Are you researching flights from Toronto for your next getaway? Before typing "YYZ" - that's the code for Lester B.
Pearson International Airport, which serves the greater Toronto area - you should consider checking out the other, less-known Toronto airports.
With the exception of Buffalo, which technically does not offer flights from Toronto or even Canada but nonetheless serves a large number of Canadian customers, these airports are within an easy hour-long drive to Canada's largest city.
Flights from Toronto: The Biggest Airport By far, Lester B.
Pearson International is the largest Toronto airport.
Unfortunately, it's also the most expensive.
Located in Mississauga, which is properly part of the Toronto metropolitan area, it's a good 20 minute drive from the heart of the city.
However, when it comes to destination options, Pearson will take you there: it serves 30 domestic airports, 53 U.
S.
airports, and 99 international airports.
Watch out for long lines, far walking distances, and a slightly confusing design.
The Most Convenient Toronto Airport If you live in the city of Toronto itself - or you'll be working there - you can't get more convenient than Toronto City Centre Airport.
It's located on an island a brief ferry ride away from the heart of Toronto.
Travellers rave about this place, but there is one major drawback: the only airline that uses City Airport (also called Island Airport or Billy Bishop Airport) is Porter.
While Porter is known for its excellent service, it only flies to a handful of destinations, mostly Canadian.
The majority of international passengers will need to look elsewhere.
Hamilton and Buffalo: Fast (and Cheap!) Hamilton International Airport - aka "HI" and John C.
Munro Hamilton International Airport - flies to over 20 destinations in Canada, Europe, and Cuba.
It's an hour's drive from Toronto and offers flights from WestJet, FlyCentralEurope, and HolaSun.
It's a small and friendly place, with a compact layout and shorter lines.
Like many regional airports, don't look for too much in the way of onsite amenities.
Finally, a U.
S.
airport might not be an obvious choice for Toronto-area flights, but the cheap parking and convenient location of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport make it popular with Canadians.
Another bonus is that ticket prices, especially to United States destinations, are considerably cheaper.
This airport has won multiple awards, particularly for design.
It's a mere 13 miles to the Canadian border.
Also, the wait for customs at this airport averages about 12 minutes.
Customers love the savings, as well as the quickly-moving lines and excellent design.
Complaints were rather sparse, but once again, this is a regional airport, so expect a narrow selection of eateries.
So if you are looking for a reasonable price on flights from Toronto, do your homework before buying that ticket.
Of course, Pearson airport has a great range of destinations and schedules.
Just be prepared for more time spent in line, going through customs (if you're arriving from an international flight), and maybe a longish stroll from one part of the complex to another.
Smaller regional airports are an excellent alternative, but don't expect a lot of high-end restaurants or hotels.