TTC and PRESTO for first-time visitors

For an adult visitor taking only a few trips, contactless credit or debit is often the simplest option. PRESTO may be more useful for eligible concession fares, balance protection, Autoload, regional travel, and PRESTO Perks.

1. 1PRESTO card: load money first, then tap the physical or mobile-wallet PRESTO card.
2. 2Contactless credit: tap a supported physical card or the same card in Apple Pay or Google Pay. A separate PRESTO card is not required.
3. 3Contactless Interac debit: tap a supported physical debit card or mobile-wallet version. A separate PRESTO card is not required.

These amounts were verified in August 2026 and are not live prices.

• Children age 12 and under ride the TTC free.
• The researched post-secondary pay-as-you-go fare was the adult fare; there was no discounted post-secondary single ride.
• Youth and senior PRESTO fare types must be set correctly, and riders should carry required proof of eligibility.
• Contactless bank cards charge the adult fare.
• Cash does not include the flexible two-hour transfer; obtain and follow the paper-transfer rules for a continuous one-way trip.

• Buy physical cards from PRESTO Fare Vending Machines at TTC, GO, and UP Express stations; participating service outlets and retailers; Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart locations; or the official PRESTO website.
• The researched physical-card cost was CAD $4 plus loaded funds or a pass. A new digital card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet was free.
• If a physical PRESTO card is converted to a mobile-wallet card, the physical card stops working.
• Load through the PRESTO app or website, Apple/Google Wallet, Fare Vending Machines, authorized outlets, Autoload, or PRESTO phone service.
• Only buy from authorized sources. Avoid unofficial discounted or “pre-loaded” cards.

• Load money and check balance or transaction history.
• See the TTC transfer window and manage Autoload or Autorenew.
• Manage multiple cards or add a supported digital PRESTO card.
• Register a physical card to protect and transfer its balance if it is lost or damaged.

1. 1Tap before entering a subway/light-rail station or whenever you board a bus or streetcar.
2. 2Tap every time you transfer or enter another station, even during a free-transfer period.
3. 3Use the exact same payment method every time. A physical bank card and that card in a phone wallet count as different methods.
4. 4A successful tap is your proof of payment. Keep the card, phone, watch, or ticket available for inspection.
5. 5Normally, do not tap off when leaving the TTC. Follow posted instructions for any special cross-boundary rule.

• PRESTO, PRESTO Tickets, and contactless credit/debit receive a two-hour TTC transfer beginning with the first tap.
• Keep tapping at each vehicle or station. Additional eligible TTC taps within two hours normally do not add another fare.
• Always use the same card or device. Switching from physical card to phone or watch can cause another fare.

Ontario’s One Fare program can provide free or discounted transfers among the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit when an eligible rider uses PRESTO or the same contactless payment.

• Local-transit transfer windows are generally two hours; the GO window is generally three hours from the first GO tap.
• Tap every time, even when the connecting fare is free.
• GO e-tickets and cash do not qualify for One Fare.
• UP Express was not included when researched.

• A phone, watch, and physical bank card are separate payment credentials, even when linked to the same account.
• International bank cards may add foreign-transaction fees or be declined; carry a backup payment option.
• Register a physical PRESTO card if possible so its balance can be protected.
• Do not punch a hole in a PRESTO card; it damages the antenna.
• Check the reader for a successful-tap message and keep enough value on PRESTO before travelling.
• PRESTO cards do not expire even if an older physical card displays a date.