Getting Around in Toronto

Toronto is a large city, so finding the most efficient way to get around will be a top priority for new arrivals. Luckily, the city boasts an extensive public transport network, making it perfectly possible to get around Toronto without needing a car.

That said, if you have kids, are living in the suburbs, or are planning to explore more of Canada, you might find a car to be a worthwhile investment.

Speaking of which, check out the Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Toronto.

Public transport in Toronto

Public transport in Toronto is wide-reaching and extends well into the suburbs. The network is made up of buses, streetcars, and a subway system, all operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

The TTC uses an integrated ticketing system called PRESTO, which allows you to use tickets on any TTC service. You can buy one-ride, two-ride, and unlimited day passes. A PRESTO card is your best bet if you plan to commute regularly. These smartcards can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis or as monthly passes, making commuting more convenient and cost-effective.

Fare vending machines are available to buy tickets or to purchase and top up your PRESTO card, making it easy to stay on the move.

Subway

While buses and streetcars often fall victim to the city’s notorious rush-hour congestion, the subway system in Toronto is generally efficient and by far the fastest way to get around the city. During peak hours, you may experience occasional delays, especially due to incidents like mechanical issues or bad weather.

Toronto’s subway system consists of colour-coded lines that connect the city centre to various neighbourhoods. All subway services generally operate from 6am to 1.30am daily, except on Sundays when services run from 8am. Services are frequent, and waiting times are usually only a few minutes.

Recent upgrades, like the introduction of Automatic Train Control (ATC) on Line 1, have improved the frequency of trains and made the system more efficient, cutting down the time gap between trains, especially during peak times. Future expansions, such as the Ontario Line and Scarborough Subway Extension, are also in progress to enhance connectivity.

Streetcars

Streetcars are largely unique to Toronto, as many other North American cities have phased them out. The streetcar network often reaches areas where other public transport does not, making it a handy complement to the subway and bus systems.

On the King Street route, streetcars benefit from the King Street Transit Priority Corridor, which limits car access and helps streetcars run more reliably. This kind of initiative is being considered for other key routes as well. Streetcars can experience delays during peak hours due to shared road space, but dedicated lanes are helping to reduce these issues.

Buses

Toronto’s extensive bus network includes more than 140 bus routes, meaning wherever you settle, your area is likely covered by at least one route. The frequency of bus services varies by route. During peak hours, services run every few minutes. During off-peak hours, buses run every 10 to 20 minutes. Generally, buses operate between 6am and 1am daily, except on Sundays when they start running at 8am.

Most bus routes are well-connected to subway stations, making it easy for commuters to switch between different modes of transport. The TTC has made efforts to synchronise bus schedules with the subway, ensuring seamless transfers for commuters. Bus wait times may be slightly longer in suburban areas, particularly outside peak hours.

Useful links

• PRESTO Card
• TTC Routes and Schedules
• TTC Trip Planner

Taxis in Toronto

As in most big cities, driving a car in Toronto’s city centre can be a stressful experience, especially for newcomers. It’s often a relief to have the option of hopping into a taxi when needed. That said, taxis are typically the most expensive way to get around the city.

You may find taxis harder to come by during events, peak hours, or adverse weather conditions when demand is high. Late at night, particularly around 2am when bars close, getting a taxi can also be challenging.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available and tend to be more cost-effective, especially during non-peak times. They are often more convenient than taxis during events, peak hours, or adverse weather conditions, although surge pricing may apply during high-demand periods. These services sometimes offer pooled ride options, which can be more affordable compared to traditional taxis.

Useful links

• City of Toronto Taxi and Ride-Hailing Information
• Beck Taxi
• Uber Toronto
• Lyft Toronto

Cycling in Toronto

Cycling is becoming a popular way to get around Toronto, with the city rapidly transforming into a more bike-friendly place. Toronto is continuing to develop a network of dedicated cycle lanes and secure bike storage facilities. Cycling can be challenging during winter, with icy conditions making riding tricky. Make sure you’re prepared for the elements if you plan to cycle year-round.

The city’s public bike-sharing system, Bike Share Toronto, gives you access to thousands of bicycles. These bikes can be picked up and dropped off at any of the hundreds of docking stations dotted throughout the city.

Bike Share Toronto offers several subscription packages, from 24-hour access to monthly and annual options. You’ll be charged a flat rate for the duration of your subscription, with additional fees depending on how long you use the bicycles during each trip. The system includes over 6,800 bikes and more than 600 stations, with ongoing expansion plans aimed at increasing coverage in suburban areas.

Useful links

• City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto
• Bike Share Toronto
• Vision Zero Toronto

Driving in Toronto

Driving in Toronto’s city centre is not generally advisable. The roads are often congested, and parking is both expensive and difficult to come by. On the other hand, if you’re planning to travel around Canada or explore the wider Ontario region, a car can certainly come in handy.

Beyond congestion, a lack of parking, and hidden speed traps, you’ll find Toronto’s roads and infrastructure are in good condition. Signage is clear, and once you’ve got used to the traffic patterns, navigating around is fairly straightforward. Speed limits have been lowered in many residential areas as part of Toronto’s Vision Zero initiative to improve safety for all road users.

If you decide to buy a car in Toronto, be ready to budget for high insurance premiums – among the highest in Canada. The city’s dense urban environment, high traffic volume, and an increase in fraudulent claims contribute to steep premiums. Additionally, Toronto sees a significant number of vehicle thefts, further driving up insurance costs.

Initially, you can drive in Toronto using your national driving licence. However, within 60 days of arriving, you must exchange it for an Ontario driving licence. Depending on your nationality, this could be a simple swap, or you may have to pass written and road tests.

Read more about Driving in Canada.

Useful links

• Ontario – Exchange Out-of-Province Driver’s Licence
• City of Toronto Parking Information