New Ferry Route Proposed for World Cup Travel Between NY and NJ

City Council member pushes plan to activate Harlem Pier ferry infrastructure ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:07pm

A bold, geometric illustration depicting the towering forms of a ferry terminal and docked boats, with a sleek, airbrushed gradient background evoking the Hudson River. The conceptual image captures the grand scale and sweeping perspectives of travel infrastructure.A proposed new ferry route could offer World Cup fans a more affordable and convenient travel option between New York and New Jersey.NYC Today

A New York City Council member is proposing to expand ferry service between New York and New Jersey ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The plan would activate existing ferry infrastructure at the Harlem Pier, creating a new route across the Hudson River to Edgewater, New Jersey, where fans could then transfer to shuttle buses heading to MetLife Stadium. Supporters argue the ferry option could provide an affordable and congestion-relieving alternative to current travel options.

Why it matters

With the 2026 World Cup matches scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, this proposed ferry route could offer a more convenient and cost-effective way for fans to travel between New York City and the stadium, potentially reducing traffic on major crossings like the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel.

The details

Council Member Shaun Abreu is pushing the plan, which would create a new ferry route from the Harlem Pier across the Hudson River to Edgewater, New Jersey. From there, fans could transfer to shuttle buses heading to MetLife Stadium. Abreu says the ferry crossing would take under 10 minutes, providing an alternative to current travel options that often require multiple transfers through Manhattan transit hubs.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
  • The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) says it has not finalized summer ferry schedules and that ticket pricing is expected to remain unchanged for now.

The players

Shaun Abreu

A New York City Council member who is pushing the proposal to expand ferry service between New York and New Jersey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)

The agency that oversees ferry operations in New York City, which says it has not finalized summer ferry schedules and that ticket pricing is expected to remain unchanged for now.

New York Waterway

The ferry operator that has not been contacted about the proposal and says no operational changes are currently planned.

MetLife Stadium

The stadium in New Jersey that will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

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What’s next

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) says it will evaluate the proposal, while emphasizing its commitment to providing a strong transportation experience during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The takeaway

This proposed ferry route could provide a more convenient and affordable travel option for fans attending the 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, potentially easing congestion on major crossings between New York and New Jersey. However, the plan still needs to be finalized and approved by the relevant transportation agencies.