World Cup fans traveling from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium will pay $150 for a round-trip train ticket.

The steep fare has drawn criticism from FIFA and local officials, who warn it could deter spectators and hurt the tournament’s economic boost for the region.

NJ Transit set the round-trip fare at $150, up from the usual $12.90, making the cost more than ten times the normal price—nearly twelve times, according to the San Diego Union‑Tribune[1][5][4][5]. The hike reflects the additional service required for the high-volume event, but the disparity has ignited a pricing feud.

"chilling effect" said a FIFA spokesperson, warning that the price could suppress fan turnout.

NJ Transit will release 40,000 tickets per match for mass-transit users[4], and the train covers a nine-mile route in about fifteen minutes[5]. The limited ticket pool and short ride are intended to streamline access on game days.

Governor Mikie Sherrill (D‑NJ) said the fare reflects the cost of extra service, while New Jersey officials argue the price is prohibitive and could hurt local businesses[6]. The dispute underscores tension between state revenue goals and the goal of maximizing stadium attendance.

If fans balk at the $150 cost, stadium attendance could drop, affecting local vendors, hospitality workers, and FIFA’s revenue projections.

**What this means**

The $150 fare sets a new benchmark for event-related transit pricing in the U.S. By making travel significantly more expensive than everyday commutes, it may discourage casual or lower-income fans from attending, potentially lowering overall matchday revenue and dampening the expected economic uplift for New Jersey communities.

“"chilling effect"”

The $150 fare sets a new benchmark for event‑related transit pricing in the United States. By making travel significantly more expensive than everyday commutes, it may discourage casual or lower‑income fans from attending, potentially lowering overall matchday revenue and dampening the expected economic uplift for New Jersey communities.