Residents of Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Durham Region, and communities across the Greater Toronto Area will benefit from increased GO Transit service as Metrolinx rolls out enhanced transportation plans for the FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
With hundreds of thousands of soccer fans expected to travel throughout the region during the tournament, Metrolinx has announced significant service improvements on its busiest rail corridors, including the Lakeshore West GO Line and Lakeshore East GO Line.
The expanded schedule will remain in effect until July 5, 2026, helping accommodate an anticipated surge in ridership while maintaining reliable service for daily commuters. Metrolinx estimates that more than 500,000 additional passengers will use GO Transit and the UP Express during the FIFA World Cup.
Under the enhanced service plan, trains on both Lakeshore corridors will operate every 15 minutes for much of the day, significantly increasing travel options for residents heading into Toronto from surrounding municipalities.
The additional service is expected to play a critical role on match days, particularly for fans travelling to Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place. The nearby Exhibition GO Station will serve as the primary transit gateway for thousands of spectators attending World Cup matches.
To manage event-related demand, Metrolinx will operate as many as six trains per hour between Exhibition GO Station and Union Station before and after games. Officials say the increased frequency will help move large crowds efficiently while reducing congestion on roads and highways.
Late-night service is also being expanded throughout the tournament to accommodate evening matches, celebrations, and related events. On the Lakeshore West line, trains departing Union Station will operate until approximately 12:47 a.m. The last eastbound train from Exhibition GO Station is scheduled to leave at 12:36 a.m., while the final westbound departure will occur at 12:55 a.m.
On the Lakeshore East corridor, trains will continue operating from Union Station until approximately 12:50 a.m. Meanwhile, UP Express service between downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport will run until 1:45 a.m., providing extended travel options for visitors and residents alike.
Beyond rail service, Metrolinx is also strengthening regional bus operations. Additional trips are being added to Route 12 connecting Toronto and Niagara Falls, with nine extra daily departures planned throughout the tournament period. The enhanced service is intended to support tourism and travel between FIFA-related activities across southern Ontario.
Transit officials are advising passengers to prepare for significantly larger crowds at key locations, particularly Union Station and Exhibition GO Station, before and after matches. Additional staff, signage, and wayfinding assistance will be deployed to help guide travellers and improve customer experience.
Passengers are encouraged to plan their trips in advance, allow extra travel time, and use PRESTO cards or contactless payment methods to speed up station access and boarding procedures.
The FIFA World Cup represents one of the largest transportation challenges in the history of the Greater Toronto Area. With Toronto hosting six tournament matches and welcoming fans from around the world, transit agencies are playing a central role in ensuring visitors can travel safely and efficiently throughout the region.
Metrolinx says regular service schedules will return on July 6 following the conclusion of the tournament, but until then, the expanded service network is expected to help keep the region moving as Toronto takes centre stage in the world’s biggest sporting event.