Short answer · Checked October 2026
Terminal 1: go to the Arrivals level, Door A, and check in at the pre-arranged desk. Terminal 3: go to the Arrivals level, Door A, and wait at the pre-arranged pickup area at Post 7. Your chauffeur is called up from the staging area and meets you at the curb outside. Taxis, the airport limo stand and rideshare apps all use different doors, so do not follow those signs.
Toronto Pearson is Canada’s largest and busiest airport, with 46.8 million passengers in 2024, so the arrivals curb is busy at almost every hour. After a long flight, the hardest part is often the last 50 metres: knowing which door to walk out of and where your car will stop. This guide covers both terminals, the numbered posts along the curb and the simple steps that get you into your car quickly.
The Anatomy of the Pearson Curbside
Each terminal has an Arrivals level and a Departures level, and the arrivals curb is lined with lettered doors and numbered posts (the large concrete pillars outside). These letters and numbers are how drivers and passengers find each other. Saying “Terminal 3, Door A, Post 7” tells your chauffeur exactly where to pull in, so nobody has to circle the terminal.
Pickup Map: Who Picks Up Where at Pearson
Different types of rides use different doors. This is the most common reason people miss their driver.
| Ride type | Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-arranged car or limo (like VVIP) | Arrivals level, Door A, pre-arranged desk | Arrivals level, Door A, pre-arranged area at Post 7 |
| Airport taxi stand | Arrivals level, Door D | Arrivals level, Door E |
| Airport limo stand (no booking) | Arrivals level, Door C | Arrivals level, Door E |
| Uber, Lyft and Hopp | Ground level, Zones 3 to 5, Doors P to S | Arrivals level, Zones 2 to 6, Doors B and D |
| Uber Black and Lyft Lux | Door A | Door A |
| Family or friends picking you up | Free cell phone lot on Network Road, then the arrivals curb when you are outside | Free cell phone lot on Network Road, then the arrivals curb when you are outside |
Rideshare zones can change, so always check the pickup spot shown in the app.
Which Terminal Is My Airline?
Airline to terminal finder · Checked October 2026
Find your terminal and pickup spot
Choose your airline to see your terminal and where to meet your chauffeur.
Airlines sometimes move terminals. Your booking confirmation or the airline app always shows the current terminal.
Terminal 1: The “Door A” Protocol
Terminal 1 is Air Canada’s main terminal and handles many Star Alliance airlines. It is large, but for a pre-arranged ride the rule is simple: Door A.
- After landing: clear customs if you are arriving from outside Canada and collect your bags.
- Follow the signs: follow the Ground Transportation signs on the Arrivals level toward Door A.
- Check in: at the pre-arranged desk near Door A, tell the dispatcher the name of your limo company.
- Your car is called: the dispatcher calls your chauffeur up from the staging area.
- Meet at the curb: your car pulls up in the pre-arranged lane right outside Door A.
Terminal 3: The Door A and Post 7 Pickup
Terminal 3 is home to WestJet, Porter and many international airlines. Its curb is curved, so it is harder for drivers to spot passengers from a distance. That is why the post number matters here.
- After landing: clear customs if needed and collect your bags.
- Stay on the Arrivals level: head toward Door A.
- Find Post 7: the pre-arranged pickup area is outside Door A at Post 7. The number is printed on the concrete pillar.
- Check in: give your name at the pre-arranged desk if one is staffed, or call or text your chauffeur.
- Meet at the curb: your car is called from the staging area and stops at Post 7.
Where Do I Meet My Driver?
Pickup finder
Two taps to your pickup spot
Which terminal? Where is your flight from?Why You Cannot Just Walk Out and Jump in a Limo
Pearson keeps two kinds of rides apart. “On-tap” taxis and limos wait in a line at the taxi and limo stands, and you take whichever car is next. Pre-arranged services, like VVIP Toronto Limo, are booked ahead: the car waits in a separate staging area and only comes to the curb when you are ready. That is why you go to Door A, not to the taxi or limo stand.
A pre-arranged ride lets you choose the vehicle, add car seats and agree on the price before you land. Families travelling with young children can read our guide to Pearson with a toddler.
Curbside Rules for Family and Friends
- No waiting on the roadside: stopping on the roads and shoulders leading to the terminals is not allowed.
- Use the cell phone lot: free cell phone lots are on Network Road. Drivers should wait there until you are outside with your bags.
- Quick stops only: the arrivals curb is for picking up passengers who are already waiting, not for parking.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pickup
From our dispatch desk
Five tips that save time at the curb
- Turn your phone on as soon as you land. Your chauffeur will usually message you with the car and plate details.
- Send a quick text when you reach the baggage carousel. It gives your driver a few minutes’ notice to leave the staging area.
- Tell your chauffeur the terminal, door and post: “Terminal 3, Door A, Post 7”.
- Waiting time is included: 30 minutes after a domestic flight lands and 45 minutes after an international one, and we track your flight.
- If you cannot find your driver, stay at Door A and call dispatch at (905) 516-4569 rather than walking to another door.
Need Help Getting to the Curb?
If you or someone in your group needs extra help, most of it is arranged through your airline and the airport, not the car service. A little planning makes the walk from the gate to Door A much easier.
- Wheelchair and mobility help: your airline provides assistance from the curb to the aircraft and from the aircraft to the curb. Request it at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Hidden disabilities: Pearson takes part in the Sunflower lanyard program, which lets staff know you may need more time or support.
- Practice visit: the airport’s Travel Rehearsal Program lets nervous or first-time travellers get familiar with the terminal before the trip.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: Pearson offers hearing loops, visual fire alarms, live sign language video interpretation through apps, and QR codes that send flight updates to your phone.
- Tell your chauffeur: mention any mobility aid, walker or folding wheelchair when you book, so we plan the right vehicle and enough luggage space.
For medical appointments, hospital discharges and non-emergency trips, see our non-emergency medical transportation service.
The Airport Pickup Fee
The airport authority charges a fee for every pre-arranged car that collects a passenger at Pearson: $17.25 for a sedan, SUV or van and $31.05 for a large van or stretch limousine, tax included. There is no fee for drop-offs. With us it is shown in your quote before you book. See all fares on our rates page.
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YYZ Limo Pickup FAQ
Where is the limo pickup at Terminal 1?
Go to the Arrivals level, Door A, and check in at the pre-arranged desk. Your chauffeur is called from the staging area and meets you at the curb outside Door A.
Where is the limo pickup at Terminal 3?
Go to the Arrivals level, Door A. The pre-arranged pickup area is at Post 7, and your chauffeur meets you there.
Where is the Uber pickup at Pearson?
In Terminal 1, Uber, Lyft and Hopp use the Ground level, Zones 3 to 5 (Doors P to S). In Terminal 3 they use the Arrivals level, Zones 2 to 6 (Doors B and D). Check the app for your exact spot.
Where is the taxi stand at Pearson?
The taxi stand is at Door D in Terminal 1 and Door E in Terminal 3, both on the Arrivals level.
What is the $17.25 fee on my receipt?
It is the airport authority's fee for pre-arranged pickups: $17.25 for a sedan, SUV or van and $31.05 for a large van or stretch limousine, tax included. There is no fee on drop-offs.
Is the pickup fee the same as the airport improvement fee on my ticket?
No. The airport improvement fee, about $40 at Pearson, is already included in your airfare. The $17.25 pickup fee is separate and only applies when a pre-arranged car collects you at the airport.
How long will my chauffeur wait at Pearson?
We include 30 minutes of free waiting after a domestic flight lands and 45 minutes after an international flight, and we track your flight for delays.
Where should family wait when picking me up?
In the free cell phone lots on Network Road. They should drive to the arrivals curb only when you are outside with your bags.
What if I cannot find my driver?
Stay at Door A, check your messages, and call our dispatch at (905) 516-4569.
Book Your Pearson Pickup
Arriving at Pearson?
Your driver waiting at Door A
Tell us your flight and terminal. We track the flight, wait for you after landing and meet you at the pre-arranged pickup.
Read about our Toronto Pearson limo service, compare costs in our Uber vs taxi vs limo guide, or book a car seat limo for the kids.
