Toronto Public Transportation
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Union Pearson Express
These state of the art trains are the best way to get from Toronto’s Pearson Airport to the downtown core. It stops at two other stations (Weston & Bloor) before arriving at Union Station downtown.
UP Express departs from both Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport every 15 minutes. Your journey takes just 25 minutes; it's the swiftest and most reliable way to travel.
You can buy your UP Express tickets online any time, or at selected service counters, Ticket Vending Machines (TVM's), using PRESTO (see more below), or on board the train.
Car Rental
There are a lot of car rental companies for you to choose from with reasonable rates. If you plan to stay in the downtown core I would suggest against renting a car as parking can be difficult to find and there are better modes of transportation available. If your trip involves going to a lot of the areas outside of downtown, you can check out the rates here.
Ride Sharing
Uber – There are lots of Uber drivers in Toronto so if you already have the app, you can usually find a ride within a minute or two. If you don’t know what Uber is…Uber is a ride sharing app that allows you to request a ride right from your smart phone! To get up to $20 off your first ride, sign up with this link.
Lyft – Recently just launched here in Toronto, Lyft is a great addition to Uber. You will find a lot of drivers are also on Lyft so finding a ride will be easy peasy. To get $10 off your first Lyft ride, sign up with this link.
Public Transit
TTC – Toronto has a great public transit system with easy to navigate subways, buses, and streetcars. To plan your route, click on the link below.
A single one way trip on a cash fare will cost you $3.25 for adults and kids under 12 ride for free. Exact fare is required on streetcars and buses. Make sure to purchase your fare prior to boarding as operators do not sell fares or carry change. If you are transferring between buses, streetcars, and subways; make sure you also grab a transfer.
Passes are also available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
For more information on where to purchase your fare, please click here.
Prepaid Card – Presto
PRESTO is an electronic payment system that eliminates the need for tickets, tokens, passes and cash. PRESTO works across local transit in the Greater Toronto (see list of cities below) and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and Ottawa. You can purchase one of these at any one of their Customer Service Outlets.
This card is very convenient as you can use it across 11 transit agencies. All you have to do once you purchase the card is to load funds onto it at one of the self serve machines.
Tap your card on the PRESTO device at the beginning of your ride and you are all set to go! The only place you have to remember to tap off at the end of your trip is when you are riding GO Transit and UP Express.
*Brampton Transit
*Burlington Transit
*Durham Region Transit (DRT)
*GO Transit
*Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
*Miway (Mississauga Transit)
*Oakville Transit
*Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
*UP Express
*York Region Transit/Viva (YRT/Viva)
Taxi
If you are already in the downtown core, waving down a taxi will be extremely easy. All taxi rides are metered. If you need to arrange a pick up, you can reach out to one of the taxi companies below either online or by phone.
Beck – 416-751-5555
Co-op – 416 504 2667
Diamond Taxi – 416-366-6868
Walking
Toronto is an extremely walkable city. If you have a phone with data, the walking directions on google maps will get you to anywhere you need to go. If you need a little more help, there are pillars located on street corners with an “I” that will tell you some of the main attractions in the area as well as a street map. If you are old school and prefer a physical map, head over to the nearest Tourism Toronto Visitor Centre. Free walking tours are also available here. Local volunteers will take you around the city and show you some of their favorite spots!
Bike Share
Bike Share Toronto is an enjoyable and cost-effective way to get around the city. Buy a day pass or become a member to gain access to 2,750 bikes and 270 stations for short rides around town at your convenience.
You can purchase a day pass for $7.00 which gives you 24 hour access or a 3-day pass for $15 for 72 hours access. Click here to learn more.
