Canada uses a tap-and-go transit payment system called PRESTO. It works on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), GO Transit, and the UP Express airport train — essentially every transit line you'll use as a FIFA fan in Toronto.
Do You Even Need a PRESTO Card?
Probably not. Since 2020, every TTC fare reader and GO Transit gate accepts international Visa, Mastercard, and Amex contactless cards directly. Tap your bank card exactly as you'd use PRESTO — same fare, same free transfers. No setup required.
What PRESTO adds: balance tracking, auto-reload, card protection if lost, and the PRESTO app (Apple/Google Wallet compatible).
Getting to BMO Field — Step by Step
From Pearson Airport (Terminal 1)
- Follow blue UP Express signs inside Terminal 1 to the train platform.
- Board the UP Express to Union Station. 25 minutes. PRESTO fare: ~$9.20 CAD · Contactless bank card: ~$6.49 CAD (actually cheaper than PRESTO for this route).
- At Union Station, follow signs to GO Transit platforms. Take the Lakeshore West GO Train to Exhibition Station. 5–6 minutes. ~$3.80 CAD.
- Walk 2 minutes from Exhibition GO Station to BMO Field. You can't miss it.
Total time: ~40–50 min · Total cost: ~$13 CAD
From Downtown Hotels
If you're staying near King Street, Dundas, or Queen:
- GO Train (fastest): Walk or take the subway to Union Station → GO Train to Exhibition (5 min, ~$3.80). Trains run every 15 min on match days.
- 509/511 Streetcar: Board anywhere on the 509/511 route west of downtown. Tap once (~$3.30). Slower than GO on match days due to street traffic and crowds, but runs more frequently.
How to Get a PRESTO Card or App
Physical Card
Available at PRESTO vending machines inside any TTC subway station and the UP Express terminal at Pearson Terminal 1. Cost: $4 CAD card fee + minimum $10 loaded. Total to start: $14 CAD.
PRESTO App (No Physical Card Needed)
Download the free PRESTO app (iOS/Android) before your trip. Add a virtual card, load funds, and add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. You pay with a single tap of your phone — no card, no cash. Set it up at home so you're ready the moment you land.
Fare Reference
- TTC Subway / Streetcar / Bus: ~$3.30–3.35 (2-hour free transfer window)
- GO Transit Union → Exhibition Station: ~$3.80–4.50
- UP Express Pearson → Union: ~$9.20 (PRESTO) or $6.49 (contactless bank card)
- Cash on TTC: $3.35 — no transfers, no refunds. Avoid.
Match-Day Transit Tips
- Top up the night before. Vending machines at Exhibition GO have queues on game day.
- GO Train runs every 15 min on all 6 match dates. Enhanced service is already scheduled.
- After the final whistle — go straight to Exhibition GO Station, not the streetcar stop. The 509/511 fills up in under 3 minutes after the final whistle and you'll wait 30–40 minutes for the next one.
- Your first PRESTO tap starts a 2-hour transfer window. Any connection within 2 hours is free.
- Lost your card? Freeze it instantly in the app. Your registered balance is refunded to a replacement card.
Bottom Line
Tap your international contactless bank card — it works everywhere, zero setup needed. If you want balance tracking and the security of a registered card, download the PRESTO app before you fly and add it to your wallet.
For the full transport breakdown covering GO Train schedules, TTC route maps, and UP Express timing, check our Transport Tips page.