Know Before You Go: General Tips
Welcome, soccer fans! Attending a World Cup match in the United States is a massive undertaking, and transportation is a huge piece of the puzzle. Unlike many parts of the world, U.S. public transit varies wildly from city to city. Some stadiums are seamlessly
connected by rail, while others are essentially islands in a sea of parking lots. For this tournament, many cities are implementing special bus and rail services, but you should always plan for large crowds and longer-than-expected travel times. Always buy transit passes in advance via official apps if possible, stay hydrated (especially for summer games), and have a backup plan. Remember that FIFA has temporarily renamed stadiums, so 'New York New Jersey Stadium' is MetLife Stadium and 'Dallas Stadium' is AT&T Stadium.
New York/New Jersey: The Final Destination
MetLife Stadium, the host of the World Cup Final, is not in New York City but across the river in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The primary and most recommended way to get there is by train. From Manhattan, you'll take an NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which drops you right at the stadium. The journey from Secaucus is only about 10 minutes. Organizers are planning extensive and frequent service on match days. Another option is the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Driving is strongly discouraged due to extreme traffic and limited parking. Plan on a rail-focused journey for the most straightforward experience.
Los Angeles Area: Navigating Sprawl
SoFi Stadium is a modern marvel, but it's located in Inglewood, not downtown Los Angeles, and isn't directly on a rail line. However, LA Metro is stepping up with enhanced services for the Cup. The most common plan involves taking Metro rail to a nearby station and then hopping on a dedicated, free shuttle bus to the stadium. Key transfer points for these shuttles include the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station and others like the Culver City Transit Center. Metrolink regional rail passengers arriving at Union Station can also connect to direct bus services. While LA is improving its transit, traffic is a major factor, so allow ample time. These shuttle services are designed to be the most efficient public option to avoid parking and rideshare chaos.
Dallas Area: The Car-Centric Challenge
AT&T Stadium in Arlington presents the most significant transit challenge for international and domestic visitors. Arlington is the largest city in the U.S. with no fixed-route public transportation system. There is no light rail or city bus that goes to the stadium. For the World Cup, officials have created a plan that relies on a train-and-shuttle system. Fans can take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) train from Dallas or Fort Worth to the CentrePort Station, where they will then board special charter buses for the final leg to the stadium. Be prepared for a walk of about half a mile from the bus drop-off point to the stadium gates. Rideshare is another option, but expect major surge pricing and designated, and often distant, drop-off zones.
Philadelphia: The Transit Champion
Philadelphia offers what many consider the easiest stadium transit of all the U.S. hosts. Lincoln Financial Field is located in South Philadelphia and is directly accessible via the city's public transit system, SEPTA. The Broad Street Line subway goes directly to NRG Station, which is steps from the stadium gates. The ride from Center City is quick, about 15 minutes, and affordable. SEPTA will run extra 'Sports Express' trains on match days to handle the crowds. For those coming from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), it's also a straightforward journey via the Airport Line train with a transfer to the Broad Street Line. If you're staying anywhere near downtown, the subway is the undisputed best way to get to the game.
San Francisco Bay Area: A Tale of Two Cities
Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, about an hour's drive south of San Francisco. For fans staying in San Francisco, the journey requires a multi-part trip. The recommended route is to take Caltrain south to the Mountain View station, then transfer to the VTA Light Rail Orange Line, which goes directly to the Great America Station at the stadium. Fans coming from Oakland or other East Bay locations can take BART to the Milpitas station and transfer to the VTA light rail from there. While it involves transfers, the Bay Area's extensive rail network is designed to connect fans from across the region to the stadium while avoiding the infamous traffic.
