Getting here and getting around
The curtain does not move for the timetable. Read the return trip before you buy the cheap evening seat.
Missed the last train?
After an evening show there is usually no train back to Toronto that night. Stay over, drive, or choose a matinee.
Weekday GO toward Toronto leaves Stratford at 06:16 and reaches Union at 08:47. The weekend return leaves at 18:16 (Union 20:45). VIA toward Toronto leaves at 05:51, 08:34, 20:58. A 7:30 p.m. curtain does not make those trains. There are no departure boards at Stratford GO.
By car
About 2 hours from Toronto. The city is linked to Highway 401 by Highway 8 or Perth Road 113 / County Road 6, and is within a 3-hour drive of four major U.S. border crossings.
Michigan visitors: the Festival keeps a welcome page with driving times (Port Huron/Sarnia about 1 hour 45 minutes; Detroit/Windsor about 2 hours 45 minutes) and a reminder to check border rules.
Festival page for Michigan visitors
The city has metered parking around the downtown core.
GO Transit
GO Transit has served Stratford year-round since July 2026. E-tickets only: no PRESTO and no paper tickets at Stratford. Children 12 and under ride free. There is a $10 One-Day Weekend Pass. There are no departure boards at Stratford GO, so check the GO app or site. Weekend construction disruptions happen.
Stratford station (GO and VIA), 101 Shakespeare Street.
| When | Leaves | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday, Stratford to Union | 6:16 a.m. | 8:47 a.m. |
| Weekday, Union to Stratford | 4:52 p.m. | 7:28 p.m. |
| Weekend, Union to Stratford | 8:49 a.m. | 11:16 a.m. |
| Weekend, Stratford to Union | 6:16 p.m. | 8:45 p.m. |
VIA Rail
Toronto–London–Sarnia corridor. Some trains do not run every day. The schedule is subject to change.
- Toronto 10:55 a.m. arrives Stratford 1:13 p.m..
- Toronto 5:40 p.m. arrives Stratford 7:56 p.m..
- Toronto 10:10 p.m. arrives Stratford 12:33 a.m..
Stratford toward Toronto: 5:51 a.m., 8:34 a.m., 8:58 p.m..
Stratford Direct
$42 Toronto return, from the InterContinental Hotel, Front and Simcoe, Toronto. Only for people holding a Festival performance or Forum ticket. In 2027 the service runs April 28 – November 28, 2027. The coach times are on the Festival site. Book the departure that matches your curtain.
- Avon / Studio at George and Downie
- Tom Patterson on Lakeside Drive
- Festival Theatre, behind it on Richard Monette Way
Other ways, and a cab
FlixBus runs Toronto–Stratford. You can also travel to London and connect by PC Connect or local transit.
City buses: Stratford Transit.