FIFA World Cup road trippers could clog Atlanta streets
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More than 18% of Americans are planning road trips to next year's FIFA World Cup matches.
Why it matters: That could mean big traffic jams for host cities, including perpetually clogged Atlanta and the suburbs, during the monthlong tournament.
By the numbers: Among modes of travel to the World Cup cities, the top choice highlighted in a survey from ParkMobile was traveling by car (47%), followed by plane (30%), train (3%) and bus (2%).
Context: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — which will drop the automaker's name and branding during the World Cup to follow FIFA guidelines — will host eight matches.
- Atlanta's first match kicks off Monday, June 15.
Zoom in: The Georgia Department of Transportation has planned a road-repaving blitz that could last until September or October, agency spokesperson Natalie Dale told WSB-TV in May.
- Crews will work overnight shifts on basically every interstate in the metro Atlanta, Dale said.
State of play: City and host committee officials are guiding fans toward public transportation as improvements are made ahead of next summer's tournament.
- The city of Atlanta is spending $120 million to resurface Downtown streets and repair sidewalks to handle the tornado of activity expected near MBS.
- A MARTA spokesperson told Axios that some transit agencies are discussing whether charter buses could shuttle people from the suburbs closer to the city.
Zoom in: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport plans to increase staff available to accommodate the surge in travelers. Area private airports are also preparing for an influx of VIPs.
Yes, but: Brookwood Amtrak station might not exactly be humming. According to Amtrak's schedule, only two trains — one from New Orleans, the other from Charlotte — will arrive at the station on the Friday before Atlanta's first match.
By the numbers: Only 12% of respondents to ParkMobile's survey said they prefer to take public transit to major events.
- Almost 90% of attendees from outside the host cities report a willingness to pay more for reserved, off-street parking during the World Cup compared to 80% of locals.
What's next: Atlanta will learn which countries will play here when FIFA draws matches in December.
- The first 2026 World Cup match in the U.S. kicks off June 12 in Los Angeles.