Cheap Flights from Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the downtown island airport, and its biggest saving is often time and transit costs rather than the fare itself. Porter and Air Canada fly turboprops to Eastern Canada and, since US preclearance opened in 2026, to more US cities; fares tend to be lowest on weekends, in summer and in the shoulder seasons.

Quick answer

• Main carriers: Porter, which is based here, and Air Canada Express.
• Cheapest times: weekends and summer on business routes, plus January–February and October–November.
• Best-value routes: Montréal, Ottawa, New York, Boston, Chicago and Halifax.
• Cheap airport access: walk or take a free shuttle from the Union Station area.
• Alternatives: Pearson for jets and more destinations, Hamilton for some domestic routes.

Airlines and where they fly

Porter is Billy Bishop’s home airline, flying Dash 8-400 turboprops to cities across Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, including Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City and Halifax. Jets are not permitted at the island airport, so Porter flies its Embraer jets from Pearson instead.

Air Canada operates Air Canada Express flights to Montréal and Ottawa and expanded its schedule in 2026, including US routes. The big change this year was US preclearance, which opened in March 2026 and lets passengers clear US customs in Toronto before boarding.

From YTZ, Porter flies to US cities such as Boston, Chicago, Newark, Washington Dulles and, since spring 2026, Nashville. Porter’s Chicago flights moved from Midway to O’Hare in September 2026. Air Canada added Boston, Chicago O’Hare, New York LaGuardia and Washington Dulles.

Heads up: Because only turboprops fly here, range is limited. For Western Canada, Florida, the Caribbean or overseas, you will be flying from Pearson.

Cheapest times to fly from Billy Bishop

Billy Bishop’s main routes are business-heavy, which flips the usual pattern. Weekday mornings and Thursday or Friday afternoons are the most expensive, while Saturdays, Sunday mornings and summer holiday weeks can be cheaper.

Period	What to expect from YTZ
January–February	Quiet season with frequent sales
Weekday rush hours	Highest fares on Ottawa, Montréal and US routes
Weekends	Often the best value for leisure travellers
July–August	Lower business demand on many routes
October–November	Good fall value, especially to Atlantic Canada

Best-value routes from YTZ

Montréal and Ottawa are the busiest routes, and with Porter and Air Canada both flying them frequently, sales are common. Leisure travellers who can fly mid-day or on weekends often get the best prices.

US cities are the growth story. New York is a classic weekend escape, and both airlines now compete on Boston, Chicago and Washington. See our New York guide for what a good fare looks like and how Newark and LaGuardia compare. Halifax and other Atlantic cities are good fall trips.

Pro tip: Porter fares include complimentary snacks and drinks, but its lowest fare types limit bags and changes. Compare like for like against Air Canada and against Pearson.

Nearby airports that can save you money

• Toronto Pearson (YYZ): far more airlines and destinations, including jets to Western Canada, the sun and overseas. Read our Pearson guide.
• Hamilton (YHM): about an hour west, with Porter jet flights to several Canadian cities and cheaper parking.
• Buffalo Niagara (BUF): sometimes worth comparing for US trips, but factor in the drive, the border and US dollar fares.

Getting to YTZ without wasting money

Getting to Billy Bishop is easy and cheap. You can walk through the pedestrian tunnel under the Western Gap or take one of the shortest ferry rides anywhere. A free shuttle bus has long linked the airport’s mainland entrance with the Union Station area; check the airport’s site for current details. TTC streetcars on Bathurst Street and Queens Quay stop close by, and cycling is a popular option.

Parking near the airport is limited and pricey, so transit or walking usually makes more sense.

Tips for YTZ

• Compare the same trip from YTZ and YYZ on a flight search.
• Fly mid-day, weekends or in summer on business routes.
• For US trips, arrive early enough to clear preclearance.
• Count the transit savings when comparing with Pearson.

Bottom line

Billy Bishop is all about convenience, and on the right trips it can be the cheapest door-to-door option. Compare it with Pearson, travel at off-peak business times, and sign up for free deal alerts to catch Porter and Air Canada sales from the island.