A sprawling destination to visit, work, or live full time, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) features a great public transit system, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). The TTC in Toronto makes it easy for anyone to make their way through the city.
If you have an upcoming trip to Toronto (looking at you, Swifties), here’s what you need to know to navigate the TTC like a pro.
TTC basics
The TTC in Toronto is a comprehensive public transit network, including buses, streetcars, and subways. With a single fare system it’s easy to switch from one form of transportation to another as you make your way to your destination throughout areas like downtown Toronto, the waterfront, and the outskirts of the city.
Fare information:
- Adult fare: $3.35 CAD
- Child fare (12 and under): Free
- Senior and Youth fares: $2.30 CAD
Note that you can pay with cash but streetcars and buses do not provide change. Alternatively, the easiest way to pay for TTC transit is by using a PRESTO card, which is a reusable card that allows you to load funds and simply tap as you board.
How to get a PRESTO card
1. You can purchase your PRESTO card for only $6 at subway stations, the Toronto Pearson Airport, or at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across the GTA.
2. Load funds onto your PRESTO card at TTC kiosks, online, or via the PRESTO app.
3. Just tap your PRESTO card onto the reader as you board your bus, streetcar, or on entry at subway stations.
Note that PRESTO cards offer a two-hour transfer window, allowing you to hop on and off, across lines or vehicles, without paying an additional fare.
TTC subways
The TTC subway is an easy and efficient way to travel across Toronto. The subway system has four lines:
1. Yonge-University
A U-shape track that runs from Finch Station (north) to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, and passes through major stops, including Union Station, Queen’s Park, and St. George.
2. Bloor-Danforth
Cuts east to west from Kipling Station to Kennedy Station, and is a convenient way to access neighbourhoods like Greektown and The Annex.
3. Scarborough LRT
A lite-rail option that serves the east end of Toronto, primarily connecting residents to Line 2.
4. Sheppard
A short line connecting Sheppard-Yonge to Don Mills in North York.
TTC streetcars
The classic red streetcars, which operate on specific routes throughout the city, are perfect for those looking to explore the sights slowly or travel through downtown.
Hop on these streetcar lines:
- 501 Queen Streetcar: a route from east to west along Queen Street, perfect for shopping or dining.
- 504 King Streetcar: travels through Liberty Village and the Distillery District.
- 506 Carlton Streetcar: heads to Little Italy, Kensington Market, and the University of Toronto campus.
TTC buses: Reaching hard-to-access spots
While the subway and streetcars cover Toronto’s central areas, the TTC buses serve neighbourhoods outside downtown and to harder-to-access spots on a reliable schedule.
- Check real-time bus schedules on the TTC website or Google Maps.
- Just tap your PRESTO card as you board.
- Bus stop numbers and route maps are posted at each bus stop to help you navigate your trip.
Bonus TTC tips for tourists
- Take advantage of the TTC trip planner on the TTC website to help you find the best route based on your destination and time of travel.
- Check out apps like aloSIM or Transit, which help you stay connected with data so that you can check real-time TTC updates as you navigate your route.
- Note that the TTC in Toronto is crowded during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
- Remember that with a PRESTO card, you can transfer between subway, streetcar, and bus lines for free within two hours.
- If you have accessibility needs, many TTC stations have elevators and ramps, and streetcars are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
