World Cup fans face $150 train fare shock for MetLife Stadium matches
Football fans heading to matches at MetLife Stadium during the upcoming World Cup will face a steep transportation cost, with a special train ticket priced at $150 for a round trip between New York and the venue in New Jersey, more than 10 times the usual fare.
The officials confirmed on Friday that the temporary fare will apply to services linking New York with the stadium, which is set to host eight matches, including the tournament final. The 36-mile (56 km) round trip normally costs just $12.90.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said the system will charge $150 per round-trip ticket from New York to MetLife Stadium and back, citing special operational arrangements for the event.
Only around 40,000 train tickets will be made available across all eight matches, raising concerns about capacity and access for fans relying on public transport, according to news rep[orts.
Driving to the stadium may not be a cheaper alternative. Limited parking will be available at $225 per space, primarily reserved for disabled fans and selected areas near an adjacent shopping mall, according to parking provider JustPark.
The pricing structure has triggered strong criticism from football authorities. FIFA described the move as “unprecedented,” with World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi arguing that the demand to impose higher transport costs on fans and shift financial responsibility to FIFA is without precedent in global sporting events.
FIFA also reiterated that host city agreements originally required free transportation for fans attending matches, highlighting a shift away from previous tournament arrangements. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, supporters were able to use Doha’s metro system free of charge with valid match tickets.
The controversy adds to ongoing criticism over already high-ticket prices for the tournament, intensifying debate over affordability and fan accessibility at one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
