The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a historic year for travel, as the league announces a record-breaking nine international games. While this expands the sport's global footprint, it comes at a cost—massive air miles for some teams.

According to recent data, the San Francisco 49ers are set to travel over 38,000 miles this season, shattering last year's record held by the Chargers by more than 1,000 miles. The 49ers' grueling schedule includes two international trips: a Week 1 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia—marking the first NFL game ever played on a cricket pitch—and a Week 11 matchup with the Vikings in Mexico City. The round-trip flight from San Francisco to Melbourne alone covers over 7,800 miles, putting the 49ers ahead of about 10 other teams in total air mileage before they even board another plane.

The Rams aren't far behind, sitting at second place with over 3,000 miles fewer than the 49ers. Their Week 1 trip to Australia is a major contributor, setting the stage for a unique season opener that will test both teams' endurance and adaptability.

On the flip side, some teams are enjoying a much lighter travel load. Only two squads—the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns—manage to stay under 10,000 miles for the entire season. For fans and players alike, this means more rest, less jet lag, and potentially fresher legs on game day.

As the NFL continues to expand its international reach, the travel demands on players grow. For the 49ers, the road to the playoffs is literally the longest in the league—making every mile a factor in their 2026 campaign.