Rising Transportation Costs for FIFA World Cup 2026 Fans in the US
Transportation Costs Skyrocket for World Cup Attendees
New York [US], April 18 (Media House): Fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in the United States should prepare for significant transportation expenses, which are compounding the already high ticket prices, as reported by various sources.
Travelers making the journey from New York City to MetLife Stadium will face a round-trip train fare of approximately USD 150 for each match, as confirmed by transport officials on Friday. This fare is nearly 12 times the standard USD 12.90 for the quick 15-minute, 14-kilometer trip from Penn Station in Manhattan to East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With on-site parking unavailable for most attendees, officials predict that around 40,000 fans will depend on public transportation for each game. MetLife Stadium is set to host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19, and is expected to attract large crowds for games featuring teams like Brazil, France, Germany, and England.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the fare structure, stating it was essential to prevent local commuters from bearing the long-term financial burden of hosting the tournament. NJ Transit officials also emphasized that the fare increase is necessary to cover operational costs, estimating a total of $62 million for fan transportation during the tournament, with limited external funding available.
“This isn’t price gouging. We’re simply trying to recover our costs,” stated NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri, as reported by various outlets.
However, this decision has faced backlash, including from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who criticized the fares as “excessively high” for such a brief journey.
In other cities, transportation costs are also escalating. In Boston, express bus fares to Gillette Stadium are set at USD 95, while round-trip train tickets from Boston to nearby stations have surged to USD 80—four times the usual price.
Conversely, cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia have committed to maintaining current fares after receiving federal assistance for transport improvements. Kansas City and Houston have chosen to implement more budget-friendly options, such as low-cost shuttles and standard transit pricing.
This situation has also led to disagreements with FIFA, which noted that host city agreements initially included provisions for complimentary fan transport and expressed surprise at New Jersey’s fare decisions. However, state officials contend they have inherited financial responsibilities that FIFA does not cover.
For those considering alternatives to the train for reaching MetLife Stadium, parking at the nearby American Dream Mall is also costly, with limited spots available for advance purchase at USD 225.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, is scheduled to commence on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19.