Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is not merely a gateway; it is a unique experience that begins even before takeoff. Located on the Toronto Islands, directly opposite the bustling city centre, it offers passengers breathtaking views of the metropolis skyline and Lake Ontario during landing and takeoff. Named after the Canadian World War I ace Billy Bishop, this airport combines the charm of a regional hub with the convenience of being located in the heart of one of Canada's largest cities. Its compact size and well-thought-out infrastructure make travel fast and pleasant.

Features and Benefits

The main advantage of Billy Bishop Airport is its exceptional location. Reaching the terminal from the mainland can be done in two unique ways: aboard one of the world's shortest ferry routes, a trip that takes just 90 seconds, or through a modern underwater pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways, which connects the island to the mainland city in less than six minutes. Free shuttle buses run regularly between the airport and the central Union Station, making transfers as convenient as possible.

Despite its compact size, the airport offers passengers a high level of comfort. There are lounges accessible to passengers of all airlines, shops (including Duty-Free), and restaurants. Due to primarily servicing turboprop aircraft and its convenient location, check-in and security procedures are generally faster here than at major international airports, allowing you to save precious time. All this makes Billy Bishop Airport the ideal choice for travellers who value convenience, speed, and unforgettable views.

Below you will find contact details for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any questions that may arise.

• Official Website: www.billybishopairport.com
• Information Service Phone: +1 (416) 203-6942
• Airport Address: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON M5V 1A1, Canada
• Email: For most inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport updates on their official pages on X (formerly Twitter) @BBishopAirport and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you should contact your airline representatives directly. For items left within the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service via their website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and support, please call the main airport telephone number.

Reaching Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ), located on an island near the centre of Toronto, is surprisingly simple and convenient. The main feature is the necessity to cross a small channel, which can be done in two ways: on a free passenger ferry, which runs every 15 minutes and takes just 90 seconds, or via a modern pedestrian tunnel, a walk through which takes about six minutes. Both options are accessible from the mainland pavilion at the end of Eireann Quay.

Public Transport

The most economical and popular way to reach the mainland terminal is by using public transport. A free shuttle bus runs from Union Station, the city's main transport hub. It departs approximately every 15 minutes. Additionally, you can reach the ferry terminal via TTC streetcars: route 509 Harbourfront stops right at the entrance, and route 511 Bathurst stops a few minutes' walk away. The trip from the city centre usually takes no more than 20-25 minutes.

Taxi, Transfer, and Ridesharing

A trip by taxi or via apps like Uber and Lyft from central Toronto to the airport's mainland pavilion will take 10-15 minutes, excluding traffic. This is a convenient, though more expensive option, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage. The driver will take you directly to the entrance of the tunnel and the ferry terminal.

By Car and Parking

If you are driving your own or a rental car, several parking lots are available on the mainland. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are available. Please keep in mind that, unlike the more distant Pearson International Airport, parking here can be limited, so it is recommended to book a spot in advance, especially during peak seasons. After parking, you will also use the ferry or tunnel to reach the terminal building.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) features a unique and highly passenger-friendly structure. Technically, the airport has one main terminal, but its organization is divided between the Toronto mainland and the island where the runway is located.

Your journey begins at the Mainland Pavilion. This is a small building housing the check-in counters for Porter Airlines and Air Canada, as well as the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel and the ferry. It is from here that passengers make their way to the main terminal building. The crossing takes just a few minutes: 90 seconds by ferry or about 6 minutes on foot through one of the longest underwater pedestrian tunnels in the world.

The main terminal building, located on the island, is a modern and compact space where all key services are concentrated. Located here are:

• Security screening area
• Boarding gates
• Departure lounge
• Arrivals baggage claim area

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. After passing security control, passengers enter a comfortable departure lounge. A notable feature of YTZ is that complimentary beverages and snacks are available in the lounge for Porter Airlines passengers. Upon arrival, you quickly reach the baggage claim area and from there, proceed back to the tunnel or ferry to return to the mainland.

Completing all formalities, including check-in and screening, at Billy Bishop Airport usually takes significantly less time than at major international airports. On average, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before domestic flights. The main tip for navigation is to follow the signs, which are plentiful here. The entire path from the mainland pavilion entrance to the boarding gate is logical and well-thought-out, making this airport one of the most convenient in North America.

The history of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport began in 1939, when it opened under the name Port George VI Island Airport. Located on the Toronto Islands, it was originally intended to be the city's main airport. However, its island location and limited runway dimensions eventually ceded leadership to the larger Malton Airport (now Pearson).

The airport played a significant role during World War II. From 1940 to 1943, it served as a training base for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Here, Norwegian pilots who had fled their occupied country underwent training before heading into combat in Europe. This period is known as "Little Norway" and represents an important page in the history of Canadian-Norwegian relations.

After the war, the airport returned to civilian use, but its development was a subject of debate for decades. Plans to build a bridge to connect with the mainland were discussed but never realized. For a long time, the only way to reach the terminal was the ferry, operating one of the shortest regular routes in the world — just 121 metres.

A true renaissance for the airport began in 2006 with the arrival of Porter Airlines, which made it its main hub. This led to a sharp increase in passenger traffic and large-scale modernization. In 2010, the airport was given its current name in honour of the Canadian World War I ace Billy Bishop. The culmination of the modernization was the opening in 2015 of a pedestrian tunnel under the bed of Lake Ontario, which provided convenient and all-weather access to the terminals from the mainland.

Today, Billy Bishop Airport regularly receives awards for high service levels and convenience, considered one of the best urban airports in North America. Its history is an example of how a compact infrastructure facility, passing through periods of neglect and controversy, was able to transform into a modern and sought-after transport hub while preserving its unique island charm.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), despite its compact size, offers passengers a high level of comfort and all necessary services for a pleasant wait for their flight. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous gadget charging stations allow you to stay connected at all times. For those who value enhanced comfort, cosy lounges are located in the departure halls, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying complimentary beverages, snacks, and fresh newspapers.

You can have a bite to eat before your flight at one of several cafes and restaurants offering both light snacks and full meals. The selection of shops includes outlets with essentials, souvenirs, and press. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are available in the terminal. Convenient workspaces are provided for business travellers, and the airport's proximity to the business centre of Toronto makes it a convenient point for business trips.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with special needs. Escort services are provided, and accessible restrooms, ramps, and designated parking spaces are available. Families travelling with small children can use the nursing rooms, equipped with everything necessary for comfortable childcare.

In case of necessity, passengers can seek first aid. Regarding accommodation, the airport's unique location in the city centre ensures quick access to numerous hotels in Toronto. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, the trip to the nearest accommodation options in downtown takes just a few minutes, which is a great advantage for tourists and business travellers.

Billy Bishop Airport, despite its compact size, offers passengers a thoughtful selection of establishments where they can have a snack or a full lunch before departure. The majority of cafes and restaurants are located in the departure lounge, immediately after passing security control (airside), which is very convenient for travellers.

For those seeking variety, the Market 33 food court is an excellent choice. Here, several concepts are gathered under one roof, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, pastries, and hot dishes. It is an ideal place if you are travelling with family or a group where everyone has their own preferences. If you wish to enjoy the atmosphere of a local establishment, visit Balzac's Coffee Roasters — a famous coffee shop from Toronto, serving excellent coffee and delicious croissants and desserts. This is a wonderful option for a quick but high-quality snack.

If time permits and you desire a more substantial meal, the OBISPO restaurant is at your service. Here you can order full meals, such as burgers and salads, and enjoy a refreshing beverage while waiting for your flight. For those who have not yet passed security or are meeting arrivals, there is also a small cafe in the public area (landside) where you can have coffee and a sandwich.

Special dietary needs are also taken into account: you will easily find vegetarian options in most establishments. Regarding Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, it is best to check availability with the staff — ready-made salads or special snacks are usually available. The price range at Billy Bishop Airport corresponds to standard airport prices, meaning slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are generally synchronized with the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and operate until the last flight departs.

Travelling through Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, Canada, can be surprisingly convenient thanks to its location right by the city centre. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2-3 hours before flights to the USA. Although the airport is small and processes here generally go faster than at major hubs, queues are possible during peak hours.

For flight check-in, it is most convenient to use your airline's online services. You can access the terminal from the mainland via a short ferry ride (one of the shortest in the world) or through the underwater pedestrian tunnel, which is usually faster. Security control is standard, but as everywhere, it requires preparation: remove electronics and liquid containers in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, we strongly recommend selecting a window seat. The airport is located on an island, and during takeoff and landing, breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario open up. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember the standard restriction on liquids (up to 100 ml) and the prohibition of sharp objects. Please note that flights from Billy Bishop are often operated on smaller turboprop aircraft where overhead bin space is limited, so try not to bring overly bulky bags.

One of the main features of the airport is the presence of a U.S. Preclearance facility. This means you pass all American formalities while still in Toronto and, upon arrival in the USA, enter the domestic terminal, saving a significant amount of time. If you have a connecting flight, thanks to the airport's compact size, it will be quick and convenient, but always check with your airline whether you need to collect and recheck your luggage.

To save time, use the pedestrian tunnel and check in online. To save money, use the free shuttle that runs between the airport and Union Station in the city centre. This is much more economical than a taxi, although a taxi ride from this airport will be significantly cheaper than from Pearson International Airport.

In the event of a flight delay, you can spend time comfortably in the lounge areas with free Wi-Fi and a beautiful view of the city. Occasionally, flights may be delayed due to weather conditions, such as fog over the lake. Always check your flight status online before heading to the airport. If the delay is lengthy, the airport's unique location allows you to easily return to the city to spend your time productively.