$150 to go 6 miles? NJ Transit to set record straight on train cost for the World Cup

Will NJ Transit charge $100 — or more — for a round-trip ticket between New York Penn and MetLife Stadium this summer? Will Penn be closed to commuters for hours?

You’ve heard the reports. On Friday, NJ Transit makes its plans official.

President and CEO Kris Kolluri is expected to reveal them to reporters at a media briefing later in the day.

Rumors have been flying about how NJ Transit plans to foot the extra $48 million bill it says it faces because of the FIFA World Cup. Eight matches, including the final, will be played at MetLife Stadium.

A report by The Athletic this week indicated NJ Transit could charge more than $100 for a round-trip ticket — a 700% markup from the $12.90 it typically costs to ride a few stops. On Thursday, the New York Times reported that the cost of a rail ticket could approach $150. How high could it go?

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says NJ Transit shouldn’t foot the bill at all.

She traded barbs with FIFA on Thursday over World Cup transit costs, hours after she demanded that the soccer organization pay for the added costs. Sherrill, and others, have pointed to FIFA’s expected $11 billion haul from this World Cup, but FIFA hasn’t budged.

“FIFA is charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket to the final. They’re charging over $200 for ‘premium’ parking at the American Dream Mall — while eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium

he only ways to get to the stadium are by train, stadium shuttle, and ride share.

Sherrill accused FIFA of pocketing billions while eliminating parking at MetLife and charging more than $200 for “premium” parking at the American Dream Mall by the stadium. With that parking space limited, the only other ways to get to the stadium are by train, stadium shuttle or rideshare.

FIFA initially required free transportation to World Cup matches. To lessen the burden on host cities, it adjusted the agreement in 2023 to allow paid transportation, provided there is access to transit, public or otherwise.

A spokesperson said FIFA was “quite surprised,” by Sherrill’s approach, given the prior agreement.

“Moreover, FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation,” the FIFA statement said.

“The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America, along with the related economic impact. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup Final,” the spokesperson said. “FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.”

Whatever happens, it won’t fall on New Jersey commuters, Sherrill vows.

At Wednesday’s board of directors meeting, Kolluri responded to questions by referring to Sherrill’s statements. Sen. Chuck Schumer, in New York, also demanded FIFA step up its economic contributions in light of the costs.

How host cities are responding

New York/New Jersey isn’t the only host city where the cost of transit to the games has become an issue.

In Boston, a round-trip ticket for the bus will cost $95, more than the MBTA’s special express train service, which already prompted an outcry, since the $80 fare to get to the stadium in Foxboro and back is several times higher than it typically is.

But in Philadelphia, a spokesperson for SEPTA said there would be no increase in fares to get to the World Cup games there, adding that most, if not all, of the added operating costs would be “covered with a recently awarded federal grant.” Atlanta is also offering affordable public transportation to the games played there.

The World Cup host committee for New York City/New Jersey has not provided a comment on The Athletic report, referring questions to NJ Transit. An agency spokesperson referred to Friday’s briefing.

MetLife Stadium — which is losing its name for the duration of the soccer tournament — will host eight World Cup matches between June 13 and July 19. The last match date is also the FIFA World Cup 26 Final.

The World Cup host committee for New York City/New Jersey has not provided a comment on The Athletic report, referring questions to NJ Transit. An agency spokesperson referred to Friday’s briefing.

MetLife Stadium — which is losing its name for the duration of the soccer tournament — will host eight World Cup matches between June 13 and July 19. The last match date is also the FIFA World Cup 26 Final.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just two months away, and some New Jersey Transit changes ahead of the matches have a lot of people talking. The plan involves restricting some travel in and out of New York’s Penn Station. NBC New York’s Adam Harding reports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.