Are you ready for the ultimate guide to getting from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to the iconic MetLife Stadium? Whether you're heading to a thrilling Giants or Jets game, a star-studded concert, or another exciting event, navigating this route can seem daunting, especially if you're new to the area. But don't worry, we're here to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible! Let's dive in and get you to the action!
How Far is Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium? The Lowdown
First things first, let's address the core question: How far is Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and is approximately 15 to 17 miles (about 24-27 kilometers) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The travel time can vary significantly depending on your chosen mode of transport, traffic conditions, and the time of day. Generally, you can expect:
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By Car/Taxi/Rideshare: 20 to 40 minutes (without heavy traffic). During peak hours or major event days, this can easily extend to 60 minutes or more.
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By Public Transportation: 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or even longer, depending on connections and wait times.
Now that you have a general idea of the distance and time, let's explore your options in detail.
| How Far Is Newark Airport To Metlife Stadium |
Step 1: Assess Your Travel Priorities – What's Most Important to You?
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Before we dive into the specific routes, let's take a moment to consider your personal travel preferences. This will help you choose the best option for your needs!
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Are you traveling on a budget and looking for the most economical way to get there?
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Do you prioritize speed and convenience, even if it costs a bit more?
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Are you traveling with a group or with a lot of luggage?
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What time of day is your event, and how much time do you have to spare? Knowing MetLife Stadium's event schedule can be crucial for planning around potential traffic! (Upcoming events in 2025-2026 include Zach Bryan concerts, Premier League Summer Series, WWE SummerSlam, My Chemical Romance, Jonas Brothers, Chris Brown, System Of A Down, Oasis, and of course, New York Giants and Jets NFL games!)
Once you have a sense of your priorities, you're ready for the next step!
Step 2: Choosing Your Transportation Method – A Detailed Guide
You have several excellent options for getting from EWR to MetLife Stadium. Let's break them down.
Option A: Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft) & Taxis
This is often the most convenient and direct way, especially if you're traveling with others or have luggage.
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Sub-heading: How to Find Your Ride
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At EWR: Follow the "Ground Transportation" signs at your terminal. Designated pick-up areas for rideshare services and taxi stands are clearly marked. It's always best to request your ride once you've exited the terminal and are at the designated pick-up zone to avoid cancellation fees.
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Identifying Your Vehicle: For rideshares, confirm the license plate and vehicle type before getting in. For taxis, look for official New Jersey taxis.
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Sub-heading: Estimated Cost and Time
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Cost: Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $75 for a standard ride, depending on traffic, surge pricing (for rideshares during high demand), and the specific service level you choose (e.g., UberX vs. Uber Black).
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Time: As mentioned, generally 20-40 minutes without significant traffic. Allow at least an hour during peak times or on event days.
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Sub-heading: Pros & Cons
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Pros: Door-to-door service, convenience, comfort, especially good for groups or with luggage.
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Cons: Can be more expensive, subject to traffic delays and surge pricing.
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Option B: Public Transportation – The Budget-Friendly & Adventurous Route
Public transportation offers a more economical option, though it typically involves transfers and longer travel times. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is your primary ally here.
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Sub-heading: The Train Route (Most Common)
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Step 2A.1: AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Station:
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Upon arrival at your EWR terminal, follow signs for the AirTrain Newark. This automated monorail system connects all terminals to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
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Cost: The AirTrain access fee ($8.50) is typically included when you purchase your NJ Transit train ticket to or from Newark Airport.
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Time: Allow approximately 15 minutes for the AirTrain ride.
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Step 2A.2: NJ Transit Train to Secaucus Junction:
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From the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, take any NJ Transit train (Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line) heading towards New York Penn Station.
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Your destination is Secaucus Junction (Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Upper Level). This is a major transfer hub.
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Cost: A one-way ticket from EWR to Secaucus Junction will be around $14-$17, which includes the AirTrain access fee.
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Time: The train ride to Secaucus Junction is approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Step 2A.3: Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line (Event Days Only):
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At Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the Meadowlands Rail Line. This line provides direct service to MetLife Stadium on event days only.
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Important Note: Always check the NJ Transit schedule for the specific event you are attending, as this line does not operate daily.
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Time: The train ride from Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium is very short, usually around 8-10 minutes.
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Sub-heading: Estimated Overall Cost and Time for Train Route
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Cost: Approximately $14-$17 one-way (including AirTrain).
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Time: Total travel time can range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, including transfers and waiting times.
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Sub-heading: Pros & Cons of Train Route
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Pros: Generally the most cost-effective option, avoids road traffic.
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Cons: Requires multiple transfers, Meadowlands Rail Line only operates on event days, can be crowded.
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Sub-heading: The Bus Route (Less Common for Direct Airport Transfer) While possible, a direct bus route from EWR to MetLife Stadium is often less straightforward and may involve a detour through New York City. For example, you could take the Newark Airport Express Bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan ($18-$23, 25-45 minutes), and then another bus from Port Authority to MetLife Stadium (e.g., NJ Transit 161/163/355 bus). This is generally not recommended for direct travel to MetLife Stadium unless you have other plans in NYC.
Option C: Shuttle Services
Some private shuttle services offer transportation from EWR to MetLife Stadium, sometimes on a shared-ride basis.
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Sub-heading: How to Book
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You'll typically need to book these services in advance through their websites or dedicated airport ground transportation desks. Companies like ETS Air Shuttle and All County Express are examples of those offering services, though their routes and directness to MetLife Stadium may vary.
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Sub-heading: Estimated Cost and Time
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Cost: Price ranges can be anywhere from $15-$25 per person for a shared ride to significantly more for a private shuttle.
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Time: Expect 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of stops and traffic.
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Sub-heading: Pros & Cons
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Pros: Can be more cost-effective than a private taxi/rideshare for solo travelers, less hassle than public transit.
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Cons: May involve waiting for other passengers, potentially less direct than a taxi.
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Option D: Rental Cars
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If you plan to explore the broader New Jersey/New York area beyond MetLife Stadium, renting a car might be a good option.
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Sub-heading: Picking Up Your Rental Car at EWR
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All major car rental companies (Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Avis, National, etc.) operate at EWR.
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You'll take the AirTrain Newark from your terminal to Station P3, where the Rental Car Center is located.
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Sub-heading: Driving Directions to MetLife Stadium
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The most direct route typically involves taking the NJ-3 West.
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Here's a general outline (always use GPS for real-time traffic and exact directions):
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From the Rental Car Center, follow signs to exit EWR and get onto US-1 N/US-9 N.
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Merge onto I-95 N (New Jersey Turnpike).
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Take Exit 16W for NJ-3 W toward Secaucus/Rutherford/Sports Complex.
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Follow signs for the Sports Complex/MetLife Stadium.
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Sub-heading: Estimated Cost and Time
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Cost: Rental car rates vary widely depending on the company, car type, and duration. Daily rates can range from $50 to over $200, plus fuel, tolls, and parking.
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Time: Driving time is the same as for taxis/rideshares: 20-40 minutes without heavy traffic.
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Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
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Parking is available on-site at MetLife Stadium. The parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event and close two hours after the conclusion.
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Cost: Parking for non-NFL events is generally around $40 per car. For NFL games, pre-paid permits are often required and can be purchased online.
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Accessibility: Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G for those with valid ADA license plates or hang tags.
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Important Note: Circulation between parking lots is generally not permitted. Follow directions from staff. Overnight parking is not allowed.
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Sub-heading: Pros & Cons of Rental Car
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Pros: Maximum flexibility for exploring the region, ideal for multi-day trips.
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Cons: Can be expensive (rental + fuel + tolls + parking), dealing with traffic, navigating unfamiliar roads, parking logistics.
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Step 3: Pro Tips for a Smooth Journey
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Check Event Schedules and Traffic: Always, always, always check the MetLife Stadium event schedule and local traffic conditions (via apps like Google Maps or Waze) before you depart, especially on game days or for major concerts. Traffic can be exceptionally heavy.
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Allow Extra Time: No matter which method you choose, build in plenty of extra time for unexpected delays, especially if you have a strict arrival time for your event. An hour buffer is a good starting point.
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Cash vs. Card: While most services accept cards, having some small bills for tolls or unexpected situations (like a quick snack) is always a good idea.
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Mobile Apps are Your Friend: Download the NJ Transit app for schedules and tickets, and your preferred rideshare app (Uber/Lyft) if you plan to use those services.
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Pack Light for Public Transit: If you opt for trains and buses, try to travel with minimal luggage for easier navigation.
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Know Your Terminal: EWR has three terminals (A, B, C). Knowing which terminal you arrive at will help you find the correct ground transportation options more quickly.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Event!
Once you've successfully navigated your way from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium, all that's left is to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy your event! Whether it's the roar of the crowd at an NFL game or the electrifying energy of a concert, MetLife Stadium promises an unforgettable experience.
Related FAQ Questions
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How to get from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium by train? Take the AirTrain Newark to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line (operates on event days only) directly to MetLife Stadium.
How to find a taxi from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium? Follow the "Ground Transportation" signs at your EWR terminal to the designated taxi stands, where uniformed dispatchers will assist you in getting a New Jersey licensed taxi.
How to use Uber or Lyft from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium? Request your Uber or Lyft via their respective apps once you have your luggage and are at the designated ride-share pick-up zone outside your terminal at EWR.
How to estimate the cost of a taxi from EWR to MetLife Stadium? A taxi ride from EWR to MetLife Stadium typically costs between $55 and $70, not including tolls or tip.
How to buy public transport tickets for the journey from EWR to MetLife Stadium? You can purchase NJ Transit tickets via their mobile app, web ticketing, or at ticket vending machines at the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. The AirTrain access fee is usually included in the train ticket price.
How to check for MetLife Stadium event schedules and public transport availability? Visit the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) for event schedules and the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) or app for real-time train and bus schedules, especially for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
How to avoid traffic when traveling from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium? Public transportation (especially the train to Secaucus Junction) is often the best way to avoid road traffic. If driving, try to travel during off-peak hours and use GPS with live traffic updates.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium for a rental car? MetLife Stadium has extensive on-site parking. Follow signs for "Event Parking" upon arrival. Parking typically opens five hours before events and usually costs $40 for cars for non-NFL events (NFL parking may require pre-paid permits).
How to travel from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium with a large group? For large groups, consider booking a private shuttle service or taking multiple taxis/rideshares. Public transit can also accommodate groups but may be less convenient with excessive luggage.
How to get back to Newark Airport from MetLife Stadium after an event? The return journey essentially reverses the steps: take the Meadowlands Rail Line back to Secaucus Junction (if operating), then an NJ Transit train to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, and finally the AirTrain back to your terminal. Taxis and rideshares will also be available from designated pick-up areas.