Last updated: March 16, 2026
Planning to pick up a rental car at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)? At Pearson, several major rental car companies operate on site at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with counters located on Level 1 of the parking garages. Some off-airport providers use separate pickup arrangements through Viscount Station, so it helps to know which type of booking you have before you land. This guide explains where to go, how on-site and off-site pickup work, and what to know before you drive away. Since pickup procedures and counter hours can vary by provider, it is always smart to confirm your rental company’s latest instructions before travel.
Quick Facts: Renting a Car at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Airport code: YYZ
- Which terminals have on-site rental cars?: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
- Where are the on-site rental counters?: Level 1 of the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking garages
- Which companies are on site?: Avis/Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz, and National/Alamo
- Are there off-airport rental companies too?: Yes, some providers use Viscount Station or separate pickup arrangements
- How do you reach Viscount Station?: Use the free Terminal Link train from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3
- Best tip before pickup: Check whether your reservation is for an on-site terminal pickup or an off-airport pickup before you land
Step 1: Booking Your Car Rental
Book your rental car in advance when possible so you can compare providers, confirm whether your pickup is on site or off site, and keep your reservation details ready before you travel.
Step 2: Arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto Pearson has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. After landing, head to baggage claim in your terminal and then follow signs for Car Rentals if you booked with an on-site provider. If your reservation is with an off-airport company, check your provider’s instructions before leaving baggage claim so you know whether to head toward Viscount Station or another pickup point.
Step 3: Finding Your Rental Car Company
Toronto Pearson’s on-site rental providers operate at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Current airport guidance says the following companies are on site:
- Avis/Budget
- Dollar/Thrifty
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National/Alamo
Currently, you’ll find the on-site rental counters on Level 1 of the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking garages. If your reservation is with an off-airport provider, your company may direct you to Viscount Station or provide separate pickup instructions, so check your booking details before you fly.
Step 4: Required Documentation
In most cases, you should bring:
- your valid driver’s license
- your payment card
- your reservation confirmation
If your license is not in English or French, an International Driving Permit may also be useful or required depending on the provider. It also helps to review your rental company’s payment and deposit rules before you arrive.
Step 5: Vehicle Pick-Up
Before driving away, inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and make sure it is documented by the rental company. It also helps to confirm the final total, fuel policy, return time, and any optional add-ons before leaving the garage.
Step 6: Exiting the Airport
After picking up your rental car, follow signs toward the main airport exits and nearby highways serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Highway 401, Highway 427, and Highway 409. If you are not familiar with the area, it helps to set your route before leaving the garage.
Additional Tips
- Check the fuel policy before leaving the lot
- Ask how toll charges are handled, especially if you may use Ontario toll roads
- Allow extra time during busy Toronto traffic periods
- If your provider is off airport, confirm the return and pickup process before your trip
Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto Pearson Airport Rental Cars
Many major rental car companies at YYZ operate on site at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with counters on Level 1 of the parking garages.
Toronto Pearson currently lists Avis/Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz, and National/Alamo as on-site providers.
Yes. Some off-airport providers use separate pickup arrangements through Viscount Station or their own transfer process
Use the free Terminal Link train from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 to reach Viscount Station
In most cases, you should bring your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation. If your license is not in English or French, an International Driving Permit may also be useful depending on the provider.
Check your reservation confirmation before you fly. On-site providers usually direct you to Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 parking-garage counters, while some off-airport providers use Viscount Station or separate pickup instructions.
Conclusion
Picking up a rental car at Toronto Pearson Airport is usually straightforward once you know whether your reservation is with an on-site provider at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 or with an off-airport company using a separate transfer process. After baggage claim, follow the signs or provider instructions, complete your paperwork, inspect your vehicle, and you will be ready to hit the road.
To make the process smoother, confirm your rental company’s latest YYZ pickup instructions before your trip and double-check whether your booking is on site or off site. A little preparation can make your Toronto Pearson rental car pickup much easier.
And, as always, it’s a good idea to check with the airport for the latest information and for any possible changes.
