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.

As people plan their trips, they need real guidance on where to stay, play, and eat. I recently saw 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.

In short, the article failed to consider the actual locations of its restaurant recommendations, some of the attractions likely won’t appeal to international soccer fans, the hotel they mentioned isn’t even open yet, and the sole transportation method referenced simply won’t cut it. By devoting fewer than 40 words to transit, the article completely missed the reality that logistics will be the biggest obstacle for visitors. If you’re coming from somewhere with established public transit and expect to find that mirrored here, you’ll be vastly disappointed.

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 midway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

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 prescribed regional public transit while you’re here, expect crowded, sometimes spotty connections that require time, patience, and planning.

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 recommendations are these:

  • 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.
  • Skip the rental car unless you plan on traveling out of Arlington. While not perfect, Arlington On-Demand and other rideshare 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.
  • 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. There are events planned and things to do across the area, but getting there might prove difficult.
  • Venture outside of Arlington’s Entertainment District. While it has a lot to offer, it’s touristy, congested, expensive, and limited. Downtown is only a couple of miles south of there and geared more for the locals. There, you’ll find a large, vibrant cluster of unique restaurants, bars, attractions, and shopping, all within walking distance of each other.

Other tips:

  • 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.

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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