We no longer accept cash on buses and at ticket counters
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are responding to it. In continued support of provincial action and to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, and for the health and safety of our staff, we will not accept cash at ticket counters as of March 24 and until further notice. We ask that you buy your fare or load your PRESTO card using our self-serve options.
You can:
- Load your PRESTO card instantly with the PRESTO App directly from your phone. More than 90% of GO customers already use PRESTO.
- Use cash at ticket vending machines at stations to buy tickets, load your PRESTO card and, at some locations, buy a new PRESTO card. We’re taking extra care to regularly clean all of our PRESTO self-service machines.
- Sign up for a My PRESTO Account and use the Auto Load feature which instantly and automatically adds funds to your card when the balance gets below a set amount.
- Buy an e-ticket
How GO Fares Work
Your GO Fare is based on whether you’re an adult, senior, or student and the distance you’re travelling between two specified points called fare zones. Children 12 and under can travel on GO Transit for free.
To pay your fare, you can buy a ticket or pass or use your PRESTO card. You use the same ticket or pass whether you take a GO train, a GO bus, or a combination of both for your trip. You can calculate the fare for your trip here.
Where to Buy Tickets and Passes
You can buy tickets, group passes, and day passes at the ticket counter or ticket vending machine at your station.
Buy or load your PRESTO card at any GO or UP Express ticket counter, at select ticket vending machines across our system, PRESTO Self-Serve Reload machines, online at prestocard.ca, at customer service outlets, and at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations. You can learn more about PRESTO here.
Tips:
- Tap your PRESTO card before you board the train or bus and be sure to tap off. Learn about setting a default to your card so you don’t have to tap off when you get off the train.
- Keep your ticket, pass, or PRESTO card handy for fare inspection while you ride the train.
- Buy your ticket before you board the bus and show it to your driver.
*Ticket vending machines at Long Branch, West Harbour, Oshawa Bus Terminal, Mimico, and one machine at Bloor, do not accept cash.
Single-Ride Ticket
A single-ride ticket lets you travel one-way between two specified fare zones. This type of ticket is for:
- Continuous travel only—no stopovers.
- Trips that start within four hours of the time a ticket is purchased.
Day Pass
A day pass gives you unlimited travel for one day between two specified fare zones. For example, if you want to make a return trip, then you buy a day pass. A day pass is:
- Equivalent to buying two one-way fares within the same fare zone.
- Valid on the day of purchase only; cannot be purchased in advance.
Via Rail
To make extended travel easier, VIA Rail passengers can purchase a ticket for most connecting VIA and GO train trips at select VIA stations, online at VIA Rail, or by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245).
Ticket Types
The information below is about buying a GO ticket or pass. If you’re using PRESTO, visit our PRESTO page to learn more.
| If You’re | Types of Tickets and Passes |
|---|---|
|
Adult 13 to 64 years of age |
Single-Ride Day Pass |
|
Senior 65 years or over |
Single-Ride Day Pass Senior single-ride fare is half the adult single-ride fare. There are no discounts for a Day Pass. |
|
Child 12 years of age and under |
Free |
|
Student Elementary, junior high or middle school, and secondary school students with a valid Canadian school-issued ID |
PRESTO Eligible students using PRESTO can get a discount on their GO fare. Use the fare calculator here to see the fares. Students must see a Station Attendant or visit a Customer Service Outlet to have a “Student” setting added to their card, along with the expiry date for that setting. Students must travel with and show their school-issued ID card for fare inspections. Learn more about getting and using Student ID. |
|
Post-Secondary Student |
PRESTO Eligible students using PRESTO can get a discount on their GO fare. Use the fare calculator here to see the fares. Students must see a Station Attendant or visit a Customer Service Outlet to have a “Student” setting added to their card, along with the expiry date for that setting. Students must carry GO approved Student ID to show for fare inspections. Learn more about getting and using Student ID. |
|
Group A group consists of up to 5 individuals travelling together using the same paper ticket. Group pass eligibility:
|
Group Pass Children 12 and under ride for free and are not considered in the pass. |
|
Children’s Group |
Leaders of a group of 20 or more children 12 and under should contact us at 1-888-GET-ON-GO (438-6646) at least 24 hours in advance to arrange, if space is available. |
|
Large Group 15 or more people who are travelling on GO together |
Contact us at 1-888-GET-ON-GO (438-6646) at least 24 hours in advance to arrange, if space is available. All regular fares apply. Single-Ride tickets or Day Passes are sold on the day of travel only, and groups must be at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Large Group Pass customers won’t be eligible for discounts on local transit to and from GO stations and terminals. |
|
Support Person An attendant who travels with a passenger with a disability |
If you need to travel with a support person, they can ride with you for free. Buy your ticket at the ticket counter and your support person can get a Support Person ticket. If you use PRESTO, ask for a Support Person sticker to be put on your card at the ticket counter. |
GO Train Service Guarantee
We promise to do our best to be on time; however, sometimes delays happen. If your train arrival is delayed by 15 minutes or more, we want to credit what you paid for the trip. Some conditions apply.
Visit our Service Guarantee page for more information or to make a claim.
Discounts with Local Transit
Visit our Getting to GO page to learn more about the discounts available on many local transit systems we connect with.
PRESTO automatically calculates your discount and applies it to your PRESTO account when you connect to/from GO Transit and your local transit service.
Discounted Double Fare program ends March 31
The Discounted Double Fare program, which offered customers a discount when transferring between GO Transit or UP Express and the TTC, is coming to an end as scheduled. As of April 1, 2020 customers who transfer between these transit agencies will be charged the full fare for each ride.
Metrolinx is committed to finding better ways to invest in transit programs, keep transit affordable, and help people move more easily across the region. Find out more here.
Public Transit Tax Credit
You may be eligible for a tax credit. For more information about PRESTO and the public transit tax credit, visit prestocard.ca.
Good news Kennedy customers!
We’re trying out lower fares between Kennedy GO and Union Station to give people in Scarborough another way to avoid congestion when going downtown for work, appointments and fun.
Starting Saturday, November 23, and over an 18-month trial period, the fare for GO trips between Kennedy GO and Union Station will be reduced from $4.75 to $3.70 when you use your PRESTO card, which is more comparable to the TTC cash fare of $3.25.
Fares for trips between Kennedy GO and Exhibition will also be lowered during the trial.
Check out the Metrolinx Blog post to read more about it.
Remembrance Day & Warriors' Day - Veterans ride for free
Every year on November 11 and for the Warriors' Day Parade at the CNE, we honour the men and women who have served to protect our country by offering free GO transportation for veterans, their companion and currently serving members of the Canadian military.
Veterans and currently serving members of the Canadian military are asked to identify themselves by wearing their medals, beret, blazer, uniform, or other similar belongings while travelling.
Immediate family members of deceased veterans may also ride for free if carrying something to identify their relations to the late veteran, such as service papers or an identification card.