NJ Transit Mulls $100 World Cup Rail Tickets

Proposed fares from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium are 7 times the usual rate.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a crowded train platform, with sharp planes of steel grey, navy blue, and forest green colors conveying the complex logistical challenges of World Cup transportation.Proposed World Cup transit fare hikes threaten to price out local residents from accessing the global sporting event.East Rutherford Today

According to reports, NJ Transit is considering charging over $100 for round-trip rail tickets from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches, a significant increase from the usual $12.90 fare. The transit agency has also announced that parts of Penn Station will be closed on game days, adding to the logistical challenges for New York-area commuters.

Why it matters

The potential World Cup ticket price hike has drawn criticism from U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who called on FIFA to contribute toward transit security costs instead of passing them on to local residents. Similar fare increases have been announced for World Cup travel in the Boston area, highlighting the broader challenge of managing transportation for major sporting events.

The details

NJ Transit said the ticket prices have not been finalized, but sources cited by The New York Times reported the proposed round-trip fare would be over $100, up from the usual $12.90. The transit agency also plans to close parts of Penn Station on World Cup match days at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

  • On Tuesday, The New York Times reported on the proposed World Cup rail ticket pricing.
  • Last week, NJ Transit announced the Penn Station closures on World Cup game days.

The players

NJ Transit

The public transportation system serving New Jersey, which is responsible for providing rail service to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup matches.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer

A Democratic senator from New York who has called on FIFA to contribute toward World Cup transit security costs instead of passing them on to local residents.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, which is set to generate nearly $11 billion from the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer's World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill. The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

What’s next

A final decision on the World Cup rail ticket pricing from NJ Transit is expected in the next several days.

The takeaway

The proposed World Cup transit fare hikes in both New York and Boston highlight the broader challenge of managing transportation logistics and costs for major sporting events. While transit agencies aim to cover their expenses, there are calls for event organizers like FIFA to contribute more to ensure local residents can access the games affordably.