How to Get Around Toronto Without a Car

Toronto is a lively city with plenty to offer, and you don’t need a car to see it all. With many different transportation options available, getting around Toronto is easy and convenient. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s how you can move through the city without relying on a car.

A bicycle with CN tower background — Photo via destinationtoronto

Move Around Toronto Without a Car

1. Public Transit: TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

a ttc street car with cn tower background — Photo via infotel

The most common way to get around Toronto is by using the TTC. The subway, buses, and streetcars are an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city.

Subways: Toronto’s subway system is the fastest way to travel long distances. It can take you from one end of the city to the other quickly.
Streetcars: These are a classic part of Toronto’s landscape. Streetcars offer a slower, scenic ride, especially through neighborhoods like Queen Street West.
Buses: Bus routes fill in areas that the subway and streetcars don’t cover, ensuring that almost every neighborhood is within reach.

You can pay for your ride with a PRESTO card or even contactless payment with your credit card.

2. Cycling Around Toronto

A bicycle in Toronto — Photo via thestar

Cycling is a great way to cover shorter distances. Toronto has plenty of bike lanes, making it safe for cyclists to travel around the city.

Bike Share Toronto: This bike-sharing program lets you rent a bike at one of the many stations across the city. You can pick up and drop off bikes at different locations.
Private Bikes: If you have your own bike, Toronto’s bike lanes and paths make it easy to ride around. There are also scenic routes along the waterfront and through parks.

Cycling is not only fast but it also allows you to see more of the city up close.

3. Walking: Simple and Free

Two people are laughing while walking off the ttc bus — Photo via istockphoto

Walking is often the best way to get around, especially in areas like downtown Toronto, where everything is within walking distance.

Explore Neighborhoods: Areas like Kensington Market, Queen Street, and the Distillery District are pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate on foot.
Parks and Green Spaces: Toronto has numerous parks like High Park and the Toronto Islands, offering great places to walk or take a break.

Walking is a free and enjoyable way to experience the city and its various neighborhoods.

4. Ride-Sharing and Taxis

A Beck taxi in Toronto — Photo via dailyhive

Sometimes, you may need to get somewhere quickly or want a more private form of transport. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular in Toronto. You can easily book a ride through their apps.

Uber and Lyft: These services are available throughout the city. You can quickly set your pick-up and drop-off points and get to your destination faster.
Taxis: Taxis are still a common way to get around. You can hail one from the street or call for a ride.

Both options are useful for when you need flexibility or don’t want to wait for public transit.

5. Car Rentals and Car Shares

A Communauto Flex car rental — Photo via fringinto

If you don’t need a car full-time but want one for a short trip, consider using a car rental or car-sharing service.

Zipcar: A flexible option for renting a car for just a few hours or a day. It’s ideal for quick errands or trips outside the city.
Traditional Rentals: If you need a car for a longer period, rental agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Dollar, and Budget can set you up with a vehicle.

Car rentals and car share services give you access to a vehicle when you need it without the ongoing costs of ownership.

6. Ferries to Toronto Islands

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The Toronto Islands are easily accessible by ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The ride offers great views of the city skyline and takes about 15 minutes.

Things to do on the Islands:

Beaches: Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island Beach are great spots to relax.
Parks: Toronto Islands Park is perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
Bike Rentals: Rent bikes to explore the islands at a leisurely pace.
Centre Island: Home to Centreville Amusement Park, ideal for families.

The ferry runs year-round, but summer is the peak season. Tickets are affordable, and it’s a peaceful getaway just minutes from downtown.

See all ferry schedules : Here

7. Scooters and Other Micromobility Options

A man using a scooter on the street. — Photo via utoronto

In recent years, e-scooters and e-bikes have become popular options for getting around Toronto.

Scooter Rentals: Services like Lime and Bird offer electric scooters for rent, which you can use to zip around the city.
E-bikes: These bikes make it easier to travel longer distances with less effort.

These micromobility options are good for quick trips and are easy to access through apps.

You don’t need a car to get around Toronto. The city has plenty of options that let you travel easily and affordably. Whether you’re hopping on the TTC, taking a bike, or simply walking through the city, there’s a way to explore every corner of Toronto without needing to drive.

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Move Around Toronto Without a Car