The Toronto Metrorail is a reliable, efficient and affordable means of transportation used by millions of people to get around the city every day. Whether you’re a commuter on the road, a student in class, or a tourist exploring the city, the Toronto subway is a convenient and easy way to get from his point A to point B. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about the Toronto subway, including ticket options, fares, passes, routes, stations, zones, fares, journey times, and driving tips. At the end of this article, you’ll find all the information you need to safely navigate the Toronto subway system and get the most out of your trips around the city.
Timing: The Toronto subway system operates on different timings during weekdays, weekends and holidays. On weekdays, the trains start running from 6:00 am until 1:30 am the next day. On weekends, the subway operates from 8:00 am until 1:30 am.
Ticket price
Ticket price for Toronto subway Fare Metro ticket starts from $2.40, Book tickets on official website. Check more metro information.
| Fare type | Adult | Youth (13-19) |
|---|---|---|
| Single fare | $3.35 | $2.40 |
Subway Fares and Pricing
The Toronto subway system offers a variety of fare options to suit different needs and budgets. The fare structure is based on a zone system, with fares increasing the farther you travel from the city center. The maximum fare for a single ride is $3.25 CAD, and the minimum fare is $2.15 CAD.
PRESTO (pay-as-you-go):
| Fare type | Adult | Youth (13-19) | Senior (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTO | $3.30 | $2.35 | $2.25 |
| PRESTO One-ride ticket | $3.35 | $3.35 | $3.35 |
| PRESTO Two-ride ticket | $6.70 | $6.70 | $6.70 |
| PRESTO Day pass ticket | $13.50 | $13.50 | $13.50 |
| Fair Pass Transit Discount | $2.10 | N/A | N/A |
| Fare type | Adult | Senior (65+) or Youth (13-19) |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Month Pass | $143.00 | $117.45 |
| Monthly Pass | $156.00 | $128.15 |
| Post-Secondary Monthly Pass | $128.15 | N/A |
| Fair Pass Transit Discount Program | $123.25 | N/A |
Types of Tickets Available for Purchase
The TTC offers a range of ticket options, including single ride tickets, day passes, weekly passes, and monthly passes. Single ride tickets are valid for one ride and do not include transfers, while day passes are valid for unlimited travel on the day of purchase. Weekly and monthly passes offer unlimited travel within the designated time period.
| Pass or fare type | Description |
|---|---|
| Convention Pass | Available only for conventions, conferences, meetings, etc. |
| Support person Assistant card | Available for eligible customers with disabilities |
| CNIB Transit card | Available from the CNIB for eligible customers |
| GTA Zone Fares | Pay your MiWay and YRT fare on TTC buses that travel into Mississauga and York Region by simply tapping your PRESTO card when you board and/or exit the vehicle. |
| Fair Pass Transit Discount Program | Available for eligible low-income customers |
How to Use and Recharge Toronto Subway Fare Cards
Using a fare card on the Toronto subway system is a convenient and time-saving option for frequent riders. To use a fare card, simply tap it on the fare card reader at the entrance to the station and again when exiting. The fare will be automatically deducted from the card balance.
To recharge your fare card, visit a Fare Vending Machine located at the station. You can add as much money as you want to your fare card balance in denominations of $5, $10 or $20. The fare vending machine accepts credit cards and cash.
Discounts and Special Offers for Subway Passengers
The TTC offers discounts and special offers to certain riders, including seniors, students, and children. Seniors and students can purchase discounted monthly passes and single ride tickets, while children under 12 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Ticket portal
Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
Subway Passes and Fare Zones
How to Purchase and Recharge Subway Passes
Subway passes can be purchased at subway stations, online, or at authorized retailers throughout the city. Passes can be recharged online, at subway stations, or at authorized retailers.
Understanding Fare Zones and How They Affect Pricing
The TTC uses a zone system to calculate fares, with fares increasing the farther you travel from the city center. The city is divided into six fare zones, and the number of zones you travel through determines your fare.
Benefits of Using a Subway Pass vs. Single Tickets
Using a subway pass can be more cost-effective than purchasing single ride tickets, especially for frequent riders. Passes offer unlimited travel within the designated time period, and can save you money in the long run.
Major Metro Lines and Stations
Line 1: Yonge-University
Line 1 is the longest line in the subway system, running north-south from Vaughan Metropolitan Centre to Union Station. The line has 38 stations, including popular destinations like Yorkdale Mall, the CN Tower, and the University of Toronto.
Line 2: Bloor-Danforth
Line 2 runs east-west from Kipling Station to Kennedy Station. The line has 31 stations, serving areas like the Annex, Koreatown, and Little Italy.
Line 3: Scarborough
Line 3 is Scarborough’s only rapid transit line, running from Kennedy Station to McCowan Station. The line has six stations and serves the communities of Scarborough and East York.
Line 4: Sheppard
Line 4 is the shortest line in the subway system, running east-west from Sheppard-Yonge Station to Don Mills Station. The line has five stations and serves the northern communities of North York.
Toronto Subway System
Background on the Subway
Toronto’s subway system began operating in 1954, with the Yonge line as its first route. Since then, the subway has expanded to four lines, serving 75 stations, and covering over 76 kilometers of track. It is also one of the busiest rapid transit systems in North America, with over 1.5 million daily riders.
General Map and Route Information
The subway system consists of four lines: Line 1 (Yonge-University), Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth), Line 3 (Scarborough), and Line 4 (Sheppard). Each line runs through various neighborhoods and connects to different parts of the city. The TTC provides a detailed subway map that shows all the routes and station locations.
Navigation Apps and Resources
There are several useful apps and resources for navigating the Toronto subway system. The official TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) app provides real-time information on train schedules and delays, and Google Maps offers detailed directions and transit information.
Current Status of Upcoming Projects
The Yonge Subway Extension project is currently in the early planning stages, with construction set to begin in 2023. The Scarborough Subway Extension is also in the planning stages, and construction is set to begin in 2022. The Relief Line South project is currently in the environmental assessment phase, and construction is expected to begin in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a TTC subway fare and how can I pay?
The cost of a single ride on the TTC subway is CAD 3.25 for adults and CAD 2.30 for seniors and students. Children under the age of 12 ride for free on weekends and holidays. You can pay for your fare using a PRESTO card, tokens, or cash. Tokens and cash can be purchased at subway stations, while PRESTO cards can be ordered online or purchased at select retailers.
What are the hours of operation for the TTC subway system?
The TTC subway system operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. The last subway train typically leaves the end of the line at around 1:30 a.m. and arrives at the terminus at around 2:00 a.m.
Are TTC subway stations accessible?
Yes, all TTC subway stations are equipped with accessibility features such as elevators, ramps, and automatic sliding doors. Wheel-Trans, a specialized transit service for people with disabilities, is also available for those who require it.
What are some popular tourist attractions that can be visited via the TTC subway system?
The TTC subway system provides access to many of Toronto’s popular tourist destinations, including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. Additionally, some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods such as Kensington Market, the Distillery District, and Little Italy, can be easily reached via the subway.
