The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for what promises to be a grueling 2026 season, not just on the field but in the skies as well. With a schedule that reads like a travelogue, the Niners are set to embark on a journey that could redefine endurance in the NFL.
This season, the 49ers will cover over 38,000 miles, setting a new record for travel in a single NFL season. This isn’t just a footnote; it’s a headline that could have significant implications for their Super Bowl aspirations. The team’s itinerary includes international games and cross-country matchups that will test their stamina from the get-go.
According to Adam Schefter, the 49ers' travel schedule includes international clashes in Australia and Mexico City, along with domestic jaunts to Atlanta and New York. This unprecedented travel load could be a pivotal factor in their 2026 campaign.
The journey kicks off with a high-profile matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, adding a hefty 15,738 miles to their travel log. Another key fixture is a "home" game in Mexico City, which tacks on an additional 3,854 miles. Domestically, trips to face the Falcons and Giants will further stretch their travel limits, with each trip adding thousands of miles.
The 49ers will also visit the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Chargers, each adding its own mileage to the season's total. This combination of international and long-haul domestic games is set to push their travel to heights never before seen in the league.
In 2025, San Francisco was already one of the more traveled teams, logging over 28,000 miles. But 2026 is on another level entirely. With the team already dealing with challenges like injuries, this travel schedule adds another layer of complexity to their quest for NFL glory.
As the 49ers brace for this demanding season, the key will be managing the physical and mental toll of such extensive travel. If they can navigate these challenges, they’ll not only be contenders on the field but pioneers in endurance off it.