Public Transportation Should Be Your Option For World Cup Games

Planning to attend a World Cup game in the coming weeks? You should seriously consider opting for public transportation as your primary means of getting to and from your designated venue. Not only is public transportation a more eco-friendly way to get around, but with gas prices the way they are right now (especially here in California), taking the bus or rail could save you quite a bit of money. Public transportation can also help you avoid congestion and reduce traffic-related stress.

World Cup Expected Attendance

There are 104 World Cup matches coming up and while, yes, these are spread out over 16 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, each match will likely have between 40,000 and 55,000 spectators in attendance, i.e. over four million attendees in total. That’s a lot of people to move around town. This is why public transportation is going to be key.

federal investment in public transport ahead of major events

Even the Federal Transit Administration knows the benefit of public transportation. In March 2026, it announced $100.3 million toward public transportation in support of the 2026 World Cup and in order to provide transit agencies with additional funds to help meet upcoming demand. An additional $94.3 was announced in April 2026 as going toward public transportation for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games.

how to avoid traffic

You’re going to need to plan ahead if you’re going to a World Cup match. Traffic can get quite heavy depending on where you are going and when you need to be there. For example, the United States vs. Paraguay game is being held Friday, June 12th at SoFi Stadium in Southern California. I don’t know if you ever been to SoFi Stadium, but getting in and out the area can be quite challenging, especially considering the fact the match starts at 6pm PDT. Many of those trying to get to SoFi will be doing so during rush hour traffic, which is typically between 4pm and 7pm.

One benefit of this particular venue is it is about four miles from LAX. So, if you’re flying in, then public transportation can get you where you need to go in no time. Others should avoid driving at all costs and take advantage of the Metro instead.

Metro Options for LA World Cup Venues

There are eight 2026 World Cup matches scheduled in Los Angeles County. Fortunately, Metro (and its regional partners) have a variety of transit hubs throughout the Southern California area where you can take advantage of their non-stop service direct to the stadium.

To get to one of these designated pick up locations, you can drive your car there, be dropped off by a friend or ride the bus, rail or regional transit. Once you arrive, you can hop on one of the direct service buses and be taken straight to the stadium.

According to the Metro website, direct service typically begins 4 hours and 15 mins prior to the start of the match. Buses will depart every 10 minutes, unless noted differently for a specific transit hub. NOTE: There is an exception for the United States vs. Paraguay match on June 12th in which bus service will start 5 hours ahead of time.

Travel time will vary depending on the hub. For example, Metro estimates it will take about 75 minutes to go from their North Hollywood Transit Hub to SoFi Stadium via the “T15 North Hollywood Station” route. Riders will be dropped off and picked up in Lot T – Manchester/Prairie, which is about a five minute walk to the stadium entrance. If you are wanting to get on a bus at Union Station, the “R2 Union Station” route takes about 40 minutes each way. Service begins 3 hours and 40 minutes ahead of time. Riders will be dropped off in the Lot R – Intuit East Garage, which is about a 12 minute walk to the stadium entrance. Plan accordingly.

Public Transportation in other cities

TORONTO STADIUM: For the six matches held in Toronto, Canada, public transportation is pretty much your only option as no parking is available at Toronto Stadium or nearby Fort York fan zones. With this venue, your primary hubs are going to be the temporary Fleet Street Transit Hub or the Exhibition Go Station.

Fortunately, CTV News has provided in-depth information for those looking to take public transportation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 games in Toronto.

NYNJ STADIUM (MetLife): There are eight World Cup matches being held in Rutherford, New Jersey at New York New Jersey Stadium. Public transportation is also the recommended way to go as there is no parking available on game days. Attendees can take NJ Transit, official stadium bus shuttles, rideshare or taxis. NJ Transit tickets apparently must be purchased ahead of time and will not be sold in station.

ESTADIO AZTECA: There are five World Cup matches being held in Mexico City, Mexico at Estadio Azteca. While public transportation is not the only option here, it is strongly recommended to avoid congestion and road closures. A combination of Metro and Light Rail (Tren Ligero) is the option considered to be the most direct. Metro and electric bus is another option available to attendees.

In Summary

We know these are just a few of the cities and their public transportation options. We recommend you take the time to find out what options are available for you at your designated FIFA World Cup venue. If you can, make your game day a car free day.

Regardless of your venue, be sure to give yourself enough time to not only get there, but to get through security and into your seat. Once you do, enjoy the game and know your ride home will be waiting.

If you are determined to drive yourself to and from a match, we recommend you carpool to reduce emissions and save on parking costs. You will also need to get your parking pass (if one is still available) ahead of time, as official parking for FIFA World Cup 26™ games must be pre-purchased and spots are limited.