Getting to the stadium is half the World Cup experience, and each of the 16 host cities has its own way of moving fans around. Some have excellent metro systems, others rely on buses and fan shuttles, and a few are best explored on foot. The good news is that every host city has planned special transport for the tournament, with extra services on match days. This guide explains the options city by city, so you can plan your journeys and avoid the most common transport mistakes.

Metro systems: the fastest way in big cities

Several host cities have metro or light rail systems that are the best way to reach the stadium. New York's subway, Mexico City's metro, Toronto's TTC, Vancouver's SkyTrain and Monterrey's Metrorrey all serve their stadiums directly or with a short walk. In American cities, the light rail in Houston, Dallas, Seattle and Los Angeles connects the stadium with downtown and the airport. Buy a travel card or a day pass in advance, and top it up before match day, because the ticket machines at stadium stations will have long queues. On match days, trains run more frequently and for longer hours.

Buses: the workhorse of the tournament

Where there is no metro, buses do the heavy lifting. Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia all run extra bus services on match days, connecting downtown, park-and-ride sites and the stadium. In Mexico, the bus networks in Guadalajara and Monterrey are extensive and cheap, though they can be confusing for visitors: ask your hotel for the right route, or use a rideshare service for the last leg. Buses are slower than trains, so allow extra time, especially after the match when thousands of fans are leaving at once.

Fan shuttles: the official match-day service

Every host city will run official fan shuttles on match days, connecting fan zones, transport hubs and stadiums. These are usually free or cheap, and they are the simplest option if you do not know the city well. Shuttle stops are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to direct fans. The shuttles run for several hours before and after the match, but the queues after the final whistle can be long. If you are in no hurry, stay in the fan zone for an hour after the match and let the crowds thin out before you head for the shuttle.

Rideshare, taxis and walking

Rideshare services operate in almost every host city, but expect surge pricing and long waits around stadiums on match days. Most stadiums have designated pick-up and drop-off zones, which are usually a walk away from the gates to keep traffic moving. Taxis are a good option in Mexico, where they are cheap and plentiful, but always use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than unmarked cars. Walking is often the best option in compact host cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where the stadium, the fan zones and the hotels are all close together.

Travelling between host cities

Moving between host cities is a bigger challenge than getting around one city. Domestic flights are the fastest option for most routes, with frequent services between the major American hubs. Some city pairs are close enough for a train or a bus: New York to Philadelphia is about two hours by train, and Toronto to Montreal is a similar journey, though Montreal is not a host city. In Mexico, domestic flights connect the three host cities in one to two hours. Book inter-city travel early, because flights and trains fill up fast once the match schedule is known.

Match-day transport checklist

Before match day, download the local transport app, buy your travel card, and plan your route to the stadium and back. Leave at least an hour more than you think you need, because crowds and security checks add time. Keep your phone charged, since you will need it for tickets, maps and rideshare apps. Agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated, and carry some cash for buses and taxis that do not take cards. Above all, be patient: millions of fans will be using the same systems, and a relaxed attitude is the best way to enjoy the journey.