How to Use Public Transportation in Toronto, ON

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Public transportation in Toronto is a great way to explore the city. It’s safe, cost-effective and relatively easy to use. Numerous major hotels in Toronto are located within walking distance of the city’s public transit terminals.

Toronto

Here are a few tips to help you understand your transit options.

The Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) oversees all public transportation within the city’s core. TTC provides economical transportation services via buses, streetcars and the subway. Most of the popular downtown routes run 24 hours a day and are easily accessible. The InterContinental Toronto Centre, for instance, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown near all public transportation. No matter which TTC transit option you choose, you will pay a single fare to travel each way. Fares are paid in cash, tokens or with a pre-paid pass that can be purchased at any subway office.

Subway

The Toronto subway runs every two minutes during rush hour and every five minutes at other times, so you won’t be faced with a long wait to board. On each subway car you will see a map of the routes above the car’s doors. When you exit the subway station, look for an oval plaque mounted in the ground by the exit doors. The plaque clearly displays a map with directions and street names so you never lose your bearings.

Streetcars

The streetcars, also called trams or trolleys, are a great way to see the city. To find a streetcar stop, look for a white pole with red bands and a streetcar icon.

Buses

The city’s buses are reliable in the downtown area. To find a bus stop, look for a white pole with red bands and a bus icon. As you ride the bus, the bus driver will call out the upcoming stop. If you wish to get off, pull the yellow cord to let the bus driver know to stop the bus.

Toronto Island Ferry

The Toronto Island Ferry system connects the islands of Toronto. You pay to ride the ferry to an island, but the return trip is free. The Eaton Chelsea Hotel is located close to the main ferry ramp.

Go Transit

The Go Transit system connects all towns around Toronto via commuter rail and bus service. All rail services and buses for Go Transit can be boarded downtown by Union Station. The Cambridge Suites Hotel is located within walking distance to Union Square.

Using public transportation takes away the headache of having to pay for a rental car and footing the bill for expensive downtown parking. It also gives you the chance to get to know the locals while seeing the city up close.