NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Soccer fans heading to this summer’s World Cup matches in the New York–New Jersey region may find that the cost of attending extends far beyond the price of admission. Transportation—especially to MetLife Stadium—is emerging as a major financial hurdle.
Officials confirmed Friday that round-trip train fares from Penn Station to the stadium in East Rutherford will soar to approximately $150 per person on match days. The roughly 15-minute, 9-mile journey typically costs just $12.90—making the special-event fare nearly 12 times higher.
Limited Access, Heavy Demand
With on-site parking largely unavailable for fans, New Jersey officials estimate that about 40,000 spectators per match will rely on public transit to reach the stadium. The venue—home to the New York Giants and New York Jets—is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the tournament final on July 19.
Group-stage matches begin June 13 and will feature global soccer powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, and England.
To manage the surge, NJ Transit plans to spend roughly $62 million transporting fans throughout the tournament. However, only about $14 million has been secured through outside grants, leaving a significant funding gap.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said the fare increase is necessary to offset those costs.
Political Pushback Builds
The steep pricing has triggered backlash from state leaders. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on FIFA to step in and cover transportation expenses.
“If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ Transit every day,” Sherrill said in a statement.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also criticized the pricing, calling it excessive for such a short trip.
Meanwhile, FIFA pushed back, noting that agreements with host cities—signed years ago—expected transportation solutions to be included as part of hosting responsibilities. The organization also emphasized its role in securing federal funding to support transit improvements.
Alternatives Also Costly
For fans looking to avoid trains, other options may not offer much relief:
- Shuttle buses from Midtown Manhattan will cost about $80 round trip.
- Parking at the nearby American Dream Mall is being sold in advance for $225 per vehicle.
- Stadium parking lots are largely unavailable due to their use for fan zones, staging areas, and operational logistics.
A Tale of Two Cities
While the New York–New Jersey region grapples with rising transit costs, other host cities are taking a different approach.
- In Los Angeles, fares remain at $1.75
- Atlanta: $2.50
- Houston: $1.25
- Philadelphia: $2.90
- Kansas City: shuttle service for just $15 round trip
Even in the Boston area, where prices are elevated, they fall short of New Jersey’s levels. Round-trip train tickets to Gillette Stadium are priced around $80, while express buses cost $95.
Lessons From the Past
Concerns about transportation logistics are not new. When MetLife Stadium hosted the Super Bowl in 2014, NJ Transit struggled to handle departing crowds, with thousands of passengers facing long delays and overcrowded platforms.
With attendance expected to be even higher for World Cup matches, officials face mounting pressure to avoid a repeat.
The Bottom Line
For many fans, the World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But in the New York–New Jersey region, that experience is coming with a hefty price tag—not just for tickets, but for simply getting to the game.
As the tournament approaches, the debate over who should bear the cost—fans, taxpayers, or FIFA—remains unresolved.
