You can explore on foot in a new place. In a large city like Toronto, where the different neighborhoods and attractions are fairly spread out, you might need some help to rest. Toronto is one of the most exciting and diverse metropolitan destinations in the world, but it is hard to get around.

Toronto has a public transportation system that combines buses, streetcars and subways. Toronto has the top-ranked public transit system in Canada, and some locals like to complain about it. You can also take a ride in a car, bike or ride-sharing app.

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Everything you need to know is here.

Woman riding the bus in Toronto, Canada
Toronto has a wide-reaching public transport network © FatCamera / Getty Images

Travel like a local on Toronto's buses and streetcars

The cheapest way to get around Toronto is by public transit. Due to the notorious Toronto traffic, they can often be incredibly slow methods of travel. Buses and streetcars can be used outside of peak times.

Most major routes are operated by buses and streetcars during the day. The stops on the Blue Night Network are marked with a blue reflective band during the early hours of the morning. Between the hours of 9pm and 5am, Toronto's buses offer a request stop option where the bus can let passengers off as they need to.

You can request a stop by pushing the button or pulling the cord. Change is not offered for fares on buses and streetcars. You can get more bang for your buck if you buy a pre-paid transport pass.

Use the subway to skip traffic

Toronto's subway system is the fastest and best way to get around town, but with only four lines, it's not nearly as connected as alternatives above ground. The subway closes at night. The subway runs from Tuesday to Saturday. The schedule starts at 8 am.

People cross a busy street in Toronto on a cloudy day
Buy a Presto card to ride Toronto's public transport © NicolasMcComber / Getty Images

Transport passes in Toronto

Toronto's public transit tickets, token and passes are being phased out. At all subway stations, you can purchase Presto cards. You can buy a ticket for one ride, two rides or a day pass. If you pay your fare using a Presto card or ticket, you can enter and exit the TTC as many times as you please. If you pay in cash, this money-saving bonus is not applicable.

You can buy a card for $6 and have it loaded with whatever you want. The cards are available at all Shoppers Drug Mart locations in the city as well as online and at the TTC customer service centre.

You can see Toronto by car, but it's probably not worth the stress

We don't recommend renting a car or driving your own in Toronto. You need to be aware of streetcar stops, pedestrians and cyclists. You don't need a car to get around the city if you use the public transit. Most of the parking is in paid lots. The parking rate starts at $2 and can go as high as $4. Toronto does not allow for free parking on weekends.

Tourists ride the ferry in Toronto, Canada
See the Toronto skyline and travel to nearby islands on the ferry © william87 / Getty Images

Visit the Toronto Islands by ferry

The ferry takes you to Toronto Islands. You can walk between the three main islands if you choose. The ferry schedule varies by season. The ferry only goes to Ward's Island during the winter season. Every day the ferry schedule runs from 6:30am to 11:30pm. You don't have to worry about showing your ticket on the way back if you have a ferry ticket.

Get around with taxis, Uber and Lyft

Taxis are available in Toronto. Taxis are available at most hotels and major attractions. It is more likely that you will have to call a cab if you are further out of the city. Taxi fare in Toronto is $4.25 per kilometer. Tipping is common in Toronto, though it's at your discretion, and credit cards are accepted by many drivers. It's about 10% to 15%.

Traveling during rush hour in Toronto can make for long and expensive rides in taxis and ride- hailing apps.

Take the scenic route and rent a bicycle

If you want to explore Toronto, renting a bike is a good option. During the warmer months, biking around the city can be a good way to see it. Toronto has a bike share program and companies along the waterfront offer half day and full day rentals. You can find these bikes in the city. There are rates starting at $3.25.

If you want to explore the waterfront, renting a bike is the best way to go. It is possible to find designated bike lanes around the city, but it can be a challenge given the traffic. If space permits, bikes can be used on public transit during non-peak hours, but only at the discretion of the driver.

Accessible travel in Toronto

Low floors and accessible stops are available on the Toronto streetcars. There is a blue symbol of access displayed on the side of the streetcar. Blue lights illuminate the front of the streetcars. You might not be able to get on or off exactly where you want at some stops.

Not all bus stops are wheelchair accessible.

Toronto's subway system is not easy to navigate. The most difficult method for travelers with mobility issues is the wheelchair accessible method.

The article was last updated about 4 hours ago.