Penn Station Access Limited During World Cup Matches

Penn Station to restrict access to World Cup attendees only during 2026 matches

Penn Station to Close for Non-World Cup Riders

Penn Station will close to regular commuters during 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, officials announced. The station will be restricted to World Cup attendees only for four hours before and three hours after each of the eight matches, including the final. NJ Transit riders who normally use Penn Station won't be able to access their regular trains during these closure periods, affecting thousands of daily commuters.

Unprecedented Access Restrictions Planned

The closure represents an unusual restriction of a major transit hub for a sporting event. Penn Station serves as the primary connection point between Manhattan and New Jersey, handling hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. Transit officials said the measure is necessary to manage the expected influx of World Cup attendees traveling to MetLife Stadium. The restrictions will affect regular commuters on match days throughout the tournament, though officials haven't specified alternative arrangements for displaced riders.

Premium Fares and Service Changes

NJ Transit plans to charge $150 for round-trip train rides between Manhattan and MetLife Stadium during World Cup matches, nearly eight times the standard fare for the route. Port Authority chief Kathryn Garcia is urging regular commuters to work from home on match days and encouraging World Cup attendees to use public transportation rather than ride-sharing services or taxis. Officials said the premium pricing reflects special event service, though they haven't detailed how many trains will run or what capacity increases are planned.

Eight Match Days Affected

The Penn Station restrictions will apply to all eight World Cup matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in 2026, including the tournament final. Officials haven't announced specific match dates or times when the closures will take effect. Transit agencies typically release detailed schedules several months before major events, but a timeline for when commuters can expect more information wasn't provided.

Commuters Face Major Disruptions

Regular NJ Transit riders will need to find alternative transportation or adjust work schedules on match days. Local leaders maintain that regular commuters won't bear the costs of World Cup preparations, despite the service disruptions. Officials said the measures aim to accommodate the expected surge in World Cup attendees while managing station capacity. Moovit provides real-time updates for NJ Transit and alternative routes to help riders navigate service changes during the tournament.