Travel Advisory: Commuting During the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup will bring increased travel demand to the New York City region between June 13 and July 19, 2026. All local matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Columbia affiliates who commute to campus should plan ahead on match days, particularly those traveling from New Jersey.

June 10, 2026

New Jersey Commuters

NJ TRANSIT is expected to experience the greatest impact during World Cup match days.

  • Beginning approximately four hours before kickoff, select NJ TRANSIT rail service departing New York Penn Station for New Jersey will be reserved for World Cup ticket holders.
  • Regular commuters may be unable to use certain trains during these periods and should consider using PATH service or alternative transit options.
  • Following matches, NJ TRANSIT will prioritize moving spectators from MetLife Stadium, which may result in service adjustments and delays.

Affiliates who commute from New Jersey are encouraged to consider remote work, adjusting their schedules, or using PATH service when feasible.

MTA Service

The MTA will continue normal operations and remains a recommended option for commuting to campus.

To accommodate increased demand, the MTA plans to provide additional service on the 1, 7, C, and F subway lines during World Cup events.

Columbia Shuttle Service

Columbia Transportation shuttles will continue operating on their regular schedules.

The Lamont Shuttle and Fort Lee Shuttle may experience delays due to anticipated congestion on and around the George Washington Bridge.

Download TripShot to receive real-time service alerts and shuttle updates.

Other Transportation Services

  • PATH service will operate normally.
  • Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road will operate normally.
  • Citi Bike service will operate normally.

Midtown Street Closures and Traffic Impacts

To support World Cup transportation operations, New York City will implement temporary traffic restrictions around Midtown Manhattan on match days.

  • Portions of 42nd Street, Fifth Avenue, and Sixth Avenue will be restricted to event shuttles, MTA buses, and emergency vehicles beginning six hours before kickoff and continuing until three hours after matches conclude.
  • West 33rd Street (between Sixth and Eighth Avenues) and West 32nd Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate pedestrian activity.

Travelers passing through Midtown should allow additional travel time.

Match Dates & Times

For the latest service information, consult your transit provider before traveling.