Ride 3 Light Rail Lines: Guadalajara World Cup 2026 Transit Guide
Guadalajara runs three SITEUR light rail lines plus the Mi Macro Periférico BRT, whose 'Estadio Chivas' stop sits closest to Estadio Akron. A single ride costs about MX$9.50 (US$0.55). Here's how to get around for World Cup 2026.
Published June 21, 2026·5 min read
TL;DR: Guadalajara runs three SITEUR light rail lines plus two Mi Macro bus-rapid-transit corridors. For Estadio Akron (branded Estadio Guadalajara), ride Line 3 to Periférico Belenes, then the Mi Macro Periférico to “Estadio Chivas.” A single ride is about MX$9.50 (US$0.55) on the Mi Movilidad card.
The network at a glance
SITEUR's three light rail lines cover most of where fans stay. Line 1 runs north–south through the historic center; Line 2 cuts east from downtown; and Line 3, opened in 2020, links Zapopan in the northwest to Tlaquepaqueand Tonalá in the southeast — passing the airport-bound corridor and the stadium-side suburbs. Two Mi Macro BRT lines (Calzada and Periférico) fill the gaps, and the Mi Macro Periférico is the one that reaches Estadio Akron.
Match-day routes to the stadium
| Route | Transfer | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 3 + Mi Macro Periférico | At Periférico Belenes | 40–60 min | Cheapest; alight at “Estadio Chivas” |
| Line 1 + Mi Macro Calzada | Via central interchange | 50–70 min | Useful from southern neighborhoods |
| Rideshare / taxi | None | 25–45 min | Surges after full time; meet point off the perimeter |
The Jalisco tourism board publishes stadium transit directions and updates routes as the tournament approaches. With four group-stage matches at the venue — the last two being Colombia vs Congo DR on June 23 and Uruguay vs Spain on June 26— expect crowded platforms; arrive at least two hours before kickoff.
Paying and staying connected
Buy a rechargeable Mi Movilidad card at any station machine; it works across light rail, BRT, and feeder buses, and a single fare is about MX$9.50. Every step — checking the next train, mapping a transfer, matching a rideshare — needs data. Mexican carrier roaming runs roughly US$10–15 a day, while a travel North America eSIM on the Telcel network costs a fraction of that. Compare:
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low (US$3–25) | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High ($10–15/day) | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
FAQ
QHow many light rail lines does Guadalajara have?
AThree SITEUR light rail lines (Líneas 1, 2 and 3). Line 3 is the newest, running from Zapopan in the northwest through downtown to Tlaquepaque in the southeast.
QHow do I reach Estadio Akron by public transit?
ALine 3 to Periférico Belenes, then Mi Macro Periférico to ‘Estadio Chivas.’ From the city center, plan 40–60 minutes door to door on match days.
QHow much does Guadalajara transit cost?
AAbout MX$9.50 (US$0.55) per ride on the Mi Movilidad card. Buy and top up the card at station machines; it works across light rail, BRT and feeder buses.
QIs Uber or transit better for match days in Guadalajara?
ATransit is cheaper and dodges surge pricing; rideshare is faster off-peak. On match nights expect heavy surge, so set a rideshare meet point a few blocks from the gates.
Bottom line
Guadalajara's transit is cheap and covers most fan routes — just budget an hour and one transfer to reach Zapopan. Pair it with the stadium access guide, sort out parking and rideshare, and keep a North America eSIM running so live maps never drop.
Sources: Wikipedia — SITEUR, Wikipedia — Mi Macro Periférico, Visit Jalisco — stadium transit.