Dollar Car Rental
Ontario

The Dollar car rental counters at Toronto Pearson Airport are conveniently located on Level 1 of the parking garages adjacent to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Car Rentals" or "Ground Transportation" to walk directly into the garage. If you arrive at one terminal but need to get to the other, you can use the free Terminal Link train. This automated train runs 24/7 and provides a quick and easy connection between the terminals and their respective rental car facilities.

Arriving late at Toronto Pearson is a common scenario, and the car rental facilities are designed to accommodate it. The rental counters are located in well-lit areas within the terminal parking garages, and airport signage is clear and easy to follow even at night. Once you complete the rental process at the counter, you will be directed to a designated parking area nearby where your vehicle will be waiting. The process is generally streamlined to help you get on your way efficiently after a long flight.

The most efficient way to meet up is to use the free Terminal Link train that connects the two terminals. Before heading to the rental counter, decide on a specific meeting point in one of the terminals, such as a coffee shop or a designated seating area in the public arrivals hall. Once your entire group is together, you can proceed as one party to the car rental counters located in that terminal's adjacent parking garage. This avoids confusion and ensures everyone is ready to go at the same time.

Flight delays are a common part of travel, and rental agencies at major international airports like YYZ are accustomed to late arrivals. If you included your flight number in your reservation, the staff can track your flight's status and anticipate your delayed arrival. While it's not always necessary, you can try calling the local desk for extra peace of mind if you're concerned. Generally, as long as you arrive within the location's operating hours, the team will be prepared to assist you.

On a typical weekday, it's wise to budget approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the moment your plane lands to when you drive away. This timeframe accounts for deplaning, walking through the terminal, clearing customs and immigration, and waiting for your checked baggage. From there, you'll walk to the rental counter, complete the necessary paperwork, and locate your vehicle in the garage. This estimate can fluctuate depending on passenger volume and the number of international flights arriving at the same time.

For a direct and well-signed route to downtown Toronto, the best option is to take Highway 427 South from the airport. You will follow this for several kilometers until you see clear signs for the Gardiner Expressway East. The Gardiner Expressway will then take you directly along the waterfront and into the heart of the downtown core. This path is favored by many travelers as it minimizes complex interchanges immediately after leaving the airport.

Getting to the Square One area in Mississauga from YYZ is quite straightforward. From the airport, you will want to take Highway 427 South for a very short distance to the interchange for Highway 401 West. Once on the 401 West, you will travel for a few kilometers and then take the exit for Hurontario Street, also known as Highway 10. Head south on Hurontario, and it will lead you directly to the Square One shopping center and the surrounding hotels.

The drive to Niagara Falls primarily uses the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), which is a major 400-series highway. These are modern, multi-lane expressways similar to interstates in the U.S. For first-time visitors, the key is to remain calm and attentive, as traffic can be fast-paced. It's advisable to stay in the middle or right-hand lanes until you are comfortable with the flow of traffic. Using a GPS navigation app will provide clear, turn-by-turn directions, making the journey much less intimidating.

A great strategy for a relaxed day trip is to drive directly to Niagara-on-the-Lake first, arriving in the morning to enjoy the charming town before it gets too crowded. Afterward, you can spend the early afternoon visiting a few wineries along the scenic Niagara Parkway as you make your way south. Plan to arrive at Niagara Falls in the late afternoon or early evening. This timing often allows you to miss the peak midday crowds at the Falls and enjoy the evening illuminations.

The most practical approach is to not keep the rental car for the entire duration of your stay in downtown Toronto. Parking can be challenging and expensive, and the city's core is very walkable and well-served by public transit. Consider renting a car from the airport upon arrival only if you need it immediately. Otherwise, take transit downtown and then rent a vehicle from a city location just for the specific days you plan to take trips outside of Toronto.

For visitors prioritizing easy driving access, Etobicoke is by far the most convenient neighborhood as it directly borders the airport. North York is also quite accessible, primarily reached by taking Highway 401 East from the airport area. Midtown Toronto is reachable via Highway 401 to the Allen Road, but this route involves transitioning onto busier city streets sooner. For the quickest in-and-out experience with minimal city grid navigation, Etobicoke and North York are your best bets.

To plan an efficient day trip, take Highway 400 North from the Toronto area towards Barrie. From there, you will transition to Highway 26 West, which will lead you directly to Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village. Spend your day exploring the village and the surrounding area. For your return, you can simply retrace the same route, which is the most direct path back to the city and helps avoid getting lost on unfamiliar country roads after dark.

A day trip to Algonquin Park from Toronto is ambitious but possible if you plan carefully. The drive is approximately three hours each way, so you should expect to spend at least six hours in the car. To make the most of the day, it is essential to leave the Toronto area no later than 7:00 AM to arrive with ample daylight for hiking and sightseeing. Focus your visit on the Highway 60 corridor, which has the most accessible trailheads and visitor facilities.

When driving to Muskoka with children, plan your stops in advance to make the journey more enjoyable. The route along Highway 400 has several large, modern service centers called ONroute, which have clean restrooms, food options, and space to stretch. A great place for a longer break is the city of Barrie or Orillia, which are roughly at the halfway point. These towns have waterfront parks and restaurants, offering a perfect opportunity for kids to run around before the final leg of the drive.

Canada's Wonderland is located in Vaughan, just off Highway 400, and is very well-signed from the highway. To avoid the longest lines, plan to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the park officially opens, as this will allow you to secure a better parking spot. The passenger drop-off and pickup area is clearly marked but can become very congested, especially at closing time. Navigating the local roads around the park is straightforward, but be prepared for heavy traffic on weekends and summer days.

Toronto's rush hour significantly impacts travel times from the airport. The morning rush into the city is typically from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, while the afternoon rush heading out of downtown is heaviest between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM. To avoid the worst traffic, the ideal times to drive from YYZ to downtown are during the midday window (10:00 AM to 2:30 PM) or later in the evening, after 7:00 PM. Arriving during these off-peak hours can easily save you 30 minutes or more.

Highway 401 is one of the busiest highways in North America, featuring a system of collector and express lanes through much of Toronto. If you're not used to it, the key is to stay in the collector lanes, which provide access to all exits. The express lanes are for longer-distance travel with fewer exits. Plan your lane changes well in advance, maintain a consistent speed with the surrounding traffic, and use a GPS to help anticipate your upcoming exit.

The most direct route for crossing the city to eastern suburbs like Scarborough and Pickering is Highway 401 East. While it is the main artery, it is also prone to heavy congestion. To minimize your chances of getting stuck, try to travel during off-peak hours, such as between 10 AM and 3 PM or after 7 PM. Using a navigation app with real-time traffic data is crucial, as it can alert you to major delays and suggest alternative local routes if necessary.

Just outside the immediate airport area, there are several convenient retail plazas along major roads like Airport Road and Dixon Road. These areas are only a few minutes' drive from the rental car return and feature a variety of options, including coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and big-box retailers. This makes it very easy to grab any necessary supplies before you begin your main journey on one of the major highways.

When traveling with bulky sports equipment, it's wise to consider a larger vehicle like an SUV or minivan for adequate space. At the rental counter, you can ask the agent about the specific features of your assigned vehicle. Inquire about whether the rear seats fold down completely flat and if the vehicle has a center pass-through for longer items. This will help you confirm that your gear will fit securely inside the vehicle for safe transport.

Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic toll highway with no cash booths, so it's important to be aware of the signs. Many rental vehicles are equipped with a transponder, and if you use the highway, the tolls are automatically recorded and then processed through your rental agreement. If you wish to avoid these routes, pay close attention to road signs and set your GPS to avoid tolls. Should you take it by mistake, the charges will be handled seamlessly by the rental company.

A great way to create a scenic loop is to take the main Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) highway directly to Niagara Falls to maximize your time there. For the return journey, take the more leisurely Niagara Parkway north from the Falls towards Niagara-on-the-Lake. This beautiful route follows the Niagara River and is lined with wineries, farms, and historical sites. From Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can easily reconnect with the QEW for a straightforward drive back to Toronto.

The areas north of Toronto, including Barrie and Blue Mountain, are located in a region known as the "snow belt" and are prone to sudden, intense lake-effect snow squalls. These can cause visibility to drop to near zero in a matter of minutes. Before you depart, always check the weather forecast and official road condition reports. If snow is expected, drive with caution, reduce your speed, and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions.

A few local rules can catch visitors by surprise. When a streetcar stops and its doors open, you must stop behind it and wait for passengers; do not pass on the right. Right turns on a red light are generally permitted after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Also, be mindful of the many one-way streets in the downtown core and pay close attention to bicycle lanes, which are increasingly common throughout the city.

The drive between Toronto and Ottawa takes approximately four to five hours without major stops. A perfect and popular midpoint to break up the journey is the historic city of Kingston. Located almost exactly halfway, Kingston offers a beautiful waterfront, numerous restaurants, and historic sites for a relaxing lunch break. Stopping here turns the long drive into two more manageable segments of about two hours each.

For a beautiful fall drive that doesn't require a full day, consider heading to the Niagara Escarpment region. Areas like the Dundas Valley, Rattlesnake Point, or the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park are all within a 60- to 90-minute drive of the Toronto area. These locations offer stunning vistas, winding roads, and vibrant foliage. They provide a perfect taste of Ontario's autumn beauty without the long-distance commitment of a trip to Muskoka or Algonquin.

Parking in Toronto's dense downtown neighborhoods like the Entertainment District can be a challenge. On-street parking is extremely limited and has strict time restrictions, so it is not a reliable option. Your best bet is to use a public underground parking garage, often marked with a green 'P', or to utilize your hotel's designated parking facility. Be sure to factor parking into your budget, as daily rates in this popular area can be significant.

For St. Lawrence Market, there are several large, multi-level public parking garages (Green P) located just a block or two away, which are much easier than searching for street spots. The Distillery District is even simpler, as it is surrounded by several large surface parking lots specifically for visitors. These lots are well-signed from the main approach roads like Parliament Street and Cherry Street, making them the most convenient and stress-free option.

For an early-morning flight, especially one departing before 8:00 AM, it's wise to err on the side of caution. Plan to leave downtown approximately three hours before your flight's departure time. While the drive itself should be quick with no rush-hour traffic, this buffer allows ample time for the car return process, the shuttle to your terminal, and clearing airport security without feeling rushed. This ensures a calm and stress-free start to your travel day.

The airport road system is designed for this exact scenario. First, follow the signs for "Departures" and proceed to the specific terminal for your passenger. After you have dropped them and their luggage off at the curb, simply get back on the main airport roadway and follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to the correct facility without requiring you to leave and re-enter the airport road network.

Returning a car during a holiday or long weekend can mean more traffic and longer lines at the rental counter. The best way to mitigate delays is to build extra time into your schedule, planning to arrive at the airport a little earlier than you normally would. To expedite the process, have your rental agreement handy and make sure the vehicle is tidy and fueled according to your agreement. This preparation can help ensure a smoother and quicker return experience.

This is a highly practical and cost-effective strategy for exploring Ontario. Many travelers choose to take a taxi or public transit from YYZ to their downtown hotel to avoid high parking fees and the stress of city driving. After enjoying the city on foot or by transit for a few days, you can easily pick up another rental car from a downtown location. This approach gives you the freedom of a car for your wider travels without the burden of it in the urban core.

A day trip to Prince Edward County requires some planning, as the drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. To make it work, start your day very early, aiming to leave the Toronto area by 8:00 AM at the latest. Focus your visit on a specific part of the county, such as the wineries around Wellington or the shops in Bloomfield, rather than trying to see everything. Begin your drive back to Toronto by late afternoon to avoid the worst of the returning cottage country traffic.

To enjoy a relaxing trip to Stratford, plan your travel to avoid Toronto's rush hours. For a matinee performance, leaving the Toronto area around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM will ensure you miss the morning commuter traffic. After enjoying the show and dinner in Stratford, your return drive will be late in the evening, well after the afternoon rush has subsided. This timing allows for a smooth and pleasant journey in both directions.

The drive from YYZ to the major border crossings near Buffalo, New York, typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. Before you leave the airport, it is highly recommended to check the official border wait times online, as they can vary significantly. Ensure all your travel documents are easily accessible in the vehicle to present to border officials. This preparation will help facilitate a smoother and more predictable crossing experience.

There are numerous gas stations conveniently located on the main roads that circle the airport perimeter, such as Airport Road, Dixon Road, and Viscount Road. These are situated just before the final turn-offs for the rental car return areas. Fueling up at one of these locations allows you to easily top up the tank and then proceed directly to the return facility without having to navigate complex airport traffic loops or backtrack.

While a larger vehicle like a full-size SUV or minivan is ideal for group comfort, it's important to be aware of its dimensions in the city. Many of Toronto's older underground parking garages, especially downtown, have low ceiling clearances and narrow parking spaces. It's a good idea to check the height restrictions of your hotel's parking garage in advance. For curbside drop-offs, larger vehicles are generally fine, but navigating some of the tighter side streets requires extra care.

Driving in heavy rain can be challenging, as it reduces visibility and can make road surfaces slick. The high-speed Gardiner Expressway can feel particularly intense due to the amount of spray from other vehicles. Some drivers might find a route using Highway 401 to the Allen Road, then heading south on city streets, to be less stressful. Regardless of the route, the best advice is to slow down, increase your following distance, and allow extra time to reach your destination safely.

The most significant difference for American drivers is that all speeds and distances are posted in kilometers and kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles. A common speed limit on major highways is 100 km/h, which is roughly 62 mph. Additionally, gasoline is sold by the litre, not the gallon. Most traffic rules are similar, including the general allowance of turning right on a red light after a full stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise.