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Apr 17, 2026

NJ Transit Announces $150 Train Fare and $225 Parking for 2026 World Cup, Prompting Fan Backlash

AI Summary
NJ Transit confirmed a $150 round‑trip train ticket and $225 premium parking for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, a steep rise from normal fares. Governor Mikie Sherrill argues the costs are needed to cover a $48 million transport budget, while FIFA and fans criticize the pricing model as prohibitive.

New Jersey’s transit authority has officially set the price of a return train ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium at $150, a dramatic increase from the usual $12.90 fare between Penn Station and the stadium.

The announcement also revealed premium parking will cost up to $225 in an ADA‑designated lot adjacent to the venue, with general spectator parking eliminated on match days.

Governor Mikie Sherrill explained that the state faces a $48 million expense to safely move an estimated 40,000 fans per match. She emphasized that FIFA is not contributing financially, stating, "FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. 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."

Under the new scheme, fans must purchase a special NJ Transit World Cup ticket that includes a wristband for the return journey. Departures from Penn Station will be organized in time‑blocks, with multiple security checkpoints along the route.

For those preferring road travel, a round‑trip bus service is available for $80, picking up passengers from two New York City locations and a park‑and‑ride site in Clifton, New Jersey, which can accommodate roughly 2,500 vehicles. Shuttle buses will then transport riders to the stadium, and tailgating will be prohibited.

Sherrill highlighted that the existing host‑city agreement with FIFA provides zero dollars for fan transportation, shifting the entire burden onto NJ Transit. She contrasted this with FIFA’s projected $11 billion revenue from the tournament.

FIFA’s event operations chief, Heimo Schirigi, responded that the pricing model could have a “chilling effect,” potentially driving fans toward alternative transport and increasing congestion. He reiterated FIFA’s long‑standing collaboration with host cities to develop efficient mass‑transit options.

To lessen disruption for regular commuters, NJ Transit will suspend outbound service from Penn Station for four hours before each MetLife match and will offer free Path train and bus rides on affected days. Additional Path service is planned, and employers are encouraged to allow remote work.

Discounts for regular riders on the two busiest match days, June 22 and June 30, will be funded by the NJ/NY host committee, according to Sherrill.

Other U.S. host cities have taken different approaches: Kansas City is offering $15 bus shuttles to Arrowhead Stadium, while Philadelphia will keep its standard $2.90 fare for trips to Lincoln Financial Field.

With limited parking and higher transit costs, officials are urging fans to rely on public transportation across all eleven host cities, emphasizing the broader economic and logistical challenges of hosting a global sporting event.