Toronto
How to get around efficiently with clear cost comparisons.
You'll find that navigating Toronto's transport system can be challenging, but with the right tools, you'll be on your way. Most newcomers start by purchasing a Presto card at Union Station for $6, which can be used to tap on every TTC subway, streetcar, and bus, with a monthly pass costing $156. Watch out for the need for a car, as it depends heavily on your neighbourhood and job location - if you're downtown or midtown, you may not need one. You can also use the UP Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station, or take a streetcar, such as the 501 Queen route. To get started, head to Union Station today to purchase your Presto card and begin exploring the city's transit options.
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Union Station · Experience date Jan 15, 2026
Got a Presto card at Union Station for $6. Load it and tap on every TTC subway, streetcar, and bus. Monthly pass is $156 for unlimited TTC. GO Train to suburbs uses Presto too.
Midtown · Experience date Mar 15, 2026
Toronto Islands (Ward's Island, Centre Island, Algonquin Island) are a 10-minute ferry from the downtown Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (foot of Bay Street). Year-round access: ferry runs daily from 6:35am to 11:30pm (reduced winter schedule). Ferry fare: $9 return adult (included in day passes). The islands offer: beautiful views of the Toronto skyline, quiet parks, beaches (swimming June–September), and a small residential community. Ward's Island beach is particularly popular with expats for summer swimming and picnics. No cars on the islands — cycling and walking only. Centre Island: more family-oriented with amusement park. One of Toronto's best free/cheap summer experiences.
Scarborough · Experience date Feb 3, 2026
Toronto's cycling infrastructure is improving but significantly behind Amsterdam or Berlin. Dedicated bike lanes: along major routes (Bloor Street, College Street, Danforth Avenue, Richmond/Adelaide in downtown). Bike-sharing: Bike Share Toronto (Citi Bike system, $105/year for unlimited 30-minute rides or pay-per-use). Private bike: buy at MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), local bike shops in Kensington Market, or Facebook Marketplace ($150–350 for a solid used commuter). Lock: absolute necessity — invest in a good U-lock (Kryptonite Evolution, $70–90). Toronto cycling challenges: aggressive drivers, streetcar tracks (danger like Amsterdam trams), and potholed side streets. The lake-front trail (Martin Goodman Trail) is excellent flat cycling along Lake Ontario.
Downtown · Experience date Nov 26, 2025
Union Station (65 Front Street West) is Toronto's primary transit hub. Connections under one roof: TTC subway (Lines 1 and 2), GO Train (10+ routes to GTA and Hamilton), GO Bus, UP Express (to Pearson Airport, $12.35, 25 minutes), VIA Rail (national passenger rail), and connections to the PATH underground network. Food and services: the Great Hall (renovated interior) has dozens of restaurants and cafés. Union Station is also an Airbnb Experience hub — good for meeting people in your first week. Get oriented here in your first 24 hours — understand which platforms serve which GO Train lines and where the UP Express departs. Bike Share station outside: useful for connecting to nearby destinations. Lockers available for baggage storage.
Midtown · Experience date Nov 29, 2025
Toronto winters require transport adaptation. -15 to -25°C with wind chill is normal January weather. TTC subway and streetcars: heated and essential in deep winter. Buses: wait times outside in the cold are unpleasant — check TTC app for real-time arrivals to minimise outdoor waiting. Cycling in winter: possible (some dedicated winter cyclists), but roads with snow and ice make it challenging for most. Essential gear: warm waterproof boots (not just regular winter boots — waterproof matters on slushy sidewalks), insulated gloves, hat that covers ears, good winter coat. Plan: add 15–20 minutes to journey times on heavy snow days (TTC slows, roads are icy). Uber surge pricing in bad weather: have a backup transit plan.
Midtown · Experience date Feb 6, 2026
Presto is the TTC fare card — works on TTC, GO Transit, and regional transit across the GTA. Buy at: Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada's most convenient option), subway station fare gates (vending machine), or online at prestocard.ca. Card cost: $6 one-time fee. Load credit or a monthly pass. Tap on boarding (TTC) or at fare gates (subway). Presto on phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work as Presto on TTC gates since 2023 — no physical card needed if you use the Presto app linked to your bank card. Monthly pass autopay: set up automatic monthly reload — never miss a pass renewal. Senior (65+) and youth (13–19) Presto passes: significantly discounted.
North York · Experience date Dec 25, 2025
Via Rail is Canada's national passenger rail service. Toronto (Union Station) to Montreal: 5.5–6 hours, from $49 CAD (advance purchase economy). Toronto to Ottawa: 4.5 hours, from $40. Toronto to Niagara Falls: day trip, $25 CAD. Toronto to Windsor: 4 hours, $35–60. Via Rail trains are comfortable and city-centre to city-centre (no airport hassle). Book at viarail.ca — prices increase significantly closer to departure. Frequency: 6–8 daily trains on the Toronto-Montreal corridor (the busiest route). Compared to flying: Toronto-Montreal by rail is competitive with flying once airport time is factored in. Business class available: provides power outlets and better seats.