NJ Transit Cuts World Cup Train Tickets to $98 After Sherrill Push

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced NJ Transit has cut round-trip train ticket prices from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford to $98 for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tickets go on sale Tuesday night.

The price is down from $150 initially and $105 announced last week. Sherrill shared the news on X, calling it good news ahead of the sale. "Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money," she wrote.

She thanked sponsors DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries and American Water for their support. "We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage," Sherrill added.

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee faced backlash over the original $150 price. They argued a lower fare would burden taxpayers amid the expected influx to MetLife Stadium from New York City.

Last week, NJ Transit said it secured funds from sponsors and other sources to lower prices. Sherrill's post named those sponsors.

Sherrill clashed with FIFA after the $150 price emerged. She said FIFA should help pay for fan transport to World Cup games. FIFA called her plan unprecedented and warned the high fares would harm the fan experience.

"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," her spokesperson told The Athletic. "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."

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the initial price. He said the tournament will cost the agency $48 million, including $6 million per game to move 40,000 people. "It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair," Kolluri said.

The regular round-trip fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is $12.90.

MetLife Stadium has banned parking, and ride-sharing will be limited. This will push more fans to NJ Transit for World Cup matches. The first game there is a group stage matchup between Brazil and Morocco on June 13.