New World Cup NJ Train Ticket Prices Revealed After Landing Sponsorship Support

Fans traveling on New Jersey Transit to attend World Cup games this summer received some slight relief on Thursday.

Per Adam Crafton of The Athletic, NJ Transit has received support from "sponsors and other sources" that will enable it to reduce its round-trip rail prices for World Cup events by at least 30 percent from $150 to $105.

The trip from Penn Station in New York City to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey typically costs $12.90 for a return ticket on NJ Transit. The arrival of the 2026 World Cup led to the price hike after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill directed NJ Transit to ensure that the cost would belong to World Cup ticketholders rather than ordinary commuters and local taxpayers.

The decision to raise the prices to $150 unsurprisingly led to a massive wave of criticism, which put Gov. Sherrill and FIFA at odds.

"Governor Sherrill made two broad points; first, she would not impose financial burden on New Jersey taxpayers or commuters but said the World Cup was an opportunity for New Jersey to showcase the state, the economy and its culture and we are excited to host the games," NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri told Crafton. "Consistent with that commitment, the governor directed me to lower the cost of the tickets. We can now say we can lower the cost by at least 30 percent or $45."

Crafton noted that the prices "may yet drop lower" as NJ Transit continues to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to assist with the costs, as Gov. Sherrill directed. NJ Transit rail tickets will go live on Wednesday, and World Cup ticketholders will need to book them in advance.

"Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn't, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare," a spokesman for Gov. Sherrill told Crafton. "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."