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How to Get to Mississauga

How to Get to Mississauga

Mississauga Ontario, Canada Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ

YYZ is the main airport. It sits on Mississauga's eastern border, making it highly accessible. YYZ manages millions of passengers annually, offering extensive domestic and international connections. Serves over 75 airlines, including major Canadian carriers like Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Lynx Air.

International Connections

  • Many international airlines operate from YYZ.
  • Connects to destinations worldwide (London, Frankfurt, Dubai, NYC, LA, Mexico City, São Paulo).
  • Extensive network makes reaching Mississauga feasible from almost anywhere.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport YTZ

YTZ marks a smaller regional airport located on an island in downtown Toronto. YTZ mainly serves Canadian and US regional routes. While an option, its distance from Mississauga makes it less direct, requiring additional transfers from downtown Toronto.

Regional Focus

  • Mainly serves Porter Airlines and Air Canada Express.
  • Routes to Canadian and US regional cities (Montreal, Ottawa, Newark, Chicago).
  • Involves more complex transfers to Mississauga compared to YYZ.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices are generally higher during peak summer season (June-August) due to increased demand. Book well early for better deals.

Holiday Travel

Prices surge around major holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and March Break. Flexibility with travel dates helps secure better deals.

Off-Peak Savings

Lower prices generally occur during spring (April-May), autumn (September-October), and winter (November-March), outside of holiday periods.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

YYZ Facilities

  • Many eateries, cafes, and shops (including duty-free).
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals; airline lounges available.
  • Car rental desks, currency exchange, and on-site hotels.
  • Prayer rooms plus availability services also present.

YYZ to Mississauga Transfers

  • Taxi/Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Approx. CAD $30-60 to central Mississauga.
  • Public Transit (MiWay Route 7, GO Transit Buses): Connects from terminals to city.
  • Courtesy Buss: Various private services on offer.
  • Car Rental: Numerous agencies at YYZ for flexibility beyond Mississauga.

YTZ to Mississauga Transfers

Union Station Shuttle

A free shuttle bus connects YTZ to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

GO Transit Connection

From Union Station, take a GO Train or GO Bus (Lakeshore West line) to Mississauga.

Taxi/Rideshare from YTZ

Significantly more expensive due to the distance across Toronto.

Land Transportation to Mississauga

Border Crossing from USA

For travelers driving from the United States, several land border crossings connect to Ontario. Major crossings comprise the Peace Bridge (Buffalo/Fort Erie), Rainbow Bridge (The Famous waterfalls on the us-canada border, NY/Niagara Falls, ON), and Ambassador Bridge (Detroit/Windsor).

Crossing Procedures

  • You will need a valid passport.
  • NEXUS card for pre-approved travelers for expedited processing.
  • Present documents to a CBSA officer; declare all imported items.

Train Connections

VIA Rail Canada, the national passenger rail service, uses Toronto Union Station as its main hub. Mississauga does not possess a direct VIA Rail station; connect via GO Transit from Union Station. GO Transit, the area's commuter rail service, serves Mississauga via the Lakeshore West line, with stations at Port Credit, Clarkson, Erindale, Cooksville, and Dixie.

GO Transit Service

  • Lakeshore West line provides regular assistance to/from Toronto Union Station.
  • Excellent for day trips to Toronto or reaching Mississauga from GTHA cities.
  • GO Transit also operates an extensive regional bus network.

Long-Distance Bus Options

GO Transit Buses operate an extensive regional bus network, connecting Mississauga to Toronto and various other GTHA municipalities. These buses often serve GO Train stations and major transit hubs. Other intercity bus companies (e.g., Megabus, Greyhound Canada) typically operate from the Union Station Bus Terminal in Toronto.

Connecting from Toronto

  • From Union Station, travelers connect to Mississauga using GO Transit or MiWay.
  • Direct long-distance bus routes into Mississauga are less common than connections via Toronto.
  • GO Transit buses connect major points and link to other GTHA areas.

Self-Driving Considerations

You need a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license is not in English or French, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary. Ontario's roads and highways are generally well-maintained. However, major highways (401, 403, QEW) experience significant congestion during peak hours (weekday mornings and late afternoons/evenings).

Driving Rules & Conditions

  • Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts are mandatory for all.
  • Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h); distracted driving is illegal.
  • Driving in winter challenges: snow, ice, reduced visibility. Use appropriate tires.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Congestion on highways (401, 403, QEW) during peak hours.
  • Stop-and-go traffic increases accident risk.
  • Wildlife (deer) occur in rural areas at dawn and dusk; drive with caution.
  • Cold weather conditions (snow, ice) create challenging driving.
  • Plan drives outside rush hour to avoid delays.
  • Distracted driving carries severe penalties.

Sea/River Arrivals to Mississauga

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Mississauga, located on Lake Ontario, does not serve as a direct international port of entry for sea or river travel for tourists. No direct international ferry services or cruise ship terminals exist in Mississauga for international passenger entry to Canada.

Toronto Cruise Terminal

  • Toronto has a cruise ship terminal (Redpath Sugar Ltd.).
  • Occasionally hosts cruise ships exploring the The Inland seas.
  • Not a main international entry for most people traveling to Canada.

River Transportation Options

The Credit River, flowing through Mississauga, is a relatively small river. Its main use involves recreational activities like canoeing and kayaking. It does not provide options for long-distance or international travel to the city.

Recreational Use Only

  • Ideal for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
  • No public boat taxis or water transportation for commuting.
  • Connections to land transport from sea/river not a standard concern.

No International Sea Entry

Mississauga does not have direct international ferry or cruise services.

Credit River for Recreation

The Credit River is appropriate for canoeing and kayaking, not long-distance travel.

Immigration Procedures

International travelers arrive via air or land border crossings; sea immigration is not locally relevant.

Departure Information from Mississauga

Exit Fees & Air Travel Departures

Canada imposes there are no exit fees upon departing the country by air, land, or sea. Your airline ticket usually contains all relevant airport and security fees. For international flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight. This supports ample time for check-in, bag check, and security screening.

US-Bound Travelers

  • Clear US Customs Before boarding your flight in Canada.
  • You get to the US as a domestic passenger.
  • Allow extra time for this process, especially during peak travel periods.

Land & Rail/Bus Departures

If departing by land to the United States, allow sufficient time for border crossing procedures. These sometimes involve vehicle queues and customs inspections. Check real-time border wait times online. For GO Transit commuter services, arrive at the station with enough time to acquire tickets (if not using Presto) or tap your card and locate your platform.

Train/Bus Departure Times

  • For VIA Rail long-distance trains from Toronto Union Station, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • GO Transit stations are mainly commuter hubs with basic waiting areas.
  • Toronto Union Station has a wider range of shops, restaurants, and services.

Departure Facilities

YYZ Facilities

Extensive dining, shops (duty-free), lounges, currency exchange, and pleasant places to wait.

GO Transit Stations

Basic waiting areas, ticket vending machines, Presto card readers; limited amenities.

Union Station Toronto

Wider range of shops, restaurants, and services for joining travelers.

Departure Reminder

Check your flight status and gate information before you leave for the airport. This supports informed travel and time management.

How to Get to Mississauga. Flights, Transportation, Airlines