NJ Transit is weighing a steep match-day fare that could push a round-trip ticket from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium over $100, a massive jump from the usual $12.90. The idea is already drawing heat from commuters and elected officials as agencies rush to lock in plans for eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at the Meadowlands this summer.
The potential triple digit price was first reported by the New York Post, which said the hike would apply to all eight games at MetLife and that a final decision is expected soon. NJ Transit, for its part, has stressed that match-day pricing is still under discussion and not yet final.
On its Meadowlands information page, NJ Transit lists the standard round-trip adult fare from New York Penn to Meadowlands at $12.90 for event service. The agency notes that special shuttle trains run between Secaucus Junction and Meadowlands Station for major events, and it urges riders to buy round-trip tickets in advance to dodge long lines.
Penn Station closures and security
Beyond the price talk, NJ Transit has signaled that Penn Station itself will feel very different on match days. The agency plans to restrict access in multi hour windows before several games, creating secure, ticket-only boarding zones that will cut into typical weekday commute patterns.
ABC7 reports that NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri told a budget hearing the railroad needs to move roughly 40,000 people per game and that heightened security concerns are driving the entire operational plan.
Sherrill vows commuters won't pay
Mikie Sherrill has pushed back on the idea that regular New Jersey riders should end up footing the bill for World Cup crowds. She has argued that state taxpayers should not be on the hook for the extra costs and says officials are working to shield everyday commuters from any financial blowback.
In comments reported by NorthJersey.com and republished by AOL, Sherrill said, “We worked together closely to make sure that that cost will not be borne by New Jerseyans.”
What's next
Officials say a final decision on match-day pricing is coming soon, but the possibility of a ticket that jumps from $12.90 to more than $100 has already turned into a broader fight over who should shoulder the costs of extra trains and crowd control.
SportsBusiness Journal notes that agencies are still hammering out plans for non World Cup riders, with details on alternate routes and potential discounts expected in the coming days.
Whether NJ Transit ultimately slaps a big World Cup premium on a normally cheap stadium shuttle or finds another way to plug the budget gap remains unresolved. For now, riders and fans are being urged to keep a close eye on official NJ Transit announcements and the Meadowlands service page before locking in their game day travel.
