Payless Car Hire
Toronto

After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Car Rentals". The hire car counters at Toronto Pearson are located within the terminal buildings, typically on the arrivals level or a dedicated car park level. Airport directory maps are available throughout the terminal to help you pinpoint the exact location. Clear signage makes the process straightforward, guiding you directly to the area where the hire agencies are grouped together.

During a busy afternoon it’s sensible to allow a generous amount of time for the entire arrivals process. Factoring in potential queues at immigration, waiting for your luggage at the carousel, and walking to the hire desk can take a while. A safe estimate is to allow 90 minutes to two hours from the moment your plane lands to when you’re driving away. This buffer helps account for unexpected delays and ensures a more relaxed start to your trip without rushing.

The most direct and common route into the heart of Toronto is via Highway 427 South to the Gardiner Expressway East. Before leaving the hire car lot, it’s highly recommended to set your downtown destination in a GPS app on your phone. That will provide turn-by-turn directions and crucial lane guidance for the major interchanges near the airport. Following the Gardiner takes you along the waterfront, offering a scenic entry into the downtown core with clear exits for major streets.

The least stressful approach is to use your hotel’s designated passenger loading zone, even if only for a few minutes. Most hotels in the Entertainment District are prepared for this and have a small area for temporary stops. If your hotel doesn’t have one, look for a nearby side street where you can safely pull over briefly. It helps to have one person stay with the vehicle while the other brings the luggage inside, avoiding the need to circle busy streets like King or John.

When driving in downtown Toronto, be cautious around streetcar tracks, as they can be slippery, especially when wet. To avoid having your tyres caught in the grooves, try to cross the tracks at a sharper angle rather than parallel. Remember that streetcars have right of way, and you must stop behind the rear doors when one is stopped to let passengers on or off. Always be extra vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians who are also navigating around the tracks.

This interchange is one of the busiest in North America and can feel intimidating for first-time visitors due to the high volume of traffic and numerous lanes. The key to navigating it successfully is to know which motorway you need next and move into the correct lanes well in advance. A common source of confusion is the split between express and collector lanes on the 401; for most exits, staying in the collector lanes is the simpler and safer choice. Using a GPS with lane guidance is extremely helpful for managing this complex section.

If the Gardiner Expressway is congested, using parallel city streets can be more reliable. Consider leaving the Gardiner early at Spadina Avenue or Jarvis Street and navigate north, then west towards the tower. Lake Shore Boulevard, which runs directly beneath the Gardiner, often moves better during periods of highway gridlock. Using a real-time traffic app is essential, as it can analyse conditions and suggest the best alternative route to the various car parks surrounding the CN Tower.

Toronto’s dense network of one-way streets in the downtown core means you often can’t make a simple turn to reach your destination. You may need to circle an entire block to approach a car park entrance from the correct direction. It’s crucial to check your map beforehand to see which street the entrance is on and whether it’s one-way. Relying heavily on your GPS is the best strategy, as it will automatically calculate a route that respects these one-way restrictions, saving you from frustrating dead ends.

A frequent mistake visitors make is not yielding properly to pedestrians and cyclists who have right of way. In Toronto, pedestrians often get an advance signal to start crossing before cars get a green light, so the crosswalk may already be occupied. It’s essential to come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light and to scan the crosswalk and any adjacent bike lanes thoroughly. Even on a green light, you must yield to anyone still in the intersection, so patience is key.

On a game night expect significant traffic congestion, road closures and extremely heavy pedestrian flow in the blocks surrounding Scotiabank Arena. The area becomes very difficult to navigate by car, especially on major arteries like Bay Street and Lake Shore Boulevard, starting about two hours before the event. Parking becomes scarce and is often at a premium rate. It’s best to anticipate major delays and drive with extreme caution due to the large crowds filling the streets.

To avoid the worst of the post-game gridlock, try to park in a lot that offers an easy exit away from the stadium’s immediate vicinity. Parking north of Front Street and planning a route that uses streets like Richmond or Adelaide to head east or west is a good strategy. This allows you to bypass the main congestion that forms on Lake Shore Boulevard and the on‑ramps for the Gardiner. Having a pre-planned exit route programmed into your GPS can make for a much smoother departure.

For a morning flight it’s crucial to account for Toronto’s unpredictable rush-hour traffic. A safe bet is to allow 60 to 90 minutes for the drive from downtown to YYZ, especially between 7:00 and 9:30. In addition to driving time, budget another 30 to 45 minutes for the car return process, which includes finding the return area and completing the check-in. Factoring this in, along with your airline’s recommended arrival time, will ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey to the airport.

The “urban canyon” effect from tall buildings, especially in the Financial District, can interfere with GPS signals. To counteract this, briefly review your route before you start driving to get a general sense of the next few turns. Having a passenger act as a co‑pilot to watch for street signs is also a great strategy. If your GPS seems completely lost, try to pull over safely on a side street to allow it to re‑calibrate or rely on major street signs to get you to a more open area.

For a new driver in the city, the DVP and Gardiner Expressway will feel much faster and more intense than downtown streets, though they are also prone to severe congestion. These roads feature frequent merges and require you to anticipate your exits well in advance, unlike the predictable grid of the city. The DVP is known for its curves, while the Gardiner is a straight run along the lake, but both demand constant attention to the flow of traffic. During rush hour they can be slow-moving, but at other times the pace is significantly quicker than surface streets.

Just outside the airport along main roads like Dixon Road and Airport Road you’ll find several large shopping plazas with familiar coffee shops and fast-food outlets. These spots offer large, easy‑to‑access car parks, making them perfect for a quick stop. Here you can take a few minutes to adjust your mirrors, programme your navigation system and get comfortable with the vehicle. It’s a low-stress way to gather your bearings before joining a major motorway like the 401 or 427.

The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only area, so you’ll need to park nearby and walk in. The most convenient and straightforward option is to use one of the large designated surface car parks located just south of the district. These lots are easily accessible from main streets like Parliament Street or Cherry Street. Attempting to find on-street parking in the surrounding area is often frustrating, so heading directly to these official lots will save time and the hassle of navigating narrow, congested side streets.

The best strategy for visiting these vibrant, dense neighbourhoods is to park on the periphery and explore on foot. Driving directly into the heart of Kensington Market is not advisable due to its extremely narrow streets and heavy foot traffic. Instead, look for public car parks or lots along major bordering streets like Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street West or College Street. By parking once, you can comfortably walk between both Chinatown and Kensington Market for a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Driving to Casa Loma involves navigating residential streets and ascending a steep hill, which is quite different from the flat terrain of the waterfront. You’ll encounter inclines on roads like Davenport Road, and you should be prepared for hill parking and some sharp turns when entering the castle’s car park. In contrast, driving along the waterfront is defined by high-volume, multi-lane traffic, motorway on-ramps and numerous traffic lights. The challenge at Casa Loma is elevation and neighbourhood navigation, while the waterfront is about managing traffic flow.

Timing your drive to the Toronto Zoo is key. The zoo is in the city’s east end and accessed via Highway 401, which gets very busy. Plan to arrive shortly after the zoo opens to avoid the late-morning traffic surge and to secure a better parking spot closer to the entrance. For your departure, leaving before 3pm or after 6pm will help you miss the worst of the afternoon rush hour traffic heading back into the city. On summer weekends, arriving early is especially important.

When there’s a major event, expect significant traffic congestion and potential road closures on Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place and Budweiser Stage. Parking on-site is very limited and fills up extremely fast, leading to long queues. It’s a good idea to check the venue’s website for specific traffic advisories before you head out. Many concertgoers find it easier to park in a nearby neighbourhood like Liberty Village and walk over to avoid getting stuck in pre- and post-event gridlock.

You cannot take a vehicle to the Toronto Islands, so you’ll need to park your hire car on the mainland and take a ferry. The main ferry docks are at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street. There are several large public car parks in the vicinity, but they can be costly and fill up quickly, especially on fine days. Allow plenty of extra time to find parking, walk to the terminal and wait in line for ferry tickets, as queues can be quite long.

The most straightforward route is to take the Gardiner Expressway West out of downtown Toronto, which seamlessly becomes the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). You will stay on the QEW for almost the entire journey, which greatly simplifies navigation. To minimise stress, try to travel outside peak commuter hours for a more relaxed drive. As you approach Niagara Falls, motorway signs will clearly direct you to the main tourist areas via Highway 420, making the final approach very easy to follow.

For an efficient and scenic day trip, drive directly to Niagara Falls first via the QEW. After you’ve enjoyed the falls, take the scenic Niagara Parkway north, which runs alongside the Niagara River. This scenic route leads directly to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. From there you can easily access the QEW for your return trip to Toronto. This creates a logical loop that maximises sightseeing time and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

When planning a winter drive to Blue Mountain, it’s essential to check the weather forecasts for both Toronto and the Collingwood area, as conditions can vary significantly. The route, particularly along Highway 400 and Highway 26, is prone to snow squalls and icy patches from lake-effect snow. Always allow for much more travel time than your GPS suggests in clear weather. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving and be ready to adjust your plans if the forecast worsens, as road conditions can change rapidly.

On a summer weekend expect a significant increase in travel time to Prince Edward County. The main route, Highway 401 East, often becomes very congested, especially on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings as you pass through the eastern suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area. Be prepared for a slow journey out of the city, so it’s a good idea to have drinks and snacks on hand. Once you exit onto the smaller county roads, traffic is generally lighter but can still be busy near popular wineries and towns.

Before entering Algonquin Park it’s crucial to stock up on supplies, as services become very scarce. The last major towns with large grocery stores, petrol stations and other amenities are Huntsville if you’re approaching from the west on Highway 60, or Orillia and Barrie if you’re travelling north on Highway 11. Making a planned stop in one of these centres to get fuel, food and any other necessities is highly recommended to ensure you are fully prepared for your time in the park.

For visitors not used to dense urban driving, Mississauga and Brampton are generally much easier to navigate than downtown Toronto. These suburbs feature wide, multi-lane arterial roads and a more spread-out, grid-like layout. Parking is significantly more accessible and often free in large surface lots at shopping centres and plazas. While these areas have their own traffic, you won’t have to contend with the complexities of streetcars, one-way streets and constant pedestrian crossings found in the city’s core.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is located right at the junction of Highway 401 and Allen Road. The most straightforward approach is to take the 401 and exit at Allen Road North. As soon as you exit, stay in the right-hand lanes and follow the prominent signs for Yorkdale. These signs will guide you directly into the mall’s extensive car park. This dedicated access is designed to be efficient and helps you avoid the more confusing local streets surrounding the interchange.

On weekends High Park becomes extremely popular and vehicle access is often restricted or completely closed to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. If the park is open to cars, anticipate long queues, especially at the main entrance on Bloor Street West. Parking inside the park is very limited and fills up quickly in the morning. A less stressful alternative is to find legal on‑street parking in the adjacent residential neighbourhoods and enjoy a short walk into the park.

The open, flat terrain around Toronto Pearson Airport can lead to sudden whiteouts caused by blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility in an instant. Be aware that motorway on‑ramps, off‑ramps and overpasses tend to freeze before the main road surface, so they require extra caution. Heavy slush spray from large lorries on the motorways can also temporarily obscure your vision, so keeping your screenwash topped up is essential. Always drive at a reduced speed and increase your following distance to adapt to these rapidly changing winter conditions.

Making a left turn in downtown Toronto requires patience and a full awareness of your surroundings. On streets with streetcar tracks in the centre, you must often wait for a gap in traffic behind the white line, rather than pulling into the intersection. Be sure to look for signs indicating time-of-day turning restrictions, which are common during rush hour. Always perform a final check for pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk before completing your turn, even when you have a green light or arrow.

When driving in busy areas like King West, it’s critical to be aware of dedicated bike lanes, as it is illegal and unsafe to stop or park in them. For quick stops, look for designated commercial loading zones or paid parking spots on side streets. Many restaurants have kerbside pickup areas, but these are for immediate loading and you should not leave your vehicle unattended. Always read parking signs carefully, as regulations can change based on the time of day to manage traffic flow.

The areas around major hospitals, particularly along University Avenue, are typically very congested. Patient drop-off zones are often full and have little room for waiting. The best plan is to arrive with ample extra time, allow your passenger to exit quickly at the designated entrance, and then proceed immediately to a nearby car park. Attempting to wait in the drop-off loop is not practical and can block traffic, so having a parking plan before you arrive is essential.

The most efficient and low-stress way to explore several downtown neighbourhoods is to park once in a central location and then use public transport (the TTC) and walking. For instance, secure a spot in a public garage near a major underground station like Bloor‑Yonge or St. George. From there you can walk to Yorkville and then take the subway south to reach the Harbourfront and Queen West areas. This strategy saves you the significant time and frustration of searching for parking in each popular and busy neighbourhood.

When driving near Union Station and along major downtown streets like King Street, pay close attention to road signs and pavement markings. Many lanes are restricted for use by streetcars, buses, taxis or commercial vehicles only, especially during certain hours. A modern GPS navigation app will often provide warnings for these restricted zones. If you are ever in doubt, it’s always safer to stay in the general-purpose traffic lanes to avoid a potential fine and the difficulty of manoeuvring out of a restricted lane.

To avoid the main traffic rush to Canada’s Wonderland, it’s best to plan your arrival outside of the peak window. The heaviest traffic usually occurs between the park’s opening time and about noon. A great strategy is to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the gates open, which allows you to get a good parking spot and be one of the first inside. Alternatively, arriving in the early afternoon, after 2pm, can also help you miss the initial wave of traffic, though the park itself will be busier.

Toronto Pearson provides free waiting areas called "Cell Phone Lots" specifically for this purpose. You can follow the signs to one of these lots, park your car and wait comfortably until the person you are picking up has collected their luggage and called you. Once they are ready at the arrivals curb, it’s just a short drive from the Cell Phone Lot to the terminal. This system is much more efficient and less stressful than endlessly circling the airport roadways.

Driving from the airport to downtown at night is often less stressful because there is significantly less traffic on the motorways. The main route via Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway is well-lit and clearly signed. Before leaving the hire lot, take a moment to adjust your mirrors and familiarise yourself with the car’s controls, particularly the headlights. Set your destination in your GPS while parked, which will make navigation much easier without the distraction of heavy daytime traffic.

To ensure a smooth return, build an extra 30 to 45 minutes into your airport arrival schedule specifically for the car. Before you follow the signs to the "Rental Car Return" area, you can use the airport’s Cell Phone Lot as a convenient place to pull over. There, you can take your time organising your luggage and doing a thorough check for any personal items left in the car. This preparation makes the final drop-off process much quicker and ensures you are not rushed on your way to the check-in counter.

The key to a smooth exit from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is timing. The most direct route, Highway 401 East, can be extremely congested, so avoid leaving during weekday afternoon rush hour or at the start of a long weekend. An excellent strategy is to depart early in the morning, ideally before 6:30am, to get ahead of the traffic. For those in the northern part of the GTA, using the toll Highway 407 to bypass the busiest sections of the 401 can also be a worthwhile, time‑saving option.