NJ Transit Sets World Cup Fare at $150
NJ Transit will charge $150 for World Cup trips and restrict Penn Station access
NJ Transit Raises World Cup Fares to $150
Commuters who rely on NJ Transit's Penn Station service should plan to work from home during 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. The transit agency will charge $150 for round-trip tickets to the stadium—more than 11 times the usual $12.90 fare—and restrict Penn Station access to ticketed World Cup riders for four hours before and three hours after each match. Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority executive director, told residents to avoid commuting if possible due to expected severe congestion from soccer fans crowding bars, restaurants, and public transit.
Limited Capacity and Station Restrictions
NJ Transit will sell only 40,000 round-trip tickets from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium per game, significantly limiting capacity for the matches scheduled throughout June and July 2026. The New Jersey Transit section of Penn Station will be closed to non-World Cup travelers during the four-hour pre-match window, forcing regular commuters to find alternative routes or work remotely. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host multiple World Cup matches, including the final, drawing massive crowds to the region. Transit officials said the restrictions are necessary to manage the expected influx of international soccer fans while maintaining some level of service.
Rush Hour Conflicts on Two Match Days
Two matches scheduled for June 22 and June 30 will overlap with commuter rush hour, creating additional strain on the transit system. New Jersey Transit officials specifically advised avoiding commuting into the office on those dates when games are expected to conflict with typical weekday travel patterns. There will be no general spectator parking at the stadium on match days, and access will be limited to official transportation options. Rideshare services are being discouraged, and public transit is strongly recommended for those who must travel, though the dramatic fare increase and limited ticket availability may push some travelers toward other options despite official guidance.
Seven-Hour Access Windows for Ticketed Riders
The Penn Station restrictions will create seven-hour windows during which only ticketed World Cup riders can access the NJ Transit section—four hours before kickoff and three hours after each match ends. Regular commuters won't have access to their usual trains during these periods, which officials said could extend well into evening hours depending on match schedules. Garcia emphasized the importance of planning ahead and using public transit for those attending matches, though she acknowledged the significant disruption to daily commuters who rely on the same infrastructure.
Planning for Major Transit Disruptions
Commuters should expect severe travel congestion throughout the World Cup period in June and July 2026, with particular challenges on June 22 and June 30 when matches overlap with rush hour. Officials are urging residents who aren't attending matches to work from home if possible to reduce strain on the transit system. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on NJ Transit service and alternative routing options during the World Cup restrictions.
