MBTA Adds World Cup Rail Service to Gillette
MBTA adds special rail service from South Station to Gillette Stadium for seven 2026 World Cup matches
MBTA Adds World Cup Rail Service to Gillette
Massachusetts transit officials are ramping up commuter rail service for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a test event revealed significant transportation challenges. The MBTA will run special trains from South Station to Foxborough for seven matches at Gillette Stadium—temporarily renamed Boston Stadium—from June 13 through July 9, 2026. Riders must have a World Cup match ticket to board event trains, with tickets going on sale April 8.
Test Match Exposes Transit Gaps
A Brazil-France friendly on March 26 served as a crucial dress rehearsal for World Cup preparations, drawing tens of thousands of fans to Gillette Stadium. The match sold over 3,000 MBTA tickets, but drivers faced heavy traffic and long delays on Routes 1, 495, and I-95. State Police advised attendees to arrive 2-4 hours early and use public transit. Transportation officials said the test event highlighted the need for enhanced rail service during the tournament.
Special Schedules and Premium Pricing
The MBTA ran four trains from South Station to Foxborough for the friendly match, with event trains departing every 15 minutes starting at 12:45 p.m. Train ticket prices for World Cup matches could reach $75 per person, significantly higher than standard commuter rail fares. Officials haven't released the exact number of trains planned for tournament matches or detailed frequency schedules. The Healey-Driscoll Administration secured $46.6 million in federal funding to support public safety and operational investments for the World Cup.
Fan Festival and Security Measures
Boston City Hall Plaza will host an official FIFA Fan Festival featuring live match broadcasts, interactive games, and local food vendors during the tournament. The state's implementing enhanced security measures, crowd management training, and a Human Trafficking Preparedness Plan. Officials are coordinating with partners in public health, safety, transportation, and federal and local government to ensure smooth operations across all seven matches.
Transit Urged Over Driving
Transportation officials are strongly encouraging visitors to use commuter rail rather than drive to matches, citing the congestion experienced during the test event. Significant traffic's expected on major routes leading to Foxborough throughout the tournament. Officials said detailed match-day schedules will be released closer to June. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for MBTA commuter rail and other transit options serving the Boston area.
