Getting Around Toronto

Public Transport/Transit Information

Transit Information - for information on the subway, bus, streetcar, and light rapid transit LRT system, call (416) 393-4636.

Bus information: (416) 393-7911. 

Rail: GO Transit 869-3200; VIA Rail enquiries 366-8411.

Toronto’s Transport Network

In addition to Toronto’s subway system, public transport options in the city comprise of bus, streetcar and light rapid transit (LRT) services, with the Toronto Transit Commission (or TTC) offering the possibility to travel on one fare, providing it’s a one-way trip with no stopovers.

On the subway, two lines serve the city, namely Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina. The Bloor Street line, which runs from east to west, serves Kipling Avenue in the west to Kennedy Road in the east (from where you can connect with Scarborough Rapid Transit). The Yonge Street north-south line extends from Finch Avenue to Union Station Front St. from where it heads north along University Avenue in order to connect with the Bloor line at St. George station. A further Spadina extension offers services north from St. George to Downsview station at Sheppard Avenue.

Subway/LRT services operate Mon-Fri and Saturdays, with trains running every few minutes from 6am-1:30am. On Sundays, services start at 9am and continue until 1:30am.

The LRT system, which takes in Toronto’s Harbourfront, runs frequent services from Union Station to Spadina, with stops at Queen’s Quay ferry docks, York Street, Simcoe Street, and Rees Street. From there, trains head towards Spadina subway station. The opportunity to change from the subway to LRT services (and vice versa) at Union Station is free.

In the small hours, a Blue Night Network operates on main surface routes. For information on services, a free "Ride Guide" is available from subway stations, while telephone information can be obtained by calling (416) 393-4636 (round-the-clock with multilingual information available).

Fares - for $8.50 CAD, a special TTC "Day pass" is available that allows for unlimited travel for one person after 9:30am on weekdays, and for up to six people (with a maximum of two adults) anytime on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Other options include the Convention Pass (for conference delegates) and GTA Weekly Pass.

For surface transportation, you’ll need a ticket, token, or exact change. Services run east-west and north-south along the city’s arteries, while tickets and tokens are available at all subway entrances (and at authorized stores displaying the TTC logo). Note that bus drivers do not sell tickets, nor will they give change. In addition, it’s important to obtain a free transfer when boarding the train or bus, in case you need it. At a subway station, use the push-button machine just inside the entrance, while on streetcars and buses, ask the driver for a transfer.

By Taxi

Although convenient, taxis are an expensive option in Toronto. Cabs can be hailed on the street, found in line outside major hotels, or by calling a company direct. Local, well-known firms include Diamond, Tel: (416) 366-6868), Royal, Tel: (416) 777-9222 and Metro, Tel: (416) 504-8294.

By Car

The high volume of traffic in Toronto, coupled with expensive parking fees downtown, mean that driving in the city is difficult, as well as environmentally unfriendly (particularly where lone drivers stuck in traffic jams are concerned).

If you do rent a vehicle, we recommend use of a fuel-efficient, low CO2 emissions sub-compact or hybrid vehicle (Honda Civic Hybrid/Toyota Prius only).

Rental fees vary according to vehicle type although, as a guide, daily fees are around C$50 (US$35) a day (excluding 15% sales tax), while drop off charges, cancellation penalties and insurance costs will add to the overall cost.

Young drivers (aged 25 or under) should check in advance that companies will rent to them. And, even if they do, some may rent on a cash-only basis.

Although reputable companies operate new fleets and service them to a high standard, make your own checks before accepting a rental car. These should include:

i) checking for minor bodywork damage, making sure that small defects are noted on the rental agreement before you take the vehicle;

ii) checking for tyre wear (insist on a different vehicle if the tread appears low, uneven or if there are cuts or bulges in any tyre sidewalls);

iii) checking in advance to see if rear seat belts are fitted (and arrange for a car seat if you have small children).

Allow yourself plenty of time to get used to the vehicle, unfamiliar road signs and Toronto’s drivers. In addition, you can maximize fuel efficiency by adapting your driving style.

When returning the car, fuel should be topped up to the same level as when you first picked it up (otherwise you’ll be charged at the rental company’s own tariff per gallon which is invariably higher than that of local forecourts).

Driving Rules - a right turn at a red light is permitted, provided you’ve come to a full stop first (unless indicated otherwise). When behind a streetcar which is stopping, wait behind so as to allow passengers to exit easily and safely (in cases where there are concrete safety islands for streetcar stops - in the middle of the road - this rule does not apply, although you should still apply caution nonetheless). Within city limits, the speed limit is 50kmph (31 mph) unless indicated otherwise.

By Ferry

A ferry service to the Toronto Islands departs from the docks located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, just West of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. For schedules and information call: (416) 392-8193. Round-trip fares are C$6 (US$4.20) for adults, C$3.50 (US$2.45) for seniors and students 15 to 19 (with valid ID), and C$2.50 (US$1.75) for children 14 and under.