New York City residents and tourists will pay up to $150 for round-trip train fares on NJ Transit to attend World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, according to the transit authority’s recent announcement. The price increase comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in the Tri-State area this summer, with eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium—including the final on July 19.

The typical daily train fare from Manhattan’s Penn Station to East Rutherford, New Jersey—a 9-mile route taking approximately 15 minutes—costs $12.90. The new World Cup-specific pricing has raised concerns among commuters and officials alike.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized the financial burden in a statement: “We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup. And while NJ Transit is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion.”

NJ Transit officials reported that transporting fans during the tournament will cost $62 million, with outside grants covering only $14 million of those expenses. Kris Kolluri, president and CEO of NJ Transit, stated: “This isn’t price gouging. We’re literally trying to recoup our costs.”

In Boston, express buses from suburbs to Gillette Stadium cost $95. Thousands have already purchased round-trip tickets for $80—a fourfold increase over the typical game-day fare of $20—though the stadium is located 30 miles south of downtown.

Other U.S. host cities maintain lower costs: Los Angeles one-way fares remain at $1.75; Atlanta’s base fare stays fixed at $2.50; Houston single rides cost $1.25; and Philadelphia subway fares remain at $2.90. Kansas City offers round-trip shuttles for $15 and free airport buses to downtown.

MetLife Stadium will not provide on-site parking, forcing fans to rely on public transit or pay $80 for a bus ride. NJ Transit has also encouraged local employers to allow remote work for New York City residents traveling to matches, as only Penn Station serves as the entry point for train riders during events.

Governor Sherrill reiterated: “In the FIFA World Cup agreement that my Administration inherited, FIFA put zero dollars towards transporting World Cup fans. This agreement will cost NJ Transit at least $48 million, while FIFA is positioned to make $11 billion.”

FIFA has described New Jersey’s approach as “quite surprising,” noting its 2023 adjustment of host agreements: All match ticket holders and accredited individuals must access transportation at cost. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the financial model, stating: “The main, and so far the only, revenue-generating event for FIFA is the World Cup… we generate money in one month. The 47 months until the next World Cup, we spend that money.”