It's rarely been possible at other World Cups to journey overland from one venue to the next, but that's one opportunity at World Cup 2026 that could work out for fans in certain cities. If you've targeted World Cup 2026 Tickets in more than one city, consider making a road trip part of your grand adventure. Here's the how and why:
Why Road Tripping Makes Sense
For practical reasons, driving can be faster door to door than flying, particularly over shorter distances and considering time to get through airport security and onto public transport at the other end. Europe's squads already choose charter buses for some trips between matches. Unlike previous World Cups, North America's World Cup will cover thousands of miles of open road between venues, offering a scenic travel experience equal to the matches. Renting a vehicle offers flexibility, allowing for easy schedule changes and the freedom to take detours along the way. And for those with split tickets, car hire costs can be shared among passengers, potentially saving money overall.
So where can you go by road?
East Coast Corridor
Starting with Boston (Gillette), a road trip down New York/NJ (MetLife) plus Philly (Linc), then continuing south through Atlanta (MB) or even Miami (Hard Rock), makes the most sense for fans overseas flying into the East Coast and then heading up the 95. Securing World Cup Final Tickets and additional matches in Gillette Stadium (Boston, Foxborough) and Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) provides a tight regional focus with tremendous interstate highway access. The 300 miles between these three venues captures historic US cities, Atlantic beaches, and culinary diversity. World Cup 2026 Final Tickets will be central to this route with MetLife Stadium the focal point of the soccer world on July 19. Map your road trip working backwards from the Final in New Jersey.
Texas Triangle
The link between Dallas (AT&T Stadium) and Houston (NRG Stadium) creates another natural roadtrip route with just over 200 miles separating matchday sites. Those seeking a cross-border journey can also drive further south into Mexico to Monterrey (Estadio BBVA). Plan for a journey of nearly 8 hours from Houston to Monterrey, experience the best in Mexican cuisine, and make sure your passport is up to date for re-entry into the US. The Texas heat in June and July means air-conditioning is a must for road trippers, as well as plenty of water on board.
West Coast Adventure
Start your North American soccer roadtrip in California's SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, Inglewood) and take in the Pacific Coast journey north on to San Francisco (Levi's Stadium) and Seattle (Lumen Field). The 6-hour drive from Los Angeles northwards up to San Francisco or push further on to Seattle as you log almost 1,200 miles. If you can get World Cup Tickets for these North American soccer destinations, you could roadtrip between them, through some of the most scenic parts of the US. On the other hand, you can make your way from Los Angeles east, through Phoenix and the Texas stadiums, to make a southern World Cup roadtrip. Enjoy the desert scenery, native American attractions and fun roadside attractions on the way between World Cup 2026 Venues.
Cross-Border Considerations
If your road trip itinerary involves traveling across borders into Canada or Mexico, there are a few additional factors to consider. First, ensure everyone in your party has a valid passport, as required to clear customs when exiting and returning to the United States. Second, when traveling from the United States, check whether your nationality needs a visa to enter Canada or Mexico, and secure one if needed. Fans if you are traveling to games in Mexico, be aware you may need car insurance. Also if you are planning to drive your own vehicle across the border into Mexico you will need to organize additional car insurance coverage for crossing into that country. Renting a vehicle ahead of time remains an option, but some rental agreements may prohibit border crossing - so check policies with rental companies beforehand. Depending on which country you are from, it may be easier to drive into Canada, if you are planning to roadtrip with World Cup 2026 Tickets to games in Vancouver or Toronto. As is mentioned above, be ready to show your passport. Take a look below to see if you need a visa for Canada or Mexico. Allow extra time for mandatory border inspections and anticipate potential Customs delays during peak cross-border traffic.
Essential Road Trip Tips
Planning a successful World Cup road trip requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help ensure an enjoyable and stress-free trip: Book your accommodation online well in advance, especially in smaller host cities located between the larger stadium hubs. Trivago is my suggestion to find the best hotels at the lowest prices in North America. If you are traveling with a big group and want atmosphere, take a look at Hostelworld.com. Campers should use Hipcamp.com. Looking to spoil yourself? Try Hotels.com or booking.com.
Download offline maps to your mobile device for use during the trip. Cellular reception can be unreliable in remote areas, especially when driving between stadiums. Pack plenty of bottled water, snacks, and a basic roadside emergency kit, just in case. Choose your favourite artists and genres and compile a road trip playlist of England (or your chosen nation's) greatest moments, matches, and driving songs. You and your friends can kick off the perfect game day with a fun drive to the stadium or venue while sharing your favourite tunes.
If you are also planning to watch the World Cup final, you must get World Cup 2026 Final Tickets, which will get hosted at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. So, plan your road trip accordingly.