Public transportation for FIFA World Cup games in Santa Clara

June 16, 2026 - 19:59

Bay Area public transit agencies are ramping up service to handle the crowds expected for the FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. BART, along with other regional operators, will run extra trains and coordinate schedules to move fans between San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and the stadium. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and provide a reliable alternative to driving.

BART will extend its service hours on game days, adding more trains on the lines that connect to the Santa Clara station. From there, shuttle buses and light rail connections will take passengers directly to the stadium gates. VTA, which operates light rail in Santa Clara County, will also increase its frequency and run special event trains. Caltrain plans to add extra cars on its Peninsula corridor routes, making it easier for fans coming from San Francisco or San Jose.

Agencies have been meeting for months to plan the logistics. They expect high demand, especially for the most popular matches. Officials recommend that fans buy transit tickets in advance through the Clipper card system or mobile apps to avoid long lines at ticket machines. Parking at BART stations will fill up quickly, so riders are encouraged to use park-and-ride lots early or take local buses to reach the train.

The coordinated effort marks one of the largest transit operations in the Bay Area since the 2019 Super Bowl. With thousands of international visitors expected, the agencies want to show that public transportation can handle the pressure. No specific ridership numbers have been released, but officials say they are prepared for a surge. Fans should check each agency's website for the latest schedules and service alerts before heading to the game.