There’s snow on the ground, but the pitch is green for fans looking to get to Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field this weekend for a pivotal Canada men’s national team soccer game.

Canada will host the USA in Hamilton on Sunday (Jan. 30) at 3 p.m. Out-of-town fans can get to the game, and back home, by transit with transfers between GO and local Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) service at Hamilton GO Centre.

Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and leave extra time for both travel and COVID-screening outside the stadium. Lines were long and time-consuming at Canada’s home games last fall.

The easiest way to plan a combined GO and HSR Transit trip for Sunday is to visit triplinx.ca, and Metrolinx News has more details below.

Getting to and from Hamilton on GO Transit

GO Transit’s Lakeshore West line has hourly service throughout the weekend. Passengers coming on GO trains from Toronto, and stops along the way, can transfer at Aldershot to GO bus Route 18 into Hamilton GO Centre (downtown Hamilton).

Customers travelling from downtown Toronto can save time by taking GO Bus Route 16 directly from the new Union Station Bus Terminal to Hamilton GO Centre.

After the game, hourly eastbound Route 18 buses (connecting to Lakeshore West trains) will leave Hamilton GO at 55 minutes after the hour.

Route 16 buses will leave Hamilton GO, heading directly to Union Station Bus Terminal, every hour on the hour.

Connecting to Tim Hortons Field on HSR Transit

At Hamilton GO Centre, fans will have a choice of three eastbound routes on HSR Transit. From the GO platforms, cross at the designated area to the HSR Transit platforms, located on the south side of the terminal.

• Route 1 KING will depart from platform 18 every 10 minutes throughout the afternoon. Fans should get off at Melrose Avenue and Main Street and walk north for 10 minutes to the stadium. After the game, you only need to walk to Balsam at King to catch the westbound bus back to Hamilton GO Centre. Route 1 runs every 20 minutes after 6:00 p.m.

• Route 2 BARTON will depart from platform 18 every 10 minutes during the afternoon. Passengers should disembark at Melrose Avenue and walk south towards the stadium for three minutes. Route 2 runs every 20 minutes after 6:00 p.m.
• Route 3 CANNON will depart from platform 17 every 30 minutes on the half hours. The stadium can be seen from Cannon Street. Post-game service on this particular route will end at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Both GO and HSR accept PRESTO cards for payment. GO fares can also be paid at the stations, with the price varying by departure point. HSR fares can also be paid with the PRESTO E-Tickets app, to avoid the need for exact cash.

HSR offers an online trip planner, the free HSRnow mobile app and more information on their website.

Masks are required on both GO and HSR.

Oh, and Go Canada!