World Cup 2026: Five Transport Keys for Fans in New York and New Jersey

New York and New Jersey are finalizing preparations to host fans for the 2026 World Cup, with transportation authorities releasing a comprehensive plan for ticket holders heading to MetLife Stadium. The coordinated strategy aims to manage the movement of over 78,000 spectators expected at each game.

The transportation network will feature a mix of stadium shuttle buses operating on four distinct lines, Red (Midtown North), Green (Midtown East), Blue (Port Authority Bus Terminal), and Yellow (Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine), offering round-trip services on match days. Complementing the shuttles, attendees can utilize Amtrak services, the New York ferry, waterways, and Staten Island ferries. Ride-sharing services are anticipated to have higher fares on match days.

For those opting for private transport, access to the stadium is restricted to FIFA-authorized vehicles. Additionally, NJ Transit rail services will have modified schedules post-match. For three hours after each game, services on the Northeast Corridor Line, North Jersey Coast Line, and Raritan Valley Line heading to Penn Station will terminate at Newark Penn Station. Travelers with tickets to New York can then transfer to the PATH train from Newark Penn Station at no extra cost.

Similarly, Midtown Direct services on the Morris & Essex Lines and Montclair-Boonton Line bound for New York will end at Newark Broad Street. From there, passengers can connect to the Newark Light Rail for service to Newark Penn Station and then take the PATH train to New York. Authorities strongly recommend that spectators plan their journeys in advance and secure their transportation well ahead of time, as travel will differ significantly from normal operations.