Given the huge distances between host cities, many supporters will inevitably fly between matches. Fortunately, all host cities are well connected by major airports and domestic flight options are extensive.
Prices for internal flights are likely to fluctuate massively depending on England’s progress and demand around specific knockout fixtures. Booking late may become expensive, particularly for direct flights.
When flying domestically within the USA, foreign nationals are required to show valid identification, usually your passport. Naturally, travelling between countries will require your passport and any required ESTA or eTA approvals.
Security at major US airports is operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Queues can be extremely long, particularly at busy airports and during peak travel periods.
Travelling by road across Canada, Mexico and the USA is generally straightforward once you get used to driving on the right-hand side of the road. Distances are enormous compared to what most of us are used to back home, so what initially looks “quite nearby” on Google Maps can quickly turn into an eight-hour drive and a growing hatred of service stations.
Traffic conditions vary massively depending on the city. In places such as Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Mexico City and New York, congestion can be severe, especially during rush hour and around major sporting events. Journey times can increase dramatically with very little warning, so always leave more time than you think you’ll need.
If you are hiring a car, rules and minimum ages vary by state, province and rental company, although drivers over 25 will usually avoid younger driver surcharges. A full UK driving licence is required and some rental companies, particularly in Mexico, may also request an International Driving Permit.
Many roads across the USA, Canada and parts of Mexico operate toll systems. Rental companies often offer electronic toll packages, which are usually worth considering if you expect to drive regularly or through major cities. Otherwise, you may return home to discover you’ve accidentally spent the equivalent of a match ticket driving around Florida.
Speed limits vary considerably and local enforcement can be strict. Stop signs must always be obeyed fully — not the rolling “that’ll do” version some people occasionally attempt back home.
One major rule to remember involves school buses. If a school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, traffic in both directions usually has to stop. Fines for ignoring this can be severe and police take it very seriously.
Drink-driving laws are also strict across all three countries. If you are driving, don’t drink. Simple as that.
Long-distance coach travel is a much bigger thing in North America than many people realise and can often work out considerably cheaper than internal flights, particularly if booked early.
The biggest operators are Greyhound and FlixBus, which now operate as part of the same wider network across the USA, Canada and Mexico, covering thousands of destinations.
Greyhound remains the most recognisable long-distance coach brand in North America and connects over 1,600 destinations across the three host countries. Most coaches include WiFi, charging points and onboard toilets.
FlixBus has expanded rapidly in recent years and is often one of the cheapest options available, particularly between major cities. Services are app-based, modern and generally straightforward to use.
Popular in parts of the USA and Canada, particularly in the northeast corridor between cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Often very cheap if booked early.
A more comfortable coach service operating mainly in Florida and Texas, with larger seats and fewer stops.
Useful throughout the northeastern USA and New England region.
Another long-running regional operator serving parts of the USA and Canada.
Coach travel is usually reliable enough, although delays are not uncommon due to traffic, weather or border crossings. Border crossings by coach between the USA and Canada or Mexico can take time, as everybody will normally disembark with passports and luggage for immigration checks.
One thing worth noting from supporter experiences online is that coach quality can vary significantly depending on the operator and route. Some services are excellent value and surprisingly comfortable, while others involve standing beside an unmarked curb wondering whether the bus actually exists.
Still, for shorter intercity trips — especially those between roughly 3–8 hours — coaches can sometimes work out easier than flying once you factor in airport security, baggage and transfers.
Sea travel between the host countries is much less common than flying or driving, but there are still some options available if you fancy arriving at a World Cup match feeling like a Victorian explorer.
Cruises operate regularly between parts of the USA, Mexico and Canada, particularly from Florida. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are two of the biggest cruise ports in the world, with routes heading throughout the Caribbean and occasionally towards Mexico.
That said, sea travel is unlikely to be a practical main transport option between World Cup host cities due to the distances involved and journey times. It is more likely to be something supporters incorporate into wider travel plans before or after the tournament.
If travelling internationally by sea, the same passport, ESTA and eTA requirements still apply as they would by air or land.
Rail travel varies significantly between the three countries.
Canada’s VIA Rail network connects major cities, although journeys can be lengthy due to distances involved.
The USA has Amtrak services nationwide, though rail infrastructure is far less extensive than many European supporters may be used to. Certain routes, particularly in the northeast, are excellent, while others can be slower than expected.
Mexico’s long-distance passenger rail network is limited, so most intercity travel is done by air or coach.
Within host cities, local transport systems vary massively. Some cities have excellent metro systems, while others are heavily car-dependent. We’ll cover city-specific transport information in each host guide.
