TTC subway, streetcars, Presto card setup, GO Transit, and how to get around Toronto without paying $60 for an Uber every time — the complete tourist transit guide.
Toronto's transit system is imperfect but functional for tourists. Most of the major attractions are accessible by TTC subway or streetcar, and for the rest, Uber fills the gaps. Here's the practical guide.
The Presto card is the reloadable transit card for TTC, GO Transit, and other regional systems. One card covers everything. You can buy one at any subway station (there's a $6 card fee) and load money at stations or online. The fare is $3.30 per TTC ride (cash is $3.35). If you tap in and out within 2 hours, transfers are free — even between subway, streetcar, and bus.
Day pass option The TTC day pass costs $14.50 on weekdays. If you're doing more than 4 rides in a day, this saves money. On weekends, the pass costs $13.50 and covers up to 2 adults and 4 children simultaneously — making it excellent value for families.
Toronto has 4 subway lines. For tourists, the most important are Line 1 (Yonge-University) — which runs through downtown — and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) — which runs east-west. These two form a U-shape that covers most tourist areas. Service runs from about 5:30am to 1:30am weekdays, slightly later on weekends.
Toronto's streetcars are slower than the subway but run on surface streets and cover areas the subway doesn't. The 509 and 510 run along the waterfront. The 501 Queen runs the length of Queen Street. The 504 King covers King Street. Download the TTC app or Google Maps for real-time arrivals.
GO Transit runs regional trains and buses across the Greater Toronto Area. For tourists, the most useful GO service is the Lakeshore lines, which run along the waterfront east and west. You can use the Presto card on GO as well. GO trains are comfortable and more reliable than TTC for longer distances.
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WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.