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Transportation in the Toronto Region
 
Transportation

Toronto is close to everything. Located in the north central region of the continent, its easily accessed from almost anywhere - literally. Pearson International Airport is serviced by a wide array of air carriers.

 
Unlike many modern cities, the airport is within the major metropolitan area and easily accessible (subject to some awesome traffic delays at rush hour of course). Pearson International is Canada's main hub and connections are available for almost anywhere in the world (yes, you can get there from here).

Given Toronto's key location, this may be your first touch down in Canada on route to the Rockies, Vancouver, Montreal or even the Maritimes depending on your city of origin. From Toronto you may also be looking to make connections to smaller airports in Ontario's northern regions. This is the gateway to the province.

The major highway into the city is the 401 which runs east west through the cities northern sector. It heads west to the City of Windsor and the U.S. border. Following it east will bring into the Province of Quebec and into Montreal. The Gardener Express way in the downtown core parallels the 401. It will take you east to Pickering or west to Oakville along the Queen Elizabeth way. If you're heading north into cottage country, you'll more than likely follow the 400, which is the superhighway that brings you north to the Blue Mountain, Georgian Bay, Muskokas areas and eventually into Algonquin Provincial Park if you branch off on highway 11. If your driving, the closes access from the U.S. is through the Buffalo-Niagara corridor in the southwest or a little further west the Windsor-Detroit area. From the east your best bet is to take the bridge just to the east of Kingston from upper New York State.

Air

Taxies to Pearson International airport cost north of $35C. With the airport in the city it makes sense to pick up an airport shuttle at one of the downtown hotels. There is also an express bus which is significantly less expensive. Inquire at 800-387-6787. Limousines are often a good option but be sure to make reservations in advance. Rush hour has a very definite impact on the time it will take to reach the airport. The closer you get to those magic numbers, "9" and "5" the longer it will take to get to the airport, allow progressively longer time to compensate. Finally, for those easy going travelers, you can always take the public transit system to and from the airport which makes a lot of sense if you aren't packing heavy.

Airlines - Regional National and International The main Canadian carrier into Toronto is Air Canada. There are a large number of international carriers which also service the region.

Approximate Flying Times (Direct)

Atlanta 2hrs
Boston 1.5 hrs
Chicago 1.5hrs
Los Angeles 5hrs
New York 2hrs
San Francisco 4.5hrs

Airlines - Regional

  • Air Ontario
    •

    Outside the Toronto Region

  • Bearskin Air - Thunderbay
  • Fly Huron North
  • Parry Sound Air
    •

    Car Rental

    Driving Distances / Mileage

    Ontario Distance Calculator

    Road Signs - Ontario Road Signs

    A valid drivers license from you country of residence is valid for up to three months in Ontario.Seat belts must be worn, by law, for adults and children over 40lb (18kg). The speed limits are as posted, with freeways generally allowing speeds up to 100km/h (62.5 mph), other highways 70 to 90 and side roads generally allowing 50km/h.You are permitted to turn right on red lights (once you've come to a stop and ascertained the way is clear) unless otherwise indicated. Ontario has photo radar, so keep a light right foot. Ontario is particularly stringent about drinking and driving - don't! Snow can fly early in the year, particularly in the north, so check road conditions and closures before setting out. 

    Road Conditions

    Traffic Cams

    City Transit System

    Toronto's public transit system is excellent. Buses, streetcars, subways and the Go Trains can get you almost anywhere, not only in the city but also into the surrounding regions.

    Transit Maps and Guides

    Maps - For maps of the subway system, the bus system and the GO Train network see the individual headings.

    Toronto Region - From Out-There

    Toronto - Detailed map from City of Toronto

    Ferries

    While bridges are the common method to traverse waterways in Canada, ferries play a greater or lesser role depending on the province or territory of travel. Ferries are found throughout Ontario to facilitate river or lake crossings and shorten routes that would other wise involve large detours. They are also in service in the great lakes to reach off shore islands. The Toronto region has only the one Ferry allowing access to Toronto Island where you can spend a pleasant afternoon on a sunny day.

    Rail

    Via Rail provides passenger service for major centers in the east including those in Ontario and Quebec. Arrivals and departures are from Union Station in Toronto's downtown core. The Go Train is an excellent medium to short distance commuter system servicing Toronto and the vicinity.

    Via Rail
    222 65 Front Street W
    Toronto, Ontario
    M5J 1E6

    • Via Rail - National Passenger Service
    • GO Train - Toronto and vicinity commuter train service

    Outside the Toronto Region

    Bus

    The main terminal is located in the downtown core a short distance from the Union Station. Several lines provide connectivity to other Canadian towns and cities and into the U.S.

    Taxis

    Diamond
    366-6868

    Limousine Service

    Campers and Motor-Homes

     

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