NYC to MetLife bus fares for World Cup cut by 75%
Riding a shuttle bus to the FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium this summer just got much cheaper. On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that, with financial support from the state and other sponsors, round-trip shuttle tickets will cost $20, down from the previously announced $80 fare, as first reported by The Athletic. Of the roughly 18,000 shuttle tickets available per match, 20 percent will be reserved for New York residents. NJ Transit has also lowered round-trip train fares to MetLife Stadium to $98, after initially setting prices at $150 before reducing them to $105 last week.
“Hosting the World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Yorkers, and we are making this world-class event as affordable and accessible as possible,” Hochul said. “Cheaper shuttle bus service is a no-brainer—saving fans money and making it easier to get to matches, especially for New Yorkers who have access to exclusive tickets at this new, lower price.”
The buses will depart from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with two additional pickup locations in Midtown East, just east of Grand Central Terminal, and Midtown North, just west of Central Park. Exact locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
In anticipation of higher-than-expected demand, bus capacity has been expanded from an initial 10,000 seats to 18,000 seats for five matches and 12,000 seats for three matches. To allow for this increased service, additional school buses were secured from Highland Electric Fleets.
Bus tickets are now on sale for match ticketholders and can be purchased here. Customers who previously purchased official stadium shuttle tickets for applicable matches will automatically receive a $60 refund.
“Creating a World Cup experience that is accessible for both fans visiting our region and the people who call New York and New Jersey home is a core priority for us,” Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee, said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Gov. Hochul for helping us expand shuttle capacity and reduce round-trip fares from $80 to $20,” he added. “These improvements will provide an affordable and convenient transportation option while furthering our mission to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime event for residents and visitors alike.”
The announcement follows NJ Transit’s recent reductions to World Cup train fares. After initial backlash over the $150 round-trip price, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill directed the agency to identify alternative funding sources to reduce costs for fans and avoid passing expenses on to Garden State residents.
Last week, the agency cut fares by 30 percent to $105. On Tuesday, Sherrill announced in a post on X that the price had been reduced again to $98.
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