GO Transit schedules are published at gotransit.com, in the free Transit app, and in Triplinx, Metrolinx’s regional trip planner. GO runs 7 train lines and a wide bus network across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, all centred on Union Station in Toronto. Here is how schedules, fares and discounts work in 2026.
Where to Check the GO Train Schedule
- gotransit.com – official timetables for every line and bus route, plus service alerts. The schedule pages let you pick a date, which matters because weekend construction closures are common during GO Expansion work.
- Transit app or Google Maps – real-time departures and platform information; easiest option on a phone.
- Triplinx (triplinx.ca) – plans door-to-door trips that combine GO with the TTC, MiWay, YRT and other local systems.
- On the GO alerts – free email or text notifications about delays on your specific line.
GO Train Lines at a Glance
Line | Route from Union Station | Key stops |
|---|---|---|
Lakeshore West | Toronto – Hamilton / Niagara Falls | Exhibition, Oakville, Burlington, West Harbour |
Lakeshore East | Toronto – Oshawa | Danforth, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby |
Kitchener | Toronto – Kitchener | Bloor, Bramalea, Brampton, Guelph |
Barrie | Toronto – Allandale Waterfront | Downsview Park, Aurora, Newmarket, Bradford |
Stouffville | Toronto – Old Elm (Stouffville) | Kennedy, Agincourt, Markham, Unionville |
Milton | Toronto – Milton | Kipling, Cooksville, Streetsville, Meadowvale |
Richmond Hill | Toronto – Bloomington | Oriole, Old Cummer, Langstaff, Gormley |
The two Lakeshore lines carry the most service, with trains through the core of the day in both directions. The Milton and Richmond Hill lines are still primarily weekday rush-hour services aimed at commuters. Service levels change as GO Expansion adds trips, so check your line’s current timetable rather than relying on habit. For the full picture, the GO train map (also called the GO Transit map) on gotransit.com shows every line and station on a single diagram.
How GO Fares Work
GO fares are distance-based: the farther you travel, the more you pay, and you must tap on at the start and tap off at the end so the system can calculate the fare. Four ways to pay:
Payment method | How it works |
|---|---|
PRESTO card | Tap on and off. Physical card costs $4. Loadable online with instant balance updates since the April 2026 PRESTO upgrade |
Credit or debit card | Tap the same card (or phone/watch wallet) on and off – no PRESTO card needed, same fare |
PRESTO in Google or Apple Wallet | Digital version of the card on your phone |
E-tickets | Buy in the GO app for single trips or group passes. Note: e-tickets are not eligible for One Fare discounts |
Heads-up for PRESTO card users: since March 2, 2026, your card must hold enough balance for the fare. If you tap off short, the card goes into a negative balance and is blocked across all transit until you reload.
One Fare: Free Transfers Between GO and Local Transit
Ontario’s One Fare program, launched February 26, 2024, removed double fares across the GTA. When you connect between GO Transit and the TTC, the TTC portion of your trip is free in both directions – PRESTO applies a 100% discount automatically. The same applies to transfers between the TTC and Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit. Transfers are valid for 2 hours from a local-transit tap, or 3 hours from the start of a GO trip. The catch: you must tap with the same card every time, and e-tickets don’t qualify. The province estimates regular riders save around $1,600 a year; a single GO-plus-TTC trip saves $3.30.
Discounts Worth Knowing
- Children 12 and under ride free on GO Transit – no ticket needed.
- The PRESTO student discount saves 40% off the single-ride adult fare for post-secondary students, once a student fare type is set on the card (also valid on UP Express).
- Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members ride free with valid service ID.
- Seniors 65+ pay a reduced PRESTO fare – the discount applies automatically once the senior fare type is set on the card.
- Frequent riders pay less per trip – PRESTO applies loyalty pricing on GO, so the more you ride in a calendar month, the cheaper later trips get.
- PRESTO Perks gives cardholders discounts at participating shops and attractions when they pay with PRESTO. It is separate from transit fares, but worth checking before a day downtown.
Tips for Smoother GO Trips
- Always tap off. Forgetting costs you the maximum default fare for the line instead of your actual trip.
- Riding the same route daily? Set a default trip on your PRESTO card so a missed tap-off doesn’t overcharge you.
- Bikes are allowed on GO trains outside weekday peak periods; check the bike rules for rush-hour restrictions before you roll one on.
- You can bring up to two leashed dogs, with weekday time restrictions – check the current pet policy before travelling.
- Weekend track work is frequent during GO Expansion construction. Buses replace trains on affected segments, so check alerts the night before.
Quick Facts
- GO Transit launched in May 1967 with a single lakeshore train line; it now covers a region of millions of people across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
- Union Station is Canada’s busiest transportation hub – the large majority of GO train trips start or end there.
- The One Fare program covers six transit agencies: GO, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.
- Since April 13, 2026, PRESTO loads are instant – the old wait for online top-ups to reach your card is gone.
FAQ
- Do I need a PRESTO card to ride GO? No. Tapping a credit or debit card charges the same fare. PRESTO is only required for discounted fare types like student or senior pricing.
- Is the TTC really free when I take GO? Yes, in both directions, as long as you tap with the same card within the transfer window. The discount applies automatically.
- How early should I check the schedule? The night before for weekend trips – that’s when construction closures bite. Weekday rush service is the most stable.