The Toronto TTC guide every visitor needs starts with one fact: the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is the easiest, most affordable way to get around Toronto. Serving close to 1.3 million riders on an average business day, the TTC’s 4 subway lines, 11 streetcar routes, and extensive bus network connect every major Toronto attraction, neighbourhood, and visitor destination at a flat $3.30 per single fare with two-hour transfer included. The rest of this guide is built around the decisions a visitor actually makes: which way to pay (PRESTO card, paper ticket, or just tapping your credit card), whether the day pass is worth it, how to read the four-line subway and the streetcar grid, which routes get you to the sights, and how accessible the system is. The TTC handles most days in the city on its own, but for the airport runs, ferries and everything in between, our guide to getting around Toronto fills in the gaps.
For the official TTC fares and route information, see the official TTC fares and passes page.
Toronto TTC Guide: How Much Does the TTC Cost?
Single Fares (2026)
Adult Single Fare: $3.30 (PRESTO, ticket, or contactless tap-to-pay credit card). Includes a 2-hour transfer for unlimited TTC rides in any direction.
Youth (13–19) Single Fare: $2.40 with PRESTO.
Senior (65+) Single Fare: $2.40 with PRESTO.
Children Under 12: Free at all times.
Cash Fare: $3.35 cash on buses and streetcars (slightly higher than PRESTO; no transfers issued automatically).
Day Pass
The TTC day pass at $13.50 (sold as a PRESTO Ticket) is the best value for tourists making 4+ trips in a day. Valid for unlimited TTC rides for one full day. The same pass covers 2 adults plus up to 4 kids on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays — making it an exceptional value for families.
Monthly Pass
The TTC Monthly Pass costs $156 for adults and $128.15 for seniors/youths. (Note: monthly passes will be discontinued August 31, 2026, when the TTC introduces fare capping.)
Convention Pass
The TTC offers 1-day, 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day Convention Passes at discounted rates — useful for tourists with longer stays. Available at most subway station Customer Service Centres.
Toronto TTC Guide: How to Pay
PRESTO Card
The PRESTO card is the most convenient way to pay TTC fares. $4 reloadable card with funds you tap on subway gates, streetcars, and buses. See our complete PRESTO card guide.
Tap-to-Pay (Contactless Credit Card)
The TTC accepts contactless tap-to-pay credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at all subway gates, streetcar readers, and bus readers. Charged the standard $3.30 adult fare with two-hour transfer included.
PRESTO Ticket (Day Pass & Single Fare Tickets)
PRESTO Tickets are paper-based fare media. Available at Fare Vending Machines in subway stations and at all Shoppers Drug Mart locations. Best for visitors who want a TTC day pass.
Cash
$3.35 cash on buses and streetcars only. No transfers automatically issued; ask the driver for a paper transfer. Cash is not accepted at subway gates — you need PRESTO, a ticket, or tap-to-pay.
Mobile PRESTO
Digital PRESTO cards work in Apple Wallet and Google Pay (ages 13+). Free to set up; same fare structure as physical card.
Toronto TTC Guide: The Subway System
Toronto’s subway has 4 lines connecting most major visitor destinations.
Line 1: Yonge-University (Yellow)
The U-shaped main line connecting Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (north) through Yorkville, Bloor-Yonge, Yonge-Dundas Square, Union Station, and back up to Finch Station (north). Hits most major visitor destinations: ROM (Museum Station), Casa Loma (Dupont Station), Eaton Centre (Queen or Dundas), CN Tower (Union Station), and Yorkville (Bay or Bloor-Yonge).
Line 2: Bloor-Danforth (Green)
The east-west line running along Bloor Street through The Annex, Yorkville, the Danforth (Greektown), and out to Kipling (west) and Kennedy (east). Connects Casa Loma (transfer at Spadina), the AGO (transfer at St. Patrick), Greektown, and the Toronto Zoo (via 86A bus from Kennedy).
Line 4: Sheppard (Purple)
Short east-west line in North York. Less useful for tourists.
Line 5: Eglinton Crosstown (Light Rail Transit)
The new LRT line opening in stages along Eglinton Avenue. Less useful for downtown tourists but expanding access to mid-Toronto.
Subway Hours
Subway service runs approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. weekdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sundays. Trains run every 2–5 minutes during peak hours, every 5–10 minutes off-peak.
Toronto TTC Guide: Streetcars (the City’s Iconic Mode)
Toronto’s streetcar network is one of the largest in North America with 11 routes covering most of downtown and the inner suburbs.
Most Useful Streetcars for Tourists
504 King: Runs along King Street through King West, the Distillery District, and Liberty Village. Connects directly to most major Entertainment District and Old Town attractions.
501 Queen: Runs along Queen Street through Queen West, downtown, the Beaches, and Leslieville. The longest streetcar route in North America.
510 Spadina: Runs north-south along Spadina Avenue through Chinatown, Kensington Market, and the AGO area. Connects to Bloor (Spadina Station) and the waterfront.
506 College: Runs along College Street through Little Italy and Kensington Market.
509 Harbourfront: Connects Union Station to the Toronto waterfront and Exhibition Place.
505 Dundas: Runs along Dundas Street, stopping directly in front of the AGO.
Streetcar Hours
Most streetcars run 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., with reduced overnight service on selected blue night routes (501 Queen and 504 King have 24-hour blue night service).
Toronto TTC Guide: Buses
The TTC bus network connects most Toronto destinations not served by subway or streetcar. Useful tourist routes include:
86A Scarborough: From Kennedy Station to the Toronto Zoo. Essential if visiting the zoo by transit.
96 Wilson: From Wilson Station with connections to Casa Loma area.
129 McCowan North: Various north Scarborough connections.
Most useful TTC bus routes parallel subway and streetcar service. Tourists rarely need buses for major attractions.
Toronto TTC Guide: Useful Routes for Tourists
CN Tower & Entertainment District
Subway Line 1 to Union Station. Walk south through SkyWalk to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Rogers Centre.
ROM & Yorkville
Subway Line 1 to Museum Station (ROM directly above) or Bay Station (Yorkville).
Casa Loma
Subway Line 1 to Dupont Station, walk north on Spadina, climb the Baldwin Steps.
Distillery District & St. Lawrence Market
Subway Line 1 to Union Station or King Station, then 504 King streetcar east. Or 503 Kingston Road streetcar.
Toronto Islands Ferry
Subway Line 1 to Union Station, walk south through SkyWalk to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, then 15-minute ferry to the islands.
Kensington Market & Chinatown
Subway Line 1 to St. Patrick Station, walk west to Kensington. Or 510 Spadina streetcar.
High Park & Toronto Zoo
Subway Line 2 to High Park Station for the park. For Toronto Zoo: subway Line 2 to Kennedy Station, then 86A Scarborough bus.
The Beaches
501 Queen streetcar east. The streetcar takes 30–40 minutes from downtown.
Pearson Airport
UP Express train from Union Station (25 minutes, $12.35). See our UP Express guide.
Toronto TTC Guide: Accessibility
The TTC is increasingly accessible. All streetcars are now low-floor with ramps and priority seating. Most subway stations are wheelchair-accessible (about 80% of stations as of 2026; the remaining stations are being upgraded). All buses are low-floor accessible.
The Wheel-Trans paratransit service serves customers with disabilities who cannot use conventional transit. Visitors with disabilities visiting Toronto for less than 30 days can register through the TTC.
Toronto TTC Guide: Tips for Tourists
Buy a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket on arrival. The PRESTO card is $4 plus loaded fare. Available at any subway station or Shoppers Drug Mart.
Use tap-to-pay if you have a contactless credit card. No card to buy; standard $3.30 adult fare. Easiest option for short visits.
Get a day pass for tourist days. $13.50 for unlimited rides; on weekends/holidays it covers 2 adults + 4 kids.
The 2-hour transfer. A single PRESTO or tap-to-pay fare gives you 2 hours of unlimited TTC rides. Includes returns and changes of direction.
Download the TTC app. Real-time arrival information, route planning, and service alerts.
Avoid rush hour if possible. Subway is most crowded 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. weekdays.
Streetcars take longer than subways. The streetcar network is iconic but slower than the subway. Plan accordingly.
Children under 12 are free. Up to 4 kids per accompanying adult.
Save your transfer. Even with PRESTO and tap-to-pay, you can ask the driver for a paper transfer if you switch to cash on a different vehicle.
Keep your card or app accessible. The TTC uses proof-of-payment on streetcars; transit officers may ask to see your fare.
Toronto TTC Guide: Safety
The TTC is safe for tourists. Standard urban precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings, keep belongings secure, and avoid empty subway cars late at night. The TTC has full-time station agents and 24/7 customer service. Designated Waiting Areas (well-lit, near security cameras) are marked at every subway platform for late-night travelers.
Toronto TTC Guide: PRESTO Card vs. Day Pass vs. Tap-to-Pay
When PRESTO Card Wins
If you’re visiting Toronto for 4+ days and making 1–3 trips per day, a PRESTO card with loaded value is the most flexible option. Costs $4 for the card plus your loaded fare.
When Day Pass Wins
If you’re making 4+ trips in a single day, the $13.50 day pass beats PRESTO. On weekends/holidays it covers 2 adults + 4 kids — exceptional family value.
When Tap-to-Pay Wins
If you’re visiting for 1–2 days and just need a few rides, tap-to-pay with your contactless credit card is the simplest option — no card to buy or load.
When Multi-Day Convention Pass Wins
For visits of 3–7 days with heavy daily transit use, a Convention Pass at the TTC’s discounted rates beats individual day passes.
Toronto TTC Guide: After the Subway Closes
The Toronto subway closes at 1:30 a.m. (last trains depart from terminals around 1 a.m.). Two options for late-night transit:
Blue Night Network: The 24-hour bus and streetcar routes covering main subway corridors. The 300-series buses run every 30 minutes overnight. The 501 Queen and 504 King streetcars run 24/7.
Ride-Share or Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and Toronto taxis all operate 24/7.
Toronto TTC Guide: Major Changes Coming
Fare Capping (September 2026)
Starting September 1, 2026, the TTC will introduce monthly fare capping for adults, youths, seniors, and Fair Pass customers. Once you’ve spent the equivalent of a monthly pass in fares, additional rides that month are free. This replaces the existing monthly pass system.
Eglinton Crosstown LRT Expansion
Line 5 LRT continues to roll out new stations through the late 2020s. Eventually will provide significant improvements to mid-Toronto transit access.
Frequently Asked Questions: Toronto TTC Guide
How much is the TTC?
Single adult fare is $3.30 with PRESTO, ticket, or tap-to-pay (includes 2-hour transfer). Cash is $3.35. Day pass is $13.50. Children under 12 ride free.
Can I use my credit card on the TTC?
Yes — the TTC accepts contactless tap-to-pay credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at all subway gates, streetcar readers, and bus readers. Charged at the standard $3.30 adult fare.
What is a PRESTO card?
PRESTO is the TTC’s reloadable fare card. $4 to buy, then load with funds. Tap on subway gates, streetcars, and buses to pay. See our PRESTO card guide.
Is the TTC day pass worth it?
Yes if you’re making 4+ trips in a day. The $13.50 day pass beats four single fares ($13.20). On weekends and holidays it covers 2 adults + 4 kids, making it exceptional family value.
How do I get from Pearson Airport using the TTC?
Pearson is connected via TTC bus 900 Airport Express to Kipling subway station. The UP Express train (separate fare from the TTC) is faster — 25 minutes to Union Station for $12.35. See our airport to downtown guide.
Can I transfer between subway and streetcar with one fare?
Yes — a single TTC fare with PRESTO, ticket, or tap-to-pay includes a 2-hour transfer for unlimited rides on subway, streetcar, and bus in any direction.
When does the Toronto subway run?
Subway service runs approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. weekdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sundays. After 1:30 a.m., use the Blue Night bus and streetcar network.
How do I get to the Toronto Zoo on the TTC?
Subway Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) east to Kennedy Station, then 86A Scarborough bus to the Toronto Zoo. Total trip from downtown takes 60–75 minutes.
Are TTC stations wheelchair-accessible?
About 80% of subway stations are wheelchair-accessible as of 2026, with the rest being upgraded. All streetcars and buses are low-floor accessible.
Is the TTC safe?
Yes — the TTC is safe for tourists with standard urban precautions. Designated Waiting Areas are marked at every subway platform. 24/7 customer service available via the TTC app.
Plan Your Toronto TTC Use
The Toronto TTC guide is straightforward for visitors: choose between PRESTO card (best for 4+ days), day pass (best for 4+ trips in a single day), or tap-to-pay credit card (simplest for short visits). The flat $3.30 single fare with included 2-hour transfer makes the TTC one of the most accessible big-city transit systems in North America. Combined with the iconic streetcar network and 4-line subway, the TTC connects every major Toronto attraction at a fraction of the cost of taxis or ride-shares.
For the bigger picture, our overview of getting around Toronto sets the TTC alongside every other way to move. The PRESTO card guide covers the fare card in detail, while the UP Express guide and our Pearson-to-downtown breakdown handle the trip in from the airport.