A return train ticket from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium may cost fans more than $100 (£73.80) during this summer’s World Cup—a seven-fold increase over the standard $12.90 (£9.50) fare. NJ Transit is intending to implement “special event pricing” for the 30-minute journey to the venue, which will be renamed the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament.
Train fares to MetLife Stadium could jump seven-fold
The proposed pricing structure eliminates all concession rates. Children, seniors, and passengers with disabilities would be required to pay the full premium fare, according to reports from The Athletic.
New Jersey isn’t the only region seeing a spike in transit costs. The Massachusetts transit authority has already raised fares for travel from Boston to Gillette Stadium from $20 to $80 (£59), while coach tickets for the same route are priced at $95 (£70).
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including an England group game and the final on July 19. Because parking lots will be drastically reduced compared to NFL games or concerts, tens of thousands of supporters are expected to rely on the rail network.
Why Governor Mikie Sherrill is demanding FIFA subsidies
Governor Mikie Sherrill insists that New Jersey taxpayers and regular commuters shouldn’t foot the bill for transporting international fans. She argues that FIFA, which is projected to make $11bn, should subsidize the costs.
The agency estimates the cost of deploying services for the eight matches at $48m. Sherrill noted on X that her administration inherited an agreement where FIFA provides $0 for transportation.
The friction over who pays for the “last mile” of fan transport mirrors the infrastructure disputes that haunted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Sherrill has already moved to trim other World Cup expenditures. In February, she scrapped a planned $5m fan festival at Liberty State Park, redirecting those funds toward smaller watch parties across the state.
Under the 2023 Host City Agreements, transport is provided ‘at cost’
Fifa spokespeople expressed surprise at the Governor’s comments. They pointed to a shift in the Host City Agreements to explain the current financial arrangement.
The original 2018 agreements required free transportation for all fans. In 2023, FIFA adjusted these requirements to allow host cities to provide transport “at cost” to reduce the financial strain on local governments.
Fifa claims it has spent years coordinating mobility plans and advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities. The governing body maintains that the economic impact of millions of visiting fans will benefit the New York and New Jersey regions.
Logistical changes will restrict access to Penn Station and parking
The surge in ticket prices comes as officials prepare for extreme congestion. NJ Transit told Fox 5 New York that while pricing isn’t finalized, the cost of the matches won’t be borne by regular commuters.
Security measures will significantly alter the flow of New York’s transit hub. Only ticket-holders will be allowed in specific sections of Penn Station during the critical window before kickoff.
NJ Transit is expected to officially confirm the final pricing this Friday.
Will children and seniors receive discounted tickets?
No. Current plans indicate that no concession prices will be available for World Cup match-day travel, meaning children and seniors must pay the full fare.
How will access to Penn Station be managed?
Parts of Penn Station will be restricted to World Cup ticket-holders only for four hours prior to the start of the eight matches held at MetLife Stadium.