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Toronto’s clean and efficient subways are a good way to get around the city. Free route maps are available at all stations. If you are changing subway lines or to a bus or streetcar, take a transfer from one of the red dispensers after paying the fare. Transfers are valid for a one-way continuous trip.

Bus and streetcar routes crisscross the city and are well-serviced. Make sure to take a transfer from the driver. You will need it to switch to another route or to the subway, and to provide proof of payment if asked.

A ticket or token (coin-like tickets), available in quantities of 5 or 10 at TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) stations and shops displaying a “Ticket Agent” sign, is cheaper than a cash fare. Bus and streetcar drivers don’t sell tickets or provide change. It may be worth buying a day pass, sold at subway stations.

The TTC operates a door-to-door transit service within the City of Toronto for customers in wheelchairs.

Flagging a cab on main downtown streets or at the airport is easy – taxis are plentiful in Toronto. Rates are set by the city. You can also order a cab over the telephone.

Ferries to the Toronto Islands depart regularly from the foot of Bay Street, just behind Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. The trip is about 10 minutes. Off-season, all ferries carry bicycles for a small extra fee. In summer, the Centre Island ferry doesn’t (see Ferry).

By foot is the best way to explore Toronto neighborhoods. Central downtown Toronto streets are fairly safe, even at night, but if in doubt check with your concierge. In winter, escape the cold by going underground to the PATH system (see PATH).

Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers. Some streets have cycling lanes but most don’t. Maps of cycling lanes and paths are available online or at City Hall. The Martin Goodman Trail is a good alternative to busy streets. Bike theft is a concern in the city; lock up your bike securely when not in use. In general, bikes may not be ridden on sidewalks, and while wearing a helmet is not mandatory, it is always a good idea to do so: streetcar tracks in particular are a hazard to cyclists. Bikes are allowed on most TTC buses and subways during non-peak hours.

The grid system of Toronto’s streets makes driving easy, but a good map is still essential: many streets are one-way. Most major two-way streets forbid left-hand turns during rush hours. Highways are busy during rush hours – especially Hwy 401, Hwy 427, and the Gardiner Expressway – and are best avoided. It is illegal to pass a streetcar on the right-hand side when it is stopped to let passengers on or off. Wait 6.5 ft (2 m) behind the rear doors until all the doors have closed. Before opening the car door or making a right-hand turn, double-check for cyclists.

Several companies offer hour-long tours of Toronto Harbour. You can also book a day tour on a three-masted schooner. All depart from Queen’s Quay docks (see Queen’s Quay Terminal).