Transportation Guide

Getting Around
for the 2026 World Cup

This guide covers the main ways to move between host cities and stadiums across USA, Canada, and Mexico—so you can spend more time in the stands and less time stuck in traffic or airport lines.

It pairs with our visa and budget guides so you can align routes, documents, and costs in a single plan.

Updated December 12, 2025 · KickoffAdventures Editorial Team

3
Countries
10+
Major Hubs
Regional
Rail & Bus
2–3
Hours Early
🚆

Match Day Priorities

  • Arrive near the stadium 2–3 hours before kickoff.
  • Use official transit routes or clearly marked rideshare zones.
  • Have a backup route in case your first option is overloaded.

All timings and options are planning estimates; final routes and schedules will be confirmed closer to 2026 by host cities and transit agencies.

📱

Save This: Match Day Transport Essentials

🚆 Arrive Early
2–3 hours before kickoff
Security + crowds = longer than usual
💰 Budget Range
$5–$70 per trip
Transit (cheapest) to rideshare (premium)
📲 Must-Have Apps
Google Maps + Uber/Lyft
Download offline maps beforehand

💡 Pro tip: Screenshot this card and save it to your phone’s home screen for quick access on match days.

Transportation at a Glance

Best for Long Distances
Flights between major hubs
Best for Regional Trips
Trains & intercity buses
Best for Flexibility
Rental car + rideshare mix
Stadium Arrival Target
2–3 hours before kickoff
Core Advice
Lock long‑haul routes early; keep local options flexible
Matches & Movement
Build a route first, then buy match tickets to fit

Getting Between USA, Canada, and Mexico

For most fans, international legs will be by air. Land crossings work well for specific routes (like Seattle–Vancouver or San Diego–Tijuana) if you have the right documents.

Flights between hubs

Best for: New York ↔ Los Angeles, Dallas ↔ Vancouver, Toronto ↔ Mexico City, and other long legs.

Pro move: when comparing prices, try flying into nearby secondary airports (for example, alternate New York–area or Southern California airports) and finishing the last stretch by train or car.

Land crossings

Best for: Seattle ↔ Vancouver, Detroit ↔ Toronto, El Paso ↔ Ciudad Juárez, San Diego ↔ Tijuana, and other border pairs.

From experience, border waits spike around weekends and evening kickoffs—starting early in the day gives you a cushion if queues build up.

Real-Time Border Wait Times

LIVE DATA

Border wait times can range from 15 minutes to 3+ hours depending on time of day, day of week, and special events. Always check live wait times before heading to the border—especially on match days when thousands of fans cross simultaneously.

🇺🇸

USA → Canada Border Wait Times

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides real-time wait timesupdated every hour for all land border crossings.

Popular World Cup Crossings:
  • Seattle → Vancouver: Peace Arch, Pacific Highway (Blaine, WA)
  • Detroit → Toronto: Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
  • Buffalo → Toronto: Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls)
Check Live USA→Canada Wait Times

💡 Mobile app: CBP Border Wait Times (iOS/Android) - Get push notifications when your crossing drops below 30 minutes.

🇨🇦

Canada → USA Border Wait Times

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides real-time estimatesfor travelers entering the United States from Canada.

Key World Cup Routes:
  • Vancouver → Seattle: Pacific Highway, Peace Arch
  • Toronto → Detroit: Ambassador Bridge
  • Toronto → Buffalo: Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston
Check Live Canada→USA Wait Times

💡 Alternative: BorderLineup.com - Crowd-sourced wait times often more accurate than official estimates (updated by travelers in real-time).

🇲🇽

USA ↔ Mexico Border Wait Times

CBP provides live wait times for all USA-Mexico border crossings. Peak times (weekends, evenings) can exceed 2-3 hours at busy crossings.

Popular World Cup Crossings:
  • San Diego → Tijuana: San Ysidro (world's busiest land crossing)
  • El Paso → Ciudad Juárez: Bridge of the Americas, Paso del Norte
  • Laredo → Nuevo Laredo: Gateway to Monterrey (5 hours south)
SENTRI/Global Entry Tip:

If you're making multiple USA-Mexico crossings, consider applying for SENTRI(trusted traveler program). Dedicated SENTRI lanes often 10x faster than standard lanes. Application takes 3-6 months—apply NOW for 2026.

Check Live USA↔Mexico Wait Times

Border Crossing Timing Strategy for Match Days

✅ Best Times to Cross
  • Early morning: 5-7am (15-30 min wait)
  • Mid-afternoon: 2-4pm weekdays (30-45 min)
  • Late night: After 10pm (20-40 min)
❌ Worst Times to Cross
  • Weekend afternoons: 12-6pm (2-3+ hours)
  • Evening rush: 5-8pm weekdays (1-2 hours)
  • Holiday weekends: Add 50-100% to normal wait
💡 Match Day Tips
  • • Cross day before match if possible
  • • Budget 2x normal wait time on weekends
  • • Have all documents ready (ESTA/eTA printed)

Quick Reference: Border Wait Time Apps

Official Apps:
  • • CBP Border Wait Times(USA official)
  • • Canada Border Times(CBSA official)
Third-Party (Often More Accurate):
  • • BorderLineup.com(Crowd-sourced)
  • • Google Maps(Live traffic data)

Pro tip: Check BOTH official wait times AND Google Maps live traffic at the border crossing. If Google shows red/slow traffic but CBP says "30 min wait," trust Google—it's usually more current.

Border crossing document reminder: No matter how short the wait time is, you MUST have proper entry authorization:
  • USA: Valid passport + ESTA (if visa-exempt) or visa
  • Canada: Valid passport + eTA (if visa-exempt) or visa
  • Mexico: Valid passport (+ FMM tourist card at border)

See our visa requirements guide for complete entry documentation by nationality.

Live data sources: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (bwt.cbp.gov), Canada Border Services Agency (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca), BorderLineup.com crowd-sourced reports. Wait times update hourly (official) or every 5-15 minutes (crowd-sourced).

Moving Between Host Cities

Think of your tournament trip as a set of regional clusters. Long hops are for planes; anything under 4–6 hours can be a good candidate for rail, bus, or rental car.

Remember, you are not just crossing cities on a map here—you are crossing entire time zones. Build your route like a mini‑tour of a continent, not a quick hop between neighboring towns.

Route ExampleBest ModeTypical Time
New York ↔ Dallas / LAFlight3–5 hours
Dallas ↔ HoustonDrive / bus3–4 hours
Seattle ↔ VancouverTrain / drive4–5 hours (border‑dependent)
Los Angeles ↔ Mexico CityFlight3–4 hours

Amtrak Cascades: Seattle ↔ Vancouver

✓ Current 2025

The most scenic route between two World Cup cities. Amtrak Cascades hugs the Pacific coastline and crosses the border at Blaine, Washington—but you still need proper entry documents (ESTA for USA, eTA for Canada).

2
Daily Trains Each Way
(Morning & afternoon departures)
4h
Journey Time
(Plus 30-60 min border processing)
$34-56
One-Way Fare (USD)
(Saver vs Value fare)
Border crossing on the train: U.S. and Canadian border officers board at the border and inspect documents while the train is stopped. Process adds 30-60 minutes. Arrive at the station 45 minutes early and have your passport + ESTA/eTA confirmation ready.

✅ What's Great

  • Stunning coastal views (sit on water side)
  • Free WiFi, power outlets, cafe car
  • Downtown-to-downtown (no airport hassle)
  • Two bags + carry-on included

⚠️ Watch Out For

  • Delays common (freight trains have priority)
  • Border processing can add 1+ hour if busy
  • Only 2 trains/day = limited flexibility
  • Book 2-3 weeks early (fills up weekends)

Booking tip: Amtrak Cascades fares fluctuate like flights. "Saver" fares ($34-40) sell out fast. "Value" fares ($45-56) more flexible. Round-trip discount available. Book at Amtrak.com

Sources: Amtrak Cascades Official |Vancouver Planner, July 2025

⚠️

Staying in a cheaper nearby city?

Budget travellers often base in a cheaper suburb or neighboring city and ride in for matches. It works, but expect early alarms, late‑night returns, and fewer "let’s grab one more drink" moments because you are always timing the last train or bus home.

Planning tip

Most happy fans pick one or two clusters (for example, West Coast + Mexico, or Northeast + Canada) instead of trying to zig‑zag across the entire map between every match.

FlixBus: All 16 Host Cities Connected

✓ Confirmed Oct 2025

FlixBus announced it will serve all 16 World Cup host cities across USA, Canada, and Mexico—making it the only single intercity bus operator covering the entire tournament footprint. If you are stitching together a multi-city route on a budget, this is your backbone.

What's Included

  • All 11 U.S. cities: New York, LA, SF, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle
  • Both Canadian cities: Toronto, Vancouver
  • All 3 Mexican cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
  • Cross-border routes: USA ↔ Canada, USA ↔ Mexico
  • Guadalajara service launches Spring 2026

Typical Pricing

Dallas → Houston (4 hours)$20-35
NYC → Philadelphia (2 hours)$15-25
LA → SF (7-8 hours overnight)$30-50
Seattle → Vancouver (4 hours)$25-40
Mexico City → Monterrey (12h)$40-70

💡 Book 2-4 weeks early for best prices. Last-minute fares can double.

Why FlixBus Works for Multi-City World Cup Trips

💰 Budget-Friendly

Often 50-70% cheaper than flights for regional hops under 6 hours. Groups of 4 can split costs further.

🎒 No Baggage Fees

One carry-on + one checked bag included (vs. $30-70/bag on budget airlines).

🌙 Overnight Routes

Sleep while you travel = save a hotel night. LA-SF overnight bus = free accommodation.

From fan experience

FlixBus seats are more spacious than you'd expect, power outlets work most of the time, and WiFi is hit-or-miss but improving. Download offline maps and entertainment before boarding—don't count on connectivity for entire journey.

Pro move: Overnight buses often arrive 6-8am. Book a hotel with early check-in or use a luggage storage service (Bounce, LuggageHero) so you can explore the city before your room is ready.

Book directly: FlixBus.com or mobile app (iOS/Android). World Cup 2026 routes and schedules will be published in their system by February 2026. Set alerts for your preferred routes.

Source: FlixBus Press Release, Oct 21, 2025 |Upgraded Points, Oct 20, 2025

Getting Around Within Host Cities

Inside each city, you will mostly rely on a mix of metro, buses, rideshare, and walking. Parking a car near stadiums can be expensive and stressful on big match days.

If you are used to gliding across Europe by high‑speed rail every 30 minutes, lower your expectations a notch. In North America you often stitch together metro, buses, and rideshare instead of one magical train line.

Public transit

Many host cities run extra trains, metros, and buses for major events. Day passes can be cheaper than multiple single tickets if you are hopping between fan zones, stadium, and city center.

Rideshare & taxis

Great for late‑night returns when transit winds down. Expect surge pricing right after final whistle—waiting 20–30 minutes with a snack often saves a chunk of cash.

Walking & micro‑mobility

In compact inner‑city areas, walking or using bikes/scooters is often fastest. Always check local rules and stick to clearly marked lanes and parking zones.

For stadium‑specific routes, use our stadium guides which list detailed "how to get there" options for each venue.

Verified Stadium Transit Plans (Dec 2025)

Official transportation strategies released by host cities. These are confirmed plans with capacity numbers, routes, and timelines—not estimates.

6M
Expected Visitors
330
Extra Buses (LA)
20k
People/Hour (NJ)
$250M
Mexico Investment

🏟️MetLife Stadium (New York / New Jersey)

✓ Dec 10, 2025

NJ Transit Capacity Plan

  • 20,000 people/hour capacity Secaucus → MetLife
  • $23M investment in bus shelter & shuttles
  • Trains every 10-15 min on match days
  • Future: Closed-loop rail to Jersey City (Phase 2)

How to Get There

🚆 From Manhattan (Best Option)

NJ Transit/Amtrak from Penn Station → Secaucus Junction (10 min) → Stadium Shuttle (8 min). Total: ~30 min.

Cost:$15-20
Parking (if driving):$60-90 (pre-book)

Source: NJ Transit Board Meeting, Dec 10, 2025

🏟️SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)

✓ May 2025

LA Metro Transit Plan

  • 330 additional buses for 8 World Cup matches
  • Direct shuttle from LAX/Metro Transit Center
  • LAX People Mover opens 2026 (terminals → transit)
  • Park-and-ride shuttles from regional lots (TBA)

How to Get There

🚇 From Downtown LA (Best)

C/K Line → LAX/Metro Transit Center → SoFi Shuttle (free match days). Total: 45-60 min.

✈️ From LAX Airport

LAX Shuttle → Metro Transit Center (10 min) → SoFi Shuttle (15 min). Total: ~30 min.

Cost:$0-5

Source: LA Metro Official, June 17, 2025

🏟️AT&T Stadium (Dallas / Arlington)

⚠️ No Direct Transit
Transit Challenge: Arlington has NO public transit system. AT&T Stadium is completely car-dependent. DART created a special bus bridge solution for World Cup.

DART Bus Bridge Solution

  • 125 charter buses + 50 DART buses deployed
  • Dallas Victory Station → AT&T Lot H
  • 100-min round trip shuttle cycle
  • TRE service every 30 min peak frequency

Your Options

🚌 DART Bus Bridge (Cheapest)

DART Rail → Victory Station → Shuttle to AT&T Lot H. Total: ~90 min, $10-15.

🚗 Drive/Rideshare (Fastest)

Parking $40-75 (pre-book). Uber/Lyft $35-70 from Dallas (surge expected).

Arrive early:3 hours before

Source: DART World Cup 2026 Briefing, Dec 2025

🏟️BMO Field (Toronto)

✓ Dec 2025

TTC & GO Transit Access

  • Exhibition Place location (Lake Ontario waterfront)
  • Stadium expansion: 30,000 → 40,000+ temporary seating
  • GO Train: Every 30 min from Union Station (under 10 min)
  • TTC streetcars 509/511 direct to Exhibition Loop

How to Get There

🚆 GO Train (Best Option)

Union Station → Exhibition GO Station (9 min) → 3-min walk to BMO Field gates. Trains every 30 min.

🚋 TTC Streetcar

509/511 from Union to Exhibition Loop (15-20 min). Direct stop at stadium.

GO Train cost:CAD $5-8 (~$4-6 USD)
TTC cost:CAD $3.35 (~$2.50 USD)

✓ Transit-Friendly Stadium: BMO Field is one of the easiest venues to reach by public transit. Walkable from Liberty Village/Parkdale neighborhoods (15-20 min). Multiple transit options converge at Exhibition Place.

Source: Matador Network Toronto 2026 Guide, June 2025

🏟️BC Place (Vancouver)

✓ Dec 7, 2025

TransLink SkyTrain Access

  • Downtown location at False Creek
  • Stadium-Chinatown Station directly connected to venue
  • Expo Line & Millennium Line convergence point
  • Enhanced service: Trains every 3-5 min on match days

How to Get There

🚇 SkyTrain (Best Option)

Any Expo/Millennium Line station → Stadium-Chinatown (direct connection to BC Place via covered walkway).

🚌 From YVR Airport

Canada Line → Waterfront Station (25 min) → Expo Line to Stadium-Chinatown (2 stops, 3 min). Total: ~30 min.

Cost (single fare):CAD $3.15 (~$2.30 USD)
Day Pass:CAD $11 (~$8 USD)

✓ Walkable Downtown Location: BC Place is in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Walkable from most downtown hotels (10-20 min). SkyTrain covered walkway means no outdoor exposure in rain.

Source: Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2026 Readiness, Dec 7, 2025

🏟️Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)

✓ Dec 2, 2025

ConnectKC26 Regional Transportation Plan

Kansas City's ConnectKC26 plan has been recognized by FIFA as exceeding World Cup requirements. KC2026 cited as a "demonstrated leader in FIFA World Cup 2026™ planning."

  • Mass transit upgrades announced December 9, 2025
  • Regional coordination across Kansas & Missouri state lines
  • Full match-day strategy details expected Q1 2026
  • Current: Arrowhead served by parking lots + limited bus service
Current Access: Arrowhead Stadium is primarily car-dependent (Truman Sports Complex east of downtown). Enhanced transit details will be released closer to June 2026 matches. Plan to drive or use rideshare for now—parking lots accommodate 20,000+ vehicles.

Source: KC2026 Official Announcement, Dec 2, 2025

🏟️Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)

✓ Dec 2025

FIFA Corridor Project

  • FIFA Corridor: Airport → Estadio BBVA → Metro Area
  • 2,200 eco-friendly buses + 400 TransMetros
  • 100% electric DRT (demand-responsive transport) vehicles
  • 3 new Metro lines + Line 2 reconstruction

How to Get There

🚌 Metrobus/TransMetro

Enhanced bus routes from downtown Monterrey & San Pedro Garza García to stadium (details TBA Q1 2026).

🚗 Rideshare/Taxi

Uber/Didi widely available. Dedicated pickup zones at stadium. Cost from downtown: MXN $100-200 (~$5-10 USD).

Bus fare estimate:MXN $10-15 (~$0.50-0.75 USD)

Infrastructure Investment: Nuevo León state is investing heavily in World Cup mobility infrastructure. The FIFA Corridor and electric bus fleet will transform access to Estadio BBVA, making it significantly easier to reach than previous tournaments.

Source: Mexico Business News, 2025

🏟️Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)

Details TBA

Current Access (2025)

  • Location: Zapopan (northwest suburb of Guadalajara)
  • Public transport: Local buses from Guadalajara Centro + Zapopan
  • Jalisco Light Rail (Tren Ligero): Nearest stop ~2 km away + bus connection
  • World Cup enhancements expected Q1 2026
Transit Planning: Guadalajara's official World Cup transportation plan hasn't been released yet. For now, plan on rideshare/taxi (Uber/Didi) as most reliable option. Cost from city center: MXN $80-150 (~$4-8 USD).

Note: Official Guadalajara transit plan expected Q1 2026. Check guadalajarawc26.mx for updates.

🏟️Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

✓ May 2025

$250M Infrastructure Investment

  • MXN $5 billion (~$256M USD) World Cup infrastructure
  • Upgraded Metro Line 12 service to Estadio Azteca
  • New electric trolleybus line for fan transport
  • Major repairs to city's main avenues & streets

How to Get There

🚇 Metro Line 12 (Best Option)

Take Line 12 (Golden Line) to Estadio Azteca station. Direct access to stadium. From downtown: Mixcoac transfer point, ~45 min total.

🚌 Metrobús/RTP Buses

Multiple bus routes serve the stadium from city center. New trolleybus line launching 2026.

Metro fare:MXN $5 (~$0.25 USD)
Uber from Centro:MXN $120-200 (~$6-10 USD)

✓ Excellent Metro Access: Estadio Azteca has hosted 2 World Cup finals (1970, 1986) and has well-established Metro access. The 2026 upgrades will make it even easier. Line 12 runs from downtown Mexico City directly to the stadium entrance.

Source: Bloomberg, May 8, 2025

U.S. Federal Transportation Readiness

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy (December 2025): "We are gearing up for a massive influx of more than 6 million World Cup visitors by boosting air, rail, and road capacity."

Federal Initiatives

  • FHWA planning support for all 11 U.S. host cities
  • TSA security enhancements + anti-trafficking teams
  • Coordinated state/regional/local agency alignment

Expected Visitors

6M+
Total World Cup visitors across USA/Canada/Mexico
(3-4x larger than Qatar 2022)

Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Dec 2025

Other U.S. Host Cities (Detailed Plans TBA)

🏟️ Levi's Stadium (SF Bay)

Santa Clara VTA Light Rail + Caltrain service. Official plan Q1 2026.

🏟️ Gillette Stadium (Boston)

Foxborough location. MBTA Commuter Rail + enhanced shuttle service planned.

🏟️ Lincoln Financial (Philly)

SEPTA Broad Street Line direct access. Excellent existing transit infrastructure.

🏟️ Mercedes-Benz (Atlanta)

MARTA rail stations within walking distance. Enhanced service planned.

🏟️ Hard Rock (Miami)

Miami Gardens location. Tri-Rail + Metrorail connections + shuttles.

🏟️ NRG Stadium (Houston)

METRORail Red Line to stadium. Enhanced service + park-and-ride planned.

💡 Each city is finalizing transit plans 30-60 days before their first match. Bookmark official city World Cup pages for real-time updates.

Official Transit Maps & Route Planners

Download these before you travel. Mobile networks get overloaded near stadiums on match days.

ℹ️

Save maps to your device

Use Google Maps "Download offline map" feature for each stadium area. Select a 10-mile radius around the venue so you can navigate even without data connection.

Essential Transport Apps

Download these 2 weeks before you travel so you are familiar with the interfaces. Most work offline once maps are cached—critical when cell networks crash near packed stadiums.

🗺️ Navigation & Maps

Google MapsESSENTIAL

The master tool. Download offline maps for each stadium region (10-mile radius). Works without data for turn-by-turn navigation, transit times, and walking routes.

WazeIF DRIVING

Real-time traffic alerts and crowd-sourced route updates. Best for driving between cities or navigating to stadium parking lots. Police/accident warnings helpful.

🚗 Rideshare

Uber

Works in all US/Canada cities. Set pickup zones ahead of time. Compare UberX vs UberXL for groups.

Lyft

US/Canada alternative. Compare prices with Uber before booking. Lyft Shared sometimes cheaper.

DidiMEXICO

Mexico's most popular rideshare. Often 30-40% cheaper than Uber in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey.

🚇 Public Transit

Transit • Citymapper

Real-time bus/train arrivals for most host cities. Shows multiple route options with time comparisons. Works offline once routes cached.

Transit (simpler interface):
Citymapper (more detailed):
City-Specific Apps

Official transit apps often more reliable than third-party:

  • • NYC:MYmta Official
  • • LA:TAP (for Metro)
  • • Toronto:Presto
  • • Vancouver:TransLink
  • • Mexico City:Mi Transporte

🅿️ Parking (If Driving)

SpotHero

Pre-book stadium parking at guaranteed prices (often 40-60% cheaper than gate rates). Essential for big matches.

ParkWhiz

Similar to SpotHero. Compare both apps for same lot—prices sometimes differ by 10-20%.

🚌 Intercity Travel

FlixBus

All 16 host cities connected. Book intercity buses here.

Amtrak

Book trains (Cascades Seattle-Vancouver, Northeast Corridor, etc.).

Rome2rio

Compares ALL transport options (bus, train, flight) for any route.

📱 Create a "World Cup 2026" folder on your phone and put all these apps in it. Download them 2 weeks before travel so you're familiar with the interfaces. Nothing worse than fumbling with a new app while 70,000 fans exit a stadium.

💾 Offline mode is critical: Cell networks crash near packed stadiums. Google Maps offline downloads + pre-loaded transit routes = you can navigate even without service.

QR Code Scam Warning: Fake QR codes on posters near stadiums are a common scam at major events. They redirect to phishing sites that steal payment info or install malware. Never scan random QR codes for "free shuttles" or "discount parking." Only use official transit apps or check the stadium's official website directly— type the URL yourself, don't click links from strangers or suspicious posters. If you see a QR code, verify it matches the official transit authority's branding before scanning.

Match Day Transportation Gameplan

Treat match days differently from sightseeing days. Crowds, security, and controlled zones change how long simple trips can take.

1. Work backwards from kickoff

Start with kickoff time, then add time for security, walking, transit, and a buffer. Many seasoned fans aim to be in the stadium area at least 90 minutes before the match.

2. Save routes offline

Download offline maps and screenshots of key stops. Mobile networks can slow to a crawl near packed stadiums, especially right before kickoff and after full‑time.

3. Have a post‑match meet‑up spot

Pick an easy landmark a few blocks away in case your group is separated or rideshare zones are chaotic. It is much easier than trying to coordinate by chat in a noisy crowd.

⚠️

Avoiding transport scams

Stick to official apps and marked taxi ranks, confirm estimated fares before getting in, and be wary of anyone offering "private shuttles" without clear branding or pricing. If something feels rushed or unclear, step out of the line and double‑check in the app instead.

Emergency & Backup Transport Plans

Even with perfect planning, things go sideways—trains break down, rideshare surges hit $200, or you miss the last bus because extra time went to penalties. Here is your backup playbook for when Plan A falls apart.

If You Miss the Last Train/Bus

🌙 Night Buses & Late Service

  • Many cities run limited overnight service on match days. Check transit apps for "N" routes (night buses) or extended hours.
  • NYC MTA: Select subway lines run 24/7. Buses cover most routes overnight.
  • LA Metro: Some bus lines until 2-3am. Check schedule day-of on Transit app.
  • Toronto TTC: Blue Night Network buses replace subway after midnight.

🚕 24/7 Taxi Ranks

  • Look for illuminated taxi signs outside main stadium exits. Official taxi ranks are staffed by marshals who prevent price gouging.
  • Most stadiums have designated taxi pickup zones separate from rideshare areas.
  • Always confirm the fare before getting in or ensure the meter is running. Licensed taxis have visible ID numbers.

🏨 Hotel Shuttles

Some hotels near stadiums run late pickups on match nights—but you need to ask at check-in and reserve a spot (they fill up fast).

Pro tip: If your hotel doesn't offer shuttles, ask the concierge for trusted local taxi companies with flat rates to the stadium.

⏰ Wait Out Rideshare Surge

Uber/Lyft prices spike 3-5x right after final whistle. Wait 30-45 minutes with a snack or drink at a nearby bar and prices drop 40-60%.

From fan experience: A $90 surge ride at 10:15pm became $35 by 10:50pm (same distance). Your call whether time or money matters more.

Emergency Contacts (Save These Now)

Screenshot this section and save it to your phone's home screen. Cell service may be spotty, but emergency numbers work even without a data connection.

🇺🇸

United States

Emergency:911
Non-emergency:311
Poison Control:1-800-222-1222
🇨🇦

Canada

Emergency:911
Non-emergency:311
Poison Control:1-844-POISON-X
🇲🇽

Mexico

Emergency:911
Tourist Police:078
Tourist Assistance:078 (English)

Important: Your country's embassy/consulate number should also be saved. For U.S. citizens abroad: 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S.) or +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad).

Stranded at the Stadium? Here's What to Do

1. Find Stadium Security or Transit Ambassadors

Stadium security and transit ambassadors (bright vests, usually near main exits) stay 1-2 hours after matches specifically to help stranded fans.

They can: radio for accessible transport, coordinate group taxi pickups, help with lost items, provide emergency contact numbers, and direct you to safe waiting areas.

2. Look for Info Desks or Fan Assistance Centers

Most stadiums have dedicated fan assistance centers open until the last person leaves. Check stadium maps (usually near main gates).

They often have: printed bus/train schedules, taxi company phone numbers, charging stations for dead phones, and staff who speak multiple languages.

3. Don't Wander Off Alone Looking for Rides

Stay in well-lit, populated areas near the stadium. Scammers target solo travelers offering "cheap rides" that end up being robberies or price scams.

If someone approaches offering transport, politely decline and go to an official taxi rank or designated rideshare pickup zone. Trust the apps, not strangers.

4. Group Up with Other Fans

If transit is packed or not running, team up with 3-4 other fans heading the same direction and split an UberXL or taxi (way cheaper per person than solo rides).

Friendly tip: Fans wearing the same jersey color are heading to similar hotel areas. Start the conversation with "Where are you staying?" and you might find instant carpool buddies.

📥 Save this page offline: Screenshot this entire emergency section and save it to your phone's photo album in a folder called "World Cup Emergency." When cell service is spotty, you'll have all contact numbers and backup options without needing internet. Also works if your phone battery is dying—screenshots use way less power than keeping the browser open.

What NOT to Do When Stranded

Don't accept "free rides" from unmarked vehicles near exits
Don't walk long distances alone at night in unfamiliar cities
Don't pay upfront for "private shuttles" without official branding
Don't get in taxis without visible ID/meter (price scams)
Don't leave your group to "find a faster route" without telling anyone
Don't scan random QR codes for "emergency transport info"

Transportation Costs by Stadium

Exact fares vary by city and time of travel, but these December 2025 verified ranges help you budget accurately. Pair with the budget guide to calculate your total trip cost.

Cheapest Option
$0-5
Metro/Bus (some cities free)
Typical Transit
$5-20
Average per stadium trip
Rideshare
$25-70
Surge pricing expected
Parking
$40-90
If driving (pre-book)

Cost Breakdown by Stadium (One-Way from City Center)

Stadium (City)Public TransitRideshareParkingBest Option
MetLife Stadium
New York / New Jersey
$15-20
NJ Transit from Penn Station
$40-80
Surge pricing likely
$60-90
Pre-book required
NJ Transit
SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles
$0-5
Metro + free shuttle
$35-70
From downtown LA
$50-80
Limited availability
LA Metro
AT&T Stadium
Dallas / Arlington
$10-15
DART bus bridge (90 min)
$35-70
From Dallas downtown
$40-75
Best if driving
Parking
BMO Field
Toronto
$3-6 USD
GO Train or TTC streetcar
$15-30 USD
From downtown Toronto
$30-50 USD
Limited lots
GO Train
BC Place
Vancouver
$2-8 USD
SkyTrain (Stadium station)
$12-25 USD
From downtown hotels
$25-45 USD
Downtown parking
SkyTrain
Estadio Azteca
Mexico City
$0.25 USD
Metro Line 12 direct
$6-10 USD
Uber/Didi from Centro
$15-30 USD
Private lots nearby
Metro
Estadio BBVA
Monterrey
$0.50-1 USD
Metrobus/TransMetro
$5-10 USD
Uber/Didi from downtown
$10-20 USD
Stadium parking lots
Metrobus
Estadio Akron
Guadalajara
$0.50-1 USD
Local bus + Tren Ligero
$4-8 USD
Uber/Didi from centro
$8-15 USD
Zapopan parking
Rideshare

💡 All costs shown are one-way from city center to stadium. Double for round-trip unless you have a day pass. Currency conversions use December 2025 rates (CAD ~0.73 USD, MXN ~0.05 USD).

Multi-Ride Passes vs Single Tickets

✅ Day Pass Worth It If:

  • You'll make 3+ transit trips in one day
  • Moving between hotel → fan zone → stadium → city center
  • Sightseeing before/after matches in same city

💳 Day Pass Examples

NYC MTA (24h):$34
LA Metro (24h):$7
Toronto TTC (1d):$9 USD
Vancouver (1d):$8 USD
Mexico City (1d):$0.50 USD

⚠️ Single Tickets If:

  • Only doing hotel → stadium → hotel (2 trips)
  • Stadium is super close to your hotel (walking distance)
  • Leaving city immediately after match (no sightseeing)

Money-Saving Transit Hacks

  • Wait out surge pricing: Rideshare costs drop 40-60% if you wait 30-45 min after final whistle
  • Pre-book parking: SpotHero/ParkWhiz often 50% cheaper than gate rates ($40 vs $80)
  • Group rideshare: UberXL split 4 ways = $8-15/person vs $35 solo
  • Mexico transit: Metro is $0.25/ride—literally 100x cheaper than rideshare for same route

💰 Budget reality check: If you're attending 3 matches in 3 different cities, budget $100-200 total for local transportation per person (assuming public transit + occasional rideshare). Groups can cut this in half by splitting UberXL rides.

Data sources (December 2025): NJ Transit fare calculator, LA Metro TAP pricing, DART official rates, TTC/Presto fares, TransLink zone pricing, Mexico City STC Metro, Uber fare estimator (non-surge rates). Parking estimates from SpotHero/ParkWhiz averages. All USD conversions at Dec 2025 exchange rates.

Transportation FAQs

Final Transportation Checklist

Run through this list when you lock in your itinerary and again a week before you fly.

  • Long‑haul flights booked with realistic connection times
  • Regional hops (train/bus/short‑haul flights) mapped between cities
  • Airport transfer options saved for each arrival and departure
  • Stadium routes and backup plans noted for every match
  • Offline maps downloaded and key tickets/QR codes screenshotted
  • Border requirements matched with your visa plan