Taylor Swift Eras Tour Travel Guide
Just after successfully unifying an NFL stadium full of Swifties in scream-singing the bridge to “Cruel Summer” – and slightly before launching into a strummed version of “Lover” on her teal guitar – Taylor Alison Swift paused to pose a question to the crowd in Arlington, Texas.
“How many of you had to travel to be here?”
A roar erupted from the stadium.
“That was everybody,” Taylor joked to the sold-out AT&T stadium, normally home to the Dallas Cowboys football team. “Every single person here put in a large amount of effort to be in this room.”
While the city does know that it generated a record-breaking attendance weekend for the stadium, three nights of sold-out shows brought more than 210,000 fans to the stadium, averaging 70,000 each night.
I’m one of those fans – having traveled two weekends hoping to see “Out of the Woods” performed live. My first choice for Taylor Swift tickets was the closest stadium to my home: Glendale, Arizona. I was lucky enough to receive a presale code for Las Vegas, Nevada.
Taylor herself recognizes all too well that her record-breaking crowds for The Eras Tour are made possible by her fans’ willingness to travel. She made a similar announcement at her Las Vegas show, thanking fans for their dedication to follow her wherever their tickets might go.
So, if you’ve made several friendship bracelets and planned your outfit to match your favorite era, this concert travel guide is dedicated to you (including and especially for those coming from outside the US).
How far in advance should you get there?
After doing both a 5-day visit to Vegas and a quick 36-hour turnaround to Arlington, I’d suggest arriving at least a day in advance. You’ll have time to explore the city beyond the concert as well as hit up the merch truck.
Take the opportunity to experience what the city has to offer. Consider making reservations at a local restaurant and check out the area’s cultural offerings, nightlife, and shopping. Entertainment options ranged from Mayfair Supper Club in Vegas to Tiki bars and speakeasies in Arlington.
Where to stay
Robust public transit can be elusive in many American cities, especially west of the Mississippi. So, when 60,000 to 80,000 people exit a stadium, brace for massive traffic congestion that requires patience, whether you drive yourself or use a ride-sharing service.
In Las Vegas, we stayed at Park MGM, which is a 1.7-mile walk from Allegiant Stadium. In Arlington, our accommodation was Live by Loews, just 0.9 miles from AT&T Stadium. Both times, the traffic was so bad that walking turned out to be the faster option.
In Las Vegas, the city closed the street to car traffic for the concert, allowing crowds of fans to easily return to their hotels. In Arlington, we could navigate through the parking lot directly back to our hotel.
How to get to the stadium
Some cities have shuttles or public transit options available, but many concert-goers arrive by car. If you opt for ride-sharing services, most stadiums limit pick-off and drop-off to one central location. This can result in long waits for rides after the show.
For that reason, it’s often more practical to book a hotel close enough to walk to the venue.
What to pack (Taylor’s version)
Taylor performs 44 songs over the course of 3.5 hours, often in custom crystal heels. It’s essential to choose sensible footwear, as I witnessed many attendees struggling with sore feet after the show. Some even opted to walk barefoot along the Vegas strip.
If you want to maintain your fashionable look, consider bringing socks or flip-flops in a clear bag so you can change your footwear during the performance.
Know the clear bag policy
Before arriving, be sure to read the stadium bag policy. Most venues require that bags comply with the NFL clear bag policy, meaning they must be clear plastic or an extremely small size. You can find these bags at many retailers including Target and Walmart.
Check the stadium policy for what you are allowed to bring in as well
Make sure to review the respective stadium policies regarding what can be brought inside. This can differ between venues – some allow external chargers and bottled water, while others do not.
Digital is king for this show – bring your phone and a credit card.
You’ll need to download the relevant app to access your tickets, as screenshots won’t be accepted. If traveling with a group, ensure everyone has the app so tickets can be easily transferred in case you get separated.
As cash is rarely accepted, be prepared to use a credit card for purchases inside the stadium.
My advice on the lengthy merch line
The lines for merchandise can be extremely long; in Vegas, the line stretched nearly a mile long. If you’re not too keen on waiting, consider waiting until after the show. Taylor’s team typically sends out a code for a discount that can be used for online purchases.
Be a mastermind to score tickets while savoring a new city
While tickets vanish quickly when they go on sale, it’s possible to find them on the secondary market, especially as the concert date approaches.
Lastly, consider attending a show in a lesser-known city for an exciting getaway. Smaller cities may offer memorable experiences without the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.
Start plotting for a European tour
The show is a spectacular blend of theater, joy, and energy between Taylor and her fans, and it’s undoubtedly worth every penny. With exciting rumors of a European tour, fans should keep their eyes peeled for potential tour dates that may soon be announced.
