Flying between New York City and Toronto is a short, comfortable hop. The cities are roughly 340–370 miles (550–595 km) apart by air, and nonstop flights typically spend about 1 hour 15 minutes in the sky. Gate-to-gate, plan on 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, plus airport time for check-in and security.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- In-air time: about 1h10–1h30 on a nonstop.
- Gate-to-gate: roughly 1h25–1h50, depending on taxi time and winds.
- Distance: approximately 340–370 miles (550–595 km), varying by airport pair.
- Door-to-door reality: expect 4–6 hours including airport transfers, security, and baggage claim.
- Time zone: both cities are in Eastern Time, so no clock change.
Quick Facts Box
- Countries: United States (NYC) and Canada (Toronto)
- Main Airports (NYC): JFK, LGA, EWR
- Main Airports (Toronto): YYZ (Pearson), YTZ (Billy Bishop – Toronto Island)
- Typical nonstop frequency: many daily flights on this busy corridor
- Languages: English (Toronto also widely uses French)
- Currencies: USD in NYC, CAD in Toronto
- Best seats for speed: front of the cabin for a quicker exit ✈️
How far is it, and how long does it take?
The flying distance depends on which airports you use. Here are practical ranges you can expect on the most common pairs:
- JFK → YYZ (Pearson): ~366 miles / 589 km; in-air ~1h15–1h25; gate-to-gate ~1h35–1h50.
- LGA → YYZ: ~356 miles / 573 km; in-air ~1h10–1h25; gate-to-gate ~1h30–1h45.
- EWR → YYZ: ~341 miles / 549 km; in-air ~1h10–1h20; gate-to-gate ~1h25–1h40.
- NYC → YTZ (Toronto Island): similar distance and time; handy for downtown arrivals 🏙️.
Winds aloft, runway queues, and taxi times can add or shave minutes. Winter weather along the Great Lakes sometimes causes delays—mornings are usually smoothest.
Why the total trip feels longer than 90 minutes
- International check-in and security: arrive about 2 hours before departure.
- Taxi-out/in: busy hubs like JFK/LGA/EWR can add 10–30 minutes on the ground.
- Cross-border formalities: passport checks on departure/arrival.
- Airport transfers: getting to/from the airport can be the longest segment in NYC traffic 🚕.
Airports: which ones to choose?
New York City area
- LaGuardia (LGA): closest to Midtown Manhattan; often the shortest ride time. Limited long-haul, but strong Canada schedules.
- JFK: more long-haul gates and amenities; excellent public transport options; can have longer taxi times.
- Newark (EWR): convenient from West Side/Upper Manhattan and New Jersey; typically robust Canada service.
Toronto area
- Pearson (YYZ): the main international hub; widest choice of flights and connections.
- Billy Bishop (YTZ): a boutique downtown airport on the island; tiny commute to the financial core—great for quick meetings 🕴️.
Multiple airlines usually run nonstops between all three NYC airports and Toronto Pearson, with frequent service to Billy Bishop as well. Choose flights by total travel time (including ground transfer), not just the airborne minutes.
Best time to fly
- Early departures have fewer delays and give you backup options later in the day.
- Midweek (Tue–Thu) often offers better fares and lighter crowds.
- Winter: lake-effect snow can disrupt schedules; book earlier flights and keep plans flexible ❄️.
- Summer: afternoon thunderstorms around NYC can slow things; again, mornings win ⛅.
Typical costs
Prices vary by season, demand, and how early you book. Here’s a ballpark to plan a budget:
| Item | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roundtrip economy fare | $150–$350 | Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best chance at deals; peaks can hit $400–$600+ |
| Carry-on/checked bag | $0–$40 first bag | Depends on airline and fare class |
| Seat selection | $0–$40 | Exit rows/extra legroom cost more |
| NYC airport transfer | $10–$80 | Transit vs. rideshare/taxi; surge possible |
| Toronto airport transfer | $3–$60 | Transit to downtown or rideshare; YTZ is a quick hop 🚤 |
| Roaming/data | $0–$10/day | Check your plan; Canada often included on North America add-ons |
Documents and border basics
- U.S. citizens: need a valid passport book to fly to/from Canada. A passport card or driver’s license isn’t valid for air travel.
- Canadian citizens: use a valid Canadian passport for flights; no ESTA required when visiting the U.S. as a tourist.
- U.S. lawful permanent residents: carry your passport from your country of citizenship and your green card; an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is generally required to fly to Canada.
- Other nationalities: may need a visitor visa or an eTA for Canada and may need a U.S. visa/ESTA for the return. Always verify based on your passport.
- U.S.-bound from Toronto: at Toronto Pearson, most flights clear U.S. customs/immigration before departure (preclearance). Follow your airline’s guidance for procedures at other airports.
- Minors: when traveling without both parents/guardians, a consent letter is recommended.
Make your short flight even smoother
- Arrive early: target 2 hours before departure for this international hop.
- Pick the right airport: LGA is quickest to Midtown; YTZ is unbeatable for downtown Toronto. Choose what cuts your ground time.
- Travel light: a small carry-on saves time at both ends 🎒.
- Weather watch: morning flights are your friend during thunderstorm or snow seasons.
- Seat strategy: front-half seats deplane faster; aisle seats mean speed over scenery.
- Payment prep: have a no-foreign-fee card or a small amount of CAD; many places are tap-to-pay friendly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming it’s a domestic flight: it isn’t—bring your passport.
- Underestimating NYC traffic: pad your airport transfer time, especially at rush hour.
- Checking a bag on a 75-minute flight: if you can, go carry-on to dodge waits and misconnects.
- Ignoring airport choice: the “closest” flight by miles may not be the fastest door-to-door.
- Forgetting mobile data: set up a Canada roaming pass or eSIM before takeoff 📶.
Weather overview (for flight planning)
- Winter (Dec–Feb): potential snow and de-icing at both ends; book earlier flights and allow buffer time.
- Spring/Fall: generally calm; cool mornings, occasional rain.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): pop-up thunderstorms around NYC can delay afternoon departures; mornings are steadier.
Nearby alternatives and comparisons
- Train: New York–Toronto via the Maple Leaf takes roughly 12–13 hours—scenic but far slower 🚆.
- Drive: about 500 miles/800 km and 8–10 hours depending on the border crossing.
- Fly to Buffalo (BUF): if Toronto fares surge, sometimes a flight to Buffalo plus a bus/shuttle to Toronto works—but factor the extra time.
FAQs
Is this route considered international?
Yes. You’re flying between the U.S. and Canada, so bring a valid passport and meet entry rules for both countries.
How long is a nonstop flight, really?
In the air it’s typically 1h10–1h30. With taxi time and normal operations, most schedules block around 1h25–1h50 gate-to-gate.
Which NYC airport should I choose?
Pick the one that minimizes your total door-to-door time. LGA is closest to Midtown; JFK and EWR can be better for specific neighborhoods or flight times.
Which Toronto airport is best for downtown?
Billy Bishop (YTZ) sits on the island next to downtown—very quick to the financial district. Pearson (YYZ) has more flights and connections.
Do I clear customs in New York or Toronto?
Flying to Canada, you clear Canadian border checks on arrival. Flying to the U.S. from Toronto Pearson, you usually clear U.S. customs before departure (preclearance), arriving stateside like a domestic flight.
Can I use a passport card or driver’s license for this flight?
No. For air travel between the U.S. and Canada, a passport book is required for U.S. citizens. Other nationalities must carry proper documents per their status.
Are red-eye flights common on this route?
Rare. The distance is short and schedules are dense in daytime and evening hours.
When should I book to get the best price?
For this busy corridor, aim 3–8 weeks out when possible, avoid major holidays, and be flexible with airport choice to catch lower fares.
Conclusion
This is one of North America’s quickest international hops—under 400 miles, around 75–90 minutes in the air, and plenty of daily nonstops. Choose the airports that minimize ground time, keep documents handy, and fly early for the smoothest ride. With a little planning, you’ll be downtown-to-downtown in a flash 🚀.