FIFA World Cup 2026: Rental Car vs Public Transportation — Which Is Better?

Why transportation choices matter during the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup is not being hosted in one country or even one region. With matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, traveling and getting around will be the biggest challenge that the fans will face.

Although the public transportation system works well for city trips, it can fall apart as soon as the travel goes beyond a single metro area, making traveling chaotic and delayed.

With some stadium locations outside the city centers, situated in far-off areas, late-night matches, and cross-border travel might make mobility more complex. And this is where the choice between hiring a vehicle and using public transport becomes crucial.

Why do we think renting a car is the smartest choice for FIFA World Cup fans?

• Public transport can be costly due to frequent ticket charges, but renting a car is economical. If booking in advance, you can easily secure a low-cost deal. Moreover, for groups, a rental car may be cheaper since costs are split.
• Renting a car lets you explore at your own pace, tailoring your itinerary without stressing public transit. From one city to another, you can discover all destinations comfortably.
• A rental car offers a private, safe environment, unlike shared public transport. It's crucial when traveling with family and valuables, allowing control of cleanliness, avoiding strangers, and ensuring safety.
• Travel directly between accommodations, stadiums, and nearby cities without transfers, last-mile gaps, or dependence on fixed routes.
• Avoid queues, service delays, and overcrowded transit after games, keeping departure times and travel duration more reliable.

Country-specific advantages of car rental during the FIFA World Cup

USA

A few of the FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities in the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Houston, have match venues situated outside their main city areas, where public transport options are limited.

Although cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago feature well-designed urban transit systems, they are not designed to handle large crowds moving to suburban venues.

With inconsistent inter-city rail options, driving becomes the most practical way to move between host cities. Event-oriented parking infrastructure around stadiums also makes car access far more convenient on match days.

Canada

While the public transit options are available in Canada, inter-city and inter-provincial connectivity is sparse, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Long distances between host cities make flying or driving the only practical choices, but renting a car provides flexibility without depending on limited regional transport schedules.

Mexico

Although Mexico has public transportation options available in the major cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, navigating through them can be a bit inconvenient for unfamiliar travelers or foreigners. And this can make the late-night travel and cross-city trips inconsistent for people visiting. Thus, car rentals are an ideal option for saving time, convenience, safety, and reliability.

Quick comparison – Cost and time

• Public transport – Delays, surge pricing, missed matches

  We understand that public transportation seems to be a cheaper option for you.

  But you must know that it usually comes with price hikes at the last minute, extended delays, overcrowding, and the real risk of missed connections or even matches during the World Cup.

  Additionally, luggage handling, late-night travel gaps, and multiple transfers quickly increase both the time and the cost.

• Rental cars – Predictable cost, shared among groups, saves time

  Car rentals usually offer far more predictable prices, helping save money when costs are shared among groups and families.

  Also, they eliminate the wait times, reduce dependence on packed schedules, and allow direct travel.

  This apparently helps save hours across match days and inter-city journeys while keeping budgets and timelines under control.