Isiah Christie 
The FIFA World Cup coming to New Jersey this summer 2026 has a lot of implications for locals, from celebrating at local events to more business for our favorite small spots. One of the most notable changes in lifestyle will be the increase in traffic, which will affect all commuters. As a result, prior planning will be a must, so HG has compiled a list of changes to transit for the World Cup season. Keep reading to learn about how the FIFA World Cup may affect your commute.
Match Dates + Times
On FIFA World Cup game days, transit changes and restrictions are expected to affect commuters of all types, including those who take public transit via rail or bus, as well as drivers. Matches will be held on the following dates + times:
- Saturday, June 13 | 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 16 | 3:00 PM
- Monday, June 22 | 8:00 PM
- Thursday, June 25 | 4:00 PM
- Saturday, June 27 | 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 30 | 5:00 PM
- Sunday, July 5 | 4:00 PM
- Sunday, July 19 | 3:00 PM
Read More: A Sports Fan’s FIFA World Cup Guide for Normies
NJ Transit Rail
NJ Transit will serve as the primary transportation provider for FIFA World Cup game days. If you use NJ Transit to commute, be aware that on these designated game days, the trains will be limited to World Cup ticket holders. According to the NJ Transit website, “starting four hours before kickoff, NJ TRANSIT rail service between Penn Station New York and Secaucus Junction will be limited to FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders.” Tickets must be purchased in advance on NJ Transit’s app.
It is encouraged to avoid nonessential travel on these dates or to plan your trips around avoiding peak travel hours. It is also confirmed that select NJ Transit trains will be temporarily diverted to accommodate MetLife Stadium-bound commuters and ticketholders.
NJ Transit Bus
Those who use Secaucus-area bus connections should be aware that select routes will operate on a different schedule during FIFA World Cup match days. According to the NJ Transit website:
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- During the FIFA World Cup 26 match days, Bus Routes 2, 78, 124, 129, and 329 will operate from a temporary pick-up and drop-off location. The location will be on the corner of Castle Road + Paul Amico Way, which is adjacent to Secaucus Junction Station.
- Route 2, 78, and 329 local buses to and from Secaucus Junction, and Route 124 and 129 buses between Port Authority Bus Terminal and Secaucus Junction will operate on their regular schedule to and from this temporary location.
PATH
While the PATH is not changing its schedule for World Cup season, it is advised that commuters account for the potential crowding, as NJ Transit will be redirecting regular commuters to select PATH stations to travel between New Jersey and New York when routes are reserved for ticket holders. NJ Transit commuters taking the PATH as an alternative will also be able to use their rail ticket or pass at no additional cost. NJ TRANSIT will also be offering discounts for NY rail customers who must travel on Monday, June 22nd, and Tuesday, June 30th.
Road Traffic
Road traffic will be dense around MetLife Stadium during match days, with the worst windows being 2-4 hours before and after matches. According to MetLife Stadium’s directions, affected roads will include:
- Route 3
- Route 120
- The NJ Turnpike western spur
- Meadowlands Parkway
There will also be no general spectator parking available at MetLife Stadium on game days, meaning those visiting the area should look to take a shuttle, public transit, or rideshare.
Rideshare + Drop-Offs
Rideshare, which includes services such as Uber and Lyft, will be available around MetLife Stadium on game days, but is expected to be limited and regulated to minimize traffic and congestion. According to the FIFA World Cup 2026 website, drop-offs on Stadium property will not be allowed, and rideshare service will be at a designated drop-off location at Meadowlands Racing + Entertainment.
See More: World Cup 2026 in New Jersey: An Ongoing List of EVERYTHING Happening (So Far)
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