
The 2026 NFL season will see teams facing significant travel challenges, with the San Francisco 49ers projected to cover over 38,000 miles. In contrast, the Carolina Panthers are expected to travel less than 9,000 miles.
The 2026 NFL season is beginning to take shape, and one of the biggest challenges for several franchises will not just be opponents on the field, but the miles they must cover throughout the year. With the league expanding its global footprint through a record nine international games, travel schedules are expected to play a major role in team preparation, recovery, and overall performance. From Australia to Mexico City and several European destinations, teams will spend more time in the air than ever before during a regular season.
While the full NFL schedule release is still awaited, the home and away opponents are already confirmed. That has allowed analysts, including Bill Speros of Bookies.com, to project the travel distance for every franchise in 2026. The numbers show a major gap between teams at the top and bottom of the list. The San Francisco 49ers are projected to travel more than 38,000 miles, while the Carolina Panthers are expected to stay under 9,000 miles all season. International games, coast-to-coast matchups, and multiple time-zone crossings are set to define the travel landscape for the year ahead.
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The 49ers are expected to set an NFL record for miles traveled in a single season. Their schedule includes the league’s first regular-season game in Australia against the Rams in Melbourne and another international matchup in Mexico City. They also travel to New York, Atlanta, , , , , and .
The San Francisco 49ers are projected to travel more than 38,000 miles during the 2026 season.
The Carolina Panthers are expected to stay under 9,000 miles throughout the 2026 season.
International games, coast-to-coast matchups, and multiple time-zone crossings will significantly affect NFL teams' travel in 2026.
The NFL is set to feature a record nine international games in the 2026 season.

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The Rams rank second mainly because of their Week 1 international game in Melbourne against San Francisco. They also have long road trips to Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Washington, and other East Coast locations during the season.

Houston’s schedule includes several long-distance trips along with international travel. The Texans are among the teams participating in the NFL’s expanded overseas slate in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Dallas will travel close to 28,000 miles in 2026. Trips to NFC East rivals, combined with international obligations and cross-country games, contribute heavily to the Cowboys’ total.
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The Patriots face one of the longest travel schedules in the AFC. They are expected to make several westward trips while also taking part in the international schedule.
Miami’s season includes a long trip to San Francisco along with multiple cross-country matchups. The Dolphins will spend considerable time traveling between coasts in 2026.
The Chargers continue to face heavy travel demands because of their West Coast location. Road games against East Coast opponents like Miami and Baltimore add major mileage totals this season.
Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Jacksonville’s travel schedule includes international commitments along with long domestic flights throughout the season. The Jaguars remain regular participants in overseas games.

The Eagles are another playoff contender dealing with heavy travel in 2026. International travel and long NFC road games contribute significantly to their total.

Seattle once again ranks among the league leaders in travel because of its location in the Pacific Northwest. Long trips across the country are unavoidable for the Seahawks.

The Saints will be part of the NFL’s international schedule this season. Combined with multiple long domestic road trips, New Orleans crosses the 21,000-mile mark.
Air miles each team will travel this season, via @billsperos: pic.twitter.com/oxd4dja4tD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2026

The Raiders have major road trips scheduled to New England, New York, Cleveland, and New Orleans. Their cross-country schedule keeps them near the top half of the rankings.
Buffalo’s travel includes several long AFC road games and international commitments. The Bills remain above the league average in total miles traveled.
The Broncos will travel coast-to-coast multiple times, including games in New England and New York. Denver also faces several time-zone changes this season.
Detroit’s travel schedule is balanced but still includes international and cross-country games that push them near 19,000 miles.
Washington is expected to play internationally in 2026 while also managing multiple long NFC road trips throughout the year.
The Chiefs stay near the middle of the rankings despite several road games outside their division. Their central location helps reduce total travel compared to coastal teams.
Tennessee’s schedule includes several trips outside the AFC South, leading to a moderate travel total for the year.

The Giants face major road trips to Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, and Dallas. Those long flights raise their overall mileage significantly.
Atlanta’s travel schedule remains manageable despite a few long NFC road games during the season.
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Baltimore’s schedule includes an international matchup along with several long-distance AFC road games in 2026.
The Colts remain in the lower half of the rankings thanks to fewer long-distance trips compared to other AFC teams.
Arizona avoids excessive travel despite playing in the NFC West. Most of their trips remain within the western half of the country.

The Bengals have one of the lighter schedules among playoff-caliber teams. Most of their road games are located in nearby regions.
Minnesota’s total remains relatively low, even with an international game in Mexico City against the 49ers.

The Steelers avoid major coast-to-coast trips for most of the season, helping them remain near the bottom third of the rankings.
The Jets will travel to Mexico City and several western cities, but their overall mileage still stays below league average.
Green Bay benefits from a favorable travel schedule in 2026. Their longest road trip comes against the Rams in Los Angeles.

The Buccaneers avoid heavy travel this season with most of their road games located within manageable distances.
Chicago has one of the shortest travel schedules in the NFL this year. Limited cross-country trips help keep their total low.

The Browns benefit from a schedule centered mainly around nearby AFC and NFC opponents. Their travel demands are among the lightest in the league.

Carolina wins the travel lottery in 2026. The Panthers will not travel west of Minneapolis and are expected to cross only six time zones all season.
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The 2026 NFL season will test teams in more ways than one. Beyond roster depth and coaching adjustments, handling long-distance travel and international scheduling could become a key factor in playoff races. Teams like the 49ers and Rams face demanding road calendars, while franchises such as the Panthers and Browns receive a much lighter path in terms of travel management.