Hertz Car Hire
in Toronto

After you clear customs and collect your luggage, follow the overhead signs marked 'Ground Transportation' and 'Car Rentals'. These signs are clearly displayed throughout the international arrivals hall in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The Hertz desks are located inside the terminal buildings on the arrivals level. Once your paperwork is complete, you will be directed to the dedicated rental car collection area in the adjacent car park.

Navigating Toronto Pearson late at night is often calmer due to reduced passenger numbers. The steps to reach the Hertz collection point are the same as during the day, and signage is well lit and easy to follow. After collecting your bags, proceed to the rental car desks on the arrivals level of your terminal. Staff will be available to assist you, and from there it’s a short, covered walk to the vehicle pickup area in the car park.

On a busy weekend it’s sensible to allow ample time for the entire arrivals process. Accounting for deplaning, immigration, baggage collection and the rental counter queue, a realistic estimate is between 90 minutes and two hours. This cushion covers peak travel periods when airport services are in high demand and helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

The most effective approach is to designate a specific, easy-to-find meeting point in the arrivals hall of one terminal, preferably Terminal 1 as it’s the larger hub. A coffee shop or a seating area near the international arrivals exit works well as a comfortable waiting spot. Once the whole group has assembled, you can proceed together to the Hertz desk and then to the car pickup area so no one is left behind.

The best place to fit car seats is in the rental car pickup area within the car park. After you’ve been allocated your vehicle, you can take your time in the designated parking bay to secure the seats correctly. This sheltered area has far less traffic than the passenger pickup kerbs, providing a safer and less stressful environment to ensure children are properly buckled in.

Yes — the most convenient spot is right in your assigned parking bay in the rental pickup car park. Before you start the car you can comfortably arrange luggage in the boot and cabin. It’s also the perfect time to pair your phones with the car’s infotainment system and enter your destination into your chosen navigation app. Spending a few minutes here will make your departure from the airport much smoother.

A frequent mistake for first-time visitors is accidentally taking Highway 427 North instead of South, or missing the correct ramp for Highway 401 East. Signage can be complex when joining these major expressways. To avoid this, set up your GPS before you start driving and pay attention to lane guidance. Having a passenger act as a co‑pilot for the first few minutes can also be extremely helpful.

For a more straightforward drive, taking Highway 427 South to the Gardiner Expressway East is often the least stressful option. This route lets you bypass the more complex and often congested interchange where Highway 401 meets the Don Valley Parkway. The Gardiner provides a direct route along the waterfront into the heart of downtown, with well‑marked exits for key areas.

The most direct approach is to take Highway 427 South to the Gardiner Expressway East. As you approach downtown, look for exits such as Spadina Avenue or York/Bay/Yonge, which will put you very close to the Entertainment District. Using one of these exits from the Gardiner allows for a more predictable entry into the city grid and minimises the need for sudden lane changes on busy downtown streets.

The most direct and simplest route completely bypasses downtown Toronto’s complex interchanges. From the airport, take Highway 427 South until it merges with the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Follow the QEW westbound, following signs for Hamilton and then Niagara. This major motorway will take you almost the entire way to Niagara Falls with minimal confusion or required interchanges.

The drive from YYZ to the Square One area in Mississauga is short and straightforward. You can take either Highway 401 West for a few kilometres to Hurontario Street, or use Highway 427 South to connect to Highway 403 West. During the evening rush hour, typically from 4pm to 7pm, all these routes can experience significant congestion, so it’s wise to plan for potential delays.

The drive is very manageable, with the primary route being Highway 401 East to Highway 404 North. While the 401 is one of North America’s busiest highways, it is wide and well signed. For a potentially calmer, though tolled, alternative consider using Highway 407 ETR. This electronic toll road often has lighter traffic, which can make the journey feel less hectic for drivers unfamiliar with the region.

The most practical and efficient plan is to use Highway 401 East. This major expressway runs across the northern part of Toronto, allowing you to bypass the downtown core and the Gardiner Expressway entirely. Both the Toronto Zoo and the main access roads for Scarborough Bluffs are conveniently located just off the 401, making it a direct and logical route from the airport.

When driving in Toronto, be aware that streetcars have right of way and run on tracks embedded in the road, often in the centre lanes. The critical rule is never to pass a stopped streetcar on the right when its doors are open, as passengers will be stepping directly into the lane of traffic. Also be mindful of the tracks when turning or changing lanes, especially in wet or icy conditions, as they can be slippery.

The main challenge with the Distillery District is that its historic core is a pedestrian‑only area with cobbled streets. Drivers often get confused trying to navigate directly into it. The best approach is to aim for one of the large public car parks on the periphery, such as those on Parliament Street or Cherry Street. From there it’s a very short and pleasant walk into the heart of the district.

The most effective strategy is to plan on using one of the large, multi‑level underground car parks in the immediate vicinity. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, located right next door, has ample underground parking that serves both attractions. Arriving earlier in the day, particularly at weekends, significantly increases your chances of finding a spot quickly. Pre‑booking a parking space online can also reduce stress.

The ideal 'park once' strategy is to find a Green P municipal car park centrally located between the two neighbourhoods. A great option is the car park at 20 St. Andrew Street, just off Spadina Avenue. By parking there you place yourself within a five‑minute walk of both Kensington Market and the main stretch of Chinatown, allowing you to explore both areas easily on foot.

The least frustrating plan is to drive to the area around the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street on Queens Quay. There are several large public car parks along Queens Quay, just a short walk from the terminal. Park your car for the day in one of these lots, then enjoy a car‑free day exploring the islands at a leisurely pace.

A smart plan is to park a little further away from the arena and walk the final 10 to 15 minutes. Consider car parks north of Union Station or closer to the financial district. To exit after the game, either plan to relax at a nearby restaurant for about 45 minutes until traffic subsides, or have a route pre‑planned that takes you onto side streets heading north, away from the immediate Gardiner Expressway on‑ramps.

For a major event at Rogers Centre, aim to be parked at least 90 minutes before the start time. The streets that experience the worst congestion are Bremner Boulevard, Blue Jays Way and the nearby ramps for the Gardiner Expressway. Parking a few blocks north of the venue and walking down can often save you significant time and frustration sitting in pre‑event traffic.

Driving to both locations is relatively straightforward as they sit outside the most congested parts of the downtown core. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has a large underground car park with access from Bloor Street, and there are other lots nearby. Casa Loma offers paid on‑site parking, which is the most convenient option. For either destination, arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends, is key to securing a spot easily.

To have a smooth start to your day trip, aim to be on the motorway leaving the Greater Toronto Area before the peak commuter rush. On a weekday that means departing before 7:00am. At the weekend, leaving by 8:00am will help you get ahead of the majority of resort‑bound traffic, ensuring a more pleasant and timely drive north.

The most direct route is to take Highway 401 East from Toronto for the majority of the journey. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, so an early start is essential for a day trip. Plan your key stops in the County beforehand, as amenities can be spread out between the charming small towns. Pack some water and snacks, as services may be spaced apart.

The easiest drive is to take Highway 401 West towards London, then exit onto Highway 8 West towards Kitchener/Waterloo, following signs for Stratford. The journey is mostly on major highways and is well signed. On arrival in Stratford you’ll find ample street parking and several municipal lots conveniently located around the town centre and near the main theatres, making it easy to park once and explore on foot.

When heading to Canada’s Wonderland, especially on a summer weekend, expect heavy traffic on Highway 400 approaching the park’s exit at Rutherford Road. The park is well prepared for high volume and has very large car parks. Staff will direct you into rows, so the key is to follow their instructions for a smooth and efficient parking experience. Arriving shortly before opening minimises time in traffic.

During a winter storm, the most important thing is to adapt your driving for the conditions. Major highways around YYZ are prioritised for ploughing and salting, but conditions can still be challenging. Reduce your speed significantly, leave much more space than usual between your car and the vehicle ahead, and allow for extra braking time. Be prepared for journeys to take considerably longer than your GPS initially estimates.

Leaving the airport you will immediately be on major highways like the 401 or 427. While these are typically well maintained, be most cautious on on‑ramps, off‑ramps and overpasses, as these surfaces can freeze sooner and be more slippery than the main carriageway. Adjust your speed before you reach these transitions, avoid sudden braking or steering, and maintain steady, gentle control of the vehicle.

The large interchange connecting Highways 401 and 427 near the airport can be daunting due to multiple lanes and exits. Another complex area is the junction of the 401 with the Don Valley Parkway/Highway 404. The best preparation is to review your route on a map before you start driving and use a GPS app with lane guidance. Having a passenger help navigate will also make these complex sections much more manageable.

Downtown Toronto features many one‑way streets, particularly major north‑south arteries like Bay, Yonge and Church. Always look for the black‑and‑white one‑way arrow signs before committing to a turn. If you miss your intended turn, it’s almost always safer and faster to drive around the block rather than attempt a difficult or prohibited manoeuvre.

Parking directly at St. Lawrence Market on a busy weekend morning can be extremely difficult, with limited spaces and heavy congestion. A much smoother plan is to use the large Green P municipal car park located a block north at 2 Church Street. This saves you the frustration of circling the market and provides a very short, easy walk to your destination.

Before you arrive, ask your host for the precise location of the car park entrance, as it is often in a rear laneway or on a different street to the main building address. Enquire about any height restrictions for the garage if you have a larger vehicle. It’s also wise to ask about the best place for temporary parking or a loading zone to unload luggage before heading into the garage.

Within a five to ten minute drive from the airport there are several large shopping centres with grocery stores, pharmacies and coffee shops. Look for plazas along major roads such as Dixon Road or Airport Road. These locations are designed for easy access and feature large, spacious car parks, making for a quick and stress‑free stop to stock up before you continue your journey.

For an early‑morning flight, it’s a good idea to add an extra 30 to 40 minutes to your travel time for the car return process. This buffer will comfortably cover finding the correct return car park, the vehicle check‑in procedure, and the time it takes to ride the Terminal Link train back to your departure terminal. This ensures you reach your airline’s check‑in counter without feeling rushed.

The most efficient method is to drive first to the Departures level of the appropriate terminal. There you can drop off all passengers and unload luggage at the kerb. While they proceed to check‑in, you can then drive the now‑empty car to the designated Hertz return area by yourself, streamlining the process for everyone.

On the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) approaching the Niagara region, the signage is very clear. To avoid the border, follow the large green signs directing you to 'Niagara Falls, ON' or specific tourist areas such as Clifton Hill. Routes to the Rainbow Bridge or Peace Bridge leading to the USA are distinctly signed, so as long as you avoid those lanes you will stay in Canada.

A practical and efficient sequence is to start in Toronto, then take the short drive to explore the Niagara Falls region. From Niagara, drive back towards Toronto and join Highway 401 East. This major route will take you directly to Ottawa. This routing minimises backtracking and combines the longest leg (Niagara to Ottawa) into a single, manageable travel day.

Toronto’s primary construction season runs from late spring through autumn and can have a major impact on travel times. Key arteries like the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway often have lane closures that cause significant delays. It’s essential to check a real‑time traffic app such as Waze or Google Maps just before you leave the airport to get the most accurate route and updated arrival time estimate.

A good strategy is to choose a hotel or accommodation that includes parking and is located near a subway station, perhaps just outside the downtown core. Leave your rental car parked there for days when you plan to explore the city by its efficient public transport system. The car will then be available for easy access to the motorways for planned day trips out of the city.