The 56 Leaside bus route operates between Donlands Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway, the area of Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East, and Eglinton Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway, generally in a north-south direction. Accessible service is provided on the route. Eglinton Station is an accessible subway station. Bike racks are available on this route.

Two services are operated. The 56 (Donlands Stn-Eglinton Stn) is the main branch, and operates during the peak periods, midday, and early evening from Monday to Friday, and during the daytime on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The 56B (Donlands Stn-Brentcliffe) short-turn branch operates during the peak periods, from Monday to Friday only.

Northbound 56 TO EGLINTON STN

These buses operate from Donlands Station via north and northwest on Donlands Avenue, north on Leaside Bridge, north on Millwood Road, north on Laird Drive, west on Eglinton Avenue East, south on Yonge Street, and west on Berwick Avenue to Eglinton Station.

Southbound 56 TO DONLANDS STN

These buses operate from Eglinton Station via north on Duplex Avenue, east on Eglinton Avenue East, south on Laird Drive, south on Millwood Road, south on Leaside Bridge, and southeast and south on Donlands Avenue to Donlands Station.

Northbound 56B TO BRENTCLIFFE

These buses operate from Donlands Station via north and northwest on Donlands Avenue, north on Leaside Bridge, north on Millwood Road, north on Laird Drive, and east on Eglinton Avenue East to Brentcliffe Road.

Southbound 56B TO DONLANDS STN

These buses operate from Eglinton Avenue East and Brentcliffe Road via south on Brentcliffe Road, west on Wicksteed Avenue, south on Laird Drive, south on Millwood Road, south on Leaside Bridge, and southeast and south on Donlands Avenue to Donlands Station.

All buses on the route serve local bus stops along the route.