The 2026 FIFA World Cup ended July 19, 2026 — Spain beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the Final at MetLife Stadium. This page records the matchday transit that ran during the tournament.
The recommended route — by rail
You need a FIFA match ticket to buy rail. Buy your round-trip in advance on the NJ TRANSIT app — it is not sold at machines on matchday. Your ticket has a boarding time window; arrive then.
Other ways to get there
To reach MetLife Stadium — renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament — for a 2026 FIFA World Cup match, fans took NJ TRANSIT rail from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transferred to the Meadowlands Rail line direct to the stadium, or took the official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle. A FIFA match ticket and advance-purchased transit were required.
NYNJ Stadium Shuttle
Direct round-trip from three NYC hubs — Midtown North, Midtown East, Port Authority Bus Terminal — plus a NJ park-and-ride at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Advance purchase, match-ticket holders only. Accessible options available.
Buy shuttle tickets — $80 round-tripUber / rideshare drops off the property at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment — a 1.3-mile signed walk to the gates. Expect premium fares and longer waits.
No general spectator parking at the stadium. Limited advance-purchase parking at American Dream (from $225). Official parking →
- A match ticket is required for every option.
- Buy rail or shuttle in advance — neither sells on matchday.
- Hold your ticket — it covers the Secaucus transfer.
- Travel during your ticketed window.
- Jun 22 (8 PM) and Jun 30 overlap evening rush — expect heavier crowds.
- Arrive early for security.
Frequently asked questions
How did fans get to MetLife Stadium for the 2026 World Cup?
Fans took NJ TRANSIT rail from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transferred to the Meadowlands Rail line direct to the stadium. The official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle from Midtown North, Midtown East, and Port Authority Bus Terminal is an alternative. Both required advance purchase.
Did I need a match ticket to take the train to the World Cup?
Yes. A valid FIFA World Cup match ticket was required to buy any matchday transportation, and tickets were checked before boarding.
How much was the train to MetLife for the World Cup?
A round-trip rail ticket was $98 (verified June 7, 2026), and the official stadium shuttle was $80 round-trip.
Could I drive or park at MetLife for a World Cup match?
There is no general spectator parking on stadium property. Limited parking is available at American Dream by advance purchase (from $225). Rideshare drops off about 1.3 miles away at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.
When did NJ Transit service to the stadium start?
Service began about 4 hours before kickoff, with trains every 10–20 minutes, then hourly during the match and "load and go" for up to 3 hours after.
Where did the World Cup stadium shuttle leave from in NYC?
From three NYC hubs — Midtown North, Midtown East, and Port Authority Bus Terminal — plus a New Jersey park-and-ride at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.