Madrid to Toronto (MAD–YYZ) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Spanish passport holders do not need a visa to visit Canada for up to 6 months. You do need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding your flight. Apply online at the IRCC website. It costs CAD 7 and is usually approved within minutes. The eTA is linked to your passport and valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. There is no strict 6-month validity rule, but the border officer determines how long you can stay. Bring proof of funds, a return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your travel plans.

The eTA is only required for air travel. If you enter Canada by land or sea from the US, no eTA is needed. If you are transiting through a Canadian airport to the US, you still need the eTA even if you do not clear Canadian immigration.

Metro Line 8 runs from Nuevos Ministerios (central Madrid) to T1/T2/T3 in 12–15 minutes (€6, including the airport supplement). T4 requires an additional free shuttle from T2; add 10 minutes. The Cercanías commuter train (Line C-1) reaches T4 from Atocha station in 25 minutes (€2.60, no supplement).Taxis have a fixed fare of €30 from central Madrid zones. The ride is typically 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Avenida de América bus hub serves several airport bus routes (€5).

UP Express from T1 to Union Station runs every 15 minutes (25 min, CAD $12.35). The station is inside T1; take the LINK train from T3 arrivals first (free, 3 min). Taxis to downtown use a meter; expect CAD $55–75.Ride-hail (Uber, Lyft) picks up at the designated Ground Transportation area; follow signs. TTC buses run to the Kipling and Bloor–Yonge subway stations (CAD $3.30) for a longer but cheaper option. Car rental agencies are at T1 and accessible from T3 via the LINK train.

Humid continental climate. Winters are harsh (−10 to −1°C, December–March) with significant snowfall. Pearson closes runways for plowing and de-icing regularly, causing wave delays. Ice storms (freezing rain) are more disruptive than snowfall and can halt operations for hours. Buffalo-effect lake-effect snow can bring heavy accumulations with little warning.

Summers are warm and humid (22–30°C) with afternoon thunderstorms that delay departures July–August. Spring and fall are pleasant but unpredictable. YYZ connections in winter require significant schedule buffer. It is Canada's most weather-disrupted major hub.