TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to/from and around the city of Stratford takes some pre planning but is not impossible. We have taken the liberty of listing below some of the services available to you while visiting our city. Carpooling to/from Toronto is also a very popular choice amongst the acting company as many members like to go to Toronto on their day off. If you're a member of the acting company please remember to sign out before you leave and visit our Travelling Out of Town page for CTA information.
Stratford-Toronto Public Transit Schedule Summary - As of Jan 22
Onex Bus Service - New!
Onex Bus service offers multiple daily departure times seven days a week with stops in Stratford (downtown bus station), London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto Pearson Airport and Downtown Toronto. The service will also offer “on-demand” or “by-request” stops in Stratford’s Wright Business Park to better serve those workers who commute to the city from London.
Via Rail - Limited Service
Via Rail operates two trains through Stratford daily, departing to Toronto at 11:15am and returning at 5:40pm. Not helpful for a same day round trip but it can work for one way transportation to or from the city. The station is walking distance from the downtown core and goes to Union Station in Toronto. Via also operates trains to Woodstock and KW which people have sometimes been able to utilize. Please Note: During the busy season of June-August the train has sold out so be sure to book early!
Stratford Airporter
Since 1985 the Stratford Airporter, formally known as Airports Anywhere, has been providing worry and hassle free scheduled transfers between Stratford and Toronto's Lester B. Pearson airport. The company has been offering increased service to Toronto Pearson as well as adding private service to Hamilton, London, and Kitchener as well.
Driverseat
An airport shuttle out of Woodstock ON, a 30 minute cab ride from Stratford. Contact for details and Stratford pick up requests.
Enterprise Car Rental
Located across the street from No Frills it's about a 20-30 minute walk from the downtown core. Thankfully this location offers complimentary pick up upon request, no taxi required to pick up or drop off your car rental! Please note, this location is only open Tuesday-Friday so be sure to make your plans in advance for a weekend trip. The local branch has also honored a discount to Festival staff and artists in the past. To access the discount you must call the branch and speak to the manager. There is no corporate code for the discount, the manager applies something special. Dial 519-275-3800 and press * when the automated voice picks up. This will forward you directly to the local branch and bypass the distribution call centre. The discount is not guaranteed and is based on seasonal specials available to the manager.
Stratford Direct Bus
Departs from downtown Toronto at the InterContinental Hotel (corner of Front and Simcoe streets)
- Coaches run on performance days April 16 to October 27 at 10 a.m., and at 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays where there is an evening performance
- Advance reservations are required. Please note that seating is limited and planned with patrons in mind- check bus availability before ordering tickets. Show ticket not required for staff and artists.
GETTING AROUND TOWN
Stratford Public Transportation
The City of Stratford have several routes connecting the downtown to the outer areas of the city, often running buses every 30 minutes. Limited schedule on Sundays. The city also offers Parallel Transit a service for individuals with mobility assistance needs. It is highly recommended to apply/register for PT before arriving in town as the process can take several weeks. Visit the City of Stratford website for full details on schedule, routes and tickets for both services.
Radio Cab
There are several taxi services in Stratford. The Festival has a long standing relationship with Radio Cab. More often than not when a local ride is booked through the Festival it will be with this company. The owner Brad is fantastic and will often accommodate a trip out of the city if given a day or two notice for artists in need as well. He also owns Stratford Airporter. Standard flat rate in town is $13/per ride. Please note: Unfortunately no taxi services in Stratford currently have wheelchair accessible vans.
Call 519-271-4242 for a ride today!
Bike Rentals
There is no long term bike rentals available in Stratford but the Festival's Accommodations department does have a small quantity of bikes available for loan every year. Please inquire with Cindy Cnockaert regarding availability as they are available on a first come first serve basis and are in as is condition. ccnockaert@stratfordfestival.ca
In the past there have been some bike stores offering an hourly rental for tourists, call around to the two bike stores downtown to inquire.
Purchase a Used Bike
Totally Spoked hosts a Bike Swap every spring for locals to sell used bikes to each other. Purchasers do not need to bring a bike to the swap if they are only interested in purchasing. In 2023 the swap happened on April 1st. Usually good deals can be found!