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Guadalajara 2026 World Cup Transport Guide
How to get to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup, getting to Estradio Akron, and traveling around the city during the tournament 🛫
✒️ By the worldcup-travel.com team | 📅 Published 31 July 2025
We’ve written our Guadalajara transport guide to maximize your knowledge of getting to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup, plus how to get around the city and its surrounding areas during the tournament. It’s everything fans will need to get from point A to point B in the Pearl of the West.
Note: All of the information below is current. However, specific transportation guidance will be announced between now and the World Cup. Sign up to our email list so you get the latest information and deals direct to your inbox đź“© .
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Guadalajara has a reliable and affordable public transport system, with a mix of light rail, bus rapid transit (BRT), and regular buses. The light rail system (SITEUR) includes three lines that connect many key neighborhoods, tourist areas, and transit hubs. Trains are modern, air-conditioned, and a quick way to move around the city. Fares are inexpensive and can be paid with cash or a reloadable transit card. The Mi Macro BRT bus system adds two dedicated corridors that serve outlying areas and link with rail lines, offering a fast and efficient way to avoid traffic congestion.
However, getting to Estadio Akron, the 2026 World Cup venue located in Zapopan, is more challenging. The stadium is not directly served by the rail system, so public transit there requires at least one or two bus transfers and can take over an hour. For convenience, most visitors will likely prefer Uber, Didi, or Bolt, which are widely available, affordable, and considered safe.
During 2026 World Cup events, Guadalajara is expected to introduce special shuttle services to improve stadium access, but details are still forthcoming. Sign up to our newsletter to receive more information as it becomes available.
Ride Like a Local: Guadalajara World Cup transport tips
We spoke to football-loving locals to get their take on the 2026 World Cup host cities they call home. We spoke to Abraham Morales, born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco - the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and yelling at the TV during fútbol matches. Here’s his take on getting around Guadalajara:
Estadio Akron is modern, clean, and overall a great place to watch a match. Just be prepared for traffic. If you're taking Uber, I highly recommend getting dropped off a few blocks away or you might be stuck in a sea of brake lights. Inside, everything is smooth. The food stands are decent and the views are good from most seats.
As for getting around the city, we do have three train lines that take you to most major areas like downtown, Tlaquepaque, and Zapopan. They’re fine, but honestly, Uber is your best friend here. It’s fast, affordable, and way easier than figuring out public transit. Whatever you do, do not take the yellow taxis. Seriously, never. Just don’t.
Get more Atlanta in-the-know tips from Abraham in our Guadalajara World Cup city guide.
Flying to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup
Guadalajara is served by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) located in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, roughly 16-17 kilometers (10-11 miles) southeast of Downtown Guadalajara.
The drive from downtown takes about 30-35 minutes via the Guadalajara–Chapala highway, with ample transport options like taxis, ride-shares, and shuttle buses available on arrival.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) – the primary option for flying to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup
âś… The third-busiest airport in Mexico and among the top ten busiest in Latin America
âś… Compact and relatively easy to navigate, with two terminals in one connected facility
âś… Safe and convenient access into town via ride-shares and official/regulated airport taxis
You can search for 2026 World Cup flights to GDL from the box below through Kiwi.com. Their tech finds flight itineraries that combine multiple airlines (they call it “Virtual Interlining” with options that often aren’t available anywhere else). This can help streamline the booking process and increase savings.
2026 World Cup car rental in Guadalajara
Will fans need a car in Guadalajara for the World Cup?
We don’t recommend renting a car in Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup. Uber and Didi are readily available and cheap. Public transportation – although slow – works and is considered safe. Traffic is known to be a nightmare, whether you are dealing with congestion or confusion. If you still want to rent a car, be prepared to drive on the defensive and make sure you are adequately insured.
Expect higher prices for car rentals in Guadalajara during the 2026 World Cup
Should you still want to rent one, car rental in Guadalajara is much more affordable than in the US and Canada, but will likely surge as demand increases, so the smart thing to do is reserve your car early. Choose a flexible cancellation policy so you’re not tied down should plans change.
Guadalajara car rental companies
There is a wide range of car rental companies at GDL, including Alamo, Avis, Sixt, and Budget. Counters are in the arrivals hall, near baggage claim. Some companies operate offsite and offer shuttle services to their desks.
Be aware that though rental cars are likely very competitively priced, the insurance will add to the cost and is mandatory – it can double or triple the base rate.
Tip: If you do decide to look for car rentals during the 2026 World Cup, we recommend Qeeq.com, where you will always pay the lowest price. Qeeq’s Price Drop Protector 📉 tracks prices daily, and if the rental price drops after you book, Qeeq rebooks at the lower price and saves you the difference. They offer free cancellation, no credit card fees, and you can even pay with crypto if that’s your vibe.
Alternatively, Trip.com is part of the same group as Skyscanner.com, and allows you to search car rental deals from all of the big companies — with free cancellation, no credit card fees, and often with extra discounts as an incentive
Buses to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup
Yes, taking a bus to Guadalajara is a popular, comfortable, and cost-effective option, especially from nearly anywhere in Mexico. It’s ideal for budget-conscious or scenic travel, and Primera Plus, ETN, and Turistar offer fleets of premium, first-class buses with amenities like reclining seats, onboard toilets, WiFi, and personal screens. Buses to Guadalajara from Mexico City take around 6.5 to 8.5 hours.
Booking long-distance transfers and city-to-city cab rides to and from Guadalajara during the 2026 World Cup
There are a number of companies in Mexico offering long-distance cab services and private city-to-city car rides, which could be the perfect alternative to coaches and buses for World Cup fans. Companies like InDrive and GetTransfer use verified drivers and transport companies to provide travelers with private or shared transport options.
You can pin point where to want to get to and from on a map and let the driver do the rest. The journey will definitely be more expensive than public transport, but for those with the cash to splash, or if you want to split the costs between a small group, a private ride in or out of Guadalajara could be more appealing than a coach journey.
Trains to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup
Guadalajara has no regular intercity or commuter train service for travelers. There is, however, the Tequila Express, a scenic tourist train that departs from Guadalajara to Tequila. Taking you through agave fields, it includes tequila tastings, mariachi, and a distillery tour.
Public transport in Mexico City during the World Cup
As we mentioned above, Guadalajara offers a well-rounded and affordable public transport network that is ideal for 2026 World Cup visitors. There are three light rail lines – 1 and 2 are classic light rail, 3 is modern rapid transit – that service 48 city stations in key areas. The BRT Mi Macro bus network provides bus service in two major corridors that connect with rail lines and stops along the ring road. Should you want a break from the crowds, Uber, Didi, and Bolt offer safe and affordable rideshare options.
Public transit to World Cup matches at Guadalajara Stadium
This is where you’re going to have to be a little creative. Guadalajara Stadium lacks a direct rail link, buses take around 90 minutes with transfers, and rideshares are surge-prone. Expect a shuttle service to be introduced for the 2026 World Cup and stay up to date with more news from us.
Using ridesharing apps in Guadalajara
Locals rely heavily on Uber, Didi, and Bolt for affordable and easy transport. Just remember, prices will likely surge come game days.
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