Is this the worst deal in World Cup travel history? The transport authority in New Jersey, NJ Transit, has a proposition for England football fans attending the final World Cup group game against Panama on 27 June.
The crucial match is taking place at the MetLife stadium just outside New York City – which is hosting seven other matches during the tournament, including the final on 19 July.
The obvious way to travel from Manhattan to the venue is by train from New York Penn Station. But England football fans are expected to pay $150 (£111) for a round trip taking mere minutes each way. The usual discounts for children and seniors are not available.
The demand is in sharp contrast from the Olympics in London in 2012. That summer, anyone with an event ticket was given a day’s travelcard allowing them to venture anywhere they wished on the capital’s transport network free of charge.
Under the headline “Your Ride to the World’s Game”, supporters travelling from New York City to the match are instructed that they can only book the trip on the NJ Transit mobile app. Tickets go on sale on 13 May.
New Jersey state governor Mikie Sherrill said: “Hosting cannot come at the expense of New Jersey commuters and taxpayers.
“Fifa should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidising World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ Transit every day.”
But Fifa chief operating officer Heimo Scherzi responded: “The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options.”
Even after handing over a sum a dozen times higher than the standard fare, there are strict rules to follow. Fans will be allowed on board only if they have a match ticket as well and follow the protocols: “During ticket inspection, each ticket holder will receive an official NJ Transit Matchday Wristband.
“Wristbands are matchday-specific and must be worn at all times, including to board return service for travel after the match.
“No wristband, no ride.”
Boston, where Scotland will play twice and England once, is also commanding high fares for the 22-mile journey from the Massachusetts state capital to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Each match day, 14 trains will run nonstop between Boston South Station and the stadium. The flat fare is $80 (£60) return, almost five times the normal price.
Yet Boston is also the location of one of America’s more generous public transport offers: free travel from the airport to the city centre. The Silver Line 1 bus runs from all the terminals at Logan airport to the city’s South Station, through a dedicated tunnel route that makes it much faster than the alternatives.
At other US venues, World Cup match fares are more reasonable. At Dallas – where England play their opening match – the Trinity Railway Express will charge normal fares ($6/£4.50 return) to reach Centreport station near the stadium. From the suburban trains, free shuttle buses will take match ticket holders to the ground.
Miami, venue for Scotland’s last group game against Brazil, has the most lavish offering. The optimum way to reach the Hard Rock Stadium is using the Brightline train to and from Aventura station. These privately run trains will be charging normal fares, starting at $12 (£9) each way; on match days, fans can get a 15 per cent discount.
For $32 (£24) supporters can travel in Premium, with free pre-departure lounges and onboard drinks during the 17-minute journey.
Philadelphia is offering free public transport on match days to and from the Lincoln Financial Field stadium. In Pennsylvania’s largest city, Airbnb is sponsoring the trains. Connecting services are at normal prices.
England’s training camp will be in Kansas City, where a dedicated free bus service will run every 15 minutes between the airport and downtown. Shuttles to the stadium will cost $15 (£11) return.
Several host cities are offering public transport at standard rates:
- Atlanta: $2.50 (£2) each way to and from the Mercedes-Benz stadium, payable with contactless or a special World Cup Breeze prepaid card. Children under 3ft10in travel free
- Houston: NRG Stadium is on the MetroRail Red Line, with the standard $1.25 (£1) fare applying – or buy a $3 (£2.20) all day pass
- Los Angeles: $1.75 (£1.30) each way to and from the SoFi stadium
San Francisco appears to be nothing special for fans attending matches at Levi’s Stadium, southeast of the city. Normal $11 (£8) one-way fares will apply on the Bart metro train network.
Seattle’s Lumen Stadium is just south of downtown, very close to the main King Street rail and transit station, and no special services are planned.
Matches in Canada and Mexico will follow this pattern, with extra services put on at standard city transport fares.
Read more: Simon Calder’s World Cup 2026 Travel Guide for England and Scotland fans
