500,000 extra riders means more GO trains during World Cup in Toronto

GO train riders will enjoy more frequent service in Mississauga, Toronto and elsewhere along the Lakeshore lines for several weeks in June and early July as transit officials look to more conveniently get fans to and from FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto.

Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO Transit, said in an update on Friday GO trains on the Lakeshore West and East lines will run every 15 minutes during the appropriate time periods between June 10 and July 5, “making it easier to travel across the region throughout the (World Cup) tournament.”

The Lakeshore West line serves riders in west Toronto, Mississauga and parts farther west including Hamilton and all the way down to Niagara while the Lakeshore East line moves passengers in east Toronto and farther eastward out to Oshawa and other parts of Durham.

Officials at Metrolinx said that with the World Cup expected to bring half-a-million additional GO Transit and Union Pearson (UP) Express riders during the tournament, “Metrolinx is increasing service to help keep commuters and soccer fans moving safely and smoothly across the region.”

The agency added the more frequent train trips along the Lakeshore lines throughout most of the day while the World Cup is in town will “help residents continue their regular commute during busy periods. Across the network, this will mean nearly 3,000 weekly GO trips available during the tournament.”

Metrolinx says transit users across the Greater Toronto Area can also expect the following services between June 10 and July 5:

• Extra focus on Toronto’s six match days, with frequent trips to and from Exhibition GO “so you can get to the action without the hassle,” transit officials say.
• Nearly 3,000 weekly GO trips, a major boost of almost a 30 per cent service increase compared to this past winter.
• Extended UP Express hours to support late‑night airport travel. The UP Express train moves riders between Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga and Union Station in downtown Toronto.
• GO bus connections that make it easier to help visitors explore and connect across the region.
• Before and after Toronto matches, the Lakeshore West line will operate up to six GO trains per hour between Exhibition GO and Union Station.
• GO bus service to Niagara Falls will be increased during the tournament period, with additional weekday and weekend trips to support regional travel.

Follow the links in the post below for more detailed information.

The five-week FIFA event, held every four years, runs June 11 to July 19 this year and is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Games in Canada will be played in Toronto (six matches) and Vancouver.

Group stage matches to be played in Toronto:

• Friday, June 12, 3 p.m. — Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Wednesday, June 17, 7 p.m. — Ghana vs Panama.
• Saturday, June 20, 4 p.m. — Germany vs Cote d’Ivoire.
• Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. — Croatia vs Panama.
• Friday, June 26, 3 p.m. — Senegal vs Iraq.

A sixth match will also take place in Toronto, on Thursday, July 2 (7 p.m.) between yet-to-be-determined teams in the Round of 32 stage.

The six local World Cup contests will be held at Toronto Stadium (located at Exhibition Place) and the FIFA Fan Festival is being staged at Fort York National Historic Site, both near Exhibition GO Station.

“No matter who you’re rooting for or how far you’ve travelled, the entire Metrolinx team and our transit partners are here to make (the) fan experience in Toronto unforgettable,” Metrolinx officials said in its online service update.

Regular GO train service on Lakeshore West and East lines and regular UP Express service resume July 6.

More soccer, more people, more service.

As FIFA World Cup 2026™️ hits the city this summer, we’re increasing service to keep fans and commuters moving across the region.

From June 10 to July 5, enjoy 15-minute service on Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines throughout most… pic.twitter.com/u3CQwjcQXz

— Metrolinx (@Metrolinx) May 8, 2026