Sticker shock for World Cup fans as Friday’s plan exposes $225 parking and sky-high transit costs
The World Cup host committee and NJ Transit are expected to release their ticketing, parking and transportation plan Friday.
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Getting to World Cup matches in New Jersey is expected to be costly as officials prepare to unveil the official transportation plan.
The World Cup host committee and NJ Transit are expected to release their ticketing, parking and transportation plan Friday.
Officials have already made clear that parking and travel options will not be cheap.
One option for fans is parking at the American Dream mall near MetLife Stadium, where spots will cost $225 and must be reserved ahead of time.
Only ticketed fans will be able to register for parking through the JustPark website.
Officials said there are several thousand parking spaces available at the complex, along with two pedestrian bridges that provide access to the stadium.
Even so, officials stressed that parking there comes at a steep price.
Other ways to reach the stadium will be limited to mass transit, ride‑shares or chartered buses.
State Police said walking to the stadium is prohibited and unsafe because of the major roadways surrounding the area.
For fans traveling from New York’s Penn Station, published reports indicate round‑trip rail tickets could cost about $100.
NJ Transit fares have not yet been announced.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said New Jersey commuters should not be burdened by the cost of World Cup transportation.
[twitter] https://twitter.com/GovSherrillNJ/status/2044542994699665680 [/twitter]
“I won't stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. That's not fair,” Sherrill said. “So here's the bottom line. FIFA should pay for rides. But if they don't, I'm not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one.”
A spokesperson for FIFA issued the following statement in response to Sherrill's comments.
"We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach on fan transportation. The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.
Moreover, FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.
The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup Final. FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation."
