Philadelphia to NYC for the World Cup 2026
Easiest day trip of any host city — Philadelphia also hosts World Cup matches, many fans will do both. Here's how to make the journey and what to do when you arrive.
Getting there
1h 15min–1h 45min
$25–$80
1.5–2.5 hours (traffic)
Train strongly preferred
Getting from Philadelphia to NYC
Train is the best option. Amtrak from 30th Street Station to Penn Station NYC arrives at Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan — the same station you need for NJ Transit to the stadium. Total travel time: 1h 15min–1h 45min. Book on amtrak.com; prices vary by train type and how far in advance you book ($25–$80).
Driving is possible but not recommended on match days — traffic on I-95 and the approaches to MetLife Stadium can make a 1.5–2.5 hours (traffic) drive significantly longer. You'll also need to navigate NYC parking or pay $225 at American Dream Mall (ticket holders only, Final sold out).
From Penn Station to MetLife Stadium
You arrive at Penn Station on Amtrak. NJ Transit runs from the same building. Buy your World Cup rail tickets in advance ($98 round trip) at njtransit.com — you can buy them before you leave Philadelphia. The journey is 45–60 minutes to the stadium. See the full NJ Transit guide.
From Penn Station into NYC
If you're not going to the stadium, Penn Station gives you immediate subway access to all of Manhattan and outer boroughs. Tap your contactless card on the OMNY reader for $3 per ride. The subway goes everywhere.
What to do in NYC on a World Cup visit
- Fan zones: All free — Rockefeller Center, USTA Queens, Hudson Yards
- Nationality neighborhoods: Jackson Heights, Bay Ridge, Astoria, Harlem — depending on which matches are playing
- Watch parties: 500+ bars across the city. Browse by neighborhood.
- The city itself: NYC in summer is one of the great urban experiences. High Line, Central Park, waterfront, food markets.
Should you stay overnight?
Genuinely doable as a day trip — Philly fans can attend a NYC match and be home the same night
Hotels in New York City
Book your NYC hotel for the World Cup. Compare prices and locations.
World Cup Tickets
Experiences & Events
Experiences & Events in NYC During the World Cup
Top Fever experiences happening in NYC during the World Cup
Live classical music in stunning NYC venues — churches, rooftops, and landmarks — by the glow of candlelight.
Book now → 🌆 Candlelight at Edge NYC90-minute open-air concerts 1,100 feet above Manhattan at Hudson Yards. July 17 through August.
Book now → 🎨 ARTE Museum NYCA fully immersive media art exhibition — walk through living paintings and digital worlds.
Book now → 🌊 SUBMERGEAn immersive underwater experience unlike anything else in New York City this summer.
Book now →🚗 Renting a car? Compare rates and book through Expedia. Find car rentals for World Cup NYC →
✈️ Flying to New York for the World Cup? Find flights and compare fares on Expedia. Search flights to NYC →