AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is hosting more World Cup 2026 matches than any other venue in the entire tournament. Nine matches in total, including five group stage games featuring Argentina, England, and the Netherlands, plus a semifinal on July 14. If you have a ticket to any of them, here’s the single most important thing to know before you go: driving is essentially your only option. 

Unlike most other World Cup host cities, Arlington has no direct public transit connection to the stadium. There is no train line, no direct bus, and no metro/rail system. The stadium sits between Dallas and Fort Worth in the heart of the DFW metroplex and the roads leading to it, specifically Interstate 30 and its surrounding highway network, are how the vast majority of fans will arrive. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about driving to AT&T Stadium for a World Cup match, including routes from major nearby cities, the toll roads you’ll encounter, match day traffic tips, and a brief note on parking. 

World Cup 2026 Match Schedule at AT&T Stadium 

AT&T Stadium hosts nine matches across the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and the semifinal. During the tournament, the venue will be referred to as Dallas Stadium in all FIFA broadcasts, signage, and official communications. 

Note: Knockout round opponents are to be determined as the tournament progresses. The July 14 semifinal is the highest-demand match at this venue. If you are attending the semifinal, plan significantly further ahead for both parking and travel time than you would for a group stage match. 

Why You Need to Drive (and Why It Matters for Tolls) 

Arlington is unique among World Cup host cities in that driving is not just the most convenient option, it is the only practical option for most fans. The city sits in the gap between Dallas and Fort Worth, neither of which have rail lines that reach Arlington. 

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter train runs between Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth, with a stop at CentrePort/DFW Airport, but that station is still roughly 6 to 8 miles from AT&T Stadium. From there, fans will need a rideshare or shuttle (which will be in extremely high demand on match days). 

What this means practically: the roads around AT&T Stadium will be carrying an enormous volume of traffic on every match day. Interstate 30 is the primary access corridor and it includes TEXpress managed toll lanes. Fans using those lanes will be billed electronically. If you do not have a toll payment method like NextPass set up before you arrive, your rental car company will receive the bill and pass it on to you, usually with an additional admin fee. See our ultimate guide to toll roads in Texas for a comprehensive list of toll roads in the area, up-to-date toll rates, and more.

How to pay tolls without a transponder: NextPass lets you register your license plate and pay tolls as you go, across all Texas toll roads and 20+ other states and provinces. No transponder/toll tag needed. See our complete U.S. toll road guide for more detail on how tolls work. 

How to Get to AT&T Stadium: Routes from Major Cities 

The stadium is straightforward to find once you’re on I-30. It is visible for miles on a clear day, and highway signage guides drivers well. The key decision is which exit to take and how early to leave. Below are high-level routes from the major origin points for World Cup fans. 

 Important: Your GPS may not account for match day road closures or managed traffic flows. Organizers have confirmed that the route recommended by your mapping app may not be the quickest route on match days. Follow stadium signage and, where possible, pre-purchase your parking to receive an assigned route recommendation. 

Route Details: Getting to AT&T Stadium 

From Downtown Dallas (20 minutes in normal traffic) 

The most direct route is I-30 West from downtown Dallas. Take I-30 West and exit at Collins Street (Exit 28A) or Ballpark Way (Exit 27). The stadium is visible from the highway. On match days, I-30 will carry extremely heavy traffic. The TEXpress managed toll lanes on I-30 offer a faster option, but expect dynamic pricing to be at its highest during the two to three hours before kickoff. 

If you are staying in Dallas proper, be realistic about travel time: a drive that normally takes 20 minutes can take 60 to 90 minutes or more on a sold-out match day. Leave at least two hours before kickoff. 

 From Fort Worth (20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic) 

From Fort Worth, take I-30 East toward Dallas. Exit at Collins Street (Exit 28A). The route is simple and direct, but Fort Worth fans will be joining Dallas-bound traffic as it converges on Arlington from both sides. The same TEXpress lanes are available on this corridor. 

 From DFW International Airport (15 to 25 minutes in normal traffic) 

DFW Airport is approximately 15 miles from AT&T Stadium, making it one of the most convenient driving journeys of any World Cup host city. The standard route is south on SH-360 to I-30 East, then exit at Collins Street or use the AT&T Way / Division Street exit depending on your parking assignment. SH-360 itself is not a toll road, but connecting roads may be. 

If you are flying in and picking up a rental car, this is an easy drive. International visitors should set up a toll payment app before leaving the airport, as I-30’s TEXpress lanes are free-flow and billed electronically. 

 From North Dallas, Plano, and the Northern Suburbs (35 to 50 minutes) 

Fans staying north of Dallas will typically take US-75 (Central Expressway) south to I-30 West, then follow I-30 to the Collins Street exit. An alternative for those further north or northwest is the President George Bush Turnpike (SH-190), a toll road that arcs around northern Dallas and connects to SH-360 South, which leads directly into the stadium area. 

 From Houston (3.5 to 4 hours) 

Houston fans attending a match in Dallas should plan for a significant road trip. The most common route is I-45 North to I-20 West, then connecting to I-30 West toward Arlington. The Dallas-to-Arlington stretch of this journey is where congestion will be most severe on match days. 

This is also a corridor where several toll roads operate. Fans driving the full Houston-to-Dallas route will encounter toll roads in both the Houston metro and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. NextPass covers all Texas toll roads, making it a practical single-solution for the entire journey. 

 From Austin (3 to 3.5 hours) 

From Austin, take I-35 North toward the DFW area. Near Fort Worth, connect to I-820 East and then I-30 East toward Arlington. Exit at Collins Street. The I-35 corridor between Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the busiest interstates in Texas and can carry significant congestion independent of World Cup traffic. 

Match Traffic Day: What to Expect 

AT&T Stadium has hosted large events before, including NFL games, the Super Bowl, and Copa America matches. The World Cup will push volumes beyond anything previously seen at this venue on a single day. Transportation officials have confirmed that approximately 16,600 general spectator parking spaces will be available around the stadium, and that traffic management plans are being coordinated to balance flows across different entry corridors. 

A few things are confirmed and worth planning around: 

• Arrive at least two hours before kickoff. Officials recommend arriving 2 to 2.5 hours early to allow time for parking, entry queues, and walking to your gate. 
• I-30 will have managed traffic flows on match days, meaning certain lanes and ramps may be controlled or redirected. Follow signage rather than relying entirely on your GPS. 
• The TEXpress toll lanes on I-30 are expected to see significant demand. Dynamic pricing means rates will peak one to two hours before kickoff. Plan to either pay the premium for a faster journey or allow extra time in general traffic. 
• Post-match congestion is significant. Official lots closest to the stadium typically take 45 to 60 minutes to clear after the final whistle. Consider staying for post-match celebrations to let the worst of the traffic clear or book a parking spot further away with a clear exit route. 
• For the semifinal on July 14, plan as if all nine matches combined are happening at once. It is the highest-demand event at this venue and demand for both parking and road capacity will be at its peak. 

A Note on Parking 

Parking for World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium is not the same as a regular NFL game day. FIFA will be managing parking through its official partner, JustPark, and prices are significantly higher than a standard Cowboys game. 

Based on currently available data, official FIFA parking is priced at roughly $75 for group stage matches, $100 for the Round of 16, and $175 for the semifinal, though secondary market listings already show prices well above those figures for high-demand matches such as Argentina games and the semifinal. 

• Book your parking pass in advance through FIFA’s official channels. On-site parking is limited and will sell out for major matches. 

• If your parking assignment comes with a recommended route, follow it. Officials have confirmed that route assignments are designed to balance load across the highway network, and your GPS may route you into a worse corridor. 

• Consider off-site parking with a shuttle or rideshare connection to reduce costs, but factor in the additional travel time on a congested match day. 

Toll Road Tips for World Cup Drivers at AT&T Stadium 

• Set up your toll payment before you leave for the stadium. TEXpress lanes on I-30 are fully electronic and bill by plate if you don’t have a transponder registered. 
• If you are in a rental car, confirm it covers Texas toll roads. Daily fees from rental companies ($5 to $15 per day) add up quickly over a multi-match trip. 
• The NextPass app covers all Texas toll roads for personal vehicles, including TEXpress lanes and the President George Bush Turnpike. Register your plate before your first match day and pay only for the tolls you actually use. NextPass does not cover Texas roads for rental cars. 
• If road-tripping from Houston or Austin, your toll exposure starts well before you reach Arlington. Texas has one of the largest toll road networks in the U.S. A single payment solution, like NextPass, covering the whole state will save you time and money. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is there public transport to AT&T Stadium for the World Cup? 

There is no direct public transit connection to AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) stops at CentrePort/DFW Airport, approximately 6 to 8 miles away, from which fans can take a rideshare or shuttle. For most fans, driving is the most practical option. Ride-share services (Uber and Lyft) operate at the venue but will face significant surge pricing and wait times after matches. 

 What is the best exit to take off I-30 for AT&T Stadium? 

The two main exits are Collins Street (Exit 28A) and Ballpark Way (Exit 27). Collins Street is the most commonly used and handles the highest volume. Your best exit may depend on your specific parking assignment. If you have pre-purchased parking, follow the route instructions provided with your pass rather than relying on a general GPS route. 

 How early should I arrive at AT&T Stadium for a World Cup match? 

Transportation officials and stadium operators recommend arriving at least two hours before kickoff, and 2.5 hours early for high-demand matches such as the Argentina games and the July 14 semifinal. This accounts for parking time, walking distance from your lot, and entry queues. The stadium is large and entry for a near-capacity World Cup crowd will take time. 

 How do I pay tolls on I-30 near AT&T Stadium? 

The TEXpress managed lanes on I-30 are fully electronic. You can pay using pay-as-you go platform like NextPass, TxTag transponder, or a compatible Texas toll account. If you drive through without a registered payment method, your license plate will be photographed and billed to the vehicle’s registered owner (or your rental car company). Setting up NextPass before your trip means your plate is registered and every toll is handled automatically. 

 Can I drive from DFW Airport to AT&T Stadium on match day? 

Yes. DFW Airport is approximately 15 miles from AT&T Stadium and SH-360 South provides a relatively direct connection. Under normal conditions the drive takes 15 to 25 minutes. On match days, add significant extra time and ensure you have a toll payment method ready, as connecting roads include electronic toll lanes.