NJ Transit is selling round-trip train tickets for $150 [1] for fans traveling from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium.
The pricing affects thousands of supporters attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match between Morocco and Brazil on June 8, 2026 [1, 2]. The cost represents a significant increase over standard transit rates, raising concerns about accessibility for international and local fans.
NJ Transit set the special World Cup fare to cover additional service costs and the high demand expected for high-profile matches [5, 6]. The route covers an 18-mile trek from New York City to East Rutherford, New Jersey [2, 3].
For comparison, the normal round-trip fare for this route is $12.90 [4]. This is the same price fans paid to attend nine matches during the FIFA Club World Cup held at MetLife Stadium last summer [4].
"By now you've known the exorbitant fare for fans making the journey to the Meadowlands from New York City," Ian Quillen said in a report for Forbes [3].
A spokesperson for NJ Transit said round-trip tickets between Penn Station and the Meadowlands could cost more than $100, with some estimates nearing $150 [6].
Transportation costs for the event extend beyond the rail line. Shuttle tickets to the stadium are priced at $80 [7], while parking at the venue is listed at $225 [7]. These combined costs create a high financial barrier for attendees attempting to reach the stadium via various transit methods.
“Round-trip train tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium are being sold for $150 per fan.”
The drastic price increase reflects a strategy by NJ Transit to monetize the surge in demand during a global sporting event while offsetting the operational costs of increased frequency. However, the disparity between the standard $12.90 fare and the $150 event fare may lead to criticism regarding 'price gouging' during the World Cup, potentially impacting the number of fans who choose public transit over private alternatives.
