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Traveling to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium by train this summer may be a little cheaper than initially expected.
After NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee initially announced $150 round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to New Jersey Stadium, tickets will now be discounted to $105.
NJ Transit said it received monetary support from “sponsors and other sources,” so prices were able to be reduced, according to The Athletic.
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NJ Transit riders get off a train at Penn Station in New York in June 2025. (James M. O’Neill/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
After the initial prices were set, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA argued, with the governor saying FIFA should pay for the train tickets. FIFA criticized Sherrill’s “unprecedented” plan and added that expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience.
“Governor Sherrill has made it clear that FIFA should contribute to transporting its fans to World Cup matches. When that is not the case, she has directed NJ Transit to seek private, non-taxpayer funds to significantly reduce the fare,” a Sherrill spokesperson told The Athletic. “The Governor appreciates all of the businesses that have already stepped up to reduce costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure that the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jersey residents.”
Kris Kolluri, CEO of NJ Transit, defended the $150 train tickets, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company should not be the burden on New Jersey commuters.
Commuters move through the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York on May 20, 2025, after NJ Transit resumed operations following a tentative agreement to end a three-day strike by rail engineers. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
FIFA hits back at New Jersey Governor MIKIE SHERILL FOR DEMAND TO PAY FOR WORLD CUP TRANSIT TICKETS
“This is an exciting time for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic position in the country and the world. Just as important, (Sherrill) said New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the travel of fans to the game because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament would cost NJ Transit $48 million.
“To move 40,000 people and pay $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150.”
The CEO said if the regular $12.90 fare were implemented, commuters would subsidize the $48 million bill by 92%.
Parking has been banned at MetLife Stadium and carpooling will be limited, meaning an increase in the number of people. NJ Transit commutes.
Transportation officials are preparing to welcome an unprecedented number of passengers during World Cup matches this summer. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York’s Penn Station will also not be open to spectators until four hours before games start, and area residents have been asked to avoid non-essential NJ Transit travel on game days.
The first game at MetLife Stadium will be June 13.
