flight. If your baggage is checked through to your final destination and you remain airside, your airline will advise you on an airside transfer. If you must clear customs, expect to reclaim luggage at Terminal 1, clear CBSA, and then use the free inter‑terminal shuttle to Terminal 3 to check in for your domestic flight. Budget at least 90–150 minutes.

Scenario 2: Arriving at Terminal 3 to meet a pickup at Terminal 1

If you are meeting a family member landside, you can walk with carry‑on only, or take the shuttle for ease with heavy luggage. If your pickup is outside curbs, allow time to exit arrivals and meet at the designated meeting area.

Scenario 3: Tight connection under 60 minutes

A tight connection under 60 minutes between different terminals is risky unless your airline explicitly coordinates the transfer and checks your luggage through. When in doubt, contact your airline as soon as possible and consider rebooking to protect against missed flights.

Safety and security considerations

Pearson enforces strict security and safety protocols. Do not attempt to cross airside to landside via unauthorized doors or restricted corridors. Follow instructions from airport security, and report suspicious activity. Always carry travel documents and board passes for verification if needed when moving between terminals.

Maps and wayfinding

Download or view terminal maps before your trip. Maps show entrances, baggage claim, shuttle stops, and curbside pickup. Use the Toronto Pearson terminal maps available on the official website to plan the exact walking route and shuttle pickup points: Toronto Pearson terminal maps.


Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I walk airside between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 without going through security again?

Usually no. Airside transfers depend on whether your itinerary and airline allow you to stay in the sterile zone. If your luggage is checked through and both flights are within the secure zone, your airline or the airport may facilitate an airside connection. In many other cases, you must exit to landside and re‑enter through security.

Is the inter‑terminal shuttle free?

Yes, inter‑terminal shuttles at Pearson are typically free for passengers. Confirm current status and pickup locations on the Toronto Pearson site.

Are there moving walkways for the full route?

There are moving walkways in sections of the terminals, but you should not expect continuous moving walkways across the entire distance. Plan for regular walking stretches.

Additional travel tech and productivity tips for waiting between terminals

If you have time at the airport and want to be productive, trade, or learn while you wait, a few curated developer and trading resources can be handy. For example:

If you want to register on crypto exchanges while you wait, use reputable platforms with mobile‑friendly apps. Here are a few commonly used registration links (use them if you choose to sign up):

Note: trading cryptocurrencies involves risk. Only trade on reputable exchanges and follow best security practices (two‑factor authentication, hardware wallets for large balances, etc.). For developer and security guidance on trading bots, consult the expert material above.

Final checklist before you try to walk between terminals

  • Check whether your baggage is checked through to your final destination.
  • Confirm whether you must clear customs or stay airside.
  • Ask your airline about recommended transfer procedures or provided transfer buses.
  • Allow extra time if you have children, elderly travelers, or heavy luggage.
  • Consider wheelchair assistance if needed — request it through your airline in advance.
  • If unsure, use the free inter‑terminal shuttle — it’s usually the fastest and simplest option.

Summary — should you walk?

Summary — should you walk?

So, can I walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Pearson? The short answer: yes, you can walk in many cases, but it may not be the most practical or fastest option depending on luggage, immigration and security requirements. Walking is suitable when you travel light and have ample time; otherwise, the free inter‑terminal shuttle or airline transfer services are safer, faster choices. Always verify with your airline and consult the Toronto Pearson official site for the latest terminal transfer information.

If you want to plan further — download terminal maps, contact your airline for baggage and airside transfer details, and prepare for customs if arriving internationally. Safe travels!

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