The FIFA World Cup 2026 is taking over the Bay Area with over 30 fan zones, numerous activations around San Jose and San Francisco, watch parties, and more.
In anticipation of packed public spaces and plenty of out-of-towners in the Bay for the first time, we’ve put together a guide to help navigate the city throughout the duration of the World Cup, which lasts from June 11th to July 19th, 2026.
How far is Levi’s Stadium from San Francisco?
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, about 43 miles (69.2 km) from San Francisco. It takes 45-60 minutes to cover the distance by car.
As one of the 16 official host cities, the SF Bay Area is gearing up for the following matches at Levi’s Stadium:
- June 13 – M8: Qatar vs. Switzerland
- June 16 – M20: Austria vs. Jordan
- June 10 – M31: Turkey vs. Paraguay
- June 22 – M44: Jordan vs. Algeria
- June 25 – M60: Paraguay vs. Australia
- July 1 – M81: 1D vs. 3BEFIJ
Keep reading for tips about how to get to Levi’s Stadium, how to use public transportation, and more.
Driving and parking at Levi’s Stadium
The Levi’s Stadium website itself recommends arriving extremely early to avoid delays. They list minimal delays for those arriving 3 hours early, moderate delays for those arriving 2 hours early, and heavy delays for those arriving 1 hour early.
You must pre-purchase a parking pass to park in a Levi’s Stadium lot. Prices vary depending on the event and lot, starting around $70 per car. Guests are directed into color-coded lots based on their parking pass, and tailgating is only allowed in designated areas.
Another option is to use VTA Light Rail’s park-and-ride service, which provides light rail connections between Levi’s Stadium and various parking lots around San Jose.
Taking public transit to Levi’s Stadium
Bay Area transit agencies are activating numerous public transport routes for visitors to make it to Levi’s Stadium.
Most visitors will likely take BART or Caltrain to connect with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)’s Light Rail Orange Line. It takes visitors to Lick Mill Station, which is a 10-15 minute walk from Levi’s Stadium.
Here’s a closer look at the main public transit options, as listed on the SF Bay Area Host Committee website.
- BART: Take BART to Milpitas station, and then take the pedestrian bridge to transfer to the VTA Light Rail Orange Line. BART and VTA will have timed transfers on matching 20-minute frequencies.
- Caltrain: Ride Caltrain to Mountain View station and transfer to the Light Rail Orange Line. Caltrain will run its regular weekend service every 30 minutes.
- SFMTA (Muni): San Francisco’s Muni network includes its light rail Metro trains, historic streetcars, and cable cars. You can use Muni to connect to BART or Caltrain stations.
- Capitol Corridor: This Northern California rail service will run direct trains to the stadium from Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose.
- ACE Trains: ACE Rail provides direct services to the stadium from Stockton, Lathrop/Manteca, Tracy, Vasco, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Fremont.
- VTA: The aforementioned VTA Light Rail Orange Line shuttles visitors from Milpitas and Mountain View. If coming from Downtown San Jose, take the VTA Green Line. Both lines stop at Lick Mill Station outside of Levi’s Stadium.
Public transport tips for out-of-towners: Fare payment, Clipper, and trip planning
To pay your fare across all Bay Area transit agencies (including BART, Muni, Caltrain, VTA light rail, and more), you can simply tap the card reader with a contactless bank card. It will charge you the full adult fare, which varies depending on the agency.
Clipper is the main way that locals pay fares across Bay Area transit, as it features various types of transport passes, including weekly and monthly packages, discounts, and more.
If using Clipper, you can add it as a mobile card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or buy a physical Clipper card at major transit stations. Load value or passes in the Clipper app or at station ticket machines before you travel.
After loading your desired pass or value, you need only tap your mobile or physical Clipper card at the card reader when you board. Some services, like BART and Caltrain, also have you tap out when you exit.
Refer to individual agency sites and apps for help with your trip planning:
Locals and visitors alike are eyeing an elaborate schedule of more than 30 FIFA Fan Zones and activations around the Bay Area. The main ongoing Fan Zones are as follows:
- June 11-July 19: San Francisco Fan Zone at Thrive City
- June 11-July 19: San Francisco Fan Zone at China Basin Park (Mission Rock)
- June 12-July 19: San Francisco Fan Zone at Pier 39
- June 19-July 11: Fan Zone at the Alameda County Fair
- June 11-July 19: San Jose Earthquakes Celebration of Soccer at San Pedro Square
- June 15, 22, 28, July 5, 19: The Art of the Game watch parties at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Read our article for the full list of Fan Zones, including one-day pop-ups and special events.
Things to do around Levi’s Stadium
Match days at Levi’s Stadium will undoubtedly be an all-day commitment. Make the most of your time in Santa Clara by spending some time at local museums, shopping areas, and attractions.
- 49ers Museum: Check out this interactive sports museum at Levi’s Stadium, which traces the team’s history through exhibits, memorabilia, and hands-on displays.
- California’s Great America: This massive amusement park next to the stadium features roller coasters, family rides, a water park, and seasonal events that make it a full-day outing. Check it out before it closes forever.
- Intel Museum: This museum at Intel’s headquarters offers a peek inside Silicon Valley’s tech heritage, with exhibits that explain how microchips are made and how computing has evolved over time.
- Ulistac Natural Area: Ulistac Natural Area is a riverside open space along the Guadalupe River where visitors can walk easy trails, spot local wildlife, and experience a quieter side of Santa Clara.
- Shopping and dining areas: Head to Rivermark Village, Santa Row, or Westfield Valley Fair for plenty of shopping and dining options.
