How to Navigate Bay Area Traffic & Road Closures for Super Bowl Week (2026)

Whether you’re heading to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium or planning to be in the area during game week, traffic is going to be a major part of your experience. The Seahawks vs Patriots game on February 8, 2026 is bringing thousands of visitors, various events, and some of the most complicated road closures and transit changes the Bay has ever seen.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the chaos, plus the smartest alternatives to driving.

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1. Key Road Closures Around Santa Clara

Santa Clara and nearby streets have already started seeing closures due to Super Bowl LX security planning. One of the biggest changes is around Stars and Stripes Drive, which has been closed since early January and will stay blocked through February 22, weeks after the game is over. This closure alone impacts how you approach and depart the area around the stadium.

Other planned closures include:

• Tasman Drive between Calle Del Sol and Great America Parkway (late January through Feb. 13)

• Great America Parkway between Patrick Henry Drive and Bunker Hill Lane (on game day itself)

• Various side street restrictions and detours designed to control the flow of traffic near Levi’s Stadium

Road closures aren’t just on the surface streets. Expect congestion on major routes like Highway 101, I-880, CA-237, and Lawrence Expressway long before and after the game, as fans and locals converge from all directions.

Bottom line: Driving close to the stadium during peak times, especially as February 8 approaches, is likely to be slow and stressful. Plan your route well in advance and monitor live traffic updates to save time and headaches.

2. Use Public Transit to Your Advantage

Bay Area public transit agencies are preparing for heavy crowds throughout Super Bowl week, and in many cases, public transportation may be the easiest way to avoid traffic bottlenecks.

How to Get to Levi's Stadium From the East Bay

If you’re coming from the East Bay, the simplest option is to take BART to Milpitas Station, then transfer to VTA Light Rail toward Levi’s Stadium. For Super Bowl week, transit agencies are running longer trains to handle the influx of visitors, which should help keep things moving even during peak arrival and exit times.

How to Get to Levi's Stadium From San Francisco

If you’re starting your trip in San Francisco or anywhere along the Peninsula, the easiest route combines BART, Caltrain, and VTA.

BART riders can take the train south to Millbrae Station, then transfer directly to Caltrain heading south toward San Jose. Once you reach Mountain View Station, switch to VTA’s Orange Line, which runs service toward Levi’s Stadium.

Other Trains & Services

Capitol Corridor and Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) are also expected to run services into the area, but passengers will need to make reservations in advance.

Transit pros are encouraging people to use tap-and-ride options like direct debit or mobile payments to bypass long ticket lines, especially if you’ll be hopping on and off multiple systems.

Tip: Transit stations nearest the stadium will be crowded, so give yourself extra time, especially if it’s your first visit.

3. If You Choose to Drive, Plan Ahead

Driving during Super Bowl week doesn’t have to be dreaded, but it will require planning.

Avoid Main Parking Lots

Official stadium parking lots are expensive and limited. Consider parking farther away and taking transit or a rideshare the rest of the way.

Expect Congestion Around Major Highways

As noted, roads like Highway 101, CA-237, and I-880 will be heavily impacted throughout Super Bowl week. Build extra time into your schedule to account for delays.

Rideshare Options

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare apps may be helpful, but they’ll charge premium pricing and face bottlenecks near pick-up and drop-off zones. Be prepared for waits, expensive pricing, and crowded pick-up areas.

4. Local Alerts & Real-Time Updates

Traffic is one piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the only thing to keep an eye on. The Bay Area has launched shared emergency alert systems for Super Bowl week that will notify you about sudden closures, weather issues, or urgent announcements.

Signing up for alerts can help you stay informed and avoid unexpected disruptions.

5. Bonus Tips for Game Day

Here are a few travel tips to know ahead of Super Bowl weekend:

• Plan to leave early. Traffic will start building hours before kickoff, and crowds around the stadium will grow quickly.

• Use Caltrain + VTA Orange Line for the easiest access with minimal traffic stress.

• Stick to official transit routes and drop-off zones. Rideshare and pedestrian access will be tightly managed near the stadium, and trying to shortcut your way in will likely backfire.

Final Thoughts

Super Bowl week in the Bay Area promises to be unforgettable, and navigating traffic doesn’t have to ruin it. Whether you’re in town for the big game or just passing through, planning early and choosing transit options carefully will make for a much more enjoyable visit.

Traffic closures and transit changes may sound intimidating, but with a flexible approach, you can get where you’re going without spending the whole day stuck behind the wheel.

Looking for last minute deals on hotels in the area? Click here.

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