Getting Around Toronto: Transport Apps & Your First 48 Hours
Toronto runs on the TTC — subway, streetcars, and buses under one fare — and since you can tap a regular credit card at every gate and door, there's nothing to buy before your first ride. Here's what actually works.
The best default: the TTC with a contactless tap
The subway's two main lines cover the north–south and east–west spines, and the iconic streetcars fill the downtown grid. Tap a contactless card or phone wallet as you board — about CA$3.30, with two hours of free transfers in any direction.
One tap covers two hours
Every tap buys two hours of unlimited transfers across subway, streetcars, and buses — just keep using the same card. A PRESTO card works too, but a short visit doesn't need one.
Getting in from the airport
The UP Express runs from Pearson (YYZ) to Union Station in about 25 minutes, every 15 minutes, for around CA$12.35 — tap on with the same contactless card. It beats a CA$50+ ride-hail through highway traffic almost every time.
Flying into Billy Bishop (YTZ)?
The island airport is a free shuttle (or a short tunnel walk) from downtown — you're basically already there.
Streetcars, PATH, and winter
- Streetcars on King, Queen, College, and Spadina are often faster than the subway for short downtown hops — board through any door and tap.
- The underground PATH network links 30+ km of downtown buildings; in January, it's the route.
Apps you can reuse
- Transit — the Canadian-made favourite for live TTC arrival times
- Citymapper — strong door-to-door routing across subway, streetcar, and bus
- Uber and Lyft — both run city-wide; compare prices at peak times
Arrived launches soon. Get the right transport setup the moment you land.
Join the waitlistYour first 48 hours
- At Pearson, follow signs to the UP Express and tap on with your contactless card.
- Use the same card on the TTC — every tap includes two hours of transfers.
- Keep Transit or Citymapper open for live streetcar times.
- Save Uber or Lyft for late nights after the subway winds down.
Do those four things and Toronto's transport is sorted from the moment you land. Knowing when the streetcar beats the subway and when the PATH beats them both is exactly what Arrived works out for you.
Frequently asked questions
- Which transport app is best in Toronto?
- The Transit app (made in Canada) is the local favourite for live TTC times, and Citymapper covers Toronto well for door-to-door routing. Uber and Lyft both operate widely for rides.
- How do I pay for the TTC?
- Tap a contactless credit/debit card or phone wallet directly at subway gates, on streetcars, and on buses — about CA$3.30 a ride. A PRESTO card works the same way; you only need one if your bank card doesn't support tap.
- How do I get from Pearson Airport (YYZ) to downtown?
- The UP Express train runs from Pearson to Union Station in about 25 minutes, every 15 minutes, for around CA$12.35 (tap on with a contactless card). It beats a CA$50+ ride-hail through highway traffic almost every time.
- Do TTC transfers cost extra?
- No — one fare includes two hours of unlimited transfers in any direction on subway, streetcars, and buses, as long as you keep tapping the same card.
- Do Uber and Lyft work in Toronto?
- Yes, both operate across the city and at Pearson (follow the ride-share pickup signs). Compare prices; late-night surge on weekends can be steep.
- How do the streetcars work?
- Streetcars run on the main east–west streets (King, Queen, College, Spadina) and are often faster than the subway for short downtown hops. Tap on board through any door; the two-hour transfer applies.
- Is downtown Toronto walkable?
- Very — the core is flat and gridded, and the underground PATH network connects 30+ km of downtown buildings, which is a lifesaver in winter. Use the TTC for anything beyond a 20-minute walk.