Houston-area transit riders can expect more frequent trains, expanded bus service and extended operating hours during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO).
METRO announced plans to increase service across its system from June 7 through July 11, 2026, to accommodate the influx of visitors expected for the international tournament while continuing to serve daily riders.
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“Our approach is not to build a system just for the event, but to strengthen the one Houston relies on every day and scale it to meet global demand without compromising service for our regular riders,” METRO said in a statement.
METRORail will operate extended hours until midnight throughout the tournament.
On the Red Line, trains will run every six minutes during peak travel periods and every 12 minutes late at night.
Green and Purple Line trains will operate every 12 minutes with extended service hours through midnight.
METRO said local bus routes will see increased frequency and extended service hours along key corridors and activity centers.
Park & Ride service will also expand during the World Cup, operating seven days a week with extended hours and more frequent service.
Off-peak Park & Ride routes will run every 30 minutes until midnight.
Airport connections
Visitors arriving in Houston can use METRO’s 500 Downtown Direct service, which connects George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport with downtown Houston.
The route operates every 30 minutes and costs $4.50 for a one-way trip.
Additional security and rider assistance
METRO plans to stage additional vehicles at high-demand locations throughout the transit system to handle increased ridership.
The agency will also increase police presence in coordination with regional law enforcement partners. Officials said a unified command structure will allow for real-time communication and rapid response during the tournament.
METRO Ambassadors will be stationed at key transit hubs and stations to assist riders and visitors.
Despite the service enhancements, METRO said fares will remain unchanged during the World Cup.
The transit agency has spent months coordinating with the City of Houston, regional partners, law enforcement agencies and event organizers to prepare transportation and traffic plans ahead of the tournament.
Officials said the improvements are intended to leave a lasting impact on Houston’s transit network beyond the World Cup, creating a safer, more reliable and more accessible system for residents in the years ahead.