13 May How to Get to Guadalajara Stadium for the World Cup 2026

Posted at 22:16h in Sports by

Where Is the Stadium and Why Getting There Takes Some Planning

Estadio Akron — officially called Estadio Guadalajara during the World Cup — sits in Zapopan, on the western edge of the metro area. It’s home to Chivas, holds close to 50,000 fans, and for the 2026 FIFA World Cup it hosts four group stage matches, including Mexico vs. South Korea on June 18. The setting is spectacular: the stadium looks like a grass-covered volcano rising out of the hillside. Getting there, though, requires a little planning since it’s not walking distance from downtown or any hotel district.

Getting There from the Airport

From GDL (Guadalajara International Airport)

The airport sits on the opposite side of the city, about 19 miles from the stadium. On a normal day, the drive takes 30–40 minutes. On match day, budget at least an hour, sometimes more.

Your cleanest option is Uber or DiDi. From arrivals, open the app, walk past the yellow taxis lined up at the exit, and request your ride in the designated pickup area. Expect to pay around $12–20 USD (roughly 200–350 MXN) to go directly to the stadium or your hotel near it. For the Mexico match on June 18, expect surge pricing — book early or take the BRT instead.

The alternative is an official airport taxi (the yellow ones at the taxi counter inside the terminal). Fixed rates to most hotel zones run $15–25 USD. Avoid any driver who approaches you inside the terminal.

From Puerto Vallarta (PVR)

Some fans fly into Puerto Vallarta and make the trip to Guadalajara for match day — it’s a popular route. The drive along Highway 15D takes about 3.5–4 hours through the Sierra Madre. It’s a beautiful, well-paved toll road but do factor in the cost of casetas (toll booths).

The bus is also a solid option: from the Estación de Autobuses in Vallarta, long-distance lines run regularly to Guadalajara’s Central Camionera (bus terminal). From there, you can catch an Uber to the stadium. Total travel time: around 5 hours. Affordable and comfortable if you book first-class.

Getting Around Guadalajara to the Stadium

Uber and DiDi

From the city center or most hotel zones, Uber takes 25–35 minutes and costs around 150–250 MXN (~$8–13 USD) in normal traffic. On match days, ask your driver to drop you off a block or two before the main entrance — traffic around Estadio Akron backs up badly and you’ll get there faster on foot.

After the match, wait 20–30 minutes before requesting your ride. The surge is real right after the final whistle.

Mi Macro Periférico (BRT)

This is the smartest budget option. Take the Mi Macro Periférico bus rapid transit line and get off at the Estadio Chivas station. From there, follow the Andador Chivas — a pedestrian walkway built specifically to connect the BRT station to the stadium — and you’re at the gates in under 10 minutes. The fare is about 11 MXN (under $1 USD). The ride from central Guadalajara takes 60–90 minutes with transfers, so plan accordingly.

The Mi Macro operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended service during major events.

“Ride al Estadio” — The Official World Cup Shuttle

For the World Cup, an official shuttle service called Ride al Estadio will operate from 10 pickup points across the city. A note: you must already have your match ticket to purchase this pass.

Departure zones:

  • Auditorio Telmex
  • Plaza Patria
  • Plaza Vía Viva
  • Paseo de Gracia (zona Universidad)
  • Titanes
  • Expo Guadalajara
  • Zona Galerías
  • Zona San Ignacio
  • Zona Chapultepec
  • Zona Aviación

Tickets cost 500 MXN per person (~$25 USD) and are sold through Boleto Móvil at boletomovil.com/guadalajara-fwc-2026. Sales opened April 28 and spots are limited, so buy ahead. The service is fully accessible — people with disabilities can note their needs at the time of purchase.

Practical Info and Match Day Tips

Costs and Travel Times at a Glance

  • Uber/DiDi from city center: 150–250 MXN / $8–13 USD / 25–35 min (normal traffic)
  • Uber from GDL airport to stadium: 200–350 MXN / $12–20 USD / 35–50 min
  • Official airport taxi: $15–25 USD fixed rate
  • Mi Macro Periférico BRT: 11 MXN / under $1 USD / 60–90 min from centro
  • Official World Cup shuttle (Ride al Estadio): 500 MXN / ~$25 USD

Tips for Match Day

Traffic around Zapopan thickens 2–3 hours before kickoff. If you’re going to the Mexico match on June 18, treat it like New Year’s Eve — arrive early, stay flexible. The stadium gates open 3 hours before the game.

After the match, the roads around the stadium can back up for 2–3 hours. The Mi Macro and the Andador Chivas are your best escape routes if you want to move quickly.

Always use the Uber or DiDi app — never accept rides from strangers offering informal transport outside the stadium. Keep your phone charged and your match ticket accessible (digital or printed).

Preguntas Frecuentes / Frequently Asked Questions

Is there direct public transport from GDL airport to Estadio Akron? Not directly. The quickest option from the airport is Uber or DiDi (30–50 min, $12–20 USD). Public buses require 2 or more transfers and take close to 2 hours.

Can I use Uber in Guadalajara? Yes. Uber and DiDi are widely available, reliable, and safe throughout the city. They’re the most recommended option for international visitors. Always confirm your driver’s name and plate before getting in.

Do I need a match ticket to take the official World Cup shuttle? Yes. The Ride al Estadio shuttle is exclusively for ticketholders. You must have your entry ticket before purchasing a shuttle pass at boletomovil.com/guadalajara-fwc-2026.

How much does it cost to get to the stadium by bus? The Mi Macro Periférico fare is about 11 MXN (under $1 USD). Get off at Estadio Chivas station and follow the Andador Chivas to the gates — about a 10-minute walk.

Can I drive and park at the stadium? Parking on-site is extremely limited during World Cup matches and largely reserved for media and staff. Driving is not recommended. Use Uber, the BRT, or the official shuttle instead.

Ready to Head to the Game?

Getting to Guadalajara Stadium takes a bit of coordination, but it’s completely doable — and honestly part of the experience. Whether you’re arriving from GDL airport, coming from Puerto Vallarta, or heading out from a hotel in Chapultepec, there’s a route that works for you.

Save this guide before match day, share it with whoever’s coming with you, and spend your energy on what matters: cheering loud and eating well. And if you have extra time in the city between games, explore more of what Guadalajara offers — from a trip on the Tequila Express to the craft markets of Tlaquepaque, there’s plenty to discover beyond the stadium.

Check out our 5-day Guadalajara itinerary and our guide to the best experiences near the city to make the most of your trip.