The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has served more than 31 billion trips and is the largest public transit system in Canada. For over 100 years, their network of subways, buses, and streetcars has connected people throughout Toronto and beyond.
Unsure of which fare to choose? We broke down all of their fare options to help you get around affordably and sustainably!
TTC’s Network and Payment Options
The TTC operates three subway lines, one light rail line, along with dozens of buses and streetcars. Their fare system works across all three networks and is valid for two hours after you first tap on/purchase.
The main pricing schemes include regular fares, PRESTO cards, PRESTO tickets, and TTC monthly passes. You can pay using debit or credit (both physical or contactless are accepted), PRESTO, or with cash (only exact change, only on buses). However, you can no longer purchase or use TTC tickets, tokens, or day passes as of June 1, 2025.
For more information on navigating their network, check out our Beginner’s Guide to the TTC.
For Toronto Residents Who Use the TTC Almost Everyday
If you are a frequent user of the TTC, the easiest way to pay is through PRESTO – a reloadable fare card that riders can tap on/off with.
A single fare costs $3.30 for adults, however, depending on your ridership level, purchasing a PRESTO TTC Monthly Pass may be more economical. For adults, a monthly pass costs $156 and a 12-month pass costs $143. The 12-month pass requires a 12 month commitment, and is better for individuals who plan to use the TTC over the upcoming year. Monthly passes can be purchased from the last twelve days of the month until eight days after the start of the next month.
You can purchase and reload PRESTO on their website, at Fare Vending Machines (located at any TTC subway station), or participating customer service outlets. Along with physical cards (which cost $4), PRESTO can also be set up in Apple or Google wallets for free.
Make sure to download the PRESTO app to check your balance, reload your card, and view your transit history.
For those who work in the downtown core but reside in the GTHA
PRESTO is also perfect for those who regularly travel between Toronto and its surrounding neighbourhoods. It can be used on the TTC, GO Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Oakville Transit, Durham Region Transit, Burlington Transit, UP Express, York Region Transit, and OC Transpo.
If you travel through any of these areas, you can transfer onto the TTC for free within two hours of your journey’s start time. Depending on your frequency of travel, PRESTO’s single fare, monthly, or 12-month pass are your best options (see above for pricing details).
For Day-Visitors
If you are visiting the city for the day, single-purchase fares are recommended. A regular fare costs $3.35 for adults (or $3.30 when using debit/credit).
Alternatively, PRESTO tickets offer one-ride ($3.35), two-ride ($6.70), or day pass ($13.50) tickets, and are suited for individuals who own a PRESTO and do not use the TTC everyday. They can be purchased at Fare Vending Machines (located at any TTC subway station) or participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
For Parents Traveling with Children
Visiting Toronto as a family? Kids 12 and under ride for free on both the TTC and GO Transit. The adults in the family could pay a regular fare or purchase a PRESTO card (which they can re-fill as needed).
If your child uses the TTC to get to school, the TTC Child Proof-of-Age-Card is available for kids who are tall for their age, which you can obtain through your school administration or by contacting TTC Customer Service.
For Teenagers Who Use the TTC
Youth aged 16-19 can ride at reduced prices, but must carry a high school photo ID, a driver’s license, or an Ontario-issued photo card.
For youth visiting the city for the day, you can purchase a single-fare for $2.40 (or $2.35 if you use a PRESTO card).
If you frequently use the TTC to get around, a monthly pass is the better choice! Youth monthly passes cost $128.15 or $117.45 for a 12-month pass.
For Post-Secondary Students
If you use the TTC to get to school, post-secondary students can purchase a TTC Post-Secondary Monthly Pass through PRESTO for $128.15, but must carry a Post-Secondary Photo ID Card when traveling.
For Older Adults (65+)
Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for reduced fares, but must carry a driver’s license or an Ontario-issued Photo card.
For seniors visiting the city for the day, you can purchase a single-fare for $2.30 (or $2.25 if you use a PRESTO card).
If you frequently use the TTC to get around, a monthly pass is the better choice! Senior monthly passes cost $128.15 and 12-month passes cost $117.45.
Using the TTC to get to a Business Event
Moving through Toronto with an organization? The Convention Pass grants attendees unlimited travel on the TTC over the event’s duration. This option can be purchased by companies and is perfect for conventions, conferences, tradeshows, meetings and seminars.
Fares for Riders with Accessibility Needs
The TTC also offers special fares to support a variety of accessibility needs.
If you need to travel with a support person, you can sign up for a Support Person Assistance Card to allow one caregiver to ride with you for free.
Any person who resides in Toronto and is registered as legally blind can also ride the TTC free of charge. You must register for a CNIB transit card and always carry a valid CNIB identification card.
Fair Pass Transit Discount Program
For low-income individuals who live in Toronto, you can apply for the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program. If eligible, members can pay for TTC services at reduced fares (36% less on single adult fares, 21% less on monthly passes).
For a city as bustling and diverse as Toronto, the TTC offers a variety of payment options for every individual. Travelling by public transit has never been easier and more affordable!
Photo Credits:
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ttc-ask-federal-funds-1.7150199
- https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/05/17/presto-card-coming-to-apple-wallets-soon/
- https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc
