For soccer fans, following your team across the country should be an adventure, not a marathon. The roar of the crowd. The sea of team colors. The tension before kickoff. Those are the moments you signed up for. Long security lines, parking headaches, and 4 a.m. alarms? Not so much.

The difference between a draining trip and a first-class one comes down to simple planning. A well-timed hotel stay. Secure parking. Reliable transfers. Smart stadium transport. Small decisions made early can remove major stress later. When every detail works in your favor, the focus stays where it belongs: on your team.

In this sports travel guide, we’ll take a look at the best way to follow your team across the US and North America.

Skip to: 

• The Night Before: Park and Relax at an Airport Hotel
• Flight Day: Stress-Free Departures with Shuttle Services
• Arrival in the Host City: Hotel Check-In
• Traveling to the Game
• Traveling Back from the Game
• Key Fixtures & Nearest Airports
• FAQs

The Night Before: Park and Relax at an Airport Hotel

Traveling for a major soccer tournament often means juggling multiple flights, rental cars, and luggage. For a smooth trip, the planning has to take place well before take-off.

Booking a night at a comfortable airport hotel near your departure terminal is the easiest way to start your journey. Instead of a rushed pre-dawn drive, you wake up refreshed, check in with ease.

Park Sleep Fly packages include hotels at every major airport in the US, with parking included. Secure airport parking eliminates one major source of stress. Your car is safe, easily accessible, and you’re spared the scramble of last-minute parking searches.

For those investing in a better experience, this pays dividends in peace of mind. To make your sports trip go super smoothly, check out the airport travel checklist for soccer fans.

Flight Day: Stress-Free Departures with Shuttle Services

The best airport parking lots tend to offer a shuttle service. If you prefer to take a taxi or rideshare from the hotel, you can, but complimentary shuttle services are worth taking advantage of.

Just step off the shuttle bus, check your bags and breeze through security. No need to worry about traffic or unfamiliar roads before kick-off. Every moment saved is energy preserved for the game!

Arrival in the Host City: Hotel Check-In

Airport hotels aren’t just for departure cities. They’re also one of the smartest lodging strategies when you arrive for a big match.

Major stadiums are often within easy driving distance of airports, and airport hotels are built for connectivity. Downtown properties fill quickly and often come with premium pricing during tournament weeks. Airport hotels offer:

• Reliable availability (when booked early)
• Easier traffic and parking
• Faster rideshare pickups
• Direct highway connections to stadiums

For example, if you’re attending the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, staying near Newark Liberty International Airport can provide easier access and cheaper rates than Manhattan hotels. Similarly, fans heading to Hard Rock Stadium may find better value and transport options near Miami International Airport.

Make sure to book early, where possible. Airport hotels are a travel hack, but as games draw near, they fill up quickly too.

Traveling to the Game

Game day should be about anticipation, not logistics. Here’s how to make getting to and from the stadium simple:

• Use rideshares wisely: Hotels near the airport often have clear, easy pickup spots. That means less waiting and less confusion than busy downtown streets. If you’re heading out close to kick-off, check the app before you book. Prices can jump quickly during peak times.
• Arrive early: Soccer is more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s about the crowd, the songs, the food, and the shared excitement. Get there with time to spare so you can explore fan zones, grab merchandise, and soak in the build-up. When you rush, you miss the magic.
• Plan your exit: Traffic after the final whistle can be heavy, especially for semi-finals and finals. Instead of fighting the crowds, grab a bite nearby or wait a bit before calling your ride. A short delay can mean a smoother trip back. Public transit can also help you beat the traffic.

The easier the travel, the more you can focus on the chants, and the drama on the pitch.

Traveling Back from the Game

If you return to an airport hotel instead of the city center, you can sidestep much of the gridlock after full-time. Highways leading toward airports are often designed to handle steady traffic flow. Downtown routes funnel thousands of fans into a smaller network of streets.

There’s also a great advantage the next morning. If you have an early flight, you’re already staying close to the terminal. No long cross-city transfer. No surprise delays. No cutting it close at security.

Airport hotels offer late check-in, simple parking access, and quick shuttle service. This makes things easy and helps to bring the energy down after the match. You can relax and recharge, and relive the best moments of the game. No need to worry about the next leg of your journey.

Key Fixtures and Nearest Airports

If you’re planning a trip to the soccer tournament, we’ve made a guide to when the biggest matches are being played. Planning ahead makes following your team through the final stages much more exciting.

The key to a first-class sports trip is to start the experience before you board the plane. From a calm evening at an airport hotel to secure parking and free shuttles, every touchpoint matters. This way, you arrive at the games relaxed, energized, and ready to cheer.

Take the stress out of sports travel, and reserve your tournament hotels and parking with ParkSleepFly.

FAQs

Is it better to follow my team by driving or by flying?

It depends on distance, time, and budget. If the match is a few hours away, driving can give you flexibility and save money. For cross-country games, flying is usually faster and far less tiring. If you want to arrive rested and ready, flying plus an airport hotel stay is often the smoother choice.

How early should I book airport hotels for big matches?

As soon as the schedule is confirmed. Major tournaments cause a surge in demand, especially near stadiums. Booking early gives you better rates and more room options.

How early should I arrive at the stadium?

Plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kick-off. This gives you time to clear security, find your seat, explore fan areas, and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere without rushing.

What’s the best way to avoid post-game traffic?

Wait it out. Grab food, enjoy the atmosphere, or let crowds thin before calling a rideshare. Staying near major highways or close to the airport can also shorten your return trip. Public transport is another easy workaround.

Should I rent a car in the host city?

If your hotel, stadium, and airport are well connected by shuttle or rideshare, you may not need one. For cities with spread-out venues or multiple match days, a rental car can add flexibility.

How can I keep travel stress low during a multi-game trip?

Build in buffer time. Avoid tight flight connections. Stay near the airport before early departures, and keep your transportation plan simple. The fewer moving parts, the better the experience.

Main image: Fancy Crave – Unsplash