Toronto is a megalopolis, and yet its transportation network is easy to understand. 4 major public transport systems are available: The subway, Streetcars (tramway), buses and "Go transit" commuter trains.
Fare
To travel through Toronto and its surroundings, you’ll need to take the TTC. You can find the fares below (excluding Go transit). Note that transportation is FREE FOR 12 YEARS AND UNDER.
If you live in Toronto, I suggest you to buy a Presto Pass : this is a rechargeable rigid plastic card that costs $ 6, and that will make your life easier.
Your credit card is your pass: You can now use your credit Card or debit card as a PASS for TTC. It will work as a normal pass and allow you to use the same credit card for 2 hours without adding any cost.
Timetables and plans
Subway : approximately every 3/5 minutes from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Streetcars : most run 24/7 (at night replaced by the Blue Night Network).
Bus : most buses have their schedules from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Commuter trains: find all the timetables here.
To travel easily in Toronto you can download on the two applications below. They are very useful and notify you when you have to get off a bus. Never miss your stop. Download the app by clicking on the corresponding logo!
MOOVIT
MAPSTR
How does it work to take the TTC ?
If you have a Presto card, during validation, you can take any TTC service for 2 hours. You must validate your card on each change, you have no additional fees during this period of time.
You will find ticket machine to buy tickets or recharge in each subway station. If you take the Bus or the streetcar it is better to have some extra cash with you. If most of the streetcars take you card, others are old and only accept cash with the right amount. Also, if you pay on the bus you’re not sure to have the change in return.
I want to live in Toronto but work in Mississauga/York Region
There is a partnership between the cities so you are not forced to have another ticket. You won't be charged a MiWay or YRT fare as long as you are within the two hours of your first tap on TTC I invite you to see all about this here.
Using the Toronto Bike Share
If you live in Toronto, you have to subscribe to this service for about $ 105 (payable by credit card). When borrowing a bicycle, you will have to return it in a bike station 30 minutes later maximum (you can do this action as many times during the day). For $120 you can have 45mn. In addition to being useful, the bikes are in excellent condition. By using the number of your Presto card, you will be able to benefit from a 20% discount on the subscription for your first year: click here to reach the form with the promo code box.
You’ll see it later but once your card is received, you can save it on the internet which will allow you to unlock the bike directly via the PBSC application. Click below to download the app:
Fare: If you are only here for a short stay, here are the different prices to rent a bike:
one use: $ 1 + $0.12/mn
one day pass: $ 15
Warning ! With any of these passes you must return your bike before the 30 minutes have elapsed, otherwise the company will charge you $ 4 for each additional 30 minutes.
Taxis and VTC
Different companies are present in Toronto, I advise you to have as many as possible in order to be able to compare prices. Click on the logos to download the application:
Beck Taxi: The most popular taxi company of Toronto. You’ll recognize the car by their color orange and green.
Uber: World leader in VTC, no need to present it.
Lyft: Compete with Uber and you can often find prices that are more attractive.
Facedrive: Canadian startup that pays the drivers better than Uber and Lyft ‘if you want to support your driver).
How to go to the airport ?
First of all, be careful, Toronto has 2 airports: Pearson (international) and Billy Bishop (which is very close to the city center).
How to get to Pearson Airport ?
UP Express : The quickest way to get there is to use the UP Express from Union station. It will cost you $ 12.35 when taking a ticket or $ 9.25 using the Presto Pass (or tapping your credit card). The journey takes 25 minutes and the express times range from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1 train every 15 minutes). This transportation is also free for children 12 and under.
By TTC: By taking line 2 to Kipling then the Airport Express bus. It is longer but cheaper because you will use a single TTC ticket.
How to get to Billy Bishop Airport ?
This airport is located on an island, to access an underground passage is accessible on foot. You can also take a free ferry whose journey lasts 90 seconds; from 5 am to midnight.
Free shuttles take you to the entrance to this underground passage from 5 a.m. to midnight and until 9 p.m. on Sunday from Union on the York street side (west entrance side of the Fairmont Royal York hotel).
That's all there is to know about transportation in Toronto!
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