How to get around Toronto

Walking works best within a district. The CN Tower, harbour, Union Station, financial district, Hockey Hall of Fame and St. Lawrence Market can form one long central route. Construction, rail corridors, expressways and entrances above or below street level make the practical path less direct than it appears.

The TTC runs subway, streetcar and bus service. As checked 8 October 2026, an adult PRESTO, debit or credit fare costs CAD 3.30; cash costs CAD 3.35. A tap opens a two-hour transfer window on eligible TTC journeys, while cash requires a paper transfer. The adult day pass costs CAD 13.50.

Use the same card or device for each transfer. Ontario's One Fare programme can cover eligible connections between the TTC and participating regional transit systems, but payment and time rules matter. GO Transit is a separate regional rail and bus network, useful for some outer journeys.

All TTC buses and streetcars are accessible, and all subway trains accept mobility devices. Not every station has elevators. In spring 2026, the TTC reported 64 of 70 stations accessible; remaining construction dates can change. Check the exact entrance and live elevator status.

Cycling is useful along the waterfront and selected corridors, but the network is uneven and streetcar tracks require care. Toronto Island Park is car-free for visitors and reached by ferry or water taxi. A private car is rarely helpful downtown; it becomes more practical only for dispersed outer trips that transit does not combine well.

Fares and transfers

Tap PRESTO, a contactless card or a mobile wallet on TTC vehicles and fare gates. The adult contactless fare was CAD 3.30 when checked, with two hours of TTC transfers. Keep using the same payment method. Cash is slightly higher and uses a paper transfer; it does not create the same electronic window.

Subway, streetcar and bus

The subway handles the longest central corridors; streetcars make the east–west grid visible; buses reach the spaces between. Service changes, construction and short turns can alter a familiar route. Consult the TTC before leaving, especially late at night or on event weekends.

Airport and regional travel

UP Express runs from Pearson Airport to the central railway station in about 28 minutes, with stops at Weston and Bloor. The regular adult airport-to-downtown fare was CAD 12.35, or CAD 9.25 with PRESTO, when checked. The central station also serves GO Transit and VIA Rail.

Accessible travel

Vehicles are broadly accessible, but station elevators, construction and the final pavement route remain decisive. Check the TTC's accessible-station map and live elevator status. PATH can shelter part of a downtown journey, yet routes pass through separately operated buildings and are not uniformly intuitive or continuously open.

Ferries, walking and cycling

City ferries serve Toronto Island Park, and demand peaks on fine summer weekends. Buy through official channels and allow for the return queue. Walk or cycle within a compact district rather than forcing every neighbourhood into one day. On a bicycle, cross streetcar rails at a safe angle and avoid the track groove.