The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a marathon—and for some teams, that's more literal than you might think. While every franchise is focused on outplaying their opponents on the gridiron, a new challenge is emerging before the first snap: the sheer number of miles they'll have to cover. With the league expanding its global footprint to a record nine international games, travel schedules are no longer just logistics—they're a key factor in preparation, recovery, and ultimately, performance. From Australia to Mexico City and several European stops, teams will spend more time in the air than ever before during a regular season.
Although the full 2026 schedule hasn't been released yet, the home and away opponents are already locked in. That's given analysts, including Bill Speros of Bookies.com, enough data to project the travel distances for every franchise. And the numbers reveal a massive disparity between the most and least traveled teams. At the top of the list, the San Francisco 49ers are projected to log more than 38,000 miles—a potential NFL record. At the other end, the Carolina Panthers are expected to stay under 9,000 miles all season. International games, coast-to-coast matchups, and multiple time-zone crossings will define the travel landscape for the year ahead.
Let's break down the teams facing the longest journeys in 2026.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are on track to set an NFL record for miles traveled in a single season. Their itinerary includes the league's first-ever regular-season game in Australia—a Week 1 showdown against the Rams in Melbourne—plus another international matchup in Mexico City. On top of that, they'll crisscross the country with road trips to New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle, Arizona, and Los Angeles. It's a grueling schedule that will test even the deepest roster.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams rank second, largely due to that same Week 1 trip to Melbourne to face the 49ers. But the travel doesn't stop there. They also have long hauls to Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Washington, and other East Coast destinations throughout the season. For a team looking to bounce back, those miles could add up quickly.
Houston Texans
Houston's schedule is packed with long-distance trips, along with international travel as part of the NFL's expanded overseas slate in 2026. The Texans are one of several teams embracing the league's global push, but that means extra time in the air and less time in their own beds.
Dallas Cowboys
America's Team will travel close to 28,000 miles in 2026. Between trips to NFC East rivals, international obligations, and cross-country games, the Cowboys will be racking up frequent flyer miles at an impressive rate. For a franchise that always has high expectations, managing travel fatigue will be crucial.
As the NFL continues to grow its global reach, travel is becoming a defining factor of the season. For fans, it's a reminder that the gear we wear—from compression gear for recovery to comfortable travel apparel—matters more than ever. Whether you're a player logging 38,000 miles or a fan cheering from home, being prepared for the journey ahead is part of the game.