What's the fastest way from Pearson Airport to downtown?

UP Express train takes 25 minutes to Union Station for $12.35 with Presto. Runs every 15 minutes. Much faster than the $3.35 bus route which takes 60+ minutes.

Can I use my phone instead of a Presto card?

Not yet. TTC is testing mobile payments but physical Presto cards are currently required. You can reload your card through the app though.

How do I know which direction the subway is going?

Follow signs for the end station name. Northbound Line 1 goes to Finch, southbound to Union. Eastbound Line 2 goes to Kennedy, westbound to Kipling.

What happens if I get on the wrong streetcar?

Get off at the next stop and cross the street. Most streetcar routes run both directions on the same street. Your transfer time covers the mistake.

Is the TTC safe at night?

Generally yes, especially subway stations and main streetcar routes. Stick to well-lit stops and busy areas. Night buses can be less predictable – consider Uber/taxi for late-night trips to unfamiliar areas.

How to navigate Toronto's TTC system efficiently

Buy a Presto card at any subway station for $6, load it with money, and use the TTC app to plan routes. The subway runs north-south and east-west in a basic grid, streetcars fill the gaps, and buses connect everything else.

Get a Presto card immediately. Buy a Presto card at any subway station machine for $6. Load $20-30 to start. This works on all TTC vehicles and saves you from fumbling with exact change ($3.35 cash vs $3.30 with Presto).
Download the TTC app. Get the official TTC app for real-time arrivals and trip planning. It shows delays, route changes, and walking directions to stations. Much more reliable than Google Maps for TTC-specific issues.
Learn the subway basics. Line 1 (yellow) runs north-south in a U-shape. Line 2 (green) runs east-west and intersects at Bloor-Yonge and St. George. Line 3 (blue) serves Scarborough. Line 4 (purple) is a short north-south line in North York.
Master the streetcar system. Streetcars run on major streets like Queen, King, Dundas, and College. Board at the front, tap your Presto card, and exit through any door. They're slower than subway but cover areas the subway doesn't reach.
Use buses strategically. Buses connect subway stations to neighborhoods and run where streetcars don't. Express buses (900 series) are faster for longer distances. Night buses replace subway service after 2 AM on weekdays, 2:30 AM weekends.
Time your transfers. You get 2 hours of transfer time with Presto. Tap when boarding each vehicle – the system automatically calculates if it's a transfer or new trip. Don't tap when transferring between subway lines.

What's the fastest way from Pearson Airport to downtown?: UP Express train takes 25 minutes to Union Station for $12.35 with Presto. Runs every 15 minutes. Much faster than the $3.35 bus route which takes 60+ minutes.
Can I use my phone instead of a Presto card?: Not yet. TTC is testing mobile payments but physical Presto cards are currently required. You can reload your card through the app though.
How do I know which direction the subway is going?: Follow signs for the end station name. Northbound Line 1 goes to Finch, southbound to Union. Eastbound Line 2 goes to Kennedy, westbound to Kipling.
What happens if I get on the wrong streetcar?: Get off at the next stop and cross the street. Most streetcar routes run both directions on the same street. Your transfer time covers the mistake.
Is the TTC safe at night?: Generally yes, especially subway stations and main streetcar routes. Stick to well-lit stops and busy areas. Night buses can be less predictable – consider Uber/taxi for late-night trips to unfamiliar areas.