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Taking Transit to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver

Whether you’re headed to BC Place Vancouver, the FIFA Fan Festival™, or exploring the region between matches, transit is the easiest way to get around Metro Vancouver during FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver.

We’re adding more service, more staff, and more security to help keep things moving smoothly. Grab your jersey, bring your team spirit, and transit will take care of the ride.

On this page

    Stay informed with Transit Alerts

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    Sign up to get real‑time updates on delays, route changes, and service disruptions for the routes and modes you use most.

    Sign up Today

    New to Vancouver?

    Welcome! If you’re new to transit in the Metro Vancouver region, visit our Transit for New Riders page to learn everything you need to travel with confidence, including fares, accessibility, maps, trip planning, and more.

    Transit for New Riders is available in the following languages:

    Visit the Transit for New Riders Page


    Getting Around

    Passenger using the TransLink website on the bus

    The easiest way to navigate Metro Vancouver on transit is with Google Maps.

    With temporary road closures, controlled areas, and traffic management measures near event venues, match days will look and feel different. Transit riders are encouraged to add extra travel time to your journey.

    Plan ahead and stay informed by signing up for Transit Alerts. You’ll receive text (SMS) and/or email notifications about service disruptions, updates, or changes that may affect your trip.

    Plan your trip

    Need Help?

    A SkyTrain Attendant in a safety vest and cap helps a passenger by pointing at a transit map.

    Our friendly Customer Information Services team is just a call away, available from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PT, seven days a week. During the tournament, hours will be extended by two hours or more beyond match end times to assist customers leaving BC Place and FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver.

    We can assist you over the phone in more than 300 languages! Call us during operating hours and tell the agent your preferred language. You’ll be placed on hold while a certified third-party translator joins the call. View our list of available languages.

    Contact Us

    Service Change Highlights

    As one of 16 North American host cities for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Metro Vancouver will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors. TransLink will play an important role in getting people to and from BC Place Vancouver, the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver, and other destinations across the region.

    During the tournament, service on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express will be increased to help manage big crowds while keeping the system reliable for customers who rely on transit for everyday trips.

    Dedicated and more bus service

    TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) will deliver approximately 600 additional bus trips per day during FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver, including:

    • Extra service to and from FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park/PNE.

      • A dedicated shuttle connecting the event grounds to both the Expo and Millennium lines.

      • More frequent service and easier access on routes R5, 14, 28, 130, and 222.

    • More bus service in Vancouver.

      • Increased frequency on routes R5, 14, 19, and 23, in the busiest parts of downtown Vancouver.

    • Extra buses ready when crowds spike.

      • Buses and crews will be available to respond quickly, with teams monitoring service in real time.

    Visit the Accessibility section of this page for more information on how we support customers with mobility needs.

    More SkyTrain service and extended hours

    To help move customers safely and quickly, SkyTrain service will be increased, including:

    • More frequent trains before and after matches at BC Place Vancouver, arriving at downtown stations every 2 to 2.5 minutes (similar to rush-hour frequency).

    • Later SkyTrain service on all three lines (Canada, Expo, and Millennium) with each running one hour later on evenings with late-night matches (June 13, June 26, and July 2).

    • Empty trains starting at Main Street–Science World Station after matches to help clear crowds faster.

    Getting to BC Place Vancouver

    • On match days, customers should use Main Street–Science World Station.

    • Pedestrian access to BC Place Vancouver from Stadium–Chinatown Station will not be available on local match days.

    More frequent SeaBus sailings

    To support travel between downtown Vancouver and the North Shore during FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver, the SeaBus will run:

    • Every 15 minutes or better, all day, every day throughout the tournament.

    • Every 10 minutes before and after matches at BC Place Vancouver.

    SeaBus service will also extend by one hour on evenings with late-night matches at BC Place Vancouver (June 13, June 26, and July 2) to align with SkyTrain hours.

    Special weekend West Coast Express trains

    Additional service to support weekend match travel:

    • Special round-trip service on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 21.

    • One westbound train will depart Mission about three hours before kickoff.

    • One eastbound train will depart Waterfront about two hours after the match ends.

    Walking, cycling, rolling, and ride sharing during the tournament

    Park your bike with ease at a Bike Valet

    TransLink is partnering to bring Bike Valets to locations around Vancouver; two will be located near Main Street–Science World Station and the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE grounds (located in Callister Park). Like a coat-check service, Bike Valet staff will tag your bike and provide you with a stub for retrieving it. Onsite staff will look out for your bike while you attend events or roam around the city.

    Bike, Ride or Roll with Bike Share and Scooter Share

    TransLink is collaborating with Evolve (on the North Shore), Mobi by Rogers, and Lime (in Vancouver) to make accessing bike share and e-scooter share a convenient option for shorter trips.

    Find convenient parking at one of TransLink’s Park & Rides

    Looking for parking? TransLink has you covered with multiple Park & Ride locations across the region, with quick connections to downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain, bus, and West Coast Express.

    Interactive Map

    Use the interactive map below to explore key locations like BC Place Vancouver, YVR Airport, and the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park, along with the best transit options to move between them.

    Major Destinations

    Each page below brings together location‑specific transit alerts, tailored alert sign‑ups, and quick links to schedules for the routes and modes serving that venue.

    BC Place Vancouver

    BC Place from False Creek at sunset

    On match days, Main Street–Science World Station is the best way to reach BC Place Vancouver. This station connects directly to The Last Mile pedestrian route to the stadium’s primary entrance at Carrall Street and Pacific Boulevard.


    Match Day Access

    Stadium–Chinatown Station and Yaletown–Roundhouse Station will remain open, but there will be limited access to BC Place Vancouver from either station.

    • The Expo Boulevard (lower) entrance at Stadium–Chinatown Station will be closed.

    • Customers can still enter Stadium–Chinatown Station via Keefer Street and Beatty Street.

    Learn more about BC Place Vancouver

    FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park

    3D rendering of the new Freedom Mobile Ampitheatre at the PNE

    The FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver will take place at Hastings Park, located on the historic PNE grounds. The FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver will be a central gathering place where fans can celebrate, watch live match broadcasts, and enjoy a range of entertainment offerings.

    We’re increasing bus service to help fans get to and from the festival, including a dedicated shuttle connecting the event grounds to both the Expo and Millennium lines.

    Learn more about Hastings Park

    Vancouver International Airport

    Distant aerial shot of YVR at sunrise

    Getting between YVR and Downtown Vancouver is easy on the Canada Line SkyTrain. You can reach downtown in just 25 minutes.

    YVR–Airport Station is centrally located between the International and Domestic terminals—just follow the "Train to City" signs.

    Learn more about YVR

    Take transit and access local offers!

    We've teamed up with an incredible line-up of local businesses, all committed to offering exclusive discounts for transit riders with valid proof of transit fare. From hidden gems to family favourites, there's something for everyone – all easily accessible via public transit.

    Visit our offers page for more details on how to unlock exclusive offers & discounts.

    See the Offers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How will you make sure regular TransLink customers can still get where they need to go during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver?

    Existing TransLink customers remain a priority, and we know people still need transit for work, school, and appointments during the tournament. That’s why TransLink is adding service to serve matches at BC Place Vancouver and the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver. More capacity in key areas helps reduce crowding and keeps the system moving.

    If detours or schedule changes are needed, TransLink will share information early and often through our usual channels so customers can plan ahead.

    Will there be extra transit service on match days?

    Yes. TransLink will increase service on match days, building on what we already do for big events. That includes more frequent SkyTrain service, extra buses on key routes, additional SeaBus sailings, special weekend West Coast Express trips, and later service where needed.

    More details can be found on the Transit Service Changes page .

    Are you planning to provide extra SkyTrain service during the tournament?

    Yes. SkyTrain service will increase before and after matches at BC Place Vancouver, with trains running through downtown every 2 to 2.5 minutes. In addition, service will run one hour later on June 13, June 26, and July 2 for late evening matches.

    Will there be any bike, e-bike & scooter restrictions on transit during the tournament?

    Some restrictions may apply during peak periods and match days. Learn more on our Bikes on Transit page .

    Where can local employers find resources on how tournament travel impacts may affect their employees?

    From June 11 to July 19, Vancouver is hosting seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at BC Place Vancouver, along with fan events and celebrations across the downtown core and the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park / PNE grounds. The tournament is expected to see over 50,000 spectators per match day at BC Place Vancouver, with over 350,000 additional people expected in the downtown core during the event period.

    Businesses in and around Downtown Vancouver — particularly near BC Place Vancouver, Granville Street, Main Street–Science World Station, Hastings Park / PNE grounds, and key corridors — should expect:

    • Increased pedestrian activity and large crowds

    • Road closures and vehicle access changes

    • Increased demand for transit services

    • Longer travel times for employees, customers, and deliveries

    • Changes to transit station access and routes

    Businesses will remain open and accessible, with walking and emergency access maintained. Planning ahead will help reduce disruptions and ensure business continuity.

    What to Expect

    Vancouver Match Days

    Road closures and local traffic changes, controlled zones, and increased crowds will occur on the following dates:

    June 13, 18, 21, 24, 26, July 2, 7

    Highest Demand Periods

    These dates are expected to experience the greatest transportation impacts:

    1. Thursday, June 18 (Canada Match – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

    2. Wednesday, June 24 (Canada Match – 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.)

    3. Tuesday, July 7 (Round of 16 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

    Expect the busiest periods to be two hours before and after match times.

    Road Closures & Access Changes

    Businesses should expect:

    • Controlled access within a 2 km radius around BC Place Vancouver on match days

    • Pacific Boulevard (between Yaletown and Science World) closures during matches

    • There will also be a partial road closure to vehicles on Pacific Boulevard / Pacific Street between Drake Street and east of Davie Street

    • Granville Street pedestrian-only zones on match days

    • Local traffic-only zones near BC Place Vancouver

    Walking access and emergency services will be maintained.

    How Employers Can Prepare

    Vancouver has successfully hosted major international events before, and many of the strategies that supported business continuity remain highly effective today. As FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, these practices can help your team stay productive, agile, and connected.

    Encourage Transit, Walking, Biking, and Rolling

    Transit, walking, biking, and rolling will often be faster than driving during event days, especially in key areas of the city. TransLink and the City of Vancouver are working to ensure everyone can access downtown efficiently, and part of that is using the most efficient mode for each trip.

    Biking and walking are often great ways to get that last kilometre to work. TransLink allows bikes on most transit vehicles, with some exceptions during peak periods. Learn more on our Bikes on Transit page .

    Recommended Actions:

    • Encourage employees to take transit, walk, or bike where possible

    • Allow extra travel time (15+ minutes)

    • Promote walking and biking for short trips

    • Provide temporary bike storage or parking

    • Note the locations of free bike valet service locations, including near Main Street–Science World Station, Vancouver City Centre Station, Gastown, and FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park, where employees and customers can store bikes securely during specific hours

    • Promote bikeshare and scooter-share options

    • Promote the use of TransLink’s Park and Rides, carshare options, and carpooling, to make sure staff who need to drive for all or part of their journey can do so efficiently

    Flexible Work Options

    Recommended Actions:

    • Where practical for your organizational needs, offer flexible worksite options for employees on match days

    • Adjust shift schedules to avoid peak travel times if practical

    • Consider staggered start and end times for employees

    Why This Helps

    Flexible work arrangements reduce congestion and improve productivity during large events. Prioritizing alternative locations for work during peak days and game time periods will significantly reduce employee travel delays and keep your staff productive.

    Communicate Early & Often

    Recommended Actions:

    • Share travel information with employees

    • Encourage employees to plan ahead

    • Identify essential on-site staff and make a plan for their access and routes, especially if they require a vehicle

    Best Practices Checklist

    • Explore flexible work arrangements on match days

    • Adjust work hours and shifts

    • Promote transit and walking, biking, and rolling

    • Schedule deliveries outside match times

    • Allow extra travel time on match days

    • Plan for increased foot traffic, especially after matches

    Summary

    The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver will bring excitement and increased activity to the region. While temporary travel impacts are expected, businesses that plan ahead can minimize disruption and even benefit from increased foot traffic.

    Plan ahead. Communicate early. Stay flexible.

    Questions? Contact us at travelsmart@translink.ca

    Safety and Security

    Transit Security speaking with a group of kids

    Safety is our top priority. Throughout the tournament, we’re increasing frontline staffing and volunteers to help manage crowds, answer questions, and support safety. Learn more about ways to stay safe on transit on our Safety & Security webpage.

    Please stay aware of your surroundings. If you see something, say something — report any unusual behaviour or incidents to a uniformed transit employee or by texting Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 87.77.77 (Note: standard carrier text messaging rates may apply).

    Reporting an Incident

    For emergencies call 911.

    For non-emergencies contact Transit Police directly:

    Please note that the texting service at 87.77.77 is only for individuals using Canadian phone numbers (standard carrier text messaging rates may apply). Any communication from non-Canadian numbers will not be received or processed. Call 604.515.8300 if you’re using an international phone number.

    Tips for a safe & smooth transit ride

    For the safety and comfort of everyone on board, please keep the following in mind:

    • Stand behind the yellow line on platforms.

    • Wait for passengers to exit before you board and avoid crowding the doors.

    • Do not travel on escalators with luggage, strollers, or large items — use elevators.

    • Remove backpacks while on board to make space for everyone.

    • Be courteous to other riders, and offer up your seat to those who need priority seating.

    • Always keep your proof of payment with you and be ready to show a uniformed employee if asked.

    • Plan for a meeting place with your family, in case you get separated, and make sure they know where to meet you.

    • There is no smoking or vaping on TransLink property and vehicles.

    Easy ways to pay your fare:

    • Tap at the gate: use your debit, credit, or Compass Card directly at all fare gates.

    • Purchase a Compass ticket and keep it for later: Compass tickets can be validated at fare gates up to the end of that day.

    • Preload your stored value on a Compass Card or monthly pass at compasscard.ca at least two hours before your trip.

    Learn more at our Etiquette on Transit page.

    Accessibility

    A group of riders disembark from a HandyDART vehicle, with a driver assisting as children and accompanying adults step out.

    The Metro Vancouver transit system is fully accessible. We provide clear information about accessible stations, routes, and alternate paths so customers with mobility needs can move confidently through the transit system. Support is also available for anyone who needs extra help getting around.

    Learn more about transit accessibility on our How to Use Accessible Transit page.

    HandyDART

    HandyDART is TransLink's door-to-door, shared-ride service for people who are unable to navigate conventional public transit without assistance. Individuals who may be eligible for HandyDART include those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

    If you’re visiting Metro Vancouver and wish to use HandyDART while you’re here, please apply with the HandyDART Visitor Application Form before you arrive. Applications are processed within 10 days of confirming receipt.

    To learn about HandyDART, please visit the HandyDART page or download the HandyDART Rider’s Guide.

    General Inquiries

    For general questions about HandyDART, HandyCard, or the Access Transit program, call us at 604.953.3680 (Access Transit Customer Care)

    Operating Hours

    Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding holidays