UEFA EURO travel guide
Europe
Plan your UEFA EURO trip
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The UEFA European Championship is the second-biggest international football tournament after the World Cup. 24 nations compete every four years, with matches spread across multiple host cities or countries.
This guide covers how to plan a EURO trip: the tournament format, ticketing, and what to expect across host cities.
Stadium information
- Capacity
- Varies by host — typically 30,000 to 75,000 seats per venue
- Opened
- Tournament founded 1960; held every four years
EURO matchdays bring colour, fan zones and travelling supporters from across Europe. Knockout games and finals are the loudest tickets in the sport.
Nearby airports
Varies by host country (—)
All recent EUROs have used cities with major international airports.
Where to stay
Central districts of host cities
Easy transport to fan zones and stadiums; book 12-18 months ahead.
Tickets
EURO tickets are sold via UEFA's official lottery, opening 9-12 months before the tournament. Resale opens through the official platform closer to kick-off.
Each competing nation gets an allocation for its own matches — apply through your FA if your team qualifies.
Format and travel
24 teams compete in six groups of four, followed by round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Group-stage games are spread across host cities; knockout fixtures tend to consolidate in the larger venues.
Recent EUROs have used a single host country (Germany 2024, France 2016) or multiple co-hosts (UK & Ireland 2028). Plan around match locations — high-speed rail and short-haul flights make multi-city trips realistic.
When to book
Hotels and flights for major EURO host cities sell out 6-12 months before the tournament, particularly for knockout-stage cities. Book early — even if your team's group is not yet drawn.
Fan zones in host cities are free and offer a great atmosphere for the matches you can't get tickets for.
FAQs
When is the next EURO?+
EURO 2028 is co-hosted by the UK and Ireland.
How do I get EURO tickets?+
UEFA opens an official lottery 9-12 months before kick-off. Your national FA also distributes tickets for your team's matches if you qualify.
How many teams compete?+
24 nations across a group stage and knockout rounds.
Can I follow my team to every match?+
Yes if you commit early — hotels and flights to knockout cities move fast.
Is the EURO better than the World Cup?+
Different but comparable — EURO games are higher density (shorter travel between cities) and concentrate Europe's best teams.
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Plan your UEFA EURO trip
Compare tickets, flights and hotels in one search.