The 2026 World Cup spans 16 cities across three countries, and transportation infrastructure varies dramatically from city to city. Some host cities have world-class public transit; others will require a car or rideshare to reach the stadium. Here's your definitive guide to getting around.
Best Transit Cities
New York/New Jersey — The NYC subway runs 24/7 and connects to NJ Transit trains that serve MetLife Stadium. The system is extensive but can be confusing for first-timers — download a transit app. Buy an OMNY card for tap-to-pay access. Mexico City — The Mexico City Metro is massive, cheap (5 pesos per ride), and covers the entire city. The Metrobús (bus rapid transit) also serves the Estadio Azteca area well. This is one of the easiest cities to navigate without a car. Toronto — The TTC (subway, bus, streetcar) covers the city well, and the UP Express connects the airport to downtown in 25 minutes. Union Station is the transit hub for getting to BMO Field. Vancouver — SkyTrain is modern, efficient, and connects the airport to downtown and BC Place. One of the best transit experiences at the tournament. Seattle — Link Light Rail runs from the airport through downtown to the stadium area. Clean, fast, and easy to use. Atlanta — MARTA rail connects the airport to downtown and the area around Mercedes-Benz Stadium. One of the few US host cities where you can realistically go car-free.
Cities Where Transit Is Limited
Dallas — This is the big warning. AT&T Stadium in Arlington has essentially NO public transit connection. There is no rail, no bus, no subway to the stadium. You must drive, take a rideshare, or use a shuttle service. Expect massive surge pricing on Uber/Lyft on match days. Houston — While Houston has a light rail, it's limited in scope. NRG Stadium is accessible by rail on the METRORail Red Line, but getting around the rest of the city typically requires a car. Kansas City — Limited bus service; most visitors will need a rideshare or car to reach Arrowhead Stadium. Miami — Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is not well-served by Metrorail. Shuttle services and rideshares will be the primary options.
Rideshare and Taxi Guide
Uber and Lyft operate in all US and Canadian host cities. Uber also operates in all three Mexican host cities. Expect surge pricing of 2–5x on match days, especially within an hour of kickoff and after the final whistle. Booking 2–3 hours before the match or waiting 30–60 minutes after can save significant money.
Tipping Rideshare Drivers
In the US: tip 15–20% through the app. This is expected, not optional. In Canada: tip 15–18% through the app. In Mexico: tipping Uber drivers is appreciated but not mandatory — 10–15% or rounding up is standard.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
In the US: tip 15–20% of the metered fare. Pay by card and add the tip, or pay cash and round up generously. In Canada: tip 15% of the fare. In Mexico: tips are not expected in taxis, but rounding up to the nearest 10 pesos is appreciated. Always use official taxi stands at airports and stadiums.
Getting Between Cities
If you're following your team across multiple cities, domestic flights are the fastest option — but book early, as airlines will raise prices during the tournament. Bus services like FlixBus (US/Canada) and ADO (Mexico) are budget-friendly alternatives for shorter distances. Amtrak connects several US host cities (Boston-New York-Philadelphia is an easy train corridor). Driving between cities is feasible but adds fatigue — consider renting a car only if you have multiple passengers to share costs and driving duties.
Airport Transit Tips
Most host city airports have some form of transit connection to downtown. Best airport-to-city connections: Vancouver (SkyTrain, 25 min), Atlanta (MARTA, 20 min), Toronto (UP Express, 25 min), and Seattle (Link Light Rail, 40 min). Worst airport-to-city connections: Houston (no direct rail to most areas), Dallas (no rail to Arlington), and Miami (Metrorail is slow and indirect). In Mexico, airport taxis use a prepaid voucher system — buy your ticket at the official booth inside the terminal, not from people approaching you outside.
Pro Tips
Download the local transit app for your host city before you arrive. Buy day passes or multi-ride cards to save money — single rides add up fast. For match days, plan to arrive at the stadium area 3+ hours early to avoid the worst crowds. After the match, walk 10–15 minutes away from the stadium before calling a rideshare — prices drop significantly even a short distance away. Keep small bills and coins for tips. And use Gratiq to calculate tips on taxi fares and rideshare bills without guessing.