plan a trip on go transit

A Beginner's Guide to GO Transit

A guide to getting started on GO Transit

Courtesy of GO Transit

Are you new to GO Transit  or just need a refresher on using GO trains and buses in and around the city? Use this beginner's guide to introduce yourself to the public transit system that can connect you to Ontario destinations beyond Toronto's borders, whether communting for work, travelling for pleasure or simply getting from point A to B using the service.

What is GO Transit?

Arild / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 

GO Transit a is public transit system which is a division of the provincial government agency, Metrolinx. GO Trains and buses connect Toronto with numerous other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton and carry over 70 million passengers a year. 

Where Does GO Transit Go?

GO Transit routes radiate out from Toronto's Union Station. The GO Train lines reach out to Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, Barrie, Richmond Hill, Linconville, Oshawa, and - seasonally - Niagara Falls. Bus routes further extend the system to Orangeville, Beaverton, and Peterborough, along with many other spots in Southern Ontario. Take a look at the full system map to get a better idea of everywhere GO Transit can take you.

Who Uses GO Transit?

 Robert Taylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

There are many people who live in one municipality but work in another and use GO Transit as part of their daily commute. GO Transit also serves many post-secondary institutions in Ontario, and can be used by students (and staff) to reach schools such as the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier, York University, Trent University, and others.

But GO Transit isn't all business. It's also an excellent option for people coming into or leaving Toronto for recreation, or who are planning day or weekend excursions to other parts of Southern Ontario. Because the GO Train lines converge at Union Station, the system is often used by people from the GTA who are coming in for events at the Rogers Centre, the ACC, Harbourfront Centre, and other nearby venues.

• Learn more about Union Station and what's nearby.

How Much Does it Cost to Ride GO Transit?

Courtesy of GO Transit

The price of a GO Transit ticket is determined using a "fare zone" system, meaning how much you pay is based on where you'll be traveling. You can use GO's fare calculator to get a better idea of what your ride will cost you.

There are also several ways to pay, which include buying a single ride ticket, a day pass, a group pass, or using PRESTO , an electronic, reloadable fare card that can also be used on the TTC.

• Learn more about GO Transit tickets and fares .

How Long Do I Have to Wait?

Hubert Figuière / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Unlike the Toronto subway system, GO Trains and buses run on a very specific schedule. On the Lakeshore East and West lines there should only be about half an hour between trains at most, but on many other routes there's an hour or more between scheduled trips. Some routes only operate during rush hour, or on certain days of the week, or even during certain times of the year. Like any form of transit, however, there can be delays. GO Transit provides service updates on their website to inform passengers of anything out of the ordinary going on that might be causing changes to their regular schedule. You can also sign up to receive alerts via email and text messages.

You should always plan your GO Transit trip in advance in both directions . You can explore the schedules or try the Google Trip Planner on www.gotransit.com .

What if the GO Train or Bus is Late?

Enoch Leung / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Delays do happen. GO Transit offers a service guarantee which says that if your arrival was delayed by 15 minutes or more by reasons within their control you can request a refund for the cost of your trip. This does not apply to things such as extreme weather, track obstructions, or emergencies. You can check here to see if your trip qualifies. 

• Learn more about the GO Train Service Guarantee .

How Do I Contact GO Transit?

Marty Bernard / Flickr / Public Domain

Along with visiting the official website, you can also follow GO Transit on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and call their Customer Contact Centre at 1-888-438-6646 (1-888-GET-ON-GO).

• www.gotransit.com
• Twitter.com/GOTransit
• www.facebook.com/Get.on.the.GO
• https://www.instagram.com/gotransitofficial/   

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Introducing the newly enhanced GO Transit website

New look for gotransit.com means more features for customers, including improved trip planning..

Apr 25, 2023

The new GO Transit website has been completely redesigned, to make it easier to navigate for customers and improve website functionality.  

The new site has made important accessibility upgrades and features many new online tools including personalized trip planning, and more real-time updates.

There’s also a new user profile option allowing customers to create a customized experience based on their interests and travel preferences.

How to check out the new site?

Starting April 25, customers can visit gotransit . com to explore the new beta website with access to the current GO Transit site remaining available until we fully transition over to the new site. This gives customers time to become familiar with the new features before transitioning fully to the new site.

The new website rollout is the first step in providing improvements to customer’s online GO Transit experience.

Stay tuned for more website updates and improvements in the future.

by Scott Money Metrolinx editorial content manager

Recent News

Toronto Maple Leafs and Metrolinx introduce a one-of-a-kind playoff experience.

The transit agency is doing its part to help keep parks and paths pristine for Earth Day.

How Kitchener Line riders can benefit from the most substantial GO service increase since 2013.

How Lakeshore East Line riders can benefit from the biggest GO service increase since 2013.  

How Lakeshore West travelers benefit from the most substantial service increase since 2013.

Plan trips with other service providers that use our data: Google Maps   •  One Bus Away   •  Transit App

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GO to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

• Partners & Promotions

Open Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

The ROM - 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto (Closest GO Station: Union )

E-Tickets | One-Day Weekend Pass | Weekday Group Passes

A visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is like embarking on a captivating journey through time and culture. As you step into its grand halls, you're greeted by the echoes of ancient civilizations and the whispers of bygone eras. Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages. PRESTO cardholders and GO Transit riders save 15% off regular Museum admission rates including: General Admission and Special Exhibitions. Use promo code PRESTO online or show your PRESTO card or GO Transit ticket in person.

Know before you GO:

• Year-round service - No matter when you're planning on attending, GO Transit always has train and bus service to Union Station.
• Plan your trip to Union Station.
• When paying for your trip, tap with PRESTO or buy your ticket online:  E-Tickets  |  One-Day Weekend Pass  |  Weekday Group Passes.
• Sign up for On-the-GO Alerts , so you never miss an update.
• Focus on the fun and leave the driving to us!

Get there with GO

Plan your trip to the Royal Ontario Museum! GO makes getting there easy!

Plan Your Trip

Real-time bus info, announcements.

• May 2024 Service Changes
• How to Take Transit to the Tides
• May 2024 Career Fair
• Student Freedom Pass

Work In Transit! Careers on the Move

Career Fair   September 24, Friday ‐ 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   HRT, 509 East 18th Street, Building 4, Norfolk We are looking for Bus Operator Trainee (FT), Light Rail Operator Trainee, Mechanic, Servicer (Click for benefits and requirements)

Never a dull day! Everyday is a different experience. There is plenty of work from bumper-to-bumper, from brake to in frame. Steady pace work. 24 hour shop with in-house part department to help you get your job done. Access to bus manuals. — Mechanic first class

Featured Jobs

• (FT) Bus Operator Trainee ($5,000 Service Bonus)
• (PT) Bus Operator Trainee
• Mechanic ($5,000 Service Bonus)
• Light Rail Operator Trainee ($5,000 Service Bonus)

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