Fans Face Steep Travel Costs to 2026 World Cup Stadiums, With Some Tickets at $98

Getting to the MetLife Stadium for the 2026 World Cup is proving to be a significant challenge for many fans, with travel costs reaching astonishing levels.

While initial reports of local train tickets costing $150 round trip have subsided, prices remain steep at $98 for a return journey. This high cost has contributed to a number of seats remaining unsold for matches, as fans seek alternative, more affordable ways to reach the venue. The stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches, is one of the largest of the tournament.

The author personally investigated the travel situation, confirming the difficulties fans face. On match days, a special public transport regime is enforced, making access complicated. Even for regular events like American football games, reaching the stadium and returning to New York can be arduous, often involving long walks along unsafe roads, especially after games when closer bus stops are sometimes suspended.

Taxi services are also prohibitively expensive, with fares reaching up to $200 for the short 10-kilometer trip to Manhattan. Local bus lines offer some options but are not ideal. Adding to the complexity, New Jersey authorities announced that all bus lines would be suspended five hours before the start of World Cup matches, forcing attendees into more costly transport solutions.

The author's investigation suggests that the instructions provided by public transport websites create an impression of deliberately hindering fan access rather than facilitating it. The overall experience points to a system that makes reaching the stadium a stressful and expensive ordeal.