How to Get Cheap Flights to Toronto (2026)

Q: What is the cheapest month to fly to Toronto?

January, February and November are usually the cheapest months, since fewer people travel right after the holidays and before the warmer season. Summer (June–August) and the December holidays are the most expensive.

Q: Should I fly into Pearson or Billy Bishop?

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is the main international airport and handles the vast majority of long-haul and international flights. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), on the downtown waterfront, mainly serves shorter regional routes within Canada and the US and is worth checking if you're coming from a city it serves directly.

Q: Is it cheaper to fly direct or connect through a US hub?

From many international markets, a one-stop itinerary through a US hub can be cheaper than a direct flight to Toronto, though it adds a US transit and, depending on citizenship, may require a US transit visa. Compare both before booking.

Q: How far ahead should I book a flight to Toronto?

For North American routes, 4–8 weeks ahead is usually the sweet spot. For international long-haul flights, aim for 2–6 months ahead, earlier for summer or the December holidays.

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: September 2026. Prices are examples and change constantly — always confirm at checkout.

Quick answer

Flights to Toronto tend to be cheapest in January, February and November, book North American routes 4–8 weeks ahead and international long-haul 2–6 months ahead, and check both Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for the vast majority of routes and Billy Bishop (YTZ) if your origin city has a downtown-to-downtown option. Compare the whole market rather than one airline, and factor in bag fees on the budget carriers that serve Canadian routes.

Compare live fares to Toronto on ScanFlyGo →

1. Know your airport options: Pearson vs Billy Bishop

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is Canada's busiest airport and handles almost all international and long-haul traffic, along with most domestic routes. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located on the downtown waterfront, is smaller and mainly used for short-haul flights to other Canadian cities and a handful of US destinations. If you're flying from a city Billy Bishop serves directly, it's worth comparing — the downtown location can save you time and transfer costs even if the base fare isn't dramatically different.

2. Aim for the shoulder and low season

Summer, when Toronto's weather is at its warmest, and the December holiday season are the most expensive times to fly in. Late January, February and November are quieter and cheaper, though colder.

Travel window	What to expect
January, February, November	Lowest fares, cold weather
April – May, September – October	Milder weather, moderate fares
June – August, mid-December	Highest fares — warm weather or holiday season

3. Compare direct flights against US-hub connections

If you're traveling from overseas, it's worth comparing a direct flight to Toronto against a one-stop itinerary through a major US hub. The connection can sometimes be cheaper, though it adds time and, depending on your citizenship, may require a US transit visa — check the requirements before you book.

4. Book in the right window

For flights within North America, 4–8 weeks before departure tends to be the cheapest window. For international long-haul flights into Toronto, 2–6 months ahead is usually better, with extra lead time for summer or the December holidays.

5. Set a price alert

Fares to Toronto change often, particularly on competitive transborder US–Canada routes. A price alert on your specific dates lets you buy when the fare drops instead of checking manually.

6. Price the full cost on low-cost carriers

Budget carriers serving Canadian routes charge separately for checked bags and seat selection. Compare the all-in total for how you'll actually travel rather than just the advertised base fare.

7. Track your inbound aircraft

Once you're booked, a live flight tracker shows you if your incoming aircraft is running late, often before the airport display updates. Track any flight live on ScanFlyGo →

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest month to fly to Toronto?

January, February and November tend to be cheapest. Summer and the December holidays are the most expensive.

Should I fly into Pearson or Billy Bishop?

Pearson (YYZ) handles most international and long-haul routes. Billy Bishop (YTZ) is worth checking for short-haul flights from cities it serves directly.

Is it cheaper to fly direct or connect through a US hub?

Sometimes — a one-stop routing through a US hub can undercut a direct flight, but check transit visa requirements first.

How far ahead should I book a flight to Toronto?

Roughly 4–8 weeks ahead for North American routes, and 2–6 months ahead for international long-haul flights.

The bottom line

Toronto is well connected year-round, so the biggest lever on price is timing your trip outside summer and the December holidays, and checking both Pearson and Billy Bishop before you book. Start a live search on ScanFlyGo and check current popular routes to Toronto.

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