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SEATTLE - While soccer fans in parts of the country face staggering transportation price hikes during the World Cup, local transit officials announced that fares for Seattle’s matches will remain at standard rates.
What they're saying:
Sound Transit confirmed that the standard $3 flat fare for Link light rail will remain in effect throughout the tournament, which begins in June 2026.
The agency also plans to launch a special $18 three-day unlimited pass, allowing fans and locals to travel between venues and fan zones without additional costs.
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Crews are cleaning and repainting Lumen Field as Seattle prepares to host World Cup matches. Nearby businesses are also gearing up for an influx of international visitors.
Last week, New Jersey Transit announced that it will charge fans $150 for a round-trip ticket to MetLife Stadium. Under normal circumstances, that same trip costs passengers roughly $13.
New Jersey officials defended the nearly 1,200% increase as a necessity to cover the estimated $48 million in security and operational costs they say FIFA has declined to subsidize, The Guardian reported.
In Seattle, however, officials are taking a different approach to encourage the use of public transportation. Lumen Field, which will host six matches during the tournament, is a central hub for the region's light rail and bus networks.
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In addition to the stable pricing, Sound Transit is preparing to run maximum service levels, with trains arriving every few minutes in the downtown core to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in the region.
What's next:
The World Cup action at Lumen Field is scheduled to begin June 15, 2026, featuring a group stage match between Belgium and Egypt.
The Source: Information in this story came from Sound Transit, New Jersey Transit and The Guardian.
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