NJ Transit World Cup train fares will be $105 for round-trip service to East Rutherford, N.J. The fare applies to World Cup matches. It is down 30% from the previously announced $150 price. The same trip from Penn Station normally costs $12.90. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

NJ Transit may charge $100+ for World Cup trains to MetLife
A NJ Transit train prepares to leave Newark Penn Station in Newark, N.J., Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NJ Transit World Cup train fares and ticket timing

The agency introduced the $150 original fare in April. It was part of its World Cup transportation plan. Under that plan, train service will be limited to World Cup ticket holders. The restriction begins four hours before each match.

Part of the cost will now be covered by donors. Still, Gothamist reported that state officials have not identified the donors. They also have not said how much money has been provided. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said Gov. Mikie Sherrill had asked the agency to “find private sponsorships and other sources to reduce the cost of the ticket,” noting “how important it is for New Jersey to showcase the state to the world.”

Donations and FIFA transportation costs

The original $150 fare could have generated $48 million. Officials said that amount would be needed to operate trains for the eight World Cup matches in New Jersey. If fares and donations are still intended to cover that figure, offsetting the 30% fare reduction would require $14.4 million in outside support.

Sherrill has said several times that FIFA should contribute to transportation costs. FIFA is soccer’s governing body. She has said the organization stands to make $11 billion from the tournament. At the same time, an official with FIFA said in a statement that the NJ Transit fare would have a “chilling effect” by pushing spectators toward alternatives that could increase congestion and create “broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy” of serving as host. FIFA is charging almost $11,000 for the top tickets to the World Cup Final in East Rutherford.

Separately, sales are scheduled to begin May 13. The special World Cup tickets have not yet gone on sale. No passenger has paid the earlier $150 fare.

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