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Is a 1 hr layover in Toronto long enough?

YYZ · Lester B Pearson International · Toronto, Canada
Probably Enough

Yes, 1 hour is probably enough for a layover at YYZ (Toronto).

Meets the domestic-international MCT and is generally sufficient for most same-terminal connections.
Quick Stats
Concourses
3
Max Transit
25m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Air Canada
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
✓
Domestic → International
60min
tight
International → Domestic
90min
✗
International → International
75min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 1 hr Connections
If your connection involves a US-bound flight, budget extra time for Canadian exit formalities plus full US Preclearance, which functions like a mini US border crossing.
International arrivals must clear Canadian customs and immigration before reaching connecting gates, even if just transiting.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are linked only by the Link Train, so factor in walk time to the train platform on both ends.
Air Canada's own connections are usually well-signed with dedicated transfer desks, especially useful if you need rebooking.
Avoid tight connections during the 6-9am and 4-8pm banks, when both security and Preclearance lines peak.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
The Link Train, an automated people mover, connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in about 8-10 minutes of ride time, but factoring in walking to and from platforms and waiting, allow 20-25 minutes between the farthest gates. Passengers connecting from an international arrival onto a US-bound flight must clear Canadian customs/immigration and then US Preclearance (full US CBP screening) before reaching the departure gate, which is the single biggest time sink in the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 hour enough for a layover at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?

Meets the domestic-international MCT and is generally sufficient for most same-terminal connections.

What is the minimum connection time at YYZ?

Minimum connection times at Lester B Pearson International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 75 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 1 hour connection at YYZ on an international flight?

1 hour is below the 75-minute international MCT at Lester B Pearson International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. The Link Train, an automated people mover, connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in about 8-10 minutes of ride time, but factoring in walking to and from platforms and waiting, allow 20-25 minutes between the farthest gates. Passengers connecting from an international arrival onto a US-bound flight must clear Canadian customs/immigration and then US Preclearance (full US CBP screening) before reaching the departure gate, which is the single biggest time sink in the building.

What happens if I miss my connection at YYZ?

Air Canada and most partner airlines have transfer/rebooking desks in both terminals, typically near the Link Train stations and international arrivals areas, where missed-connection passengers should go immediately for automatic rebooking onto the next available flight.

Other Layover Durations at YYZ
25 min30 min35 min40 min45 min50 min55 min1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
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