FIFA World Cup 2026
Ride Santa Cruz METRO to FIFA World Cup 2026
Heading to a match at Levi’s Stadium or exploring Santa Cruz County during World Cup events? METRO can help you get there.
Getting to Levi’s Stadium from Santa Cruz County
With major crowds, traffic, street closures, and parking demand expected around Levi’s Stadium during FIFA World Cup matches, taking transit is a convenient and stress-free way to travel.
Riders can take METRO’s Highway 17 Express from Santa Cruz County to San Jose Diridon Station, then connect to rail service to Great America Station, located a short walk from Levi’s Stadium.
Key trip details:
- Take the Highway 17 Express to San Jose Diridon Station
- Connect to rail service to Great America Station
- Walk from Great America Station to Levi’s Stadium
- Highway 17 Express buses include Wi-Fi
- Travel time from Santa Cruz County to San Jose Diridon is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions
Where to Board the Highway 17 Express
The Highway 17 Express serves key Santa Cruz County locations with direct service to San Jose Diridon Station.
Boarding locations:
- River Front Transit Center area on Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz
- Cavallaro Transit Center in Scotts Valley
Special late-night northbound service from Santa Cruz for FIFA matches will depart from River Front Transit Center at 11:30 PM and will not serve Scotts Valley.
Special Late-Night FIFA World Cup Service
METRO is adding special late-night Highway 17 Express service for select evening FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium to help riders return to Santa Cruz County after the games.
Special service dates:
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Friday, June 19, 2026
- Monday, June 22, 2026
| Match Date | Match Time | Added Return Trips from San Jose Diridon | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2026 | 9:00 PM | 12:30 AM 1:50 AM | Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz |
| June 19, 2026 | 8:00 PM | 12:30 AM | Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz |
| June 22, 2026 | 8:00 PM | 12:30 AM | Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz |
Fares and Payment Options
The Highway 17 Express fare is:
- $7 one-way
- $14 round trip
Riders can pay using:
- Transit app — plan your trip and pay in one place
- Exact cash on board
- Splash Pass
Please plan ahead and make sure your payment method is ready before boarding.
Plan Your Trip
Large events can affect traffic, transfers, and travel times. Riders should plan their full trip in advance and allow extra time before and after matches.
Before you travel:
- Check current schedules
- Review service alerts
- Confirm your return trip
- Allow extra time for crowds and transfers
- Have your fare ready before boarding
Connecting from San Jose Diridon to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be held at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, officially referred to by FIFA, and commonly known locally as Levi’s Stadium.
After taking METRO’s Highway 17 Express to San Jose Diridon Station, riders will need to connect to another transit provider to continue to the stadium area. Public transit options from Diridon may include VTA, Amtrak Capitol Corridor, and Caltrain, depending on the match date, time, and available service.
Since World Cup game day service may differ from regular schedules, riders should review each agency’s World Cup service information before traveling.
Transit Connections from San Jose Diridon
- VTA will be the primary public transit provider between San Jose Diridon and the stadium area for World Cup matches.
- Amtrak Capitol Corridor may provide service to the stadium area for some trips; however, return service to San Jose may not be available for later evening matches.
- Caltrain may provide additional regional connections and World Cup travel information.
Check Partner Agency Service Before You Go
Please review the latest World Cup service information from each transit agency before planning your trip:
Visiting Santa Cruz County During World Cup Events
World Cup excitement is not limited to Levi’s Stadium. Visitors and residents can use METRO to reach local destinations throughout Santa Cruz County, including downtown Santa Cruz, Watsonville, the Beach Boardwalk area, and other local events.
METRO provides connections to popular destinations across the county, making it easier to explore without driving.
Getting to the Beach Boardwalk Area
Route 1 connects Watsonville and Santa Cruz and provides access to the Beach Boardwalk area.
Beginning June 18, 2026, select late-night Route 1 trips will begin near the Boardwalk at Cliff & Beach before continuing to River Front Transit Center and starting the regular Route 1 trip 15 minutes later.
Late-night Boardwalk-area departures:
- 8:45 PM
- 9:45 PM
- 10:45 PM
Plan Ahead and Ride METRO
Whether you are heading to a FIFA World Cup match, a local watch party, the Beach Boardwalk, or another Santa Cruz County destination, METRO is here to help you get there.
Check schedules, review service alerts, and plan your trip before you go.