Round‑trip train tickets from New York City to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches jumped from $13 to $150, officials said Friday. [1]

The surge matters because the cost increase could price out many fans who rely on public transit to attend games, shifting traffic to congested highways and raising equity concerns for lower‑income supporters. [1]

Transportation officials said on Friday that the $150 round‑trip fare per match is intended to accommodate the massive influx of spectators traveling from the city to the stadium. The original fare of $13 was the standard rate for a round‑trip ticket on the same route before the tournament began. [1]

Demand for World Cup tickets has surged, with estimates of over 200,000 fans expected to travel to each game. The transit system is adding extra trains and extending service hours, but officials said the higher fare helps fund the additional resources required to manage crowds safely. This approach mirrors pricing strategies used at other major events, such as the Super Bowl, where transit agencies have raised fares to cover extra staffing and security. [2] [3]

NJ Transit, which operates the line, said the price adjustment reflects the cost of providing "enhanced service, increased staffing and additional security measures" during the tournament. [1] The agency also highlighted that the revenue generated will support future infrastructure upgrades across the network. [1]

Consumer advocacy groups, however, said the steep price could deter fans without the means to afford such tickets, potentially limiting the diversity of the crowd at the matches. "Officials said the hike reflects the surge in fan travel demand," a consumer advocate said, adding that alternative transportation options remain limited. [1]

The fare increase comes as part of a broader effort to manage the logistical challenges of hosting a global sporting event in a densely populated region, balancing revenue needs with public accessibility. [2]

“The round‑trip fare now costs $150 per World Cup match.”

What this means: The $150 fare will likely shift many fans toward driving, increasing road congestion around MetLife Stadium and raising concerns about equitable access to the World Cup experience, while providing NJ Transit with additional funds to sustain enhanced service levels during the tournament.