MEXICO · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—The opener: World Cup 2026 Mexico City begins on June 11 with Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, renamed Estadio Ciudad de México for the tournament.
—Last Mile: A FIFA “Última Milla” scheme gives priority to walking and public transport around the stadium, with vehicle filters on match days.
—Park and Ride: Round-trip shuttles run from set car parks for 500 pesos, or 350 pesos from Parque México, with a special-edition transport card included.
—Cheapest route: Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña plus the Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca costs about 8 pesos in total.
—Leave the car: Authorities discourage private cars; street parking near the stadium will be restricted and is expected to fill fast.
With the tournament opener five days away, Mexico City has set out how more than 80,000 fans should reach the Estadio Azteca — and the short version is to leave the car at home.
World Cup 2026 Mexico City: the match-day transport plan
The capital will stage five matches, starting with Mexico against South Africa on June 11 at the stadium known for the World Cup as Estadio Ciudad de México. Getting there is the part most visitors underestimate.
City officials are building the plan around FIFA’s “Última Milla,” or Last Mile, scheme. It privileges pedestrians and public transport in the streets closest to the ground, with vehicle filters and access points on match days.
The mobility operation begins at 7:00 a.m. on June 11 and repeats on every match day. The advice from the Secretaría de Movilidad is blunt: plan ahead and arrive early.
Park and Ride: the official round-trip service
The headline option is a Park and Ride network that lets fans leave their cars at strategic lots and ride shuttles to the stadium. Units depart roughly every 15 minutes toward the Cetram Huipulco interchange.
A round trip costs 500 pesos from Campo Marte, Parque Xochimilco, Six Flags, the Santa Fe shopping centre and Plaza Carso. From Parque México the fare is 350 pesos, and both prices include a special-edition World Cup transport card.
Direct buses also run from 7:00 a.m. from points including Bellas Artes, Cetram Chapultepec, the Ángel de la Independencia, the Palacio de los Deportes and San Jerónimo. The card can be bought in physical form with cash or in digital form.
Metro and Tren Ligero: the cheapest way in
The lowest-cost route is also the classic one. Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then switch to the Tren Ligero toward the Estadio Azteca station, for about 8 pesos all in.
On match days the Tren Ligero suspends its ordinary timetable three hours before kickoff to run at full capacity. The goal is to move close to 60,000 fans toward the stadium.
An alternative is Metro Line 3 to Universidad, where an electric bus completes the trip. Uber and DiDi work reliably across the city, but prices and waits surge near kickoff, so book or schedule rides well ahead.
On foot, by bike or by scooter
For greener arrivals, the city is opening exclusive corridors for 2,000 bicycles and 2,000 scooters, plus dedicated bays for taxis and app vehicles. Seven signposted walking routes will be staffed and mapped with QR codes.
Pedestrian start points include the temporary Cetram, Parque Cantera, Periférico, Renato Leduc, Paseo Acoxpa and Calzada de Tlalpan. Follow the marked routes rather than improvising your own.
One caution from local guides: the Santa Úrsula neighbourhood bordering the stadium is not considered safe to walk, even with extra police on match days. Stick to the official corridors and lit main avenues.
Road closures to plan around
The heaviest restrictions fall on Coyoacán and parts of Tlalpan. Expect filters and partial closures on the Circuito Estadio Ciudad de México, Avenida Santa Úrsula, Calzada de Tlalpan, Avenida del Imán and Calzada Acoxpa.
Drivers who must cross the area are pointed to alternates such as Insurgentes Sur, Avenida Universidad, Eje 10 Sur, the central lanes of Periférico and Calzada de la Viga. Officials suggest being in place before 9:00 a.m., with cultural activities at the stadium from 11:00 a.m.
These routes, fares and closures can shift close to match day. Confirm the latest detail with the city’s Secretaría de Movilidad and the official FIFA app before you set out.
Why it matters
For Latin American and other visiting fans, the match itself can be the easy part; the trip to the turnstile is where days go wrong. A missed light-rail window or a closed avenue can cost a kickoff at the most-watched event Mexico has hosted in decades.
The takeaway is simple. Pick your route now, lean on the Metro, Tren Ligero or Park and Ride, and treat the private car as the last resort it is meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Cup start in Mexico City?
World Cup 2026 Mexico City opens on June 11 with the host nation against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The capital will host five matches in total.
What is the cheapest way to reach the Estadio Azteca?
Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and switch to the Tren Ligero to the Estadio Azteca station, for roughly 8 pesos. On match days the light rail runs at full capacity from three hours before kickoff.
How much does the Park and Ride service cost?
A round trip is 500 pesos from most lots, or 350 pesos from Parque México, with a special-edition transport card included. Shuttles leave about every 15 minutes for the Cetram Huipulco interchange.
Can I drive to the stadium on match day?
Officials strongly discourage it, and street parking near the ground will be restricted under the Last Mile plan. Public transport, bikes, scooters and walking corridors are the recommended options.
Is it safe to walk to the Estadio Azteca?
Use the seven signposted pedestrian routes and lit main avenues. The bordering Santa Úrsula neighbourhood is not considered safe to walk, even with extra police present.
Connected Coverage
Read More from The Rio Times