If you're wondering if you can take the LIRR to MetLife Stadium, the short answer is no, there is no direct LIRR train to MetLife Stadium. However, you absolutely can use the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) as part of a multi-leg journey to get there! It involves a transfer to NJ Transit, which is the dedicated public transit provider for MetLife Stadium. This guide will walk you through the entire process.
Your Grand Journey to MetLife Stadium: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to cheer on your favorite team or sing along with your favorite artist at MetLife Stadium? Public transit is often the most efficient way to get there, especially from Long Island. Let's break down how you'll make it happen!
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| Can You Take The Lirr To Metlife Stadium |
Step 1: Your Starting Point - The LIRR
First things first, you'll begin your journey on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Where are you coming from on Long Island? It doesn't matter! The key is that all LIRR lines that will get you to MetLife Stadium will eventually lead you to New York Penn Station (NYP) in Manhattan.
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Engage the User: To start, let's figure out where you're departing from on Long Island. Do you already have a preferred LIRR station in mind, or are you looking for the most convenient one near you? Knowing this will help you plan your initial segment.
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Pro Tip: Use the MTA's TrainTime app or website to check schedules and plan your LIRR trip to Penn Station. This will give you the most up-to-date information on train times and potential delays.
Step 2: Arriving at the Heart of NYC - Penn Station ️
Once you've boarded your LIRR train, your destination for this leg of the trip is New York Penn Station. This is a major transportation hub, and it's where you'll connect to NJ Transit.
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Navigating Penn Station: Penn Station can be a bit overwhelming with its many levels and concourses. When you disembark your LIRR train, follow the signs for NJ Transit. You'll need to head to the NJ Transit concourse.
Step 3: The Crucial Transfer - NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction ➡️ Stadium
This is the most important part of your journey to MetLife Stadium. NJ Transit operates a special rail line to the stadium for events.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Sub-heading: Purchasing Your NJ Transit Ticket
Before you board your NJ Transit train, you must purchase your ticket. You have a few options:
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Joint LIRR/NJ Transit Ticket: The MTA offers a "joint ticket" specifically for LIRR riders traveling to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands station). You can purchase this at an LIRR ticket machine or ticket window at your originating LIRR station. This ticket is not available on the TrainTime app. It includes the NJ Transit portion of the trip and typically costs $11 more than a round-trip off-peak fare to Manhattan. This is often the easiest option as it covers both parts of your rail journey.
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Separate NJ Transit Ticket: If you already have an LIRR ticket to Manhattan, or if you prefer, you can purchase a separate round-trip NJ Transit ticket from Penn Station to "Meadowlands" at an NJ Transit ticket machine or ticket window within Penn Station. You can also use the NJ Transit app for this.
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Important Note: Always purchase a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands" from your originating station (or from Penn Station if buying separately) before boarding the train. Tickets purchased on the train may incur an additional surcharge.
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Sub-heading: Boarding the Train to Secaucus Junction
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From the NJ Transit concourse at Penn Station, look for trains marked with "SEC" on the departure boards. These trains are bound for Secaucus Junction.
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Secaucus Junction is typically the first stop after leaving Penn Station. It's a quick ride.
Step 4: The Final Leg - Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station ️
Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, you're almost there! This station is specifically designed for transfers to the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Transferring at Secaucus Junction
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Upon arrival at Secaucus Junction, you'll need to go upstairs to the mezzanine level.
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You'll likely need to show your rail ticket to the staff at the gates.
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From the mezzanine, look for signs directing you to the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line (or simply "Meadowlands Rail Line"). Trains to the stadium depart from Tracks E-H on the lower level.
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The shuttle train from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station runs directly to MetLife Stadium, which is just steps away from the entrance.
Sub-heading: Event-Specific Service
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
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It's crucial to remember that NJ Transit special train service to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Station) only operates for major events (like NFL games, concerts, or other large-scale happenings) when 50,000 or more attendees are expected.
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Always check the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands
What to Expect at MetLife Stadium and Beyond
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You've made it! The Meadowlands Rail Station is conveniently located right at MetLife Stadium. Enjoy your event!
Returning from MetLife Stadium
The process for returning is essentially the reverse:
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Board the shuttle train from Meadowlands Rail Station back to Secaucus Junction.
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At Secaucus Junction, transfer to any NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station.
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From Penn Station, catch your LIRR train back to your home station on Long Island.
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Remember: The same ticketing rules apply for your return trip. Hold onto your round-trip ticket!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Getting to MetLife Stadium via LIRR
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Long Island by train?
To get to MetLife Stadium from Long Island by train, you'll take the LIRR to New York Penn Station, then transfer to an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally take the special Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to MetLife Stadium.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
How to buy a combined LIRR and NJ Transit ticket for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy a combined LIRR and NJ Transit "joint ticket" to "Meadowlands" at any LIRR ticket machine or ticket window at your originating LIRR station. This specific ticket is not available on the TrainTime app.
How to know if NJ Transit train service is running to MetLife Stadium?
Always check the official NJ Transit website (
How to find the NJ Transit concourse at Penn Station?
Upon arriving at New York Penn Station via LIRR, follow the overhead signs for "NJ Transit." This will lead you to the designated NJ Transit concourse and platforms.
How to transfer from LIRR to NJ Transit at Penn Station?
Once you arrive at New York Penn Station on the LIRR, you'll need to walk from the LIRR tracks to the NJ Transit concourse and platforms. Follow the signs carefully.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
How to get from Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium?
At Secaucus Junction, go upstairs to the mezzanine level, then follow signs for the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line (Tracks E-H on the lower level). This shuttle train takes you directly to MetLife Stadium.
How to buy a separate NJ Transit ticket to MetLife Stadium if I already have an LIRR ticket to Penn Station?
You can purchase a separate round-trip NJ Transit ticket to "Meadowlands" at an NJ Transit ticket machine or ticket window within New York Penn Station, or use the NJ Transit mobile app.
How to avoid surcharges when buying train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
Always purchase a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands" before boarding any train (either the combined LIRR/NJ Transit ticket from your originating LIRR station or the NJ Transit ticket from Penn Station). Tickets bought on board may incur a surcharge.
How to check LIRR train schedules to Penn Station?
You can check LIRR train schedules using the MTA's TrainTime app or by visiting the MTA's Long Island Rail Road website.
How to plan my return trip from MetLife Stadium to Long Island?
For your return, take the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle back to Secaucus Junction, transfer to an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, and then board an LIRR train back to your Long Island destination.
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