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Stadium–Chinatown Station is CLOSED on all match days. Take SkyTrain to Main Street–Science World Station and walk ~15 minutes to BC Place, or transfer to a BC Transit bus. Allow extra time — platforms will be very busy 90 minutes before and after kickoff.
SkyTrain (Recommended)
Stadium-Chinatown Station on the Expo and Millennium lines exits directly adjacent to BC Place's north entrance — it's a 2-minute walk from train to gate. This is by far the easiest option and the one TransLink and FIFA recommend.
On match days, TransLink runs extra SkyTrain frequency — trains every 2–4 minutes on the Expo Line. Buy a Compass Card before match day; single-use tickets from machines have long queues on event days. A day pass (~CAD $11.25) covers unlimited travel and is worth it if you're doing multiple trips.
Coming from: Surrey/Burnaby → Expo Line direct to Stadium-Chinatown. Coquitlam/New Westminster → Millennium Line direct. Richmond/YVR Airport → Canada Line to Waterfront, then transfer to Expo Line. North Vancouver → SeaBus to Waterfront, then Expo Line.
Bus Routes
Multiple bus routes serve the stadium area. The 99 B-Line (Broadway rapid bus) connects UBC and Commercial Drive to downtown, dropping near Pacific Boulevard. Routes 3, 8, and 19 run along Granville and Davie streets, a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
Bus routes operate on a flat fare within Vancouver zones — use your Compass Card and tap on/off. Buses are reliable but can be slow in pre-match traffic; leave extra time.
Cycling
BC Place has secured bike parking for hundreds of bikes immediately outside Gate A. The False Creek seawall bike path runs directly past the stadium — cycling from downtown takes 5 minutes, from Granville Island about 15 minutes.
Mobi bike share has docking stations around the stadium. Day passes are available ($15 for unlimited 30-minute rides). Lock your bike with a proper U-lock — quick-release wheels are a theft risk in busy areas.
Walking from Downtown
BC Place is walkable from most of downtown Vancouver. Approximate times:
- Robson & Granville (shopping district): 12 minutes south on Hamilton or Cambie
- Canada Place / Convention Centre: 18 minutes via the seawall or Pacific Boulevard
- Gastown (Water Street): 22 minutes via Cambie Street
- Yaletown (Mainland Street): 10 minutes — the closest entertainment district
Pre-match crowds walking along Pacific Boulevard create a fantastic atmosphere. Walking is often faster than driving in pre-match traffic.
Rideshare & Taxi
Uber and Lyft both operate in Vancouver. On match days, surge pricing activates in the stadium area 2–3 hours before kickoff. Book early or walk a few blocks from the stadium to get a lower-surge pickup point.
Taxis (Yellow Cab, Black Top) can be hailed on the street or booked via app. Designated taxi and rideshare pickup/drop-off zones are on Beatty Street (north side) and Pacific Boulevard (south side).
Driving & Parking
Driving to BC Place on a match day is not recommended. Road closures, event traffic, and limited parking make it a stressful and expensive option. If you must drive:
- Impark lots on Terry Fox Plaza and the adjacent blocks: book online in advance ($40–60)
- False Creek lots south of the stadium: cheaper but a longer walk
- Park and Ride: drive to a SkyTrain station in the suburbs (Lougheed, Surrey Central, Richmond-Brighouse) and take the train in — far easier and much cheaper
Getting Home After the Match
The post-match SkyTrain is crowded but runs well. Expect 15–30 minutes queuing to board at Stadium-Chinatown after big matches. To avoid the crush: wait in a nearby bar for 30–45 minutes, then travel when the crowd thins. Or walk 10 minutes to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on the Canada Line — usually much less crowded than Stadium-Chinatown post-match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SkyTrain line goes to BC Place?
The Expo Line is the closest SkyTrain line to BC Place. On normal days, exit at Stadium–Chinatown station. On World Cup match days, that station is closed — use Main Street–Science World station instead and walk approximately 15 minutes west to the stadium.
Is Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain station open during the World Cup?
No. Stadium–Chinatown station is closed on all match days during FIFA World Cup 2026. The designated alternative is Main Street–Science World station, which is a 15-minute walk from BC Place along Terminal Avenue.
How long does it take to get to BC Place from downtown Vancouver?
From downtown (Granville or Burrard stations), BC Place is about 10–20 minutes by SkyTrain plus walking. Walking directly from Robson Street takes 20–30 minutes. On match days, allow an extra 30–45 minutes for crowded platforms and slower walking speeds near the stadium.
Can I cycle to BC Place for World Cup matches?
Yes — cycling is a great option. BC Place has bike racks outside, and the city has dedicated cycling infrastructure leading to the stadium. Mobi bike share stations are also nearby. Leave extra time on match days and lock your bike well before the crowds arrive.
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