The Cost of Attending the World Cup in the US
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans from around the world are preparing to travel to the United States for what promises to be an exciting event. However, the experience of traveling to matches is proving to be a mixed bag, with some cities offering reasonable fares and others charging exorbitant prices.
One of the most notable examples is New Jersey, where England fans are facing a $150 round-trip fare for a train journey that takes just minutes each way. This price is significantly higher than the usual fare, and even discounts for children and seniors are not available. In contrast, during the 2012 London Olympics, anyone with an event ticket was given a day’s travel card allowing them to use the capital’s transport network for free.
New Jersey Transit has launched a campaign titled “Your Ride to the World’s Game,” encouraging supporters to book their trips via the NJ Transit mobile app. Tickets go on sale on 13 May. However, the state governor, Mikie Sherrill, has criticized the high costs, stating that hosting the event should not come at the expense of New Jersey commuters and taxpayers. She has called on FIFA to cover the cost of transporting its fans, warning that if they do not, the state will not subsidize World Cup ticket holders on the backs of its residents.
FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Scherzi, responded by saying that the current pricing model could have a “chilling effect,” pushing fans towards alternative transportation options. Despite paying a sum twelve times higher than the standard fare, there are strict rules to follow. Fans must have a match ticket and wear an official NJ Transit Matchday Wristband at all times, including when returning after the match.
High Fares in Other Cities
Boston, where Scotland will play twice and England once, is also charging high fares for the 22-mile journey from the Massachusetts state capital to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The flat fare is $80 return, almost five times the normal price. However, Boston offers one of America’s more generous public transport options: free travel from the airport to the city centre via the Silver Line 1 bus.
At other US venues, World Cup match fares are more reasonable. In Dallas, where England plays their opening match, the Trinity Railway Express charges 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.
Affordable Options in Other Host Cities
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.
This story is kept revised and updated. Read more: Simon Calder’s World Cup 2026 Travel Guide for England and Scotland fans. Independent readers are independently-minded global citizens. They are not defined by traditional demographics or profiles, but by their attitudes. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, communities value real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a non-biased news brand that they can trust. Armed with information and inspiration, Independent readers are empowered and equipped to take a stand for the things they believe in.
