PRESTO is the fare card used on the TTC, GO Transit, UP Express and other transit agencies across the GTA. It costs $6, gives you cheaper fares than cash and, on the TTC, counts your trips toward a monthly fare cap that started September 1, 2026. Many riders also pay by tapping a credit or debit card. Here is how to choose, what each option costs and how to get the discounts you are entitled to.

At a glance (2026)

Source: TTC fares page, November 2026.

Getting a PRESTO card

• Cost: $6 for a physical card bought in person.
• Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart, Fare Vending Machines in all TTC subway stations, Ticket Vending Machines at select GO and UP Express stations, or online.
• Register it in a My PRESTO account. Registration helps protect your balance if the card is lost and lets you set up autoload, which tops up automatically when your balance drops below an amount you choose.
• Digital option: PRESTO is also available in mobile wallets.

Card vs. credit or debit tap

Adults pay the same TTC fare ($3.30) with a PRESTO card or a tapped credit or debit card, and both qualify for the two-hour transfer and the monthly fare cap. The difference is for discount riders: on the TTC, youth, seniors and Fair Pass users get their discounted fare only on PRESTO. Tapping a bank card charges the adult fare.

Whichever you choose, use the same card or device all the time. Trips paid with different cards are counted separately toward caps and transfers.

Setting your discount

To get a concession fare, the right fare type must be set on your PRESTO card:

• Youth (13-19) and seniors (65+): set the fare type with proof of age at a PRESTO Customer Service Outlet or a retailer that sells cards.
• Post-secondary students: GO and UP Express offer 40% off with PRESTO for eligible full-time students; check each agency’s proof-of-enrolment rules.
• Fair Pass: low-income Toronto residents apply through the City of Toronto; the discount is loaded onto a PRESTO card.

The TTC two-hour transfer and fare cap

When you tap PRESTO or a bank card, your first tap starts a two-hour window. Further TTC taps within those two hours are free. Cash payments do not get this transfer.

Since September 1, 2026, the TTC caps monthly spending: after 47 paid trips in a calendar month, the rest of the month is free. It applies to adult, youth, senior and Fair Pass riders paying with PRESTO or a credit/debit card, with no sign-up. Keep tapping after you reach the cap. The Fair Pass monthly pass was discontinued on August 31, 2026. More detail in our TTC guide.

One Fare: free transfers between agencies

Ontario’s One Fare program removes double fares when you transfer between the TTC and neighbouring systems. According to the TTC, it covers Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay (Mississauga), York Region Transit and GO Transit:

• Transfers between the TTC and Brampton, Durham, MiWay or YRT are free within two hours of your first tap.
• When you transfer from the TTC to GO, you are refunded the TTC portion if it is within two hours of your first TTC tap; GO then gives free transfers for up to three hours from your first GO tap.
• One Fare requires PRESTO or a credit/debit tap with the same card. Cash, PRESTO paper tickets and GO e-tickets are not eligible.

Using PRESTO on GO Transit

GO fares depend on distance, so you tap on at the start and tap off at the end of your trip (unless you have set a default trip). Forgetting to tap off can cost you more. GO discounts in 2026:

• Adults: 15% off with PRESTO or a tapped bank card.
• Youth (13-19) and full-time post-secondary students: 40% off with PRESTO.
• Seniors (65+): 55% off.
• Children 12 and under ride free and do not need a ticket.

Since March 2, 2026, GO accepts a PRESTO tap only if the card has enough balance for the full fare. GO also sells a $10 one-day weekend pass. Plan GO trips with our GO Transit guide.

UP Express with PRESTO

PRESTO gives the biggest discount on the airport train: according to Toronto Pearson, the one-way adult fare from Pearson to Union is $9.25 with PRESTO versus $12.35 for a standard ticket. Details in our UP Express guide.

Which option suits you

Common mistakes

• Using a bank card for one leg and PRESTO for the next: no transfer.
• Not tapping off on GO.
• Letting your balance go negative: fare readers may decline free transfers.
• Not registering the card.

FAQ

Do kids need a PRESTO card?

No. Children 12 and under ride the TTC and GO free.

Can two people share one PRESTO card on the TTC?

No. Each rider 13 and older must tap their own card, ticket or device.

Is the PRESTO card worth it for visitors?

For a short adult visit, tapping a contactless bank card gives the same TTC fare. A PRESTO card makes sense if you ride UP Express often or need a concession fare.

Last updated: November 2026