Fans outraged over World Cup fares
Social posts are calling out NJ Transit train fares from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium at more than $100 per ticket versus the usual $12.90, and the service plan reportedly includes no stadium parking. (x.com)
Fans planning to take New Jersey Transit to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are reacting to reports that a round-trip ticket from New York Penn Station could top $100. (nytimes.com) The reported fare would apply to an 18-mile trip that usually costs $12.90 round trip between Penn Station and Meadowlands service for stadium events. New Jersey Transit’s fare guide lists rail tickets by origin and destination, and its World Cup page says match riders will travel via Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Rail Line. (nytimes.com) (njtransit.com 1) (njtransit.com 2) New Jersey Transit has not posted final World Cup ticket prices on its official site. Its World Cup page says only match ticketholders will be allowed on Meadowlands Rail service and that details on ticket purchases, verification and schedules will be posted closer to the tournament. (njtransit.com) MetLife Stadium is due to host eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including the final on July 19, 2026. NBC New York reported last week that Penn Station is expected to close to regular commuters for four-hour windows before match days to handle game crowds. (nbcnewyork.com) The transportation plan is unusually restrictive because fans are being told not to expect normal stadium driving access. CBS New York reported there will be no parking available at MetLife for World Cup matches, and New Jersey Transit has positioned rail service as the main route to the stadium. (cbsnews.com) (njtransit.com) That has put extra attention on the price of the train, because the rail link is not just one option among many. Time Out New York reported in March that public transit would be the only way to get to MetLife for the tournament under the regional access plan. (timeout.com) The backlash spread beyond fan accounts on Tuesday. NBC New York reported that Governor Kathy Hochul called the reported fare “awfully high” and said New York would not charge anything comparable for Metropolitan Transportation Authority service tied to the tournament. (nbcnewyork.com) New Jersey Transit has publicly pushed back on the idea that the fare story is settled. Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that the agency said no final pricing decision had been announced, even as officials acknowledged special event plans are still being developed. (msn.com) (northjersey.com) For now, the gap between the reported fare and the posted regular fare is what fans are seizing on. New Jersey Transit says ticketing details are still coming, but the agency has already made clear that Meadowlands trains will be reserved for World Cup match ticketholders. (njtransit.com 1) (njtransit.com 2)
