Toronto Transportation Guide: TTC Subway, PRESTO, & Airport Trains
An in-depth guide to navigating Toronto's public transit system, including fares, schedules, and airport train directions.
Navigating Toronto transit
Navigating a new city can be daunting. Thankfully, Toronto has a reliable, grid-based transit system operated by the TTC. Here is everything you need to know about fares, subway lines, and getting to the city center.
Photo: Andrew Rivett / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
1. Fares and PRESTO Cards
The simplest way to ride is by tapping your credit/debit card or using a PRESTO card.
- Single Fare: $3.35 CAD for adults.
- One-Day Pass: $13.50 CAD (provides unlimited travel for one day).
- Tapping Rules: Tap your card or PRESTO on the reader when entering a subway station, bus, or streetcar. You do not need to tap off when exiting.
- 2-Hour Transfer: Tapping provides a free 2-hour transfer window. You can switch between subways, buses, and streetcars without paying again.
2. Subway Lines
The subway system has two main lines:
- Line 1 (Yonge-University): A U-shaped line running north-south, connecting Union Station to downtown hubs like Dundas, Bloor, and Yorkdale.
- Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): Runs east-west along Bloor Street, connecting you to High Park and the Danforth Greek town.
Photo: Milan Suvajac / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
3. Getting from Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- UP Express Train: The fastest option. Runs every 15 minutes between Pearson Airport and Union Station.
Photo: booledozer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Cost: $12.35 CAD one-way.
- Duration: Exactly 25 minutes.
- Alternative (TTC Bus): Take the 900 Airport Express bus to Kipling Station, then take Subway Line 2. Cost is only $3.35 CAD, but takes about 60-75 minutes.
