Going on rides, playing games and eating interesting food are among the things that come to mind when planning a trip to the CNE at the end of the summer. Getting there and buying tickets for The Ex can almost become a second thought.

Before getting caught up in the frenzy of candy floss and the midway though, visitors should consider the chance to save some money and ride transit to the annual event.

The Ex takes place from August 17 to September 3. Tickets and ride-all-day passes for the CNE are being sold at GO stations leading up to the event at a discount. The deal can save customers up to $24.99 until August 16th before tickets are made available at regular price during the events.

Of course, GO trains stop on the doorstep of the festivities at Exhibition station, offering the chance to step right into the experience. Over Labour Day weekend, additional trains will run on the Milton, Kitchener, and Stouffville lines, making it easy to get to the Canadian International Air Show.

The 97th anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade will be taking place on August 18 and will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. In honouring Canada’s military heroes, GO Transit and UP Express will be offering free rides to veterans, retired and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as those accompanying them.

What more can you experience at The Ex in 2018? The classics include rides, games, concerts and all the deep-fried food concoctions vendors are sure to come up with.

On opening weekend, the East Coast Kitchen Party will welcome everyone along Princes’ Boulevard. The Gaming Garage will be back for a second year, where enthusiasts can compete in both pinball and e-sports for cash prizes. The Innovation Garage also returns with competition among inspired inventors. A series of light installations will make up an incredible indoor lantern festival. An Asian market will be wrapping everything up over the final weekend as well.

Enjoying it all at a discount and getting to and from is bound to make the experience that much more enjoyable.