Soccer enthusiasts planning to support their teams at the upcoming World Cup matches in the United States should prepare for soaring transportation costs in addition to ticket prices.
It has been reported that fans traveling from New York City to MetLife Stadium will incur around $150 for a round-trip train ticket on match days, significantly up from the normal fare of $12.90 for the quick 15-minute journey from Penn Station in Manhattan.
MetLife Stadium, home ground for the New York Giants and Jets, is set to host eight World Cup matches, including the finale on July 19. With limited parking space, officials anticipate roughly 40,000 supporters per match will depend on public transit.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the price hike, asserting it is essential to avoid long-term financial burdens on the state’s transit systems. According to transit officials, the cost of transporting fans for the tournament is expected to hit $62 million, with a mere $14 million funded by external sources.
“We are simply recovering costs, not price gouging,” emphasized NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.
Cities Take Varied Stances on Transit Pricing
Transportation fares differ across other host locations. In Massachusetts, fans heading to Gillette Stadium will face express bus fares of $95 and $80 for round-trip train journeys—four times the regular price.
Conversely, cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia have committed to keeping transit fares unchanged, buoyed by around $100 million in federal funds designated for enhancing transportation services during the tournament.
More economical travel options exist elsewhere, such as Kansas City offering $15 round-trip shuttle services, and Houston intending to maintain current fares, ranging from $1.25 to $4.50 for bus and rail rides.
FIFA Challenges Transportation Fee Increase
The surge in pricing has ignited a dispute with FIFA, which asserts that previous agreements mandated free transport for fans. The organization expressed astonishment at New Jersey’s fare decisions, highlighting its involvement in securing federal funding for host cities.
Additionally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the fare increase, deeming it exorbitant for such a brief journey.
Limited Affordable Options for Supporters
Fans seeking alternatives still face high expenses. Nearby parking, including at the American Dream Mall, is scarce and advertised at approximately $225 per space, further escalating the financial burden for attendees.
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