Written by Jason S. Sullivan

Looking for World Cup Travel Hacks? Trust the Locals Instead

World Cup soccer is coming to Arlington, bringing thousands of international visitors. While matches will be played at AT&T Stadium here in Arlington, FIFA has officially rebranded the venue as “Dallas Stadium” for the tournament, deferring to the more globally recognized host city. This connection—and disconnection—is likely confusing for visitors, especially with nine matches packed into 30 days and a constant, overlapping influx of travelers.

As people plan their trips, they need real guidance on where to stay, play, and eat. I recently came across a travel article pitching “World Cup travel hacks,” which encouraged tourists to skip marquee host cities and stay near the stadiums instead. It highlighted six smaller cities—including Arlington.

While I agree with staying in Arlington instead of commuting from Dallas or elsewhere, the article itself was thin, misleading, and written by someone who has never set foot in North Texas. I was disappointed that the Arlington CVB shared it on social media because visitors deserve to be better informed.

For reference, here’s what the article recommended:

Though it sounds like an easy, carefree itinerary, locals know it’s a logistical jigsaw puzzle, especially for a first-time visitor potentially from out of the country.

Here’s the reality:

Restaurants

While Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Café Americana, and Prince Lebanese Grill are beloved local spots, they are spread out. Smoke’N Ash, renowned for its Texas BBQ and Ethiopian fusion, is a ten-mile trek south of the stadium with little else around it—you won’t be dropping in there for a quick bite before or after the game. Café Americana is downtown and closer to the stadium with things to do nearby, but you wouldn’t know it from the article. Prince Lebanese Grill is closest to the stadium, but it’s not a walkable route. While Arlington has outstanding international cuisine, when visiting Texas, traditional BBQ and Tex-Mex are a must.

Attractions

To be fair, the three attractions listed are adequate highlights and are in fairly close walking distance of each other and the stadium. The Arlington Museum of Art has a smallish exhibit—”More than a Match: Art of the Game”—that soccer fans would enjoy. However, I don’t know that the National Medal of Honor Museum would typically interest international soccer fans, and Texas Live! is essentially just a massive, crowded sports bar showing the very game you’re there to see.

Hotel

Caravan Court Hotel is a new boutique spot scheduled to open on June 1st. However, we’re less than three weeks away from the first game, and construction is still lingering. Though they are accepting reservations, I personally wouldn’t want to book my World Cup lodging at a place that isn’t even open yet.

Transportation & Logistics

The article devoted fewer than 40 words to transportation, offering Arlington On-Demand (a shuttle bus) as their sole advice for getting to the stadium. If you’re coming from somewhere with established public transit and expect to find that mirrored here, you’ll be vastly disappointed. Logistics will be the biggest obstacle for visitors. A rental car is almost mandatory if you plan on doing anything outside of Arlington.

With rental cars, though, realize that parking prices at “Dallas Stadium” will be outrageous (borderline predatory) and the lots empty very slowly. Ubers or other ride-share are an option, but expect limited availability and heavy surge pricing during peak hours, alongside congestion and road construction everywhere.

And, despite our best efforts, there isn’t an easy, direct public transit route between the two cities or even around our own. Someone staying outside of Arlington may need a gymnastics routine of Ubers, trains, buses, and walking in the Texas heat to get to their destinations. Organizers may promise a seamless experience, but it seems confusing to me—and I live here. If you use the regional public transit while you’re here, expect crowded, sometimes spotty connections that require time, patience, and planning.

Geography

Visitors must realize the sheer size of the area. The article’s biggest misfire is the total disregard of North Texas geography. Arlington isn’t a sleepy suburb or a neighborhood tucked inside Dallas. It is a sprawling city of 400,000 people located 20 miles west of Dallas. And here in the Metroplex—the name of this giant area—20 miles never equals 20 minutes.

Plus, some first-time visitors assume “Dallas-Fort Worth” is one city because of the airport’s name, but they are two huge, separate cities with downtowns 30 miles apart and Arlington sitting right in the middle. There are fan events spanning the whole region, but adding multiple cities to your itinerary requires additional planning, time, and expense.

Fun Fact: The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is larger in size and population than some states or countries.

To add to the confusion: DFW Airport is neither in Dallas nor Fort Worth—or Arlington. But that’s the massive, ultra-busy hub you’ll probably use. Dallas Love Field is an option, but it’s much further away, even though it’s actually in Dallas. Arlington has an airport, too, yet you probably won’t be using it. (Hopefully, you’ve already booked your flight and chose the correct airport!)

The Verdict: Stay in Arlington, But Do It Smart

Should you stay in Arlington when visiting for the World Cup? Absolutely—it’s your best bet. Being closer to the game eliminates many of the transportation and logistical issues, and the city genuinely has incredible things to offer.

Realize that navigating here won’t be as simple as clicking a few links or downloading an app. The reality of getting around North Texas is complex, and even for locals, finding the “perfect” way to experience it takes time and research. Skip the glossy, high-level “hacks” written from an office far away. (This blog post isn’t a “hack,” and I’ve lived in Arlington for nearly 20 years.) Keep your plans flexible, do your own research—better yet, do as the locals do—and remember that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is impossible to fully explore in the short time you’ll be here.

My biggest recommendation is this: Fly into DFW Airport and use the transportation they offer and recommend to get to your hotel in Arlington, knowing that getting there will be the hardest part. The trek might not be glamorous or fast, but it will get you where you need to be.

And stick to exploring one city, maybe two. May I suggest Arlington and possibly Grand Prairie, our smaller neighbor to the east. They’re the closest together and offer plenty. Use Arlington On-Demand and/or Uber to get around, as they will be less expensive than a rental car, gas, and parking, and likely more efficient than the piecemeal public transportation package that has been hobbled together.

Arlington’s Entertainment District has a lot to offer, but it’s touristy, congested, expensive, and limited. Downtown is only a couple of miles south of there and geared more for the locals. It’s here you’ll find a large, vibrant cluster of unique restaurants, bars, attractions, and shopping, all within walking distance of each other.

  • Eat: Get the famous Irish Nachos at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill—who will also likely run an inexpensive shuttle to the stadium on match days.
  • Drink: Grab a great local beer at Division Brewing.
  • Experience: Catch a live concert at Levitt Pavilion or the historic Arlington Music Hall, and enjoy the vibrant public art throughout the area.

Downtown Arlington has plenty to see and do for a visitor looking for an authentic World Cup experience without the large crowds or excessive traveling.

Arlington welcomes you, and we’re glad you’re here. Enjoy the games and our city!

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-28-26

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