Caltrain prepares for World Cup Qatar-Switzerland game on Saturday, extra trains to be activated in case of massive crowds
Bay Area – World Cup crowds are expected to pour into the Peninsula on Saturday, June 13, as Qatar faces Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, and Caltrain is positioning itself as one of the easiest ways for fans to reach the noon kickoff without getting caught in game-day traffic.
The transit agency says riders can use Caltrain’s 30-minute service to reach Mountain View Station, where they can transfer directly to VTA light rail for the final leg to the stadium. Extra trains will be kept on standby in case crowds grow larger and more service is needed.
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The match is also expected to bring a wave of visitors from outside the region. Fans arriving from around the world will not only be heading to the stadium, but also exploring attractions from San Francisco to San Jose.
Watch parties and fan events are planned across the Peninsula, and many of them are reachable by train. To help people who may be using the system for the first time, Caltrain will place ambassadors at major stations on game days.
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Riders are being reminded that Caltrain uses a proof-of-payment system, meaning fares must be paid before boarding. Clipper remains the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card, but passengers can now also tap a contactless credit card or digital wallet at a Clipper reader.
Groups and riders without Clipper can buy a joint VTA/Caltrain Day Pass through Token Transit or at station ticket machines. Youth fares are $1 for a one-way ticket and $2 for a day pass for passengers 18 and younger.
Caltrain is also reminding passengers of its conduct rules. Open alcoholic beverages are allowed on trains until 9 p.m. during regular service, but disruptive riders may be asked to leave Caltrain property.
Parking rules will remain in effect all day, including weekends and holidays. Station parking costs $5.50 per day, with permits available through the ParkMobile app or ticket machines. Riders using ParkMobile must enter the station zone number, parking space number, license plate, payment method and email address.
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Since launching electrified service, Caltrain says it has offered faster, more frequent trips along the corridor while using a modern electric fleet with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, baby changing tables and other onboard features.
Schedules and trip-planning details are available at Caltrain.com.
