Getting There
Dallas Love Field (DAL) is approximately 90 miles north of Waco, with a drive of roughly 1 hour 38 minutes south on I-35. Most visiting fans will need to rent a car at DAL or arrange private transport, as there is no direct rail link; the Waco Streak shuttle service connects both Dallas Love Field and DFW (as well as Austin-Bergstrom) to downtown Waco for around $200 round-trip — reservations are strongly encouraged and advisable well in advance during busy periods, though same-day bookings can sometimes be accommodated. Waco also has its own regional airport, ACT (Waco Regional), served by American Eagle flights connecting through DFW, which puts you just 5 miles from downtown.
Getting Around
A rental car is strongly recommended for visiting sports fans, as Waco's public transit system (Waco Transit) offers fixed bus routes and the on-demand Micro Dash service but coverage and hours are limited for game-day logistics. Uber and Lyft are available in Waco and are the most practical option for getting to and from McLane Stadium on game days without a car. Downtown Waco is walkable and served by a free Silo District Trolley circulator, but venues outside the core, including the stadium, are easier to reach by rideshare or car.
Where to Stay
The downtown Waco corridor along Austin Avenue and the area around the Baylor University campus on South 5th Street are the best bases for sports fans, putting you within rideshare distance of McLane Stadium and close to pregame bars and restaurants. Expect to pay roughly $120 to $200 per night for a standard hotel on a non-game weekend, with prices spiking significantly on Baylor home game weekends, especially for rivalry matchups. Book as early as possible for high-profile games since Waco is a small market with limited hotel inventory and options fill up fast. The Hotel Indigo downtown is a popular choice for visiting fans given its easy I-35 access and central location.
Sports Fan Notes
Waco is a single-team college football town, and Baylor Bears games at McLane Stadium on the Brazos River create an intense, tightly knit atmosphere where visiting fans are noticeable but generally well-treated. The Big 12 schedule brings marquee opponents like Texas, Oklahoma State, and TCU through town, making those road trips especially worthwhile for fans of rival programs. McLane Stadium's riverside setting is one of the most scenic in college football, and the pregame scene along the Brazos offers a unique tailgate environment. Outside football season, Waco has limited major live sports, so plan your trip around the fall schedule for the best fan experience.
Venues in Waco
Foster Pavilion
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from DAL to downtown Waco?
Dallas Love Field (DAL) is about 100 miles and a 1 hour 38 minute drive from downtown Waco via I-35 South. Your best options are renting a car at DAL, which gives you the most flexibility, or booking the Waco Streak shuttle in advance (around $200 round-trip, seven-day advance reservation required). Greyhound buses also run from downtown Dallas to downtown Waco for roughly $22 to $60, though you will need an Uber from DAL to the Dallas bus station.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Waco for a sports trip?
Stay in downtown Waco, particularly along Austin Avenue, or in the University/South 5th Street area near Baylor's campus. Both put you within easy rideshare range of McLane Stadium, close to pregame dining and bars, and near I-35 if you drove in. Avoid outlying areas like Woodway or Hewitt unless you have a rental car, as rideshare surge pricing after games can be steep from those locations.
Which sports teams play in Waco?
Waco is home to the Baylor Bears (NCAA Football), who play at McLane Stadium on the Brazos River. Baylor competes in the Big 12 Conference, and home games draw passionate crowds in a city where college football is the dominant sports identity.
Is Waco a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Waco is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Dallas, Texas, located approximately 100 miles north of Waco via I-35, where matches are being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Sports cities near Waco
Close enough to pair with a Waco trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.