Philadelphia to Offer Free World Cup Transport as Other Host Cities Face Backlash Over Costs

World Cup fans get free train rides home in Philadelphia as other cities hike prices

Free World Cup trains in Philadelphia stand out as NJ announces $150 round-trip transit and Boston sets $95 bus fares.

SEPTA will offer free rides home after World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field. Regular fares apply to the stadium...

Fans attending World Cup matches in Philadelphia will get free transport after all six games in the city, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 announced Monday. The program is backed by a partnership with Airbnb.

  

The move is a clear contrast to several other host cities that plan to raise transport prices during the tournament.

 

New Jersey announced Friday that round-trip public transit tickets to games will cost $150 — more than 10 times the usual fare. In Boston, fans will pay $95 for a return bus trip to Gillette Stadium.

Fans traveling to Lincoln Financial Field will pay regular SEPTA fares on the way in. But SEPTA will run free train rides home, with service starting at halftime and running for two hours after the final whistle.

“My Administration has invested millions of dollars to ensure SEPTA trains remain in good service as we embark on an epic year for sports in Philadelphia,” Governor Josh Shapiro said in a ‌statement.

“And I'm glad Airbnb is stepping up to provide free rides for ‌fans so they can get home safely and affordably.”

Philadelphia will stage five group-stage matches, starting with Ivory Coast vs Ecuador on June 14, plus a round-of-16 tie.