How to pay for the TTC in 2026: PRESTO card, tapping a credit card or phone, the $3.30 fare, two-hour transfers, monthly fare capping, and when PRESTO is worth getting.
How to Get the PRESTO Card
Buy a PRESTO card at TTC subway station machines, at Shoppers Drug Mart, at UP Express stations, or online. There is a card fee, and you load money on it. Visitors using only the TTC can skip PRESTO and tap a credit or debit card or phone instead.
PRESTO Card Benefits
- $3.30 per TTC trip, the same as tapping a bank card and less than the $3.35 cash fare.
- Free transfers within two hours of your first tap.
- Monthly fare cap: after 47 paid TTC fares in a calendar month, the rest of the month is free.
- Works on GO Transit, UP Express and other transit systems around Toronto.
- The lower $9.25 UP Express fare to and from Pearson Airport.
PRESTO, bank card or cash?
| PRESTO card | Credit or debit card or phone | Cash | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTC fare | $3.30 | $3.30 | $3.35 |
| Two-hour transfer | Yes | Yes | Paper transfer on buses only |
| Monthly fare cap | Yes | Yes | No |
| UP Express | $9.25 | Standard fare | Standard fare |
| GO Transit | Yes | Yes, on GO trains and buses | Ticket needed |
How monthly fare capping works
Since 2026, the TTC caps what you pay each calendar month. Once you have paid 47 fares with the same PRESTO card, bank card or phone, every other TTC trip that month is free. At $3.30 per fare, that means you never pay more than $155.10 in a month.
The count resets on the first day of each month. Cash fares and PRESTO Tickets do not count towards the cap, and neither do UP Express or GO Transit fares.
Tips for using PRESTO on the TTC
- Tap once when you enter the subway or board a bus or streetcar. There is no need to tap out on the TTC.
- Always use the same card or phone, so your trips count towards the monthly cap.
- On Line 5 and Line 6, pay at the platform machines before boarding and keep your card as proof of payment.
- Set up autoload online so the card tops up automatically when the balance runs low.
Fare Reference (CAD)
Payment methods: PRESTO card · Credit or debit card (tap) · Apple Pay or Google Pay · PRESTO Ticket (single ride or day pass) · Cash (exact fare).
💡 Tap PRESTO, a credit or debit card, or your phone for the $3.30 fare ($3.35 in cash). Transfers within two hours are free, and after 47 paid fares in a calendar month, the rest of the month is free.
| Journey | Off-Peak (CAD) | Peak (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult fare (PRESTO, card or phone tap) | $3.30 | $3.30 |
| Adult fare (cash) | $3.35 | $3.35 |
| Day Pass (PRESTO Ticket) | $13.50 | $13.50 |
| Monthly cap (47 fares) | $155.10 | $155.10 |
| UP Express, Union to Pearson (PRESTO) | $9.25 | $9.25 |
| UP Express, Union to Pearson (standard) | $12.35 | $12.35 |
Peak hours: No peak surcharge. The same fare applies all day.
Tips for Using the PRESTO Card
- Tap in and tap out with the same card at every gate. The fare is worked out when you exit.
- Top up before you travel, through the official Toronto Subway app or website where available, or at station machines.
- If you lose the card, contact Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Many systems can move the balance to a new card.
- Travelling to or from the airport? See the airport transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PRESTO card as a visitor?
Not for the TTC: tapping a credit or debit card or your phone gives the same $3.30 fare and counts towards the monthly cap. PRESTO is worth it if you will also use the UP Express (for the lower fare) or GO Transit.
How do I pay on Line 5 and Line 6?
There is no payment on board. Tap your PRESTO card, bank card or phone on the machines at the station or stop before you board, and keep the card with you as proof of payment.
How does the two-hour transfer work?
After your first tap, you can transfer between TTC subway, streetcar, bus and light rail for two hours without paying again, as long as you use the same card or phone.
Can I use PRESTO on GO Trains?
Yes. PRESTO is accepted on all GO Transit trains and buses. On GO you tap on and tap off, and the fare depends on distance.
See also: Toronto Subway ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Toronto Subway guide
Source: Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Fares and card terms change from time to time, so verify before travel.