Toronto, Ontario Hotels and City Guide

Toronto - Transportation

Getting Around Toronto

Getting around Toronto is simplified by the subway system (TTC), and an extensive bus service covers the entire city and suburbs. Commuter train services connect with a number of subway stations, so travelling around Toronto is relatively easy.

Despite its size, Toronto is a very walkable city and its grid layout makes it relatively simple to navigate. It has a good subway, bus and streetcar system, operating under the umbrella of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Once your fare is paid, you can transfer to any bus, subway or streetcar within an hour at no extra charge. Keep in mind, though, that the subway is efficient but somewhat skeletal, streetcars are easy to use but have limited routes downtown and buses are slow - visitors don't usually find much use for them.

Traffic congestion and expensive parking makes driving a better bet for out-of-town excursions. If you're fit enough, walking, cycling and in-line skating are the best ways to explore central Toronto. There are plenty of places to rent bikes and skates, and over 50km (31mi) of bicyle-only routes ensures pleasant cycling. Toronto's taxis are reliable, and in summer sweaty pedicabbies trawl the theatre and Yorkville districts. Ferries will take you to the Toronto Islands, and GO Trains leave from Union Station for points throughout the Toronto suburbs.

Public Transport in Toronto

Toronto has a well-developed public transport system, operated by two companies. Principal services in the city centre are run by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) (tel: 416 393 4636) and include subway and rapid transit lines, as well as tram and bus routes.


Subway
Toronto's three subway lines operate Monday to Saturday 0600-0130 and Sunday 0900-0130. The arms of the U-shaped Yonge-University-Spadina subway extend from Union in the south to Finch and Downsview to the north. The Bloor-Danforth subway connects Etobicoke in the west with Scarborough in the east, where the Scarborough Rapid Transit basically provides an eastward extension to the line. The east-west Sheppard subway serves northeast Toronto.

Trams and Buses
Streetcars (trams) and buses operate throughout the city centre approximately 0500-0030/0100 all week (although service on many routes begins later and is less frequent on weekends and holidays). These are supplemented by the ‘Blue Night Network' night services from 0130-0500.

Transpot Fares
Prepaid fares are cheaper and can be purchased at subway stations or from newsagents. These are often handier, as exact change is required on buses and trams. Transfers are available for switching between the subway, bus and tram. Two types of day passes are available: a pass for one person, good any day of the week; or a group/family pass for two adults or combinations of adults and children, good on weekends and holidays.

GO Transit (tel: (416) 869 3200 or 1 800 438 6646) operates rail services from Union Station to suburban destinations, as well as GO buses throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Tickets are available from GO train stations, bus terminals, transit ticket agencies and bus drivers. Ticket prices vary depending on distance travelled. Day passes are also available.

Using Taxis in Toronto

Within the city centre, taxis can be hailed at almost any time and also can be found at taxi ranks or ordered by telephone. Most taxis operate as part of one of Toronto's major dispatching companies - Diamond Taxi (tel: (416) 366 6868), Crown Taxi (tel: (416) 750 7878) or Co-op Cabs (tel: (416) 504 2667). Taxi drivers are commonly tipped around 15% of the fare.

Car Rental and Driving in Toronto

Driving in Toronto
Traffic is heaviest during the rush hours (0700-0930 and 1600-1930), particularly on the major motorways leading in and out of the city, which can make driving to the airport a longer than expected ordeal. Toronto is laid out on an easy-to-follow grid system, with a few notable exceptions, such as the Don Valley Parkway, snaking along the ravine east of the city centre. Yonge Street, allegedly the longest street in the world, is the city's main thoroughfare, bisecting the city centre into east and west. Its junction with Bloor Street forms the city's most major and central intersection.

Although there is a lot of street parking available, it is notoriously difficult for drivers to find a spot and many opt for the simpler although slightly more expensive option of parking in a private car park. Canpark (tel: (416) 482 2203) operates a number of 24-hour locations in the city centre.

Toronto Car Hire
All major North American car hire companies are represented in Toronto, along with a few local ones, at numerous locations throughout the city. Those with the most central locations and accepting international reservations include Budget, Discount, Hertz, and Thrifty. You can prebook your car rental with us here.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and pay by credit card. Those aged under 25 may have to pay an extra fee and choose from a limited range of vehicles. North American and European visitors may use national licences. Visitors from other countries are often required to have an International Driving Permit as well.

Hotels in Toronto, Ontario