If you’ve ever been stranded on a busy Toronto street with a stalled car or a flat tire, you know how valuable a reliable tow truck service in Toronto can be. Whether it’s rush hour downtown or a quiet night on the 401, understanding the tow truck cost in Toronto helps you make quick, informed decisions when emergencies strike.
Towing prices in the city can vary based on distance, vehicle type, and the time of day — but one thing that should never vary is reliability. That’s where Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto stands out. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our certified team responds quickly, ensuring you’re never left waiting long by the roadside.
So, before you call the next towing company you find online, it pays to know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll break down Toronto towing rates, the factors that affect pricing, and smart tips to save money on emergency tows — so you always get professional service without overspending.
What Determines the Cost of a Tow Truck in Toronto?
When you’re searching for a reliable towing option like Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto — trusted for tow truck Toronto, car towing Toronto, towing service South Toronto, and roadside assistance South Toronto — it helps to understand what influences your total cost.
1. Distance: Local vs. Long-Distance
The first and most obvious factor is distance. The farther your vehicle must be towed, the more you’ll pay. Local tows within the GTA generally have a base “hook-up” fee plus a per-kilometer charge after the first few kilometers. Most Toronto towing companies follow this model:
Base fee (e.g. $90–$150)
Plus $2–$4 per km for each additional kilometer
So, if your car only needs to move 5–10 km, you’ll likely pay under $200. But a long-distance tow from downtown to the outer GTA or another city can increase the total significantly.
2. Type of Vehicle: Saloon, SUV, Medium-Duty, Heavy-Duty
Not every tow is equal. A compact sedan is easy to hook up and costs less than an SUV, van, or truck. AWD and luxury vehicles often require flatbed trucks for safety, while medium- or heavy-duty vehicles like RVs or buses need specialized rigs and trained operators.
By letting your dispatcher know your vehicle type, you’ll get the right truck and an accurate quote the first time.
3. Special Conditions: Underground Parking, Tight Spaces, Rough Terrain
Toronto’s dense downtown areas and condo garages create unique towing challenges. If your car is:
Stuck in underground parking with low ceilings
Parked in tight lots or awkward angles
Stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch
Then a winch-out or recovery may be required. These jobs take longer and need extra safety precautions, which can raise the final cost slightly — usually starting from $200+.
4. Time of Day and Urgency: After-Hours or Holidays
Breakdowns don’t care about schedules. But the time of day can influence pricing. After-hours, weekend, and holiday tows may include a small premium due to driver availability and higher operating costs. To avoid surprises, ask upfront if your quote includes an after-hours rate.
Tow Truck Prices in Toronto – Local and Long-Distance Towing
When you’re looking for a tow truck in Toronto, car towing Toronto, or a dependable towing service in South Toronto, knowing what you might be billed helps you budget confidently.
Local Towing (5 to 10 km)
Most Toronto companies charge a base hook-up fee plus a per-kilometre rate. Typical averages:
Rear-wheel/front-wheel drive: $140 hook-up + $3 per km
AWD or premium vehicles: $180 hook-up + $4 per km
Local tows under 10 km often range $90–$150 depending on traffic and pickup points. Providing accurate vehicle details and distance ensures you receive a fair quote immediately.
Underground Parking Fees
Towing from underground garages or tight spaces takes additional labour and precision.
Starting price: $200
May increase for SUVs, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicles
Always mention your garage level or clearance height when booking so your driver brings the proper equipment — avoiding delays or additional visits.
Long-Distance Towing
When towing outside city limits (for example, from Toronto to Mississauga, Hamilton, or Oshawa), costs naturally rise. After the base hook-up, rates of $3–$5 per km are common, depending on distance and terrain. AWD or damaged vehicles requiring flatbeds can cost more, but you’ll always receive upfront confirmation before we start the trip.
Types of Tow Truck Services We Offer
At Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto, we handle everything from small car breakdowns to complex recoveries. Our fleet and team are equipped for fast towing, safe handling, and honest pricing.
Professional Towing Services
Our trained operators handle vehicles of all sizes, from compact sedans to heavy-duty trucks. We use advanced flatbed and wheel-lift trucks for safe loading and transport. Whether it’s rush hour or 3 a.m., you can count on a professional tow truck Toronto team to respond quickly.
Local Towing
Need a tow nearby? Our local towing service offers a 15–20 minute ETA within most of South Toronto. We prioritize quick assistance during busy hours so you can get back on the road faster.
Get local towing in Toronto within 20 minutes.
Long-Distance Towing
If your vehicle needs to reach a mechanic or city outside Toronto, our long-distance towing covers full-trip coordination and safe delivery. Whether it’s 30 km or 300 km, we plan the route, keep you updated, and ensure your car arrives securely.
Roadside Assistance Services
Sometimes you don’t need a full tow — just a little help. We offer:
Jump-starts
Door unlocks
Tire changes
Fuel delivery
Winch-outs from mud or snow
We also provide accident towing in Toronto with trained responders for on-scene safety.
Accident Towing Toronto
Accidents are stressful — we make recovery easier. Our accident towing includes fast arrival (usually 20 minutes), safe vehicle handling, and assistance with documentation or drop-off to your preferred body shop.
What to Expect When You Call Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto
When you contact us, you’re not just getting a tow — you’re getting fast, reliable help from a team that puts honesty first.
24/7 Availability
Breakdowns can happen at any time. That’s why our tow truck Toronto fleet runs nonstop — even on holidays and during snowstorms. You’ll never hear “we’re closed.”
Upfront Pricing – No Hidden Charges
Every quote includes exactly what you’ll pay. No surprise “after” fees, no inflated invoices. We believe in transparent, affordable towing Toronto customers can trust.
Fast Response Time (15–20 Minutes ETA)
Once you call, our nearest tow truck South Toronto operator is dispatched immediately. We maintain short wait times — usually 15–20 minutes — across most of the GTA, even during peak hours.
How Can You Save on Towing Costs in Toronto?
Towing doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how you can reduce costs and stay prepared:
1. Avoid Peak Times and After-Hours Rates
If your situation allows, schedule towing during normal hours. Late-night and weekend calls can cost more. Daytime requests help you get the most affordable towing Toronto offers.
2. Know Your Vehicle Type Before Calling
Identify whether your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or AWD. Knowing this helps dispatch send the correct truck and avoids overpaying for a flatbed when it’s not needed.
3. Ask About Hidden Fees in Advance
Always ask for a detailed quote before confirming. Reputable towing companies in Toronto will list base, per-km, and special-condition charges clearly. With us, every client receives a transparent breakdown — no hidden fees, no surprises.
4. Check for Membership or Insurance Coverage
Your insurance policy or CAA membership may include partial towing coverage. It’s worth verifying before paying out of pocket — you could claim reimbursement later.
5. Choose a Trusted Local Company
Working with a local towing service South Toronto means faster arrivals and lower travel costs. We know every major route and shortcut, helping you save both time and money.
At Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto, we offer reliable tow truck Toronto services to get you moving again without delay. Our professional team responds fast, handling vehicles of all sizes with care and efficiency. Whether it’s an unexpected breakdown, flat tire, or accident recovery, we’re always ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to tow a car in Toronto?
Typical pricing: rear/front-wheel drive $140 hook-up + $3/km, AWD flatbed $180 + $4/km, and underground extractions from $200. Final quotes depend on vehicle type and distance. We provide exact estimates before dispatch so you always know what you’re paying.
How is towing cost calculated?
Rates combine a base hook-up fee and per-km charge, with adjustments for vehicle type, distance, and access difficulty. Timing also matters — after-hours or holiday calls may have a slight premium. You’ll get a full breakdown when you request a quote.
What is the cost for towing in downtown Toronto?
Downtown tows usually range $140–$220, factoring in congestion, limited space, and short distances. We don’t charge a “downtown premium” — our quotes stay consistent across service areas.
Are there any hidden charges with towing in Toronto?
No. We’re known for itemized, upfront billing. Every fee — hook-up, mileage, or access — is disclosed before the tow begins. You’ll receive a detailed invoice once the job’s complete.
How much does accident towing cost in Toronto?
For minor collisions, expect $180–$300 depending on recovery complexity. We prioritize fast response, secure transport, and careful documentation so you can focus on insurance and repairs.
Can I get a tow truck in Toronto at night?
Yes — our 24/7 dispatch operates every night, weekend, and holiday. We maintain the same ETA and fair pricing whether it’s noon or midnight.
What should I do if my car breaks down in Toronto?
Move to safety, turn on hazards, and call our roadside assistance South Toronto team. We can jump-start, unlock, change tires, deliver fuel, or tow to your preferred mechanic — all within minutes.
How fast can a tow truck arrive in Toronto?
Our average arrival time is 15–20 minutes across most GTA zones. We’ll send the nearest available driver and keep you updated with live ETAs.
What services does a tow truck provide in Toronto?
We offer local and long-distance towing, flatbed towing, accident recovery, battery boosts, lockouts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and vehicle recovery from snow, mud, or underground spaces.
Is there a tow truck service in Toronto for heavy-duty vehicles?
Yes — we handle medium- and heavy-duty towing for commercial fleets, vans, RVs, and trucks. Pricing starts around $250–$400, with hourly rates for complex recoveries.
Are there underground parking or special-access fees?
Yes — due to tight clearances and time requirements, underground recoveries typically start near $200. Provide garage height and level info for an accurate quote and proper equipment.