World Cup Boosts Record Tri-Rail Ridership

(Press Release) The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) reported that Tri-Rail recorded its highest Saturday ridership on June 27, 2026, with more than 11,000 rides on the day of the World Cup match between Portugal and Colombia in Miami.

“When the world's biggest sporting event comes to South Florida, Tri-Rail is delivering for fans every step of the way,” said Diane Hernandez Del Calvo, SFRTA Interim Executive Director. “We're proud to be helping residents and visitors enjoy this historic event.”

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World Cup activities have boosted Tri-Rail ridership this summer, a time when rides normally dip as the system loses student commuters during summer break. Tri-Rail has averaged just under 14,000 weekday rides in June, yet the two weekdays when World Cup matches were held saw significant increases. On Monday, June 15, more than 15,000 passengers rode the train, and on Wednesday, June 24, the system recorded nearly 17,000 rides. The system recorded its second highest Sunday on June 21, 2026, on the date of the Uruguay vs. Cape Verde match.

Fan Festival activities, scheduled from June 13 through July 5, have also helped increase ridership at MiamiCentral Station, as hundreds of people travel by train each day to Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. The station recorded more than 1,200 rides on June 24 and more than 1,100 on June 27, the two busiest days at the station since Tri-Rail began service there in January 2024.

“The World Cup has shown just how valuable public transportation is for moving large crowds safely and efficiently throughout South Florida,” added Ms. Hernandez Del Calvo. “With more games still to come, we look forward to helping thousands more passengers score an easy ride to all the excitement.”

There is still a week of Fan Festival activities remaining, along with three more tournament matches in Miami. To accommodate fans traveling to the stadium, Tri-Rail has added express trains to its regular schedule on match days, with shuttle service to the stadium available from Golden Glades Station. Special return trains depart post-game, as well as from MiamiCentral Station following the conclusion of Fan Festival activities each day. Posted Fan Festival schedules are subject to change.

Soccer has helped Tri-Rail score big this year, as the system also announced last month its record-breaking
Sunday on May 17 following an Inter Miami CF match at the new Miami Freedom Park,.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive early to help avoid lines. For more information about taking Tri-Rail to World Cup events and soccer matches, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245) or visit www.tri-rail.com.
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