How to get to Estadio Azteca: Best ways for England fans to travel for Mexico World Cup clash

England’s World Cup 2026 campaign has taken supporters across the United States so far, but Thomas Tuchel’s side now face a very different kind of away trip.

Having topped Group L before beating DR Congo in the Round of 32, the Three Lions have booked a mouth-watering Round of 16 tie against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday, July 6.

It’s a fixture dripping in history, with England returning to the stadium where Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” ended their 1986 World Cup dreams.

This time, supporters face a different challenge altogether: getting themselves and their travel plans across an international border into one of the most partisan atmospheres world football has to offer.

Here, Football Ground Guide takes a look at the best ways for England fans to get to Estadio Azteca for their side’s blockbuster World Cup clash against Mexico.

Getting to Estadio Azteca by Public Transport

The recommended way to reach Estadio Azteca is via Mexico City’s Metro and Tren Ligero light rail network, which FIFA and city authorities are strongly encouraging fans to use given severe matchday traffic.

From central Mexico City, supporters should take Metro Line 2 to Tasquena station, then transfer to the Tren Ligero for the short journey to the dedicated Estadio Azteca station, located a short walk from the gates.

The full journey from the city centre takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and fares are low – the Metro costs just 5 pesos (around 30 cents), with the Tren Ligero costing a similar amount.

Fans will need to purchase a Mobilidad Integrada (MI) card in advance, which acts as payment across the Metro, Metrobus and Tren Ligero network.

On matchday, special direct Tasquena-Estadio Azteca services will run with no intermediate stops, operating from around four hours before kick-off. Be prepared for serious crowds, arrive at least two hours early, and consider walking to a neighbouring station after the final whistle rather than fighting the crush at Estadio Azteca itself.

From the Historic Centre: This is the simplest route of the lot – jump on Line 2 from any central station (Zocalo, Allende, Bellas Artes or Pino Suarez all work) and ride straight through to Tasquena before switching to the light rail.

From Roma-Condesa and the Insurgentes Corridor: Catch Metrobus Line 1 south to Felix Cuevas, cross over to the Insurgentes Sur Metro station on Line 12 towards Ermita, then pick up Line 2 at Ermita for the run down to Tasquena and the Tren Ligero.

From Reforma, Chapultepec and Polanco: Fans along Reforma can take the double-decker Metrobus Line 7 to Hidalgo and join Line 2 there. From Polanco, it’s a longer chain – Line 7 to Tacubaya, switch to Line 9 towards Chabacano, then onto Line 2 towards Tasquena for the final connection.

Getting to Estadio Azteca by Car

Driving to Estadio Azteca on matchday is not recommended. Supporters who do choose to drive, or use rideshare services such as Uber and DiDi, should approach via the Periferico ring road or Calzada de Tlalpan, though traffic around the stadium becomes gridlocked hours before kick-off.

A full stadium perimeter closure will be in place from around six hours before kick-off, meaning rideshare services will not be able to drop off or collect within the immediate vicinity.

Car Parking at Estadio Azteca

There is no parking available for the general public at Estadio Azteca. On-site parking is reserved for FIFA-accredited vehicles and official operations only, with the stadium and city authorities directing fans towards public transport instead.

Getting to Estadio Azteca from airport

Fans flying into Mexico City International Airport (AICM) should head for Metrobus Line 4, which runs from Terminals 1 and 2 and has extra space set aside for luggage. Ride it towards the Historic Center and hop off at San Lazaro, where you can pick up Metro Line 1 towards Pino Suarez. From there, switch onto Line 2 (Blue) and ride it all the way to Tasquena, the terminus where the Tren Ligero light rail takes over for the last stretch to Estadio Azteca station.

Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA): Board the Suburban Train (Tren Suburbano) from the airport terminal to Buenavista station in the centre, then connect onto Metro Line B towards Garibaldi. Take Line 8 to Bellas Artes, before finally joining Line 2 (Blue) towards Tasquena and the Tren Ligero.

FGG Verdict: What is the best way to get to Estadio Azteca?

For England fans heading to Mexico City for this huge Round of 16 clash, the Metro and Tren Ligero combination is comfortably the smartest option.

It sidesteps the gridlock that engulfs the roads around the stadium on matchday and drops supporters within walking distance of the gates for a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Just make sure to sort your MI card in advance and build in plenty of time – this is one World Cup away day where the journey is as much a part of the experience as the match itself.