Toronto packs a lot into a walkable core, but a good trip still comes down to a few early decisions. You'll want to sort out how you're getting in from Pearson, which neighborhood to sleep in, and how many days you can spare before Niagara Falls starts tempting you. Summer 2026 adds a twist: the FIFA World Cup fills the city from mid-June through mid-July, pushing up prices and crowds. These Toronto travel tips walk you through transit, timing, neighborhoods, and the mistakes that catch first-time visitors off guard.
Getting from Pearson Airport into the City
The fastest way downtown is the UP Express train. It runs from Pearson Terminal 1 to Union Station in about 25 minutes, every 15 minutes from early morning until around 1 a.m. A one-way adult fare is $12.35, dropping to $9.25 when you tap a PRESTO card or a contactless credit card, and children under 12 ride free.
If you land at Terminal 3, hop on the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1 and follow the "Train to City" signs. Union Station drops you onto the subway's Line 1 and within a short walk of many downtown hotels and the CN Tower. You'll find current fares and schedules on the official Toronto Pearson transportation page, worth a look before you fly, since UP Express adjusts service around big events.
Prefer the road? A licensed airport taxi runs a flat $55–$60 downtown, Uber usually a little less, and the TTC's 900 bus to Kipling subway is cheapest at a single fare but takes over an hour. For a side-by-side look at every route and cost, this guide to the Toronto Airport to Downtown Toronto transfer lines them all up. And if you're arriving late, traveling as a group, or juggling luggage and kids, a booked door-to-door transfer through a service like Transpovia can beat piecing together a train and a rideshare.
One 2026 note: on World Cup match days, expect UP Express to be busier than usual, so allow extra time between Pearson and Union.
Toronto Travel Tips for Getting Around the City
Toronto's TTC covers the city with a subway, streetcars, and buses for a $3.30 adult fare. You can tap a contactless credit or debit card, a phone, or a PRESTO card — nothing to buy in advance. A $13.50 day pass pays off after roughly four rides, and on weekends and holidays it covers two adults and up to four kids, which is strong value for families.
A detail many guides skip: thanks to the One Fare program, transfers between the TTC and regional systems like GO Transit and UP Express no longer double-charge you when you use the same tap. That matters if you're connecting from the airport or heading out to Niagara. Just keep tapping the same card so the automatic two-hour transfer window applies.
Cash works only on buses and streetcars, in exact change, and won't get you through a subway gate — so a tap card is far simpler. Fares and rules change periodically, so confirm the latest on the official TTC fares page. A few local habits smooth things out: stand to the right on escalators, let riders off before boarding, and tip around 15–20% at restaurants. Downtown itself is easy on foot, with Union Station about a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower and 15 from the Eaton Centre.
Where to Base Yourself
Your neighborhood sets the tone of the whole trip, so match it to how you like to travel.
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The downtown core puts you close to the CN Tower, major attractions, restaurants, and Union Station, making it an excellent base for first-time visitors, though hotel rates can be higher.
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Old Town and St. Lawrence trade some buzz for historic streets and the St. Lawrence Market, an easy walk from the core.
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Yorkville is the upscale pick, with designer shopping and the Royal Ontario Museum close by. Good if museums and quiet evenings appeal.
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West Queen West and Ossington are known for their independent restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and creative atmosphere, though they're a longer streetcar ride from downtown.
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Kensington Market and Chinatown aren't where most people sleep, but they're where you'll want to eat — plan at least one meal here.
Things to Do in Downtown Toronto
The CN Tower is the signature stop, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada sits right at its base, so you can pair both in one visit. Book the tower early in the morning or later in the evening to skip the longest queues. From there, most of the marquee downtown Toronto attractions are a short ride or walk apart.
Timing your museum visits saves real money. The Royal Ontario Museum offers free general admission on the third Tuesday of each month, while the Art Gallery of Ontario is free on Wednesday evenings and always free for anyone 25 and under. Casa Loma, a genuine early-1900s castle, rewards a couple of hours, and the pedestrian-only Distillery District is best for a slow afternoon of cafés and shops. Check days before visiting the St. Lawrence Market, since the main building winds down early in the week.
When the weather cooperates, take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for the best skyline view in the city and a car-free afternoon of beaches and bike paths — a genuine local favorite that many first-timers miss.
Best Time to Visit Toronto
The most comfortable stretches are late spring and early fall. May and the September-to-October window bring mild weather, thinner crowds, and lower hotel rates than peak summer.
Summer 2026 is the exception to plan around. The FIFA World Cup runs in the city from June 11 through July 19, with the FIFA Fan Festival downtown and six matches at the stadium at Exhibition Place. Expect elevated prices, packed transit on match days, and hotels booking out early, so reserve well ahead if those dates are yours. Winter turns cold, often below freezing, but delivers the Distillery District's Christmas Market and outdoor skating at Nathan Phillips Square for travelers who don't mind bundling up.
Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls sits about 90 minutes from downtown and makes an easy add-on. GO Transit runs a seasonal train to Niagara on summer weekends plus a year-round bus, and once you arrive, the local WEGO buses connect the falls and nearby attractions. A half-day feels rushed; give it a full day if you can, and book ahead in summer when demand climbs.
If timing bus and train connections isn't how you want to spend a vacation day, this Niagara Falls transfer from Toronto breakdown compares your options. A round-trip transfer with Transpovia also removes the schedule-watching entirely, which helps if you're fitting the falls around match days or a tight itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Toronto?
Three days covers the downtown core, a couple of museums, and a neighborhood or two at a relaxed pace. Add a fourth day if you want to slot in a Niagara Falls trip without rushing either.
Do you need a car in Toronto?
No. The UP Express, subway, streetcars, and buses reach nearly everything a visitor wants, and downtown parking is pricey and scarce. Save a rental only if you're touring wine country or driving farther afield.
Is Toronto expensive to visit?
It can be, especially for hotels in summer and during the 2026 World Cup. You can trim costs with a TTC day pass, free museum windows at the ROM and AGO, and neighborhoods like Kensington Market for affordable, memorable meals.
Can you visit Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto?
Yes. It's roughly 90 minutes each way by GO Transit, guided tour, or private transfer. A full day lets you see the falls, and get back for dinner without watching the clock.
Before You Go
Toronto rewards a little planning: tap a contactless card instead of chasing tickets, book hotels early if you're coming in summer 2026, and pack layers for weather that shifts fast. Confirm attraction hours and current fares on official sites before you head out, since they change with the season. Sort your airport ride first, and the rest of the trip falls into place.
"We tapped one card for everything — the airport train, the subway, even the GO bus to Niagara — and never thought about tickets again. Figuring that out on day one made the whole trip easier." — a couple visiting Toronto for a long weekend
