+ 1071.9% : the outrageous regional train ticket’s hike during FIFA World Cup in New York/New Jersey

Football fans are voicing growing frustration  and anger over the soaring cost of transportation to matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as newly confirmed pricing details show a dramatic increase in transit fares across several host cities in the United States.

The sharpest backlash has been directed at NJ Transit, which will charge fans $150 for a round-trip rail ticket between Manhattan’s Penn Station and MetLife Stadium (renamed during the event New York/New Jersey Stadium) in New Jersey on match days.

Under normal circumstances, the same journey costs just $12.80, marking an increase of more than 1,000 percent. For many supporters, the scale of the hike is not only surprising but deeply discouraging and even revolting as expressed by many.

The pricing decision comes as part of a broader transportation plan designed to handle the massive influx of spectators expected during the tournament.

MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including knockout fixtures, with each game drawing crowds of more than 78,000 people. The Final will also be hosted there. Authorities say the higher fares reflect the logistical and security challenges associated with moving such large volumes of fans safely and efficiently.

Still, fan groups argue the move contradicts the spirit of previous World Cups, where transportation was often included in match tickets or offered at heavily subsidized rates. Representatives from supporters’ groups say the rising costs risk pricing out loyal fans who have historically traveled long distances to support their teams. From match tickets to accommodation and now transport, attending the World Cup is becoming increasingly unaffordable for average fans.

Blaming each other for the hike

Politicians have also entered the discussion. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly pushed back against the fare increases, arguing that local commuters should not bear the financial burden of hosting a global sporting event.

NJ state is reportedly facing a $48 million bill related to security and infrastructure for the matches, and Sherrill has suggested that FIFA, which is expected to generate billions in revenue from the tournament, should contribute more significantly to associated costs. “

“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” the governor posted on Xon Wednesday evening.“And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11bn“.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the $150 fare as “awfully high,” adding to mounting political pressure on organizers and transit authorities.

For its part, FIFA has expressed surprise at the pricing strategy. The organization noted that original agreements with host cities included provisions for free fan transportation to stadiums. However, these terms were later renegotiated, with transport services to be provided “at cost” rather than subsidized.

Rail service only available for riders with a ticket to a match

Despite the controversy, preparations for matchday logistics continue at pace. The regional mobility plan for the New York-New Jersey area outlines a coordinated system combining rail services, shuttle buses and rideshare options. To manage congestion and ensure safety, no general spectator parking will be available at the stadium, and fans will be required to use official transport channels.

Rail services operated by NJ Transit will serve as the backbone of matchday travel, with the capacity to move up to 40,000 spectators per game. However, access will be tightly controlled. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the agency’s mobile app, will be non-transferable and non-refundable, and will only be available to holders of valid match tickets. On matchdays, rail service between Penn Station and Secaucus Junction will be restricted exclusively to World Cup attendees for several hours before kickoff.

In addition to rail options, an official stadium shuttle service will offer direct bus connections from key locations in New York City and New Jersey. These round-trip tickets are priced at $80, providing a somewhat more affordable alternative, though still significantly higher than typical public transport fares.

Fans will however not only be milked out in New York/New Jersey. Train fares for matches at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, are due to increase to $80 from $20.

Not every host city will follow New York or Boston policies. Kansas City will provide bus shuttles to Arrowhead Stadium for $15, while Los Angeles as well as Philadelphia’s transit authority said they would maintain their normal fares: $2.90 for Philadelphia and $3.50 for Los Angeles.