Soccer Stadium Parking FAQs: Matchday Questions Answered 

Heading to a major soccer match is exciting, but driving to the stadium can turn any fan’s day stressful. Between sold-out lots, traffic jams, and high prices, finding parking close to the stadium can feel impossible.

Using airport parking lots is a little-known travel hack, but it’s often the easiest choice for US fans. Airports are well-connected with taxis, shuttles and public transport. Quite often, they’re not far from the stadium either. This guide answers the most common matchday parking questions, explores costs, and explains why airport lots are a great alternative. 

For more travel planning tips, check out our guide to the best travel cards, and the busiest travel days of the year.

Soccer Stadium Parking FAQs

1. Should I Park at the Stadium on Matchday?

Almost all U.S. soccer stadiums have official parking on matchday. At first glance, it seems easy. Just drive there, park, and head inside. But it’s often not that simple.

Many stadium lots require you to buy a pass in advance. You usually can’t just pay when you arrive. Prices also go up for big matches, especially during major tournaments or rivalry games.

Even with a parking pass, traffic can be heavy. Roads near the stadium fill up fast. You may sit in long lines of cars before kick-off. After the match, the same thing happens. Thousands of fans try to leave at once, which can mean long waits just to exit the lot.

For large tournament games, parking often sells out well ahead of time. If you wait too long, you may have to search for other options. Off-site stadium parking can cost less, has more availability, and is still easy to access from the stadium. 

2. How Much Does Official Stadium Parking Cost?

Official stadium parking at major U.S. soccer venues is rarely cheap. On matchday, prices are often much higher than normal daily rates. In most cities, fans can expect to pay about $35 to $100 per car for a regular fixture. For major tournaments and international games, it can cost up to $300. 

Prices also rise for high-demand matches. Rivalry games, playoff matches, and major tournament fixtures draw more fans. Weekend and evening kick-offs can push prices up too. 

3. Is Stadium Parking Usually Sold Out?

Yes, stadium parking often sells out. This is common for big soccer matches and major tournaments. Most stadiums don’t have enough on-site parking for every fan, so spaces fill up fast once tickets go on sale. In some cases, parking passes sell out days, weeks, or even months before matchday!

For major games, many fans arrive hours before kick-off. That means nearby lots can fill even earlier in the day. Some nearby hotels and private garages also save spaces for guests or customers. This leaves fewer spots for the public.

4. How Much Do Taxis Cost?

If you were to park at the airport and take a taxi to the stadium, here’s how much it would cost:

For major international tournaments, official stadium parking can be anywhere from $90 to $300. If you need the oversize lots, you could pay up to $780! In these cases, parking at the airport and using a taxi is much more cost effective. 

Just be mindful that if you use rideshares, prices can surge after the final whistle. Book with a taxi service in advance of the game to avoid this.

*Airport Parking Reservations’ daily rates provide a simple, competitively priced alternative. Pricing can vary on availability and reservation dates.
*Taxi fare estimates from: TaxiFareFinder

5. What Time Should I Get to the Airport on Matchday?

If you’re flying out for the game, aim to arrive about two to three hours before kick-off. That gives you a comfortable buffer from potential delays.

Arriving early makes parking easier, especially if you’re using a shuttle or off-site lot. You’ll have plenty of time to transfer and get into the city without feeling rushed. Matchday crowds are large, so extra time helps you get around busy stations, security lines, and the bustle around the stadium.

Evening matches can be trickier. Rush-hour traffic can slow access roads and city routes to the stadium. If your match starts around this time, it’s even more important to plan ahead. If you set off earlier, you’ll still have plenty of time to soak in the stadium atmosphere before the whistle. 

6. Why Would I Park at the Airport Instead of the Stadium?

Airports are built for onward transport. There’s clear lanes, multiple access roads and staff to keep cars moving. Many airport lots are secure long-term facilities, so your vehicle is safe while you enjoy the game. Trains, shuttles, and rideshare options can get you to the stadium without dealing with the usual matchday congestion. By starting your trip with parking at the airport, you can avoid the gridlock around the stadium and begin your journey from a place built for smooth traffic flow. This makes the whole matchday experience easier.

7. How Can I Get to the Stadium from an Airport Parking Lot?

Once you park at the airport, getting to the stadium is usually simple thanks to multiple transportation options. Major U.S. airports connect to downtown areas or stadium districts via metro or light rail, so you can skip traffic and arrive on time. Some cities also offer regional trains that drop you near the stadium.

For big events, local organizers sometimes run shuttles timed around kick-off. Some cities have park-and-ride programs that let you bypass congested fan zones. With these options, airport parking can be a simple way to reach the stadium while avoiding the usual headaches of traffic and sold-out lots.

8. Are Airports Close to Major Soccer Stadiums?

Yes, many major U.S. soccer stadiums are close to airports, making airport parking a smart choice for traveling fans. The Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco and Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles are just a few miles from the airport. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle are easily reached by public transport too. 

Parking at the airport avoids crowded stadium lots and high prices. You can reach the stadium quickly, park in a secure lot, and still have lots of time to settle in before kick-off.

9. Airport Parking During the Soccer Cup Season: Should I Reserve Early?

During major soccer tournaments in the US, demand for parking spikes. Over time, this reaches airport lots too. As fans travel from across the country, spaces fill up fast, nearby hotels often sell out, and costs climb as match day draws near. 

Advance reservations give you many advantages. It guarantees a spot and stops you scrambling for last-minute options. It’s often cheaper to book parking early. Leaving it late can mean paying much more or having to park much farther from the airport or stadium.

10. What About Post-Match Traffic?

Post-match traffic is often the worst part of going to a big soccer game. The match is over, excitement fading, and the roads are packed. Rideshare prices often spike as thousands try to leave at once. This is where airport parking really helps. 

Parking at the airport lets you skip the worst of this congestion. With public transport links and direct taxi routes to and from the airport, you can leave calmly and quickly. Instead of rushing out of the stands to avoid the post-game chaos, you can get back to your car quickly and comfortably. 

Matchday Parking Made Simple

If you’re traveling for a major soccer event in the US, stadium parking isn’t your only option.

Airport parking can give you:

• Predictable pricing
• Secure lots
• Easier arrival and exit
• Simple transit connections
• Less matchday stress

Reserve your soccer parking today, and enjoy the game with peace of mind.

Main image: Marcos Moraes – Unsplash