According to Bookies.com, via ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are projected to travel 38,105 miles during the 2026 season. That total easily tops the Los Angeles Rams, who rank second at 34,847 miles traveled.
The 49ers and Rams leading the league in travel mileage is no surprise. Both teams will open their 17-game schedules with a Week 1 international matchup in Melbourne, Australia, marking the NFL's first regular-season game played in Australia.
When asked about opening the season overseas, head coach Kyle Shanahan jokingly expressed less-than-enthusiastic feelings about the trip.
"I was so fired up," Shanahan said sarcastically. "That was our goal, to go 19 hours away to play a game."
The coach doesn't see any benefit to having to travel to Australia for a game.
"I don't see any pro," Shanahan added. "I mean, it's cool for the league to play globally. I think it's awesome, but as far as the team doing it, there's not much benefit to it."
Australia won't be the 49ers' only international stop in 2026. San Francisco is also scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City during Week 11, further increasing the team's travel demands.
In addition, the 49ers will make cross-country trips for East Coast road games against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, adding even more miles to an already demanding schedule.
We'll learn the dates for each of San Francisco's games on Thursday, when the NFL officially unveils its complete 272-game schedule for the 2026 regular season.
Rounding out the top five most-traveled NFL teams in 2026 are the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Two 49ers lead categories in ESPN's NFL midseason award rankings
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell named San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy his top MVP candidate five weeks ago. However, the MVP buzz surrounding Purdy has cooled in recent weeks, and the 49ers quarterback has slipped behind Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in... -
49ers' Brant Boyer nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award
The NFL and USAA have announced the 2026 nominees for the Salute to Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting the military and veteran communities. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has been named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for this year's... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what 49ers must do to reach their goals in the second half of the season
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the second half of the regular season with plenty of work still ahead of them. While injuries have played a significant role in shaping their season, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the team is beginning to get healthier at an... -
49ers hoping De'Zhaun Stribling can provide late-season boost
The San Francisco 49ers could use some help at wide receiver. The team is unlikely to have Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel available this weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium, as San Francisco looks to avoid a second straight loss. This week, the 49ers opened the...