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The basics:

• NJ Transit cuts World Cup rail fare from $150 to $105
• Sponsors, outside funding help offset transportation costs
• MetLife Stadium will host 8 FIFA World Cup matches
• Rail tickets expected to go on sale May 13

NJ Transit will reduce its round-trip rail fare for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium from $150 to $105 following widespread backlash over the original pricing plan.

The reduced fare comes after NJ Transit, working with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration, secured financial support from “sponsors and other sources.” The contributions will help offset some of the estimated $48 million cost tied to World Cup transportation operations and security requirements. The New York Times first reported the change May 7.

As NJBIZ has reported, the fare structure emerged one of the most controversial aspects of the region’s World Cup planning efforts. Sherrill repeatedly argued that New Jersey taxpayers and everyday commuters should not shoulder the cost of transporting fans to the eight matches scheduled for MetLife Stadium, including the July 19 final.

“Gov. Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games,” Steve Sigmund, a spokesperson for Sherrill, told NJBIZ Thursday. “Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare.

“The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”

FIFA anticipates $11 billion in revenue from the World Cup.

In a statement, Kolluri told NJBIZ the administration ultimately directed NJ Transit to reduce fares after securing outside support.

Officials detail NJ World Cup transit plan

“This is a suburban area that happens to have an amazing stadium with amazing transportation assets,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri at the Meadowlands Chamber’s “Eggs & Issues: Transportation and Mobility” event.

“But we needed to think about how to move 78,000 people … safely and efficiently.”

“Gov. Sherrill committed that she would not impose any financial burden on New Jersey commuters and taxpayers for FIFA related transportation costs,” Kolluri said. “Understanding how important it is for New Jersey to showcase the state to the world, she asked NJ Transit to find private sponsorships and other sources to reduce the cost of the ticket.

“I am pleased we are able to reduce the price by at least 30% and bring the cost down to $105 per ticket.”

A ‘public transit-first’ event

As NJBIZ previously reported, the region’s transportation strategy centers on moving roughly 40,000 fans per match. It will primarily employ NJ Transit rail service, supported by dedicated bus shuttles.

Officials have described the tournament as a “public transit-first” event. It will feature limited parking and designated ride hailing zones as well as restricted vehicle access around the stadium complex.

At a May 1 Meadowlands Chamber transportation event in Lyndhurst [see box], Kolluri defended the original pricing. He pointed to the unprecedented scale and cost of the operation.

“The governor’s perspective is this is an experience for the fans. And we want to make sure there’s a good transportation system. And that cost to run the system for the eight games is $6 million a game – or $48 million for the eight games,” Kolluri said at the time.

The original $150 pricing model also drew criticism from FIFA officials. FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi previously warned the fare could have a “chilling effect.”

Under the updated plan, rail tickets are expected to go on sale May 13 and will still require advance purchase. NJ Transit officials told The New York Times they continue to pursue additional sponsorship support that could lower fares further.

Please stay to NJBIZ for the very latest on this developing story.