World Cup fans traveling to MetLife Stadium from New York City will pay $150 for round-trip train tickets during the tournament, transportation officials announced Friday. The fare represents an 1,100% increase from the standard $12.90 cost for the 15-minute journey between Manhattan's Penn Station and the East Rutherford, New Jersey venue.
NJ Transit expects 40,000 fans per match to use the rail service, as on-site parking will be severely limited. The stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the July 19 final, with group stage games featuring Brazil, France, Germany, and England beginning June 13.
This isn't price gouging. We're literally trying to recoup our costs.
Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit President and CEO — Associated Press
The transit agency projects spending $62 million on World Cup transportation services, with only $14 million covered by federal grants and host committee contributions. Security costs alone will reach $11 million, while labor expenses are expected to hit $20 million. The agency has increased maintenance schedules for passenger cars and contracted hundreds of backup buses.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized FIFA for failing to contribute transit funding, arguing that regular commuters should not subsidize World Cup operations. The Democratic governor inherited agreements that eliminated stadium parking while requiring enhanced public transportation without FIFA financial support.
French outlets emphasize fan exploitation and "completely insane" pricing, framing this as another example of FIFA prioritizing profits over accessibility. They highlight supporter group outrage and position this within broader criticism of tournament commercialization, reflecting France's tradition of fan advocacy and skepticism toward sports commercialization.