Global Major Cities Guide

Rail services offering local, regional, and intercity connections to and from Toronto.

Toronto has two main train systems that serve different purposes:

The TTC operates the subway system within Toronto, which is the backbone of the city’s public transit network.
The subway consists of 4 main lines:
1. Line 1 (Yonge-University): Runs in a U-shaped loop connecting the northern suburbs (North York) to downtown Toronto.
2. Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): Runs east-west across the city.
3. Line 3 (Scarborough RT): Serves the eastern suburb of Scarborough (Note: This line is being phased out and replaced by a new transit system in the coming years).
4. Line 4 (Sheppard): A short line running east from Sheppard-Yonge station.

GO Transit is a regional commuter train service operated by Metrolinx, connecting Toronto to surrounding cities and suburbs in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
GO trains are ideal for longer-distance travel to places like Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa, and beyond.
GO Transit operates 7 train lines, all of which converge at Union Station, Toronto’s central transit hub.

Single Fare:
- Adults (20-64): CAD $3.35 (Presto card) or CAD $3.50 (cash).
- Seniors (65+) and Youth (13-19): CAD $2.30 (Presto card) or CAD $2.40 (cash).
- Children (12 and under): Free.
Day Pass: CAD $13.50 (unlimited travel for one day on TTC buses, streetcars, and subways).
Monthly Pass: CAD $156.00 for adults, CAD $128.15 for seniors/youth (unlimited travel for a calendar month).

Fares are distance-based and vary depending on your starting and ending stations.
Single Fare: Typically ranges from CAD $5 to $15 for most trips.
Presto Card Discount: Using a Presto card saves you about 15% on GO Transit fares.
Day Pass: GO Transit offers a Weekend Day Pass for CAD $10 (unlimited travel on weekends).
Monthly Pass: GO Transit does not have a traditional monthly pass, but frequent riders can benefit from Presto’s loyalty discounts (e.g., after 40 trips in a month, additional trips are free).

Payment:
- Use a Presto card (a reloadable smart card) for seamless travel. Presto cards can be purchased at subway stations, Shoppers Drug Mart locations, or online for CAD $6.
- Alternatively, pay with cash at subway station fare gates or on buses/streetcars (exact change required).
Entering the System:
- Tap your Presto card on the green reader at the fare gate or insert a token/cash.
Navigating the Subway:
- Subway maps are displayed in stations and inside trains. Announcements and digital screens indicate the next stop.
- Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours.
Transfers:
- A single fare allows unlimited transfers between TTC buses, streetcars, and subways within a 2-hour window.

Payment:
- Tap your Presto card on the green reader at the station before boarding and again after exiting at your destination.
- Alternatively, purchase a paper ticket at ticket counters, vending machines, or online.
Boarding:
- Check the departure boards at the station for your train’s platform number.
- Trains are punctual, so arrive at least 5-10 minutes before departure.
Seating:
- GO trains have two levels. The upper level is quieter and preferred for longer commutes.
Exiting:
- Listen for announcements or watch the digital screens for your stop. Tap your Presto card again when exiting.

Accessibility: Both TTC and GO Transit systems are wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps are available at most stations.
Safety: Stay behind the yellow line on platforms. Emergency alarms are available in trains and stations.
Schedules:
- TTC subways operate from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM (8:00 AM on Sundays).
- GO Transit schedules vary by line, with most trains running every 30 minutes to 1 hour during peak times and less frequently during off-peak hours. Check schedules on the GO Transit website or app.

Union Station: The central hub for TTC, GO Transit, and VIA Rail. Located in downtown Toronto, it connects to major attractions like the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Bloor-Yonge Station: A key transfer point between Line 1 and Line 2.
Sheppard-Yonge Station: A transfer point between Line 1 and Line 4.
Kipling and Kennedy Stations: Terminal stations on Line 2, connecting to GO Transit and regional buses.

Union Station: The main hub for all GO train lines.
Milton Line: Connects Toronto to Mississauga and Milton.
Lakeshore East/West Lines: Popular routes connecting Toronto to Hamilton (west) and Oshawa (east).
Kitchener Line: Connects Toronto to Brampton, Guelph, and Kitchener.

Presto Card: Using a Presto card is highly recommended for convenience and cost savings. It works across TTC, GO Transit, and other regional transit systems.
Rush Hour: Avoid traveling during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM) if possible, as trains can be crowded.
Quiet Zones on GO Trains: The upper level of GO trains often serves as a quiet zone during peak hours. Keep noise to a minimum.
Politeness: Torontonians generally queue for trains and allow passengers to exit before boarding. It’s considered rude to block doors or push your way in.
Weather Preparedness: Toronto winters can be harsh. Many stations are connected to the PATH, an underground pedestrian walkway that helps you avoid the cold.
Union Station Navigation: Union Station is large and can be confusing. Follow signs carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask staff for directions.

TTC Website: www.ttc.ca (for maps, schedules, and fare details).
GO Transit Website: www.gotransit.com (for schedules, fares, and service updates).
Presto Card: www.prestocard.ca (to purchase, reload, or manage your card).
Transit Apps: Download apps like Rocketman or Transit to get real-time updates on train schedules and delays.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Toronto’s train systems with ease. Enjoy your time in the city!