If you haven't looked at a map of Toronto metro since before the pandemic, honestly, you're in for a shock. For decades, the "U" of Line 1 and the straight shot of Line 2 were the only things that mattered. It was simple. Maybe too simple for a city that exploded in population while the transit map stayed stubbornly static.
But 2026 is different.
Right now, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is undergoing its most aggressive expansion since the 1960s. We aren't just talking about a few new bus bays. We are talking about entire light rail lines and subway tunnels that are redrawing the geographic boundaries of the city. If you're a commuter or a visitor, the old "yellow and green" logic doesn't cut it anymore.
The current layout: What lines actually exist?
Basically, as of early 2026, the system is split into four primary heavy-rail and light-rail lines, with a fifth one literally on the verge of its first passenger. Here is the breakdown:
- Line 1 (Yonge-University): The massive yellow U-shaped beast. It runs from Vaughan Metropolitan Centre in the northwest, loops through Union Station downtown, and heads back up to Finch in the north. This is the spine of the city.
- Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): The green line. It cuts east-west from Kipling to Kennedy. It’s the workhorse for anyone living in the Annex, Danforth, or Etobicoke.
- Line 4 (Sheppard): A short purple nub in North York. It only has five stations, running from Sheppard-Yonge to Don Mills. People joke about it, but if you live in those condos at Fairview Mall, it’s a lifesaver.
- Line 6 (Finch West): The newest addition. It officially opened on December 7, 2025. It’s an 11-kilometre light rail line (LRT) that connects the Humber College area to the Line 1 subway at Finch West Station.
Wait. Where is Line 3?
The old Scarborough RT (the blue line) is gone. It was decommissioned after a derailment in 2023 and has been replaced by express buses while the city waits for the Scarborough Subway Extension to finish. Don't look for it on a modern map of Toronto metro—it’s a ghost now.
The "Coming Soon" reality: Line 5 and the Ontario Line
The biggest drama in Toronto transit history is undoubtedly Line 5 Eglinton (The Eglinton Crosstown LRT).
For years, Eglinton Avenue has been a mess of orange cones and "construction ahead" signs. However, we are finally at the finish line. In January 2026, Premier Doug Ford stated he is "confident" the line will open to passengers in early February 2026. Testing is finished. The stations are built. The TTC has taken operational control.
Once it opens, Line 5 will add 19 kilometres of track right through the middle of the city, connecting Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy in the east. It will be the biggest change to the Toronto transit map in half a century.
What about the Ontario Line?
You’ll see a dotted line on many new maps representing the Ontario Line. This is a 15.6-km subway that will run from Exhibition Place, through the heart of downtown, and up to the Ontario Science Centre.
Is it open? No.
Is it under construction? Heavily.
As of January 2026, tunnel boring machines are active near Exhibition, and bridge work is happening in Leslieville. It’s slated for completion around 2031, so for now, it’s just a massive construction project that might mess with your streetcar route.
Navigating like a local in 2026
If you're staring at the map of Toronto metro trying to figure out how to get from the Airport to the Distillery District, there are some "unwritten rules" you should know.
- PRESTO is the only way: Don't bother with tokens. They are basically museum artifacts. You can tap your credit card, debit card, or phone (Apple/Google Pay) directly on the readers. It’s $3.35 per ride, and you get a two-hour transfer window. You can hop off, grab a coffee, and hop back on without paying twice.
- The UP Express is separate: The train from Pearson Airport to Union Station (UP Express) is amazing—it takes 25 minutes. But it isn't "the subway." It’s a premium service. It shows up on the map, but it costs more.
- Night Buses (The Blue Night Network): The subway closes around 1:30 AM (and opens later on Sundays, around 8:00 AM). If you're out late, you need the "300 series" buses. They follow the same routes as the subway lines.
Why the map feels "broken" right now
The reality of Toronto right now is that the map is a bit of a lie. We are in a transitional phase.
For example, if you look at the eastern end of Line 2, you'll see "Kennedy" as the terminus. From there, you have to take a bus (the 903 Express) to get to the Scarborough Town Centre. It’s frustrating. It adds 20 minutes to your trip.
Also, Line 1 is currently undergoing a massive signaling upgrade (ATC - Automatic Train Control). This means that on many weekends, entire sections of the subway are closed for "planned maintenance." Always check the TTC website or an app like Transit or Citymapper before you head out. Google Maps is okay, but Transit is usually more accurate for real-time delays.
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The Future: What to expect by 2030
The map of Toronto metro you see today will be unrecognizable in four years. Here’s what’s in the pipeline:
- The Yonge North Subway Extension: Taking Line 1 all the way into Richmond Hill.
- The Scarborough Subway Extension: Three new stops replacing the old Line 3.
- Eglinton West Extension: Taking the LRT all the way to the airport.
Actionable steps for your next trip
To make your life easier when using the Toronto subway system, follow these steps:
- Check the "Service Advisories" page: Do this five minutes before you leave. If there's a "personal injury on at track level" or a "signal problem," Line 1 will be a parking lot.
- Load your PRESTO card on your phone: It’s faster than using the kiosks, which often have lines or broken touchscreens.
- Mind the Gap: Some older stations like Union or Bloor-Yonge have curved platforms. The gap between the train and the floor is bigger than you think.
- Look for the Compass: On the floor of most station exits, there’s a metal compass rose. Toronto is a grid; "North" always means "away from the Lake."
The Toronto metro isn't just a way to get around; it's a city in the middle of a massive identity shift. Whether you're commuting to a job in the Financial District or visiting the CN Tower, understanding the 2026 map is the difference between a 20-minute breeze and a two-hour headache.
Keep an eye on the news in February 2026. Once those Line 5 doors open, the city's east-west flow is going to change forever. Until then, keep your PRESTO charged and watch for the shuttle bus signs.
Next Steps for Commuters: If you frequently travel through the Eglinton corridor, now is the time to download the updated 2026 TTC System Map PDF from the official website to see exactly where the new Line 5 stations align with your current bus routes.