More than 80,000 spectators gathered at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday to witness the first of eight World Cup matches held at the venue. Due to stringent security measures that heavily restrict parking access near the stadium, most attendees were compelled to use alternative transportation, including trains, shuttle buses, rideshare services, or personal bicycles.

The World Cup Host Committee anticipated that the majority of fans would rely on public transit and shuttle services, given that parking availability was scarce and costly. For example, parking spots at the nearby American Dream mall were priced at $225 each, while train fares were sharply increased to $98 round-trip—a significant markup from the regular $12.90 fare for the 17-mile journey from Midtown Manhattan to the Meadowlands. The host committee justified the higher train ticket prices as necessary to cover elevated security costs.

Journalistic accounts from last weekend’s event provide insights into the varied transit experiences of World Cup attendees. An informal race using four modes of transportation—train, bus, rideshare, and bicycle—revealed significant differences in travel time and costs.

The rideshare option proved fastest, with an Uber ride from Midtown Manhattan to near MetLife Stadium taking one hour and costing approximately $110. The driver was able to navigate through heavy traffic, including dedicated bus lanes and highway service roads, to reach a drop-off point within a mile of the stadium. Meanwhile, the train, though more affordable than rideshare, took about one hour and 23 minutes, involving a transfer at Secaucus Junction and a 15-minute walk under intense sun and heat before reaching the stadium entrance. Despite the inconvenience, many train riders enjoyed a festive atmosphere onboard.

Using shuttle buses faced notable challenges. Despite police efforts to create dedicated bus lanes at the start of the route, traffic congestion on New Jersey roads caused delays. One journey lasted three and a half hours due to route detours and heavy traffic jams, forcing passengers to disembark and walk the remainder of the distance to the stadium shortly before kickoff.

Cycling presented a physically demanding alternative, especially under hot weather conditions. A cyclist covering nearly 19 miles via the George Washington Bridge and local roads reached a nearby sports bar about two hours after departure but still required a shuttle ride to the stadium itself. The route involved navigating busy streets without consistent bike lanes and steep hills, raising questions about the safety and practicality of biking to the event.

Ahead of subsequent matches, the host committee reported selling roughly half of the train tickets for the Tuesday game between France and Senegal, indicating that more fans might rely on shuttle buses or park at the American Dream mall. Shuttles had reached full capacity, while additional school bus services were unavailable due to ongoing school sessions.

Concerns remain regarding the potential impact of transportation disruptions, especially with ongoing rail service issues at Penn Station caused by track fires and electrical problems. NJ Transit has prepared contingencies, such as ferries and extra buses, to mitigate delays if train services are compromised.

Overall, while rideshare services currently offer the fastest transit to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan, they serve a limited number of passengers. Trains offer a more affordable but slower alternative, and shuttle buses face risks of delays from road congestion. Cycling requires significant physical effort and route navigation skills. Fans attending matches are advised to plan carefully for both arrival and departure, given that travel conditions and options vary widely.