Starting July 6, 2026, there will be a new GO train service to Stratford. The Kitchener GO Line will offer one round trip each day between Stratford and Toronto. This information comes from the railway news site Railway Supply.
GO Train at Oakville GO Station (Simone Gavros/CHCH News).
The province of Ontario stated that this extension aims to enhance access to employment, education, and tourism opportunities. It’s also intended to help ease traffic congestion.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is committed to providing fast, reliable, and affordable transit options for more communities across Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By bringing GO service to Stratford, we’re making it easier for individuals to travel to Toronto for work or study while offering both residents and visitors a convenient way to enjoy Stratford’s exceptional attractions and cultural offerings.”
MPP for Perth-Wellington “I wantto express my gratitude towardsthe Ontario Governmentfor this fantastic announcement. This consistentservice providesa tremendous benefitforour communitywhetherit’s recreationalor job-related travelforstudents or thousands oftourists visiting Stratford. It also greatly assistsus environmentallyaswe aimto lessen cartrafficalong local highwaysandthe400 series highways. This achievementis significantin many ways, and I feel content tonight.” – Martin Ritsma
Mayor of Stratford
Presidentand CEOof Metrolinx
Schedule for the GO train service to Stratford
This service during weekdays is designed for commuters and students heading towards Kitchener, Brampton, and Toronto. The Ontario Newsroom has shared the detailed timetable which includes a morning departure from Stratford Station that goes straight to Union Station. There will also be an afternoon return journey. On weekends, trips are set up mainly for tourists visiting Stratford with a focus on those attending the Stratford Festival. The weekend schedule will feature a morning ride from Union Station to Stratford Station along with an evening return trip. Don’t miss…Port of Long Beach cargo volume falls in March and Q1 “Stratford is one of Ontario’s premier cultural destinations known for its signature theatre festival and lively tourism sector,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “With year-round GO train service now available, we’re making it simpler for even more people to explore all that Stratford offers while boosting local jobs and businesses. This new connection will enhance tourism in the area while showcasing Ontario as a top spot for arts and culture.”Kitchener GO Line expansion alongside transit investment in Ontario
The additional service connecting Stratford with the Kitchener GO Line is part of Ontario’s $70 billion commitment towards North America’s largest transit expansion initiative. Through the GO Expansion program, two-way all-day services will be introduced on the busiest rail corridors used by GO Transit. Extensions will also provide improved transportation options in communities such as Durham Region, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and Niagara Region.Stops along with April service updates
The route serving Stratford Station will include stops at Kitchener, Guelph, Acton, Georgetown, and Brampton. Additionally, Metrolinx mentioned that updates regarding their April service changes are now live online which incorporate two new express trips during weekdays between Kitchener and Union Station as well as the reinstatement of 15-minute weekend services on both Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines.Recent developments on the Kitchener Line
Recently launched was the first-ever weekend train operation between Toronto and Kitchener by the province along with an agreement-in-principle to acquire over 20 kilometers of track within Halton subdivision on the Kitchener Line according to Metrolinx reports. Ontario mentioned this move represents another advancement toward achieving all-day services under the Kitchener Extension Project. Additionally,, Ontario has put forth $14.8 billion aimed at enhancing speedier transit options throughout its GO Transit network. The annual attendance at the renowned Stratford Festival reached over 430 thousand visitors during its 2024 season which serves as a significant economic driver in this region. Since 2019-20, the provincial government has supported nearly $10 million in funding towards this festival.Responses from Metrolinx, VIA Rail Canada, and local officials
Local leaders’ remarks
“Our government continues investing in infrastructure that connects rural areas with opportunities,” remarked Matthew Rae, M. P. P. for Perth-Wellington.“The permanent addition of GO train services into Stratford enhances accessibility for commuters, supports tourism initiatives, and promotes economic development throughout Perth-Wellingtonand nearby regions.” – Matthew RaeMPP for Perth-Wellington “I wantto express my gratitude towardsthe Ontario Governmentfor this fantastic announcement. This consistentservice providesa tremendous benefitforour communitywhetherit’s recreationalor job-related travelforstudents or thousands oftourists visiting Stratford. It also greatly assistsus environmentallyaswe aimto lessen cartrafficalong local highwaysandthe400 series highways. This achievementis significantin many ways, and I feel content tonight.” – Martin Ritsma
Mayor of Stratford
Culturaland transport feedback
“We’re excited about extendingthe GOtrainserviceinto Stratford. The GOnetworkhas evolvedto offerfar morethanjustcommuting; it’sbecomeanessentiallinkforpeoplelooking toenjoyrecreation, culture, and leisureactivitiesinourregion. My familyattends Stratford Festivaleveryyear. I’m especiallylooking forwardtosharingthisexperiencewithfellow riderswho cannowmake thisjourneybytrain. Byenablingbetteraccessibilityforboth localsandvisitors, we’reproudlysupportingcommunitygrowthwhile strengtheningconnectionsbetween Southwestern Ontario communities.” – Michael LindsayPresidentand CEOof Metrolinx
