World Cup Train and Shuttle Bus Ticket Prices Slashed in New York, New Jersey

In response to fan backlash, New Jersey and New York officials announced steep cuts to public‑transport fares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to make travel to the MetLife Stadium more affordable.

Ticket Price Reduction for NJ Transit Trains to MetLife Stadium

• New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed the new round‑trip train fare of $98, down from the previously announced $150.
• The fare applies to trips to the venue renamed New Jersey New York Stadium for the tournament.
• The regular commuter price for the 29 km (18‑mile) journey from Penn Station is $13.

Financial Implications of the $98 Fare vs Regular $13 Rate

• NJ Transit estimates it will spend $62 million to transport fans throughout the event.
• External grants have covered only $14 million of those costs, leaving the agency to recover the balance through ticket sales.
• At $98 per round‑trip, the fare remains substantially higher than the everyday price, reflecting the additional operational demands of World Cup traffic.

Broader Impact on Fans and Regional Transportation Strategy

• New York Governor Kathy Hochul reduced shuttle bus tickets from $80 to $20 round‑trip.
• Twenty percent of bus tickets for each match are reserved for New York state residents; the remainder are open to all fans.
• The price cuts aim to mitigate the overall cost burden on supporters already facing high match tickets, airfare, and visa fees.

Outlook for World Cup Travel Costs and Future Pricing Policies

• The tournament kicks off on June 11 and concludes with the final on July 19 at the East Rutherford stadium.
• Officials stress that the reduced fares are not “price gouging” but necessary to recoup expenses without tapping taxpayer funds.
• Monitoring fan response and ridership levels will inform whether similar pricing models could be applied to future large‑scale events in the region.