Going to MetLife Stadium for a game, concert, or special event? Ditch the traffic and parking woes and let NJ Transit be your stress-free chariot! Taking public transportation is not only environmentally friendly but often the most efficient and cost-effective way to get to the Meadowlands Sports Complex. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth journey from your starting point to the stadium gates.
Ready to ditch the car and embrace a hassle-free journey to MetLife Stadium? Let's get started!
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| How To Take Nj Transit To Metlife |
Step 1: Plan Your Trip (The Most Crucial Step!)
This is where your journey begins, and a little planning goes a long way! Before you even think about leaving your house, you need to figure out your optimal route.
Sub-heading: Utilize the NJ Transit Trip Planner
The NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) and their mobile app are your best friends here.
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Website: Head to njtransit.com and look for their "Trip Planner" tool. You'll enter your starting location (address, station name, or even use your device's GPS) and "MetLife Stadium" as your destination.
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Mobile App: Download the free NJ Transit Mobile App (available on Apple Store and Google Play). The app has a fantastic "Trip Planner" feature under "Rider Tools."
Why is this so important? The Trip Planner will provide you with:
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Real-time schedules: NJ Transit often runs special service for major events at MetLife Stadium, so checking updated schedules is crucial.
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Connections: It will tell you exactly where you need to transfer. For most train journeys, this will be at Secaucus Junction.
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Estimated travel times: Gives you a realistic idea of how long your journey will take.
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Fare information: Provides the estimated cost of your trip.
Sub-heading: Understand Your Starting Point
NJ Transit serves a vast area across New Jersey and connects to New York City. Your starting point will dictate your initial train or bus line.
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From New York City (NYC): The fastest and most common way to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC is via Penn Station New York (32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues). From here, you'll take an NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. Look for trains displaying "SEC" on the departure boards.
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From Northern/Central New Jersey: Depending on your location, you'll likely use one of the following rail lines:
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Northeast Corridor
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North Jersey Coast Line
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Raritan Valley Line
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Morris & Essex Line
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Montclair-Boonton Line
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Main/Bergen County Line
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Pascack Valley Line
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Port Jervis Line
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All of these lines connect to Secaucus Junction.
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From Southern New Jersey: This might involve more complex connections, potentially to Newark Penn Station first, and then to Secaucus Junction. Again, the Trip Planner is invaluable here.
Sub-heading: Check for Event-Specific Service
MetLife Stadium and NJ Transit often announce special rail and/or bus services for major events (NFL games, concerts, large gatherings). Always check the official NJ Transit website (specifically their "Meadowlands" section at njtransit.com/meadowlands) or the MetLife Stadium website under "Transportation" for event-specific details, as services can vary.
Step 2: Purchasing Your Ticket (Don't Get Caught Without One!)
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Having your ticket ready before you board is essential to avoid delays and potential surcharges.
Sub-heading: The NJ Transit Mobile App - Your Digital Ticket Booth
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Download and Account Setup: If you haven't already, download the NJ Transit Mobile App. Create an account and link a payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal). You can even add cash to your "My Transit Wallet" at participating retailers.
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Buying Your Ticket:
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Tap "Buy Tickets."
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Select "Rail" (for train travel).
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Choose your originating station and your destination: "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
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Always purchase a round-trip ticket in advance! This saves you the hassle of buying a return ticket at a crowded station after the event and helps you avoid a $5 surcharge if you purchase on board.
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Activation: Do not activate your ticket until you are ready to board your first train. Once activated, you'll have a set amount of time to use it. Show your activated ticket to the conductor when asked.
Sub-heading: Traditional Ticket Purchase Options
If you prefer a physical ticket or don't have a smartphone:
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): These are available at most NJ Transit rail stations. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination and choose a round-trip fare.
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Ticket Windows: At major terminals like New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal, you can purchase tickets from a ticket agent.
Important Note on Fares: Fares are priced by the number of zones you travel. The app or TVM will automatically calculate this for you when you select your origin and destination.
Step 3: Your Journey to Secaucus Junction
This is the primary leg of your trip for most MetLife Stadium visitors.
Sub-heading: Boarding Your Initial Train
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From Penn Station New York: Board any NJ Transit train that is marked for Secaucus Junction (SEC). These trains usually depart from the upper level of Penn Station.
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From other NJ Transit stations: Board your train as indicated by your trip plan. All paths lead to Secaucus Junction for the final transfer.
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Listen for announcements: Pay attention to onboard announcements and digital displays.
Sub-heading: The Transfer at Secaucus Junction
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Arrival at Secaucus Junction: You'll arrive at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a major transfer hub.
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Exiting the Gates: You will likely need to pass through fare gates at Secaucus Junction. Simply hold your activated mobile ticket or scan your paper ticket under the scanner to open the gate. Your round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" includes this transfer.
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Finding the Meadowlands Train: Once through the gates, head to the lower level of Secaucus Junction. This is where the special shuttle trains to the Meadowlands Sports Complex (MetLife Stadium) depart. Look for clear signage directing you to the "Meadowlands Rail Line" or "MetLife Stadium."
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Frequency: For major events, these shuttle trains run frequently (often every 10-20 minutes, or on a "load-and-go" basis during peak times).
Step 4: The Final Stretch to MetLife Stadium
You're almost there!
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line
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Board the shuttle train at the lower level of Secaucus Junction.
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The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is approximately 10 minutes. It's a quick and scenic journey!
Sub-heading: Arrival at Meadowlands Sports Complex Station
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The Meadowlands Rail Station is conveniently located just steps away from MetLife Stadium, typically near the MetLife Gate between the stadium and Lot B.
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Follow the crowds – you'll be among thousands of fellow event-goers heading in the same direction!
Sub-heading: Alternative: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351)
While the train is generally the preferred method for large events, Coach USA also offers the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City directly to MetLife Stadium.
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Departure: Buses depart from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (typically South Wing, 3rd floor, Gates 411-414, or a street-level departure area on 41st Street, depending on the event).
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Schedule: This service usually begins 2.5 hours before an event and continues until 30 minutes after the event starts. For the return, it runs for approximately one hour after the event concludes.
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Tickets: You can buy tickets online (round-trip option recommended) or at the Port Authority South Wing ticket windows (11-15). You can also buy return tickets in cash at MetLife Stadium (exact fare sometimes required).
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Drop-off/Pick-up: Buses drop off and pick up near Parking Lot K at the Sports Complex.
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Check
www.351express.comfor specific schedules and departure gates.
Step 5: The Return Journey (Don't Miss Your Train/Bus!)
Just as important as getting there is getting back.
Sub-heading: From MetLife Stadium to Secaucus Junction
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Head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station (the same place you were dropped off).
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Trains will run frequently on a "load-and-go" basis after the event, especially during peak exodus times.
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Be prepared for crowds and potentially a short wait. The closer you are to the front of the line, the shorter your wait will be.
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Important: You must have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. If you bought a round-trip ticket, you're all set!
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In some cases, especially for larger events, NJ Transit may also supplement train service with buses to Secaucus Junction to help with crowd dispersal. Follow the directions of NJ Transit staff.
Sub-heading: From Secaucus Junction to Your Final Destination
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Once you arrive back at Secaucus Junction, you'll again go through the fare gates.
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Consult the departure boards for your connecting train back to your originating station (e.g., New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal, or other NJ Transit lines).
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For evening events, it's critical to note the last train departure times from Secaucus Junction to your final destination to avoid being stranded. Plan your return trip in advance using the app or website.
Sub-heading: Coach USA Bus Return
If you took the Coach USA 351 Express, return to the Lot K pick-up area at MetLife Stadium. Buses will run for approximately an hour after the event.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Trip:
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Arrive Early: Especially for major events, consider arriving well before the event starts to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy any pre-event festivities.
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Stay Informed: Check the NJ Transit website or app for service alerts or delays on the day of your trip.
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Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing some walking!
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Be Patient: With thousands of people using public transport, expect crowds and potentially some waiting, especially after an event.
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No Food/Drinks on Trains: While not strictly enforced on all lines, it's generally good etiquette to avoid eating or drinking messy items on the train.
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Lost and Found: If you lose something, contact NJ Transit's lost and found department as soon as possible.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy tickets via the NJ Transit Mobile App (recommended for convenience), at ticket vending machines at any NJ Transit rail station, or from a ticket agent at major terminals like New York Penn Station. Always select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination and aim for a round-trip ticket.
How to get to Secaucus Junction from New York Penn Station?
From New York Penn Station, take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. These trains will typically display "SEC" on their departure boards.
How to find the Meadowlands shuttle train at Secaucus Junction?
At Secaucus Junction, after passing through the fare gates (scan your ticket), head to the lower level of the station. This is the designated platform for trains to the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
How to know if NJ Transit trains are running to MetLife Stadium for an event?
NJ Transit typically operates special rail service for events with anticipated attendance over 50,000. Always check the official NJ Transit website (njtransit.com/meadowlands) or the MetLife Stadium "Transportation" section for event-specific schedules and announcements.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to avoid paying a surcharge on NJ Transit?
Purchase your round-trip ticket before boarding the train, either via the mobile app or at a ticket vending machine/window. A $5 surcharge applies if you purchase your ticket on board.
How to use the NJ Transit mobile app for tickets?
Download the app, create an account, link a payment method, then select "Buy Tickets," choose "Rail," your origin, and "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination. Remember to activate your ticket just before boarding.
How to get from MetLife Stadium back to New York City?
Take the shuttle train from Meadowlands Sports Complex Station back to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, transfer to an NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station. Always check the last train departure times from Secaucus.
How to know the last train time from Secaucus Junction?
When planning your trip, use the NJ Transit app or website's Trip Planner for your return journey to see the last available train connections from Secaucus Junction to your final destination, especially for evening events.
How to find alternative bus service to MetLife Stadium?
Coach USA offers the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to MetLife Stadium. Check www.351express.com for schedules and ticket information.
How to get real-time updates on NJ Transit service to MetLife Stadium?
Use the NJ Transit Mobile App for real-time departure information, service alerts, and status updates. The app is your best resource for staying informed on the go.
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