Toronto Transport

Coming and Going

Toronto is served by two airports: Pearson International Airport and the Toronto City Centre Airport. Pearson is by far the busiest airport in Canada. The smaller Toronto City Centre Airport is used by regional and charter airlines. Almost all tickets for flights departing Canada, whether purchased in Canada or abroad, include departure tax.

Numerous Ontario buses and Canada-US Greyhound buses leave from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal at the corner of Bay and Dundas Sts. Some buses also depart from an adjacent terminal on the western side, including GO Transit commuter services. Trains remain Canada's most enjoyable and romantic way to travel, though they're more expensive than buses, and, in many cases, flights. Grand old Union Station downtown is served by VIA Rail and GO Transit commuter trains. Reservations are essential, and various passes are available. The US Amtrak train company also runs services between the US and Canada.

Expressways on all four sides of Toronto experience continual congestion and, except during winter, construction never ends. Still, car and motorcycle travel allow you to choose your own route. If you can get to Pelee Island, Ontario, a ferry crosses over to the US, to Ohio. Innovative, alternative services - such as jump-on and jump-off buses (geared to budget travellers and hostellers) also operate throughout Canada.

Getting About

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.