Soccer Shuttle

Soccer Shuttle Logo

The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Visit The Woodlands, First Class Transportation and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), is offering the Soccer Shuttle, a dedicated transportation service connecting The Woodlands to Houston Stadium (NRG) for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches. 

The Soccer Shuttle is available exclusively to individuals with a valid FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ticket. A shuttle reservation is required in advance and riders must present proof of their game-day ticket to board. Walk-up passengers and standard Express bus tickets will not be accepted.

Need assistance? Have questions? Call 281-590-8800.

Reservations

Reserve Your Seat

You must have a valid FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ticket to make a reservation. 

Departure Locations & Parking

Passengers may choose from three convenient departure locations in The Woodlands:

  • The Woodlands Resort, 2301 N. Millbend Dr.
    Follow Soccer Shuttle directional signage for parking. Parking at this location is complimentary. This location will provide a PINK colored wristband, required for both departure and return shuttles. 

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing, 1855 Hughes Landing Blvd.
    Follow Soccer Shuttle direction signage for parking. Some parking lots at this location may require payment. This location will provide a GREEN colored wristband, required for both departure and return shuttles. 

  • Sawdust Park and Ride, 701 Westridge Dr.
    Parking is complimentary at this location. This location will provide an ORANGE colored wristband, required for both departure and return shuttles.  

Parking is provided for convenience only. The Woodlands Township, participating hotels, and service partners assume no responsibility or liability for any loss, theft, or damage to vehicles or personal property. Individuals who choose to park in designated or overflow areas do so at their own risk. Availability of parking is not guaranteed. All vehicles must comply with posted rules, restrictions, and instructions from onsite staff.  

Houston Match Schedule

  • Sunday, June 14 at noon — Germany vs. Curaçao
  • Wednesday, June 17 at noon — Portugal vs. Congo DR
  • Saturday, June 20 at noon — Netherlands vs. Sweden
  • Tuesday, June 23 at noon — Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
  • Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. — Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
  • Monday, June 29 at noon — Round of 32 match
  • Saturday, July 4 at noon — Round of 16 match 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Soccer Shuttle?
    The Soccer Shuttle is a dedicated transportation service from The Woodlands to Houston Stadium (NRG) for FIFA World Cup 26TM matches, providing a convenient option for ticket holders and authorized volunteers.

  2. Who can ride the Soccer Shuttle?
    Only individuals with a valid World Cup game ticket may ride the Soccer Shuttle. You must present proof of your game ticket to board. This includes children.  Alternatively, if you are a FIFA World Cup 26TM   volunteer or employee, you must make a shuttle reservation and present proof of volunteer or employee status in order to ride the shuttle.

  3. Why do I need a valid FIFA World Cup 26TM   match ticket to ride?
    The bus drops off passengers inside the Houston Stadium gates, therefore, all passengers must have a valid ticket or valid FIFA World Cup 26TM  volunteer/employee credentials.

  4. Do I need a reservation?
    Yes. A reservation is required to ride the shuttle. Walk ups and standard Express bus tickets WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

  5. When do reservations open?
    The reservation portal through our Fare Harbor system will open on May 1, 2026.

  6. How do I make a reservation?
    Reservations can be made online at woodlandstransit.com/soccershuttle.

  7. How much is a reservation?
    The standard $17 reservation fare has been waived, allowing passengers to ride fare free thanks to funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) through its Commute Solutions initiative. A nonrefundable $8.50 administrative fee, plus applicable processing fees, will still apply when booking your reservation.

  8. How are seats assigned?
    Reservations and seating are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may fill quickly, so early booking is encouraged. Once a reservation is made, your spot on the selected bus is confirmed, but seats are not assigned.

  9. Where are the departure locations?
    You can choose from three locations when making your reservation:
    1. The Woodlands Resort, 2301 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380
    2. Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing, 1855 Hughes Landing Blvd., The Woodlands, 77380
    3. Sawdust Park and Ride, 701 Westridge Dr., The Woodlands 77380

    Parking availability may vary by location.

  10. How do departure times work?
    You will select your preferred departure time and location when booking. Buses will leave on a staggered schedule based on those selections.

  11. When do return buses leave the stadium?
    Return buses will begin departing as they fill. All buses will leave within 1-hour after the game ends.

  12. What happens if I miss the return shuttle?
    If you miss the return shuttle, you will need to arrange your own transportation back to The Woodlands.

  13. Will my regular Woodlands Express ticket work?
    No. A standard Woodlands Express ticket is not valid for this service. A Soccer Shuttle reservation is required.

    Please note, riders may opt to take the regular Woodlands Express service instead of the Soccer Shuttle. The Woodlands Express regular service will also be offering free fare on game days. Once downtown, METRO service will be available to access Houston Stadium (NRG) and area events. For additional details about transportation options and event access, visit: https://www.fwc26houston.com/visit.

  14. Will I receive anything prior to boarding?
    Yes. At check in, you will receive a wristband based on your departure location. You must wear your wristband at all times and present it when boarding both the departure and return shuttle. Your wristband is required for both your departure and return trip, so be sure to keep it on for the duration of your shuttle service. Wristband colors by location:
    • The Woodlands Resort: Pink
    • Embassy Suites at Hughes Landing: Green
    • Sawdust Park and Ride: Orange
  15.  Can I bring a (stroller, backpack, bottle of water)?
    For the FIFA World Cup 26TM  matches, security protocols will be strictly enforced. Please review FIFA World Cup 26TM  official Code of Conduct for Prohibited Items, including their clear bag policy. The Township is not responsible for items you choose to bring with you that are not able to be brought into the stadium. We cannot hold items on your behalf or guarantee you will be on the same bus for your return trip. FIFA’s policy can be found here.

    As the tournament date approaches, FIFA will release a specific "Fan Guide" for Houston. We recommend checking the official FIFA World Cup 26TM  website or the Houston Stadium (NRG Park) website a few weeks and days before your match for any last-minute adjustments. 

Passenger Code of Conduct

The Woodlands Express Soccer Shuttle – Code of Conduct & Rider Policies

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all riders, please review the following policies before traveling on the Soccer Shuttle.


Departures & Returns

  • Departures are from The Woodlands Resort, Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hughes Landing, and the Sawdust Park & Ride
  • Proof of valid FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ticket is required before boarding. FIFA World Cup 2026™ volunteers or employees must present proof of volunteer or employee status in order to ride the shuttle.
  • Colored wristbands will be issued at each location upon check-in.
  • Return service from the stadium will begin immediately following each match, with buses departing as they fill and all shuttles leaving within one hour after the game concludes.
  • Passengers who miss their bus are responsible for securing their own transportation.

     


Prohibited Items

  • Food or drinks are not permitted on the shuttles. 
  • Review FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Code of Conduct for Prohibited Items, including their clear bag policy.
  • The Township is not responsible for items you choose to bring with you that are not able to be brought into the stadium.
  • We cannot hold items on your behalf or guarantee you will be on the same bus for your return trip.

Restrictions

  • Reservations are required and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Regular Woodlands Express tickets are not valid for this special service.
  • No eating or drinking on the bus.
  • No smoking on buses or inside terminals.
  • No weapons or firearms.
  • Only personal assistance animals are permitted; no other animals.
  • No riding while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Loud or abusive behavior, including profanity or racial/vulgar comments, may result in removal and loss of ridership privileges.
  • Passengers must wear a shirt and shoes at all times.
  • All personal items must be taken off the bus upon arrival; The Township is not responsible for items left behind.
  • Music or movies must be listened to via earphones; no playing aloud.
  • The Township reserves the right to restrict certain items on buses.

Disclaimers

  • This is a special service requiring a reservation and a valid FIFA World Cup 26TM  ticket or volunteer/employee credentials. 
  • Route, schedule, or policies may change without notice.
  • For ticket assistance, contact First Class Transportation at (281) 590-8800, Option 2.
  • For assistance while riding, call (832) 851-3362.

Express Bus Free Fare on Match Days

As part of the Commute Solutions program, the Houston-Galveston Area Council has partnered with the Township to offer free fares on all Express bus services on select match days. Express buses will operate their normal weekday routes and schedules, with fares waived for everyone, including regular commuters and those interested in trying the service.

The Woodlands Express is a weekday commuter bus service connecting The Woodlands to key Houston destinations such as Downtown, Greenway Plaza, the Texas Medical Center and the Energy Corridor.

Free Fare Match Days include:

  • Wednesday, June 17
  • Tuesday, June 23
  • Friday, June 26
  • Monday, June 29

View Routes & More

Please note, that The Woodlands Express does not operate on weekends. Match days that fall on a Saturday or Sunday will not be included in the free fare promotion.

 

Shuttle Brochure

Check out our shuttle brochure for everything you need to know before match day. It is a great resource to review and share with friends, and you can bookmark it on your phone for easy access when you need it. The brochure is available in both English and Spanish.

View English Brochure

Ver folleto en español