Fans To Face $150 Transit Cost To Reach FIFA World Cup Matches In New Jersey

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 01:32 IST

NJ Transit will charge 150 dollars round trip from NYC to MetLife for 2026 World Cup, far above normal fares, sparking fan backlash and a funding dispute with FIFA.

Football fans heading to matches at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face steep transport costs, with authorities confirming a $150 (Around Rs 14,000) round-trip train fare from New York City.

The price is nearly 12 times higher than the usual $12.90 (Rs 1,100) fare for the roughly 15-minute journey from Manhattan’s Penn Station to the stadium, highlighting the growing cost burden on fans attending matches in the US.

Why fares are so high

Officials say the increase is driven by the high cost of operating additional services during the tournament.

NJ Transit estimates it will cost around $62 million to transport fans over the course of the World Cup, with only about $14 million covered by external funding.

“This isn’t price gouging we’re trying to recoup our costs," said NJ Transit chief Kris Kolluri.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the pricing, arguing taxpayers should not be left footing the bill. She said the state inherited an agreement where FIFA contributed no funding for transportation, leaving a significant financial gap.

Limited alternatives for fans

With no on-site parking available for most spectators, officials expect around 40,000 fans per match to rely on public transport to reach the venue.

MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, will host eight matches, including the World Cup final on July 19, as well as group-stage fixtures featuring teams like Brazil, France, Germany and England.

High costs in other cities too

New Jersey is not alone in raising fares. In Massachusetts, express buses to Gillette Stadium will cost about $95 (Rs 9,000), while special train tickets from Boston are priced at around $80 (Rs 7,800) round trip four times the usual fare.

However, several other host cities are taking a different approach. Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Houston have said they will keep fares unchanged, with Houston maintaining prices as low as $1.25 (Rs 120) for buses and light rail.

Kansas City is offering $15 shuttle services and even a free bus from the airport to downtown.

FIFA dispute over funding

The pricing has also triggered a dispute with FIFA, which maintains that agreements signed with host cities included provisions for free fan transport.

FIFA has pushed back against claims that it should cover the costs, noting that similar requirements have not applied to other major events at MetLife Stadium.

Growing concern for fans

The rising costs add to already high expenses for tickets, travel and accommodation, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility for fans.

As the tournament approaches, pressure is likely to grow on organisers and authorities to reconsider pricing or provide relief measures, especially in key venues like New Jersey.

News world Fans To Face $150 Transit Cost To Reach FIFA World Cup Matches In New Jersey

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