Whether you’re from Toronto or visiting Toronto, it’s helpful to know the different ways to get around in the city. Driving in Toronto is a nightmare. As the most populated city in Canada, it’s pretty challenging to get around due to high traffic and congestion.
If you want to avoid the hassles of driving in rush hour, you should think about other transportation methods available. By reading this article, we are sure you’ll find the best plan that suits your needs the most. There are several ways of getting around in the city of Toronto. Some are cheaper and more practical than others, so it is essential to look at the advantages and disadvantages of every mode of transportation.
For tourists, there may be more options when it comes to transport in Toronto and off-peak hours. Whatever you decide to use, remember that crime should be avoided at all costs. Very few places in the world offer an accident-free environment, but Canada is one of them (especially Canada’s largest province-Ontario), and the city of Toronto is no exception.
This article will tell you how to get around the city of Toronto through public transportation guide. It will tell you about the different methods of transport, including subways, buses, cars, and streetcars. Toronto is a prominent place, and getting around can be a challenge. Buses, streetcars, and subways form the primary means of transportation in Toronto.
The city is divided into three main areas: Downtown, the West End, and the East End. Each room has its bus or streetcar line, and you have to know where to catch which one.
Also, some routes serve two different areas. For example, the 5-route runs from Humber College in the west to Queens Quay in the east.
There are also express buses that run on just a few significant streets; these buses stop at most stops along their route but don’t let you off at other stops. There are also subway lines that don’t go anywhere except downtown; these are called “surface” subways.
People sometimes get on the wrong bus or streetcar line going somewhere else. An easy rule for determining whether you are going in the right direction is to ask yourself how many stops away from where you would be if you were on your intended route.
If you would be more than three blocks away, it’s too far to walk, assuming the weather is good; if less than three blocks away, it’s probably too far even if it isn’t raining.
1. Subway
The Toronto public transport system is clean, efficient, and safe, with trains arriving every few minutes during rush hours and every 10-15 minutes off-peak. The subway system consists of 4 lines: Line 1 (Yonge-University), Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth), Line 3 (Scarborough), and Line 4 (Sheppard).
A one-way fare costs $3.10, including a $0.25 transfer credit applicable to connecting buses or streetcars. You can also buy a day pass for unlimited travel on the TTC for only $12.50, valid until 5:30 am the following day.
Seniors (65+) pay only half the regular fare during off-hours and ride free Monday to Friday before 6 am and after 9 am and all day weekends and holidays. Children under 12 ride free at all times when accompanied by an adult.
If you are using a Presto card, you can register your card online to receive a discount on any monthly passes you purchase and check your account balance online at any time. Check out the Presto website for more information on how to get a card and details on pricing options.
2. Buses
Buses and streetcars are among the most popular ways to get transport around Toronto. The TTC operates buses and streetcars. They can get you almost anywhere in the city.
Buses and streetcars run regularly on all major streets throughout the city, and there are never more than a few blocks between stops. Depending on your route, you will either pay with tokens or exact change before you board or use a Presto card that can be purchased at subway stations. Either way, fares are very affordable.
If you are not familiar with how public transit works, it’s essential to know that you need to have a ticket or pass before you board the bus or streetcar. You can’t buy your fare from the driver. The best way to pay your fare is by using a PRESTO card.
You can buy a PRESTO card at any subway station or Shoppers Drug Mart store. If you don’t want to use a PRESTO card, you can also buy paper tickets at any TTC station.
Bus and streetcar drivers will not give change for your fare, so make sure that you have the exact change before boarding.
3. Ferry
The Toronto Island Ferry is a ferry service operated by the City of Toronto that carries passengers between the mainland and the Toronto Islands. The ferry docks at Jack Layton Terminal near Bay Street in downtown Toronto and Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island in the Toronto Islands.
Operating hours vary throughout the year. Most ferries run every 15 minutes during peak periods, with less frequent service during off-peak periods. Ferry service is suspended during the winter months.
The ferry service is free for pedestrians or bicycles; charges apply for those with cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
There are three ferry routes. The first one is between Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (9 Queens Quay W) and Hanlan’s Point/Centre Island, which takes 18 minutes.
The second route goes between Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Ward’s Island/Centre Island, which takes 12 minutes each way. The third route goes between Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and the Toronto Islands Marina (60 Lakeshore Ave), which takes 9 minutes each way.
Tickets cost $7.71 for adults (19-64), $6.12 for seniors (65+), $4.56 for youth (13-18), and children 12 years old and under travel for free with a paying adult/senior. Tickets can be purchased on-site ticket booths or from fare vending machines located at all terminals.
4. Taxis
Taxis can be hailed anywhere in the city and available at taxi stands or by calling a dispatch line. Cabs are required to charge a maximum rate of $4.25 for the first 143 meters (469 ft) and then 19¢/metre ($0.57/ft). After 9 pm, the rate is $1.50 more than the metered rate. Taxis have a $30 minimum charge at all times, including the first 5 minutes of waiting time, plus 25¢/minute after that.
When riding in groups of four or more, there will be an additional charge of $1 per person. In addition, a few companies offer flat rates between areas of the city and airports and airport limousine services.
Taxis are generally not allowed to pick up passengers off the street in the suburban municipalities outside Toronto. Still, some companies offer flat rates for trips between these areas and downtown Toronto or other destinations in Toronto.
Taxis are not permitted to pick up passengers from Toronto Pearson International Airport unless booked in advance through one of the airport-approved taxi-dispatch companies; however, taxis can drop off passengers at any terminal.
5. Car
The car is the best way to get around in the city because you don’t have to pay for a ticket and you can go wherever you want. It is also suitable for long distances. The problem with a car is parking, which is expensive, especially downtown. Also, driving in Toronto in the city can be stressful.
Moreover, if you are a visitor to Toronto, you may want to consider a car rental to take you around the city. This is especially true if you stay in the town for several days.
A car rental can help you get around the city with more ease, and more importantly, it gives you the freedom to do what you want when you want. If this is your first time in Toronto, then having a car can be a significant advantage as it will give you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Whether you are in town for just a few days or an extended holiday, a car rental will give you some flexibility with your schedule. You will also be able to see more of the city without any hassle. If you need to travel from one side of town to another, a car rental will help make that possible.
Car rentals come in different sizes and types, so there is something for everyone’s needs. You can rent an economy-sized car for one person or even rent a larger vehicle if more people are travelling with you. Depending on how long your trip will be, there are different fees and prices that apply.
6. Public Transport
Public transport is cheap but not always comfortable. In Toronto, buses, subways, and streetcars run from 6 am until 1:30 am on weekdays and until 2:30 am on weekends. The only inconvenience with public transport in Toronto is that sometimes there are delays or even strikes, particularly with subway workers.
7. Bicycle
Toronto has many bicycle lanes now, which makes cycling safer. But sometimes drivers don’t respect these lanes, so you have to be careful and watch out for cars turning right. Cycling is suitable for short trips around the city, but it’s not recommended for longer trips because it’s tiring to cycle up hills or against strong winds!
8. Walking
Walking as a form of transport in Toronto can be fun if you have somewhere to go that isn’t too far away. You don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a parking space if you walk. You also won’t have to pay for gas or bus fare, but you might get tired before you get where you’re going.
The city has introduced some exciting pedestrian pathways throughout the city and across some major highways. The city also has some great parks and walkways along the waterfront to take a walk through Toronto even more enjoyable.
9. Biking
Another way to get around Toronto is by bike. Many bike paths go all over the city, and most major streets have dedicated bike lanes (watch out for cars!). Some people have even made their maps of the bike routes in Toronto so you can easily find your way around town by bike.
Many people in Toronto prefer to travel by bicycle because it’s faster than walking, there are many bike lanes on streets throughout the city now, and it’s good for your health and the environment. If you’re interested in using a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation in Toronto, read more about cycling in the city.
Toronto might not be the biggest city in Canada when it comes to sheer size, but it sure has a lot of hustle-and-bustle. It’s a modern city with a lot to offer visitors willing to explore it, from the numerous transportation options to subways and airport shuttles running 24 hours a day.
The variety and number of choices are simply astounding, but we will take you through the most common ways of getting around the city in this article. The options of transport in Toronto are vast and plentiful.
There’s a mode of public transportation to fit every movement, whether you’re travelling by yourself or have a family in tow. You’re guaranteed that you’ll need to find the proper mode of transport at some point, so being aware of what your Toronto transportation options are will help you get around the city smoothly.
Transport in Toronto can range from costly to convenient depending on your commute, so hopefully, this guide helped explore some of your options. The future of transportation is looking very interesting with options like Tesla’s vehicle technology and Uber, so we are excited to see how fast the progress advances.
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