New York / New Jersey World Cup 2026 Travel Guide

New York City is served by three major airports. John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is the main international gateway, about 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey is actually the closest airport to MetLife Stadium — just 12 miles away — making it the smartest choice if you're flying in specifically for matches. LaGuardia (LGA) handles mostly domestic flights and sits in Queens.

From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station then the LIRR or E/J subway into Manhattan (75-90 minutes, ~$11). From Newark, NJ Transit trains reach Penn Station in about 25 minutes ($15.25). Taxis or rideshares from JFK run $60-90 to Manhattan; from Newark expect $50-70.

If you're arriving from elsewhere in North America, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor runs directly into Penn Station from Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC — often a better option than flying for these routes.

Manhattan's subway system (MTA) runs 24/7 and costs $2.90 per ride with an OMNY contactless card. Get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard ($34) if you're staying more than a few days. The subway covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx comprehensively.

For getting to MetLife Stadium on match days, NJ Transit will run special Meadowlands trains from Penn Station — a 30-minute ride that drops you right at the stadium. This is by far the best option; driving is strongly discouraged as parking is limited and traffic will be severe.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) works well for getting around Manhattan but expect surge pricing after matches. The NYC Ferry runs scenic East River routes between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Citi Bike stations are everywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn for short trips.

Your base camp depends on budget and priorities. MetLife Stadium is in New Jersey, so staying closer to the Hudson River cuts your commute.

Midtown Manhattan is the classic tourist base — walkable to Times Square, Central Park, and Penn Station (for the Meadowlands train). Hotels are plentiful but pricey in summer. Expect $250-500/night for a standard room.

Hell's Kitchen / Hudson Yards puts you close to Penn Station with a slightly grittier, more local feel. Better restaurant options than Times Square and marginally cheaper hotels.

Hoboken / Jersey City — the smart money move. These NJ waterfront towns are 10 minutes from Manhattan by PATH train and significantly closer to MetLife. Hoboken has excellent bars and restaurants along Washington Street. Hotels run $150-300/night.

Brooklyn (Williamsburg / DUMBO) is the pick for travellers wanting NYC's coolest neighbourhood. Excellent food, nightlife, and culture. The L train to Manhattan takes 15 minutes, but add another 30-40 minutes to reach Penn Station for MetLife.

Lower Manhattan / Financial District offers weekend hotel deals (business hotels empty out) and easy access to the PATH train to Hoboken/Jersey City.

New York is arguably the world's greatest food city. Every cuisine on earth is represented, and you can eat spectacularly at any budget.

Pizza is non-negotiable. Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village) serves the quintessential New York slice — thin, foldable, perfect. For a sit-down experience, try Lucali in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (cash only, long waits, worth it).

Bagels: Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side has been doing lox and cream cheese bagels since 1914. Alternatively, Tompkins Square Bagels in the East Village.

For pre-match meals, the restaurants around Hudson Yards and Hell's Kitchen are your best bet since they're near Penn Station. Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market does exceptional tacos. Keens Steakhouse (Midtown) is a classic for a big pre-match dinner.

Late-night post-match, head to Koreatown (32nd Street between 5th and Broadway) where Korean BBQ joints stay open until 4am. Jongro BBQ and Baekjeong are standouts.

For budget eats, the Halal Guys cart at 53rd & 6th serves legendary chicken and rice for $9. Xi'an Famous Foods has hand-pulled noodles across multiple locations for under $12.

MetLife Stadium sits in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey — not in New York City itself. This is the single most important thing to understand: you cannot walk to this stadium from Manhattan.

Getting there: NJ Transit Meadowlands trains from Penn Station (33rd & 7th Avenue) will be the primary transport. Services typically begin 2-3 hours before kickoff. The ride takes 30 minutes. Buy tickets in advance via the NJ Transit app to avoid queues.

Gates open approximately 3 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches. MetLife has a strict clear bag policy — one clear bag (12"x6"x12" max) plus a small clutch. No backpacks.

Inside the stadium: MetLife's upper deck is exposed to the elements. For the July Final, expect hot, humid weather — bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. The stadium has 82,500 seats with good sightlines from most positions, though the upper corners are a long way from the pitch.

After the match is the biggest challenge. 80,000+ fans funnelling onto trains creates long waits (60-90 minutes is realistic). Consider staying in the tailgate area until the initial rush subsides. Rideshares will have severe surge pricing and the pickup zone gets chaotic. If you're driving, expect 2+ hours to clear the parking lots.

For match details, see the MetLife Stadium matches.

New York City hardly needs an introduction for things to do. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Broadway shows are the headline attractions.

For football fans, catch an NYCFC match at their new stadium in Queens, or take the PATH to Harrison, NJ for a Red Bulls game at Red Bull Arena. The National Soccer Hall of Fame is accessible from Midtown.

Walk the High Line (an elevated park on a former rail line), explore the street art of Bushwick in Brooklyn, or spend an afternoon in Prospect Park. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum downtown is a profound, must-visit site.

Shopping runs from Fifth Avenue luxury to Brooklyn flea markets. For nightlife, the East Village, Lower East Side, and Williamsburg have the densest concentration of excellent bars.

New York is expensive but manageable if you know where to look. Accommodation is your biggest cost — consider Jersey City or Hoboken for significant savings. Food ranges from $2 pizza slices to $200 tasting menus.

The FIFA Fan Festival in New York will be one of the tournament's flagship events, expected in a major Manhattan or waterfront location. Previous major events have used Central Park's Great Lawn, Times Square, and the Hudson River parks.

Expect official city fan zones in both Manhattan and across the river in New Jersey. For independent watch parties, the bars and pubs of Hoboken (especially along Washington Street) will be packed. In Manhattan, Football Factory at Legends (Midtown) is a dedicated football bar. Banter (Williamsburg) is another fan favourite. Check the New York fan zones page for the latest confirmed venues.