Travelling from New York to Toronto? Whether you’re a New Yorker visiting Canada or heading home to Toronto, this guide covers the flight time, distance, airport options, and border details for the northbound journey — plus tips to book the best fare.
New York to Toronto flight time
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A non-stop flight from New York to Toronto takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in the air. The northbound and southbound flights take almost exactly the same time, since the distance is identical — only minor differences from winds and routing apply on such a short hop.
New York to Toronto distance
The flight (straight-line) distance from New York to Toronto is about 570 km (355 miles). By road it’s around 790 km (490 miles), since the drive must follow highways around Lake Ontario and through the Niagara crossing. This is why flying is dramatically faster than driving despite the cities feeling close on a map.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Flight time (non-stop) | ~1 h 30 m |
| Flight distance | ~570 km / 355 mi |
| Driving distance | ~790 km / 490 mi |
| Driving time | ~8–9 hours |
Airports for the New York to Toronto route
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New York is served by three major airports — JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR) — while Toronto is served by Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and the downtown Billy Bishop airport (YTZ). Pearson offers the widest choice of flights, while Billy Bishop is unbeatable for convenience if you’re heading straight into downtown Toronto. Choose your New York departure airport based on which is easiest to reach from where you’re staying.
How the northbound border process works
One key difference on the New York to Toronto leg is where you clear customs. Unlike the southbound trip — where you clear U.S. pre-clearance before departing Toronto — on the northbound journey you clear Canadian customs after you land in Toronto. The air time is nearly identical, but the airport experience feels a little different. Carry a valid passport and any required documents for entry into Canada.
Is there a time difference?
No. New York and Toronto are both in the Eastern Time zone, so there’s no need to adjust your watch. This makes day trips and short visits especially easy in either direction.
Tips for booking a New York to Toronto flight
To get the best value, book two to eight weeks ahead and stay flexible with your dates. Mid-week departures are usually cheaper than weekends, and travelling light avoids checked-bag fees on this short flight. Comparing all three New York airports can reveal a better fare — sometimes flying out of Newark instead of JFK makes a real difference.
Explore all your options
Flying isn’t the only way to travel between the cities. If you’d like to compare driving, the train, and the bus, along with detailed airport and seasonal advice, our complete Toronto to New York travel guide covers the whole route in both directions.
Ready to book your New York to Toronto flight?
Speak with a Get Airline agent for the best fares to Canada & the USA.
The Get Airline team helps travellers across Canada and the USA find the best fares and the most convenient routes. Give us a call and we’ll take care of your booking from start to finish.
Getting to Toronto from the airport
Once you land, reaching your destination is easy. From Toronto Pearson, an express train connects directly to downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes, and taxis and ride-shares are readily available. If you fly into Billy Bishop, you’re already right beside downtown — a short walk or shuttle brings you into the core. Choosing your Toronto arrival airport with your final destination in mind saves time and money.
Choosing your New York departure airport
Since New York has three major airports, pick the one easiest to reach from where you’re staying. LaGuardia is closest to Midtown, Newark suits Lower Manhattan and New Jersey, and JFK offers the widest schedule. Sometimes a slightly less convenient airport comes with a noticeably better fare, so it’s worth comparing all three when you book.
Tips for a smooth northbound trip
Because you clear Canadian customs on arrival in Toronto rather than before departure, the airport process in New York feels much like a domestic flight. Still, arrive with time to spare, complete online check-in when it opens, and keep your passport and any required documents handy. Travelling with carry-on only keeps things quick on both ends.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Toronto?
About 1 hour 30 minutes non-stop — nearly identical to the southbound flight.
How far is New York from Toronto?
Around 570 km (355 miles) by air and about 790 km (490 miles) by road.
Is there a time difference between New York and Toronto?
No, both cities are in the Eastern Time zone.
Which New York airport should I depart from?
Whichever is easiest to reach from where you’re staying — LaGuardia, Newark, or JFK all serve the route.
When should I book for the best fare?
Two to eight weeks in advance usually offers the best value.
For the full picture — driving, train, bus, and detailed airport and seasonal advice for both directions — see our complete Toronto to New York travel guide.
Ready to book your New York to Toronto flight? Call us today.
Speak with a Get Airline agent for the best fares to Canada & the USA.
John Edward is an avid airline enthusiast and passionate blogger dedicated to sharing his love for aviation with others. With extensive airline industry knowledge, John’s insightful blog posts cover various topics, from airline reviews and travel tips to industry news and updates. His engaging writing style and deep understanding of aviation make his blog a go-to resource for travelers and enthusiasts.
