Question 1

Do I need a toll transponder to drive my rental car from Toronto Pearson?

Accepted Answer

No you don’t need to rent a special toll transponder for the Toronto area, but you should be aware of how electronic tolls are handled. The only major toll road near Toronto is the 407 ETR (Express Toll Route). It has no cash booths, so if you use it, cameras will log the toll. The rental company will charge your credit card later for the toll, plus a small admin fee (usually around $3–$5 per day you incur a toll). If you plan to use the 407 frequently, some rental agencies offer an optional transponder or toll plan but for most travelers, it’s fine to just pay via the license plate method. If you want to avoid toll charges entirely, simply stick to toll-free highways (like the 401, 409, 427, QEW) which are easy to reach from Pearson and go everywhere you need. We show toll info for each rental in your booking details. Bottom line: no surprise toll bills just plan your route or accept the small fee for the convenience of a faster drive on 407 ETR.

Question 2

Where do I pick up my rental car at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)?

Accepted Answer

Toronto Pearson makes rental car pickup easy. All major rental car companies have counters on-site at the airport. If you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, follow the signs to the “Ground Transportation/Rental Cars” area. The counters are located on Level 1 of the parking garage attached to each terminal. This means no shuttle bus needed you can walk from baggage claim to the rental center. Once you complete your paperwork, you’ll walk a short distance to the garage to retrieve your vehicle. The car rental return area is in the same parking garages (just follow signs for “Rental Car Return” when coming back). If your flight arrives after midnight, don’t worry most airport rental locations at YYZ are open late or 24 hours, and if a counter is closed, there will be instructions (or sometimes an agent from an affiliated brand will assist you). Picking up at Pearson is very convenient and well-marked one of the many perks of renting at YYZ!

Question 3

How much does it cost to rent a car at Toronto Pearson Airport?

Accepted Answer

Rental prices at YYZ vary by season and vehicle type, but on average: an economy car might be around $30–$50 USD per day in normal times, a midsize around $40–$60, and larger vehicles like SUVs or vans $70+ per day. During peak summer months or holidays, prices can be higher (popular cars sell out fast), whereas in off-peak winter months you might find smaller cars for under $30/day. We recently saw deals like compacts from $25/day and minivans around $50/day on our site for reference. Keep in mind, the price shown when you book includes mandatory taxes (Ontario HST 13%) and fees, but optional add-ons (GPS, child seats, etc., or under-25 surcharges) are extra. To save money, try these tips: book as early as possible (last-minute bookings at the airport can be pricey), consider a weekly rate if staying 5+ days (often cheaper per day), and use our comparison sometimes a different rental company at the airport is significantly cheaper for the same car. Also, if your dates are flexible, rates are generally lower on weekends than weekdays in business hubs like Toronto. By comparing on Airport Van Rental, you’ll see all current promotions and can snag a great deal for YYZ.

Question 4

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Toronto, Canada?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario (and most of Canada), the minimum rental age is 21 years old. Renters age 21-24 are typically allowed but will pay a “young driver fee” (usually around $25–$30 CAD per day) and may be restricted to certain vehicle categories (economy through full-size cars, and sometimes standard SUVs high-end luxury cars or large 12-passenger vans might not be rentable to under-25 drivers). Age 25+ has no young driver surcharge and full vehicle selection. Note that unlike some U.S. states, Ontario does not allow 18-year-old rentals for leisure 18-20 year olds generally cannot rent a car unless you are traveling on official military or government business with documentation. If you’re under 25, don’t be discouraged: we partner with rental brands that accommodate 21–24 year olds, and our system will automatically include the young driver fee in your quote so you know the total cost upfront. One more thing all drivers need a valid driver’s license, of course. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if your license is in English (or French), since Canada recognizes U.S. and many international licenses just fine. Always check the specific terms of the rental company, but rest assured we make it easy for college students and young travelers to get on the road in Toronto (just drive safe and obey the rules, and you’ll be good!).

Question 5

Can I drive my Toronto rental car into the U.S. (for example, to Buffalo or New York City)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most major rental companies allow cross-border travel from Canada into the U.S., including rentals from Toronto. It’s a common trip e.g. driving to Buffalo (NY) or Detroit (MI) or even all the way to NYC. There’s typically no extra charge for driving into the U.S., but you must inform the rental agent at pick-up that you plan to go stateside. They will provide you with a special insurance card (“Non-resident Inter-Province Insurance” or similar) showing the vehicle is insured in the U.S., and note your rental contract accordingly. All drivers crossing the border will need a valid passport (or Nexus card, or enhanced driver’s license) to go through Customs. The border officials may ask about the car just mention it’s a rental and where you’re planning to go. It’s usually a smooth process. Important: If you plan to drop off the car in the U.S. (one-way rental across border), that is often not allowed or comes with a very high fee. Generally, it’s cheapest to return the car in Canada. For example, a smart strategy some travelers use is renting at Toronto Pearson, driving to the U.S. for a visit, then returning back to Canada to drop off avoiding any international one-way drop fees. Also note, when driving back into Canada, fuel prices differ (gas is pricier in Canada), so you might fill up before crossing the border back north. And if you rented a transponder for Canadian toll highways, it won’t typically work for U.S. tolls and vice versa but there aren’t toll roads on the direct Toronto-Buffalo route except possibly bridge crossing fees. Bottom line: feel free to road trip from Toronto to the States, just tell the rental company and carry your passport. Thousands do this every year, and we’re happy to help if you have any questions about cross-border driving.

Question 6

Do I need to buy insurance to rent a car at Pearson Airport?

Accepted Answer

You are not required to buy the rental company’s insurance, but you do need to make sure you’re covered. Here’s the breakdown: When you rent a car in Canada, basic liability coverage (for damage you cause to others) is usually included by law in the rental rate. However, coverage for damage to the rental car itself is not automatically included unless you purchase it. The rental desk will offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver typically $20-$30 CAD per day which covers damage to the rental car or theft. If you have your own auto insurance policy at home (U.S. or Canada) that includes collision coverage, it often extends to rentals check with your insurer before the trip. Many major credit cards also offer collision damage coverage for rental cars, including rentals in Canada, if you use that card to pay and decline the rental company’s CDW. This can save you money, but be sure to read the fine print (some cards exclude certain vehicle types or longer rentals). What about other insurances? The desk might offer supplemental liability or personal accident insurance these are usually optional if you feel you need them. For international visitors with no North American car insurance, buying the CDW can be a smart peace-of-mind move so you’re not on the hook for any damage. In summary: You don’t have to buy insurance at the counter as long as you’re otherwise covered for collision and liability. But make absolutely sure because if something happens and you declined coverage, you’ll be responsible for the costs. Many renters do rely on credit card coverage here in Canada. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask us ahead of time; we at Airport Van Rental believe in transparency and can explain the options so you can confidently choose whether to get that extra coverage.

Question 7

What about winter tires do rental cars at Toronto Pearson have snow tires in winter?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, rental cars typically come with all-season tires year-round. Unlike some provinces (e.g. Quebec), winter tires are not mandatory in Toronto. All-season tires are designed to handle mild winter conditions and will be on most rentals. If you’re staying around Toronto and using major highways, all-seasons are generally sufficient the roads are plowed and salted quickly when it snows. However, if you plan to venture to snowier regions (say, a ski trip to Blue Mountain or driving north to Algonquin in January), you might want extra peace of mind. Some rental companies offer fleets with winter tires on request (often for an extra fee) but availability can be limited. The good news: Toronto winters, while cold, see roads cleared fast, and many locals also drive on all-season tires without issue. Our advice: drive cautiously in winter (slower speeds, longer braking distance). If a major blizzard hits, consider waiting for plows to clear or use main highways which are prioritized for salting. If having winter tires is really important to you, let us know we’ll search for a rental deal that includes them. And if you do head to Quebec or certain mountain areas, keep in mind winter tire laws: for example, Quebec requires winter tires by law Dec 1–Mar 15, so a Toronto car without them technically shouldn’t be driven there during that period. In summary, Toronto rentals come ready for typical winter conditions, but always check the weather and plan accordingly. An SUV with AWD doesn’t hurt either if snow is in your plans!

Question 8

Can I rent at Toronto Pearson and drop the car in another city (one-way rental)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can often do a one-way rental from Toronto Pearson to other cities in Canada. When booking, select your drop-off location (e.g. dropping off in Montreal, Ottawa, or even Western Canada cities). Our system will show if a one-way fee applies. Common one-ways like Toronto to Montreal or Toronto to Ottawa are usually possible with major companies the fee might range from $50 to a few hundred dollars depending on demand and distance. Sometimes we’ve seen promotions with no drop fee for Toronto→Montreal because rental fleets need repositioning we’ll display that if available. Dropping off in a different province (e.g. Toronto to Vancouver) is a very long distance; it can come with a hefty fee (hundreds or even $1000+). Cross-border one-ways (Toronto to a U.S. city) are generally not allowed by most agencies or come with prohibitively high fees, so it’s usually better to plan a round-trip or switch cars at the border in that case. If your schedule is flexible, try adjusting drop-off to a major airport location for example, dropping at Montreal Airport (YUL) might be cheaper than an off-airport Montreal location, due to how companies redistribute cars. Always inform the rental company of your intended drop city at booking our search does this for you and prices in the one-way. With a one-way rental, unlimited mileage is typically included, so you can take the scenic route if you want. Just make sure to return on time at the correct location to avoid any late or mis-drop fees. One-way trips are a fantastic way to see more of Canada without backtracking many travelers drive from Toronto to Montreal or Niagara to New York as part of their journey. We make one-ways easy by showing all fees upfront, so you can decide the most cost-effective plan for your adventure.

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Van & Car Rental | Airport Van Rental

Why rent a car at Toronto Pearson Airport