It just doesn’t feel like summer without the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Thankfully, this year it’s back – and like it has for decades, GO Transit is the best way to get to Exhibition Station.

Here’s your GO guide to the Ex.

Plan ahead

No matter when you head to the CNE, give yourself extra time. GO Trains and buses will be busier than usual, as will stations, parking lots and ticket counters. Use the trip planner to plan your GO journey ahead of time.

For information on service to get you to and from the CNE via Exhibition GO Station, visit the GO website.

Discounted CNE admission & rides for PRESTO cardholders

Get up to 36 per cent off admission to the Ex and up to 46 per cent off pay-one-price admission and ride tickets by entering your PRESTO card number online here. Note: Offer expires Aug.18, 2022. 

Warrior’s Day

On Saturday, Aug. 20, Metrolinx is offering veterans and one companion free travel on GO Transit and UP Express, in honour of the Warrior’s Day Parade. Veterans are asked to wear identification (medals, uniform, etc.), which clearly presents them as a war veteran.

GO Weekday and Weekend Passes

If you’re heading to the Ex on a weekend, the GO Weekend Pass is your best bet.

Options include $10 One-Day or $15 Weekend Pass (valid for any additional holiday). But remember, these passes are only available online – not at a station or with your PRESTO card.

Be sure to activate your pass at least 5 minutes before you board.

Buy your Weekend Pass here.

During the week, GO Transit now offers group passes for unlimited, all-day travel throughout the GO network. Passes are available via e-tickets only.

Prices:

• 2 people – $30
• 3 people – $40
• 4 people – $50
• 5 people – $60

Buy your weekday group pass here.

Use your credit card to tap on & off

You can now pay your adult fare with your credit card, including those cards on your phone or watch.

Just tap your card or mobile wallet on a PRESTO device. Remember to tap off at your destination.

Just like a PRESTO card, each person travelling will need to use a separate credit card or mobile wallet on their phone or watch to tap on and off for their trip. 

To pay for your fare, you need to tap on and off the same way. If you tap on with your credit card, tap off with the same credit card. If you tap on with your phone or watch, tap off with the same phone or watch using the same card set up in your mobile wallet. This avoids possible duplication of fare payment.

Buy tickets & fares ahead of time

If you are using a PRESTO card, be sure to load money before you get to the station. You can instantly load your PRESTO card with an iPhone or Android device using the PRESTO app or load your card online.

What about the kids?

Kids 12 and under always ride free on GO Transit. There are also fare discounts for teens and post-secondary students travelling with PRESTO.

If you’re bringing a stroller on the GO, please use one that can be folded and easily stowed, instead of bulkier/wagon styles. Anyone with a stroller is asked to avoid boarding the accessibility coach (in the middle of the train).

With so many people using GO to get to the CNE, space is limited.

Visit Metrolinx at the CNE

The Metrolinx team is excited to be part of the festivities once again.

Check them out near the Midway each of the three weekends: Aug 19-21, Aug 26-28 and Sept 2-5.

A fully-wrapped GO Bus will be on site for visitors to tour, and for the first time ever, the interior will also be specially wrapped, with ceiling and back-of-seat decals.

GO Transit brand ambassadors will also be there to tell visitors about all the places GO can take customers for leisure travel.

Of course, GO Bear wouldn’t miss the Ex. Plus, there will be a ‘spin-to-win’ game that visitors can play to win GO and UP-branded prizes, such as t-shirts, water bottles and more.