Toronto Transport Tickets & PRESTO Card: Fares & Passes [2026]
Understanding Toronto transport tickets is fairly simple once you know the main rule: most visitors do not need to buy a special tourist transport card. For ordinary TTC travel, you can simply tap a PRESTO card, contactless credit/debit card or compatible mobile wallet.
The TTC operates Toronto’s subway, streetcars and buses. A standard TTC fare covers travel across these services, and PRESTO, PRESTO Tickets and contactless payment include a two-hour transfer window.
If you are arriving at Pearson Airport, ticketing works differently because UP Express has its own fare. For a complete comparison of airport transport options, see our Toronto Airport to City Center guide.
Quick answer: which Toronto transport ticket should you use?
- 1–2 occasional TTC rides: contactless debit/credit card
- Several days + regional travel: PRESTO card or digital PRESTO
- Heavy sightseeing day: PRESTO Day Pass
- Pearson → Downtown: UP Express for speed; TTC for budget travel
- GO Transit / regional travel: PRESTO is particularly useful
- Children 12 and under: free on TTC
- Main mistake: switching cards/devices during the same two-hour transfer period
Toronto Transport Tickets Compared
| Payment method | 2026 price | Best for | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTO card | C$3.30 adult TTC fare | Frequent and regional travel | ⭐ Best all-round option |
| Contactless card | C$3.30 adult TTC fare | Most short-stay visitors | ⭐ Easiest option |
| PRESTO one-ride ticket | C$3.35 | One-off journeys | Useful without a bank card |
| PRESTO two-ride ticket | C$6.70 | Two journeys | Simple limited-use option |
| PRESTO Day Pass | C$13.50 | Transit-heavy sightseeing | ⭐ Best for many rides |
| Cash | C$3.35 adult | Backup only | Avoid if possible |
Fares reviewed in August 2026. Transport fares and ticketing rules can change; verify current prices before travelling.
Toronto TTC Fares in 2026
For adult visitors, the standard TTC pay-as-you-go fare is C$3.30 with PRESTO or contactless debit/credit card. The adult cash fare is C$3.35.
| Fare | Adult | Youth 13–19 | Senior 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTO | C$3.30 | C$2.35 | C$2.25 |
| Contactless debit/credit | C$3.30 | Adult fare | Adult fare |
| Cash | C$3.35 | C$2.40 | C$2.30 |
Families: children aged 12 and under ride free on the TTC.
PRESTO Card: Toronto’s Main Transit Card
The PRESTO card is Toronto’s main reusable public transport card. It works on TTC subway, buses and streetcars as well as UP Express, GO Transit and participating regional transit agencies.
When PRESTO Is Worth Buying
- You will use public transport regularly.
- You plan to use GO Transit.
- You will travel beyond central Toronto.
- You want one dedicated transit payment method.
- You want access to eligible One Fare transfers.
Physical vs Digital PRESTO
PRESTO can be used as a physical card or, on compatible devices, as a digital card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
A digital PRESTO card is convenient, but a physical card can be preferable if you do not want to depend on your phone battery.
How to Use PRESTO on TTC
- Load sufficient funds onto your card.
- Tap when entering a subway station.
- Tap when boarding a bus or streetcar.
- Use the same PRESTO card for transfers.
- Keep it available as proof of payment.
Important: do not tap your entire wallet against the reader. Present only the PRESTO card or payment card you intend to use.
Contactless Payment: Easiest for Most Tourists
For many visitors, you do not need to buy a PRESTO card at all.
Accepted contactless debit and credit cards can be tapped directly at TTC fare gates and readers. Compatible mobile wallets can also be used.
Contactless Is Best If…
- You are staying in Toronto for a few days.
- You mainly travel within the TTC network.
- You expect only occasional subway, streetcar or bus rides.
- You pay adult fares.
- You want to start travelling without buying a ticket first.
Golden rule: always use the same physical card or the same mobile device during your transfer window.
A physical bank card and that same card stored in your phone wallet can be treated as different payment methods.
Toronto’s Two-Hour TTC Transfer
PRESTO, PRESTO Tickets and contactless debit/credit payments automatically provide a two-hour TTC transfer period.
During that period, you can transfer between TTC subway, buses and streetcars without another fare being charged, provided you continue using the same payment method.
Example: subway → streetcar → short stop → bus can still fall within the same paid fare if all taps occur within the two-hour transfer window.
Cash fares do not receive the same two-hour transfer benefit.
TTC Day Pass: Is It Worth It?
The PRESTO Day Pass costs C$13.50 and allows unlimited TTC travel for the day.
Buy a Day Pass If…
- You expect several separate paid trips.
- You are exploring multiple neighborhoods.
- You are staying outside Downtown.
- You want simple unlimited TTC travel for the day.
Skip the Day Pass If…
- You expect only one return journey.
- You will walk around Downtown most of the day.
- Several journeys fall inside two-hour transfer windows.
Simple break-even: C$13.50 is slightly more than four C$3.30 adult pay-as-you-go fares. For many tourists, contactless payment therefore remains cheaper unless the day involves several separate journeys.
New TTC Monthly Fare Capping from September 2026
From September 1, 2026, TTC introduces monthly fare capping for eligible PRESTO and contactless users.
After 47 paid TTC trips in the same calendar month using the same eligible payment method, further eligible TTC trips for the rest of that month are free.
Important 2026 change: Adult, Youth, Senior and Fair Pass monthly passes are discontinued from August 31, 2026 as monthly fare capping begins.
For ordinary tourists staying only a few days, this will rarely matter. It is much more relevant for long-stay visitors.
Toronto Pearson Airport Tickets: UP Express vs TTC
Pearson Airport creates the main exception to Toronto’s otherwise simple TTC fare system.
UP Express — Fastest Public Transport
UP Express connects Pearson Airport with Union Station in Downtown Toronto.
- PRESTO adult Pearson–Union fare: C$9.25
- Children 12 and under: free
- Best for: first-time visitors, luggage and Downtown hotels
UP Express uses a separate fare from normal TTC travel.
TTC — Budget Airport Option
TTC buses connect Pearson with the subway network. This is slower than UP Express but costs only a normal TTC fare.
It is most attractive for budget travelers who have manageable luggage and do not mind transferring.
Not sure which airport option to use?
See our complete Toronto Airport to City Center guide for UP Express, TTC, taxi, rideshare and private transfer comparisons.
PRESTO, GO Transit & One Fare
PRESTO becomes especially useful when your trip extends beyond central Toronto.
The One Fare program integrates eligible transfers between TTC and participating regional systems, including GO Transit and several surrounding transit agencies.
PRESTO Is Particularly Useful For…
- GO Transit trips
- Mississauga / MiWay
- York Region
- Brampton
- Durham Region
- Trips combining TTC and regional transit
GO Transit Tap Rules
GO Transit fares are distance-based. PRESTO users normally tap on when starting the trip and tap off at the destination, unless a valid default-trip arrangement applies.
Which Toronto Transport Ticket Should You Choose?
| Traveler | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day visitor | Contactless | No card purchase required |
| Transit-heavy sightseeing day | Day Pass | Unlimited TTC travel |
| 2–3 day Downtown stay | Contactless | Simple pay-as-you-go |
| Longer stay | PRESTO or contactless | Both work well for TTC |
| Regional trips | PRESTO | Useful across GO and regional systems |
| Pearson → Downtown | UP Express | Fast and direct |
| Budget airport traveler | TTC | Normal TTC fare |
| Family with young children | PRESTO/contactless | Children 12 and under ride TTC free |
Best Ticket for Toronto Sightseeing
Downtown, CN Tower & Waterfront
Most central attractions are relatively close together. If you mainly walk and make occasional TTC journeys, contactless payment is usually better than a Day Pass.
Distillery District, Kensington Market & Queen Street
These areas often involve streetcar, subway and walking combinations. Use contactless or PRESTO for occasional journeys; consider a Day Pass for a transit-heavy itinerary.
High Park
A normal TTC fare is sufficient for a simple Downtown–High Park journey. A Day Pass only becomes attractive if High Park is one stop in a much larger sightseeing day.
Toronto Islands
TTC can take you close to the ferry terminal, but the Toronto Islands ferry requires a separate ticket and is not included in TTC fares or the TTC Day Pass.
Common Toronto Ticket Mistakes
Switching Between Card and Phone
Use exactly the same payment method throughout your two-hour transfer window.
Buying PRESTO for One Ride
Contactless payment is usually simpler for a visitor making only one or two TTC journeys.
Buying a Day Pass Too Quickly
Because TTC includes two-hour transfers, several vehicle boardings do not necessarily mean several paid fares.
Thinking UP Express Is Included in TTC
UP Express has its own fare structure.
Forgetting to Tap Off on GO / UP Express
These services can require both tap-on and tap-off. Follow the rules for the service you are using.
Using Cash Unnecessarily
Cash is less convenient and does not include the TTC two-hour transfer available with PRESTO, PRESTO Ticket and contactless payment.
Once you have chosen how to pay, see our How to Use Public Transport in Toronto guide for subway, streetcars, buses, UP Express, GO Transit and practical route advice.
Related Toronto Transport Guides
Continue Planning Your Toronto Trip
- Toronto Airport to City Center — compare UP Express, TTC, taxi, rideshare and transfers.
- How to Use Public Transport in Toronto — learn how to use subway, streetcars, buses and regional transport.
Toronto Transport Tickets FAQ
How much is a TTC fare in 2026?
The adult TTC fare is C$3.30 with PRESTO or contactless debit/credit payment. The adult cash fare is C$3.35.
What is the best Toronto transport ticket for tourists?
Contactless payment is easiest for most short-stay adult visitors. PRESTO is particularly useful for frequent or regional travel.
Do tourists need a PRESTO card?
No. If you are paying an adult fare, you can use an accepted contactless debit or credit card directly on TTC.
Can I use my credit card on Toronto public transport?
Yes. Accepted contactless debit and credit cards can be tapped directly on TTC fare readers.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Wallet on TTC?
Compatible mobile wallets can be used for contactless payment. Always use the same device for transfers.
How long is a TTC transfer valid?
PRESTO, PRESTO Ticket and contactless payments include a two-hour transfer window beginning with the first tap.
Does cash include a two-hour TTC transfer?
No. Cash customers do not receive the two-hour transfer available with PRESTO, PRESTO Ticket and contactless payment.
How much is a TTC Day Pass?
The PRESTO Day Pass costs C$13.50.
Is the Toronto Day Pass worth it?
It can be worthwhile for a day involving several separate paid journeys. For light sightseeing, pay-as-you-go contactless payment is often cheaper.
Do children travel free on TTC?
Yes. Children aged 12 and under ride free on TTC.
Can I use PRESTO on UP Express?
Yes. PRESTO can be used on UP Express.
How much is UP Express with PRESTO?
The adult PRESTO fare between Pearson Airport and Union Station is C$9.25.
Is UP Express included in a TTC fare?
No. UP Express uses a separate fare structure.
What is the cheapest public transport from Pearson Airport?
TTC bus and subway connections generally provide the budget option because they use the normal TTC fare.
Can I use PRESTO on GO Transit?
Yes. PRESTO is widely used on GO Transit, where fares are generally distance-based.
Do I tap off on TTC?
For normal TTC journeys you generally tap when entering a station or boarding. GO Transit and UP Express can require tap-off.
What is One Fare?
One Fare provides eligible integrated transfers between TTC and participating regional transit systems, reducing duplicate fares on qualifying journeys.
Can two people use the same contactless card?
Each passenger aged 13 or older should use their own card, ticket or device.
Does TTC Day Pass include Toronto Islands ferry?
No. Ferry tickets are separate from TTC fares.
What changes on September 1, 2026?
TTC monthly fare capping begins. Eligible customers using the same PRESTO or contactless payment method ride free after 47 paid TTC trips in the same calendar month.
Should tourists buy a monthly TTC pass?
Most tourists do not need one. In addition, several TTC monthly pass products are being replaced by monthly fare capping from September 1, 2026.
Where can I buy PRESTO Tickets?
PRESTO Tickets are available from TTC fare vending machines and participating retail/customer service locations.
Editorial transparency
This guide is independently written and regularly reviewed.
Toronto transport fares, ticket products and payment rules may change.
Fare information on this page was reviewed in August 2026.
Which Toronto Transport Ticket Should You Buy?
For most adult tourists spending a few days in Toronto, contactless payment is the simplest choice: tap your bank card or mobile device and travel.
Choose PRESTO if you prefer a dedicated transit card or expect to use GO Transit and regional services. Consider the C$13.50 Day Pass only for a genuinely transit-heavy sightseeing day.
If you are arriving at Pearson Airport, remember that UP Express uses a separate fare. Compare all airport options in our Toronto Airport to City Center guide.
And once you have chosen how to pay, continue with our How to Use Public Transport in Toronto guide.
Final recommendation: for a typical short Toronto city break, don’t overcomplicate ticketing — use contactless payment and take advantage of the two-hour TTC transfer.