NJ Transit has once again reduced the price of train tickets to World Cup matches at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, following a massive public outcry. The initial round-trip fare of $150 for the roughly 9-mile journey from Penn Station was slashed to $105, and then further reduced to $98 on Tuesday. The move comes after President Donald Trump and countless fans voiced anger over the exorbitant costs associated with attending the FIFA World Cup.
Public Backlash Forces Price Cuts
The high cost of attending matches has been a major point of contention. Fans already face steep expenses for hotels, airfare, and ticket prices that can reach four figures. Host cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada have also raised public transportation fares, sparking tensions. In New Jersey, officials have attempted to ease the burden. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a drastic reduction in bus fares from New York City to the stadium, from $80 to $20.
The demand for hotel rooms during the World Cup has fallen short of expectations, partly due to visa barriers and geopolitical concerns, according to a study. President Trump expressed shock at the high ticket prices, telling The New York Post that he would not pay such amounts. "I did not know that number," he said. "I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you."
Comparisons to Previous World Cups
Critics have drawn parallels to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the most expensive final ticket was roughly $1,600 at face value. This year, the top-priced ticket for the final match is about $11,000. Andrés Martinez, a soccer author, told The Hill that the populist ideal of accessibility has become a fiction, describing the event as "the corporatization of World Cups on steroids."
Free events will be held across New York City for fans who cannot afford tickets. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated, "Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings." The criticism has escalated to legal action, with Football Supporters Europe filing a lawsuit with the European Commission in March, accusing FIFA of "excessive ticket prices." FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the costs, arguing they reflect the expense of doing business in the U.S.
Comparison to Regular Fares
Despite the reductions, the $98 round-trip fare is still significantly higher than the typical $13 cost for a train ticket from Penn Station to the stadium on non-event days. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who had feuded with FIFA online over costs, said commercial sponsors helped lower the price. The New York/New Jersey Stadium will host eight games between June 13 and July 19, including the final.
Other cities have also faced backlash. In Boston, transit officials announced an $80 train ticket to the Boston Stadium, a steep increase from the $20 fare to Patriots games and the typical $8.75 commuter rail fare. The stadium will host seven matches, including one featuring England's national team. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking to recoup $35 million in upgrade costs.
Cheaper Options Elsewhere
Several cities are offering more affordable options. Philadelphia will provide free trains for fans leaving matches, with tickets to the stadium costing just $2.90. In Miami, fans with tickets can take a free shuttle to the stadium. In Southern California, bus and train fares to the stadium are as low as $1.75. "We're trying to make things convenient," said Conan Cheung, chief operations officer of LA Metro.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pressured FIFA to cover transportation costs, stating, "New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall." The NJ Transit World Cup tickets, which are non-transferable and non-refundable, went on sale Wednesday for ticket holders only via the mobile app. The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
