The 2026 World Cup tournament will be unlike anything Boston has experienced before. If you’re flying into Logan International Airport to attend a match at Gillette Stadium, your biggest challenge will not be finding your seat. It will be getting there smoothly.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tens of thousands of international and domestic fans will land in Boston within tight arrival windows. Roads leading south toward Foxborough will experience significant pre-match and post-match congestion. Public transportation will be crowded. Rideshare pricing will fluctuate. Airport pickup zones will be busier than usual.
This guide is written specifically for World Cup 2026 visitors. It breaks down distance, travel time, transportation types, pricing logic, pros, cons, and what makes sense depending on your group size and travel style.
If you’re flying into Boston for a match, this will help you plan properly.
How Far Is Logan Airport from Gillette Stadium?
The driving distance between Logan International Airport and Gillette Stadium is approximately 28 to 32 miles, depending on the route taken. Most drivers travel via I-90 (Mass Pike) or I-93, then connect to I-95 South before exiting onto Route 1 toward Foxborough. On a normal weekday without any major events, the journey typically takes between 50 and 65 minutes.
However, during a 2026 World Cup match day, that same drive can stretch to 75–120 minutes or more, particularly within the two hours leading up to kickoff. The distance itself is not the challenge. The real variable is congestion. International flight arrival waves, heightened security screening near the stadium, limited designated drop-off areas, and heavy post-match traffic along Route 1 all contribute to slower travel times.
What Is the Nearest Airport to Gillette Stadium?
The closest major international airport to Gillette Stadium is Logan International Airport in Boston. Logan serves as New England’s primary aviation hub, handling long-haul international flights, major U.S. domestic routes, and a high daily passenger volume across multiple terminals with global airline coverage.
The majority of international football fans attending matches in Foxborough are expected to arrive through Logan. That makes the Logan-to-Foxborough corridor the central ground transportation route for tournament visitors. While there are smaller regional airports in Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island, they manage far fewer international arrivals and offer limited long-haul options. For most World Cup travelers, Logan is the most practical and realistic entry point.
Best Ways to Get from Logan Airport to Gillette Stadium
There is no single perfect transportation option for the World Cup 2026. The best choice depends on your group size, budget, comfort expectations, schedule flexibility, and tolerance for match-day traffic delays. Below is a detailed breakdown of each transportation option for the World Cup 2026.
1. Private Car Service
Private car service is one of the most reliable options for traveling from Logan International Airport to Gillette Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. It typically accommodates 1 to 5 passengers, depending on whether you book a sedan or SUV. On a normal day, travel time averages 50 to 65 minutes, but on match days you should expect 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Pricing is higher than public transit, usually ranging from mid to premium tier depending on vehicle type and demand, but pre-booked services often avoid surge fluctuations.
The main advantages include door-to-door pickup, flight tracking, professional drivers, luggage assistance, and no transfers. This makes it ideal for couples, families with children, business travelers, and international visitors arriving after long flights. The downside is cost compared to train options, and traffic delays still apply during peak arrival windows. Overall, private car service offers comfort, predictability, and lower stress during a high-demand global event, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing convenience over budget savings.
2. Charter Bus for Groups
Charter bus transportation is the most practical solution for medium to large groups attending World Cup matches together. Depending on vehicle size, passenger capacity typically ranges from 15 to 81 people. Travel time mirrors other road-based options, averaging 75 to 120 minutes on match days due to congestion. Pricing is structured hourly or event-based, with total costs appearing higher upfront but becoming economical when divided per passenger.
The biggest advantage is coordination. Everyone travels together, luggage fits in dedicated storage bays, and arrival and departure timing can be planned in advance. This eliminates the need to split into multiple cars or manage several rideshare pickups. It is particularly suitable for supporter clubs, corporate hospitality groups, extended families, and international travel delegations. The primary drawback is the need for early booking, as availability during the World Cup will be limited. Additionally, total cost may not make sense for small groups. For organized fan groups, however, charter buses provide structure, efficiency, and a smoother collective experience during one of the largest sporting events in the world.
3. MBTA Train + Commuter Rail
Public transportation through Boston’s subway and commuter rail network is the most budget-friendly way to travel between Logan Airport and Gillette Stadium. Passengers typically take an airport shuttle or transit connection into Boston, transfer to the subway, and then board a commuter rail service toward Foxborough. Travel time generally ranges from 90 to 120 minutes or more, especially during major events when trains are crowded.
The cost is significantly lower than private transport options, making it attractive for solo travelers or fans on a tight budget. The main advantages include affordability and avoiding road congestion near stadium parking areas. However, the disadvantages include multiple transfers, fixed schedules, limited luggage space, and less flexibility if you miss a connection. After the match, trains may be crowded and departure times limited. This option works best for independent travelers comfortable navigating transit systems and carrying minimal luggage. Families, larger groups, or international visitors unfamiliar with Boston’s transit layout may find it less convenient during a high-demand event like the FIFA World Cup.
4. Rideshare / Taxi
Rideshare services and traditional taxis provide flexible, point-to-point transportation from Logan Airport to Gillette Stadium. Passenger capacity typically ranges from 1 to 6 riders depending on vehicle type. On non-event days, travel time averages 50 to 65 minutes, but during World Cup match days it can increase to 60 to 90 minutes or longer. Pricing varies significantly and is subject to dynamic surge rates, especially during peak arrival periods and post-match departure windows.
The main advantages include convenience, on-demand booking, and no transfers. This option suits small groups, last-minute planners, or travelers seeking flexibility without pre-arranging service. However, disadvantages include unpredictable pricing, potential pickup delays at Logan’s designated rideshare zones, and heavy traffic congestion near Route 1. Post-match pickup coordination can also be challenging due to restricted traffic flow. While rideshare remains accessible and widely used, it carries more uncertainty during major global events. Travelers who prefer predictable costs and guaranteed timing may want to consider booking transportation in advance rather than relying solely on app-based availability.
What Is the Best Option for Group Travel from Logan to Gillette Stadium?
The best option for group travel from Logan to Gillette Stadium during the 2026 World Cup depends primarily on how many people are traveling together. For one or two passengers, a private car service offers comfort and direct airport pickup. Groups of three to six often find an SUV or executive van more practical, providing extra luggage space and shared cost efficiency. For ten or more passengers, a charter bus becomes the most organized and cost-effective solution, keeping everyone together and simplifying arrival logistics.
Solo budget travelers may prefer public transit, accepting longer travel times in exchange for lower cost. During a high-demand global event, pre-arranged transportation significantly reduces stress and uncertainty. As group size increases, consolidating everyone into one vehicle becomes the most efficient and reliable strategy for both arrival and post-match departure.
Is It Safe to Rent a Charter Bus for Friends & Families?
Yes, renting a charter bus during a global event like the 2026 World Cup can be a safe and reliable option when booked through a professional operator. Safety becomes an even greater priority during large-scale tournaments, when roads are busier and travel logistics are more complex. Established charter bus companies operate with licensed commercial drivers, fully insured vehicles, regulated safety standards, and structured routing plans designed to handle high-traffic event environments.
Compared to coordinating multiple rideshares or relying on unfamiliar drivers, a professionally managed bus provides consistency, accountability, and clearer communication. Everyone travels together under one organized plan, which reduces confusion during airport pickup and post-match departure. For families traveling with children, large friend groups, or international visitors unfamiliar with local roads, structured transportation offers greater predictability and peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for Group Travel?
The cost of renting a charter bus for group travel depends on several key factors, including vehicle size, total booking duration, match-day demand, and whether the bus must remain on standby during the game. Larger coaches designed for 40 to 81 passengers typically cost more than minibuses, and extended hourly reservations increase the overall price. During major tournaments, event demand will raise rates compared to regular weekends due to limited vehicle availability and high booking volume.
However, when the total cost is divided among 20 to 40 passengers, the per-person expense often becomes competitive with other transportation options, especially when compared to surge-priced rideshares or multiple private vehicles.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get to Gillette Stadium?
The cheapest way to reach Gillette Stadium from Logan International Airport is public transportation using Boston’s subway system combined with commuter rail service. This option keeps overall costs significantly lower than private cars, charter buses, or rideshare services, making it attractive for solo travelers or fans on a tight budget.
The trade-off, however, includes longer total travel time, usually 90 to 120 minutes or more on match days, along with multiple transfers between airport connections, subway lines, and rail platforms. Trains are likely to be crowded before and after matches, and schedules operate at fixed departure times. If you miss the final return train after the match, late-night alternatives may be limited and more expensive. For travelers who prioritize saving money over convenience and flexibility, public transit can work well, but it requires planning, patience, and comfort navigating busy stations.
What Is the Most Expensive Way to Get to Gillette Stadium?
The most expensive way to travel from Logan International Airport to Gillette Stadium during the 2026 World Cup usually involves last-minute premium bookings. This can include luxury SUV reservations made close to kickoff, surge-priced rideshare requests during peak airport arrival windows, or hourly private transportation arranged without advance planning.
During a global event of this scale, demand spikes rapidly. As thousands of fans land within similar time frames, pricing algorithms adjust upward and vehicle availability tightens. The result can be significantly higher fares compared to early reservations. While these premium options offer comfort and convenience, booking late exposes travelers to unpredictable costs. Planning transportation in advance is the most effective way to avoid price surges and secure stable rates during tournament week.
