Planning a trip to MetLife Stadium for a game or concert? While there isn't a direct subway line that takes you straight to the stadium's entrance, you can absolutely use the NYC subway system as part of your journey! It's a popular and often efficient way to get there, especially if you're coming from New York City. The key is understanding the necessary transfers.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching MetLife Stadium by Public Transport
Let's break down how you can navigate your way to the stadium using a combination of subway and train services. Get ready for a smooth trip!
Step 1: Engage with the NYC Subway System
Where are you starting your journey in New York City? Knowing your starting point will help determine the most efficient subway line to take. Whether you're in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, your first goal is to get to a major transit hub.
Sub-heading: Getting to a Major Transfer Point
Your primary objective is to reach either New York Penn Station or Hoboken Terminal. These are the critical hubs for connecting to the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) network, which will ultimately get you to MetLife Stadium.
If you're in Midtown Manhattan, Penn Station is easily accessible via numerous subway lines, including the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, and 7 trains.
If you're closer to downtown Manhattan or prefer a PATH train experience, aim for a station that connects to the PATH train to Hoboken.
Step 2: Connecting to NJ Transit at Penn Station or Hoboken
Once you've reached either Penn Station in NYC or Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey, you're ready for the next leg of your journey.
Sub-heading: From New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction
This is the most common route for those coming from NYC.
Locate the NJ Transit Concourse: At Penn Station, follow the signs for NJ Transit. They are clearly marked.
Board an NJ Transit Train to Secaucus Junction: Look for any NJ Transit train that indicates "SEC" on its departure board. Secaucus Junction is typically the first stop after leaving Penn Station. Trains run frequently.
Purchase Your Ticket: You'll need a ticket from "New York Penn Station" to "Meadowlands Sports Complex." It's highly recommended to purchase a round-trip ticket in advance to avoid lines and save time, especially after an event. You can buy these at ticket windows, ticket vending machines, or via the official NJ Transit Mobile App. Remember, joint tickets for LIRR riders to Meadowlands are usually not sold on board trains or at Penn Station.
Sub-heading: From Hoboken Terminal to Secaucus Junction
If you opted for the PATH train to Hoboken:
Transfer to an NJ Transit Train: From Hoboken Terminal, take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. This is a direct connection.
Purchase Your Ticket: Similar to Penn Station, buy your round-trip ticket from "Hoboken Terminal" to "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
Step 3: The Final Leg: Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station
Secaucus Junction is the critical transfer point that truly brings you close to MetLife Stadium.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line
Head to the Lower Level: At Secaucus Junction, you'll need to go to the lower level (Tracks E-H). There will be plenty of staff and signs directing you.
Take the Meadowlands Rail Line: This special shuttle train runs directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is literally at the front door of MetLife Stadium.
Event-Specific Service: It's important to note that the Meadowlands Rail Service typically operates for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000. Service usually begins approximately 3.5 hours before an event and ends about an hour after. During a game/event, trains might run hourly, and after, they often run on a "load and go" basis. Always check the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/metlifestadium njtransit.com/meadowlands
Step 4: Arriving at MetLife Stadium
Congratulations! You've made it. The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station drops you off right near the stadium entrance, making for a very convenient arrival.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Stadium Area
Once you step off the train, you'll be able to easily see and walk to the stadium. Follow the crowds – you won't be alone! Take note of the gates and entrance points relevant to your ticket.
Important Tips for a Smooth Journey
Purchase Round-Trip Tickets in Advance: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Buying your return ticket beforehand saves you time and stress, especially when leaving a crowded event.
Utilize the NJ Transit Mobile App: The app allows you to purchase and activate tickets on your phone, and provides real-time schedules and service updates.
Check Event-Specific Schedules: Public transportation schedules, particularly for the Meadowlands Rail Line, are often tailored to specific events. Always verify the schedule for your chosen game or concert.
Allow Ample Time: Especially for large events, expect crowds and potential delays. Give yourself plenty of time to make your connections and get to your seat before the event starts.
Be Aware of "No Direct Subway": While you use the subway to get to Penn Station or Hoboken, remember there isn't a direct NYC subway line extending into New Jersey to MetLife Stadium itself. The final leg is an NJ Transit train.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC by public transport?
You primarily get to MetLife Stadium from NYC by taking an NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transferring to the Meadowlands Rail Line which goes directly to the stadium.
How to buy train tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy round-trip tickets to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" at NJ Transit ticket windows, ticket vending machines at stations, or through the NJ Transit Mobile App.
How long does it take to get to MetLife Stadium by public transport?
Travel time can vary depending on your starting point in NYC and connections, but typically expect the full journey (including subway and train transfers) to take around 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes from a Manhattan starting point.
How to get back from MetLife Stadium after an event?
After an event, special Meadowlands Rail Line trains will run frequently from the stadium back to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, you can then connect to NJ Transit trains back to New York Penn Station or other NJ Transit lines.
How to find the Meadowlands Rail Line at Secaucus Junction?
At Secaucus Junction, follow the signs to the lower level (Tracks E-H). NJ Transit staff will also be present to guide passengers to the Meadowlands-bound trains.
How to know if the Meadowlands Rail Line is running?
The Meadowlands Rail Line usually runs for events with anticipated attendance over 50,000. Always check the official NJ Transit website for the specific event schedule and service advisories.
How to get to MetLife Stadium if the Meadowlands Rail Line isn't running?
If the Meadowlands Rail Line is not operating, Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC is another excellent option for large events. NJ Transit may also offer bus alternatives from Secaucus on special occasions.
How to use a MetroCard for the journey?
Your NYC MetroCard is only valid for the NYC subway portion of your trip. You will need a separate NJ Transit ticket for the train journey from Penn Station (or Hoboken) to MetLife Stadium.
How to avoid crowds when traveling to MetLife Stadium?
While difficult to entirely avoid for major events, try to arrive earlier than rush times (e.g., more than 3.5 hours before kickoff/showtime) and consider using the NJ Transit Mobile App for ticketing to bypass lines.
How to find detailed schedules for the MetLife Stadium train?
For detailed and event-specific schedules for the Meadowlands Rail Line and connecting NJ Transit trains, visit the NJ Transit website (
