🇨🇦 Getting Around Toronto

Canada's largest city runs on the TTC — subways, streetcars, and buses connecting diverse neighbourhoods from the waterfront to the suburbs.

Main Transport Options

TTC Subway

Toronto's underground and elevated rail system — 4 lines and 75 stations

CA$3.35 per ride (PRESTO)

•Line 1 (Yonge-University): Main north-south loop
•Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): East-west backbone
•Line 3 (Scarborough RT) and Line 4 (Sheppard)
•Runs from ~6 AM to 1:30 AM daily

Pro Tip: Line 1 from Union to Finch hits every major attraction — CN Tower, Eaton Centre, ROM, and more!

TTC Streetcars

Toronto's iconic streetcar network — the largest in North America

CA$3.35 (same fare as subway)

•11 routes across downtown and waterfront
•Modern Bombardier Flexity cars
•Route 501 Queen: longest streetcar route in North America
•24/7 service on some routes (Blue Night Network)

Pro Tip: The 501 Queen streetcar is a rolling tour of Toronto's coolest neighbourhoods — Parkdale, Queen West, Leslieville!

GO Transit

Regional trains and buses connecting Toronto to the Greater Golden Horseshoe

CA$6–$15 (distance-based)

•7 train lines radiating from Union Station
•Express service to Pearson Airport (UP Express)
•Connects to Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Barrie
•PRESTO card accepted on all services

Pro Tip: The UP Express from Pearson Airport to Union Station is 25 minutes and CA$12.35 — skip the taxi!

Bike Share Toronto

7,000+ bikes and 700 stations across the city

CA$1 unlock + CA$0.12/min

•Classic and e-bikes available
•Stations from waterfront to midtown
•Martin Goodman Trail along the lakeshore
•Seamless with Lyft app

Pro Tip: Ride the Martin Goodman Trail along Lake Ontario — 56 km of car-free waterfront cycling!

Passes & Tickets

PRESTO Card

Reloadable smart card for TTC, GO Transit, and regional systems

Best for: Everyone — essential for Toronto transit

✓CA$6 card fee
✓2-hour free transfers on TTC
✓Works across GTA transit systems

TTC Day Pass

Unlimited TTC rides for one day

Best for: Heavy sightseeing days

✓CA$13.50 for unlimited rides
✓All subways, streetcars, and buses
✓Valid from first tap until 3 AM

Weekly Pass

7 days of unlimited TTC rides

Best for: Week-long visits

✓CA$43.75 for 7 days
✓All TTC services included
✓Monday to Sunday validity

Navigation Apps & Tools

Transit App

Best real-time tracking for TTC subways, streetcars, and buses

TTC Official App

Service alerts, trip planning, and PRESTO balance check

Google Maps

Reliable multi-modal routing across Toronto and GTA

Uber/Lyft

Ride-hailing widely available; Lyft integrates Bike Share Toronto

Most Instagrammable Transport Spots

Streetcar on Queen Street

Iconic red streetcar passing graffiti-covered walls and indie shops

Union Station Great Hall

Beaux-Arts architecture with soaring ceilings and heritage tile

Spadina Streetcar at Chinatown

Streetcar rolling through one of North America's largest Chinatowns

Ferry to Toronto Islands

Skyline views from the harbour with CN Tower centred perfectly

PATH Underground City

30 km of underground walkways connecting downtown towers

Insider Tips

1PRESTO gives you free 2-hour transfers — tap the same card on subway, streetcar, and bus
2The 501 Queen streetcar runs 24/7 (Blue Night) — you always have a way home
3GO Transit's UP Express to Pearson Airport is CA$12.35 and 25 min — much cheaper than a cab
4Toronto's PATH underground is 30 km — essential in winter to avoid the -20°C cold
5Streetcars share lanes with cars — they're slower than the subway but way more scenic
6The Islands ferry from Jack Layton Terminal gives you the best skyline photo in the city