Attending an event at MetLife Stadium, whether it's a thrilling football game, a blockbuster concert, or a major sporting event, is an unforgettable experience! But for those of us in Westchester County, the journey can seem a bit daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to get to MetLife from Westchester, covering various transportation options with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Are you ready to embark on your journey to MetLife Stadium? Let's dive in!
Getting to MetLife from Westchester: Your Ultimate Guide
We'll break down the best ways to reach the stadium, from driving to public transit, ensuring you choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
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| How To Get To Metlife From Westchester |
Step 1: Plan Your Trip and Check for Event-Specific Information
Before you even think about leaving your doorstep, preparation is key! MetLife Stadium is a massive venue, and transportation can vary slightly depending on the event.
Sub-heading: Know Before You Go
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Check Event Details: Always visit the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) for your specific event. They often have dedicated "Know Before You Go" sections with crucial information on parking availability, public transport schedules, and any special advisories.
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Time of Day and Day of Week: Weekday events or rush hour travel will significantly impact your commute time, especially if driving. Weekends often have more relaxed traffic, but event-related congestion can still be substantial.
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Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or extreme heat can affect travel, especially if you're walking from a transit hub. Dress appropriately and plan for potential delays.
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Ticket in Hand: Make sure your event tickets are readily accessible, whether on your phone or printed out.
Step 2: Choosing Your Mode of Transportation
Now, let's explore your options for getting from Westchester to MetLife Stadium.
Option A: Driving (The Most Direct, but Potentially Congested)
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
Driving offers flexibility, but be prepared for potential traffic, especially on event days.
Sub-heading: Driving Directions and Considerations
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From George Washington Bridge:
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Take the George Washington Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike South.
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Follow the Turnpike's Western Spur to one of the Sports Complex's exits, 16W or 18W. These exits provide direct access to the parking areas.
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Important Note: If traveling southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 19W is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway. No cash lanes are available here.
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From Points East (including parts of NYC accessible from Westchester):
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Take the Lincoln Tunnel and follow signs for Route 3 West.
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Take Route 3 West directly to the Sports Complex.
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From Garden State Parkway South:
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Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 163 (Route 17).
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Follow Route 17 to Paterson Plank Road.
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Take Paterson Plank Road East to the Sports Complex.
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From Garden State Parkway North:
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Take Garden State Parkway North to Exit 153A (Route 3).
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Follow Route 3 East to the Sports Complex.
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Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
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Parking Lots: The parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event and close two hours after the conclusion. Arriving earlier than five hours is generally not permitted.
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Parking Fees: For non-NFL events (concerts, soccer, etc.), pre-paid parking permits are usually not required. Parking is available and payable upon arrival. Fees are generally around $40 for cars, $160 for buses/RVs, and $100 for limousines.
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Accessible Parking: Available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with a valid ADA license plate or hang tag. The owner must be in the vehicle. A dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
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Illegal Parking: Avoid parking outside the Sports Complex on area roadways, medians, or grass malls. Violators will be ticketed and/or towed.
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Vehicle Search: Be aware that vehicles are subject to search by NJ State Police, which may include a canine unit. Refusal of a search will result in denial of entry.
Option B: Public Transportation (Recommended for Stress-Free Travel)
Public transportation is often the most convenient and stress-free way to get to MetLife Stadium, especially for major events. It eliminates parking hassles and allows you to avoid traffic.
Sub-heading: The Metro-North and NJ Transit Connection
This is the most common public transit route from Westchester.
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Step 2.1: Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal
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From your local Metro-North station in Westchester (e.g., White Plains, Scarsdale, Chappaqua), take a Metro-North train (Harlem Line, Hudson Line, or New Haven Line, depending on your origin) to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
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Travel Tip: Check the Metro-North website (mta.info) or the MTA TrainTime app for schedules and real-time updates.
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Step 2.2: Subway from Grand Central to Penn Station
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Once at Grand Central Terminal, follow signs for the subway.
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Take the S (Shuttle) train (accessible from the lower level of Grand Central) one stop west to Times Square-42nd Street.
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From Times Square-42nd Street, transfer to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines and take it one stop south to 34th Street-Penn Station.
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Alternatively, you can also walk from Grand Central to Penn Station (approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace).
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Step 2.3: NJ Transit Train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction
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At New York Penn Station, locate the NJ Transit concourse.
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Purchase a round-trip ticket to Meadowlands Sports Complex. You can buy tickets at vending machines, ticket windows, or via the NJ Transit Mobile App. It is highly recommended to purchase your round-trip ticket in advance to avoid long lines and an additional $5.00 surcharge for onboard purchases.
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Board any NJ Transit train going to Secaucus Junction. Multiple lines pass through Secaucus, including the Main-Bergen County Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Pascack Valley Line, or Port Jervis Line.
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The ride from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is typically about 10-15 minutes.
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Step 2.4: Transfer at Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Line
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At Secaucus Junction, follow the clear signage for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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During events at MetLife Stadium, NJ Transit operates special shuttle trains directly from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Sports Complex station, which is just steps away from the stadium entrance.
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The shuttle train ride is very short, usually around 10 minutes.
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Important: You must have a ticket to board the train from Meadowlands to Secaucus Junction on your return trip.
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Sub-heading: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351 Meadowlands Express)
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This is another viable public transport option, especially if you prefer a direct bus ride from NYC.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
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Step 2.1: Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal (as above)
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Step 2.2: Subway from Grand Central to Port Authority Bus Terminal
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From Grand Central Terminal, take the S (Shuttle) train to Times Square-42nd Street.
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From Times Square-42nd Street, walk one block west to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (between 8th and 9th Avenues).
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Step 2.3: Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express
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At the Port Authority Bus Terminal, head to the South Wing, third floor, Gates 411-415 (or a street-level departure area on 41st Street, depending on the event).
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Purchase a round-trip ticket for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus. Round-trip fare is approximately $18. You can buy tickets online (under the "ROUND-TRIP" tab) or at the Port Authority.
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This express bus offers direct service from Port Authority to the MetLife Sports Complex.
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Buses typically start running about 2.5 hours before an event and continue until 0.5 hours after the event starts. Return buses from the stadium run for approximately one hour after the event concludes.
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Drop-off and pick-up at the Sports Complex are usually near Parking Lot K.
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Step 3: Enjoying Your Trip and Event!
You've successfully navigated the journey! Now, it's time to enjoy the event.
Sub-heading: Arrival and Departure Tips
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Arrive Early: Regardless of your chosen method, arriving early is always a good idea. This allows for buffer time for unexpected delays, gives you time to find your way around the stadium, and soak in the pre-event atmosphere.
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Stadium Entry: Have your tickets ready for scanning. Be aware of bag policies (clear bags are often required, and size restrictions apply).
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Post-Event Departure: Expect crowds. If taking public transit, be patient and follow the directions of stadium staff and transit authorities. Buses and trains will often have dedicated queues for post-event departures. Rideshare surge pricing is common after events.
Step 4: Returning to Westchester
Your successful journey continues with a smooth return.
Sub-heading: Reverse Your Route
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Driving: Follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike or Route 3 East, then connect to the George Washington Bridge or other appropriate routes back to Westchester. Be prepared for potential outbound traffic.
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Public Transit (Train):
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Take the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle train from MetLife Sports Complex to Secaucus Junction.
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From Secaucus Junction, take any NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station.
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From New York Penn Station, take the subway (1, 2, 3, A, C, or E) to Times Square-42nd Street, then transfer to the S (Shuttle) to Grand Central Terminal.
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From Grand Central Terminal, take your Metro-North train back to your Westchester station.
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Public Transit (Bus):
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Board the 351 Meadowlands Express bus from the designated pick-up area near Parking Lot K at MetLife Stadium.
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The bus will take you directly back to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC.
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From Port Authority, you can take the subway to Grand Central Terminal (A, C, E to Times Square-42nd Street, then S to Grand Central) and then your Metro-North train back to Westchester.
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Remember, patience is a virtue, especially on event days! With careful planning and this guide, your journey from Westchester to MetLife Stadium will be a breeze, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the event!
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How to check Metro-North train schedules for my trip to MetLife?
You can check Metro-North train schedules on the official MTA website (mta.info) or by downloading the MTA TrainTime app, which provides real-time updates and trip planning.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy NJ Transit tickets at vending machines or ticket windows at major stations (like Penn Station), or conveniently through the free NJ Transit Mobile App. It's highly recommended to buy a round-trip ticket in advance.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium for a specific event?
Parking information, including lot opening times and fees, is typically available on the MetLife Stadium website under the "Plan Your Visit" or specific event pages. For non-NFL events, parking is usually paid upon arrival.
How to get to MetLife Stadium without a car from Westchester?
The best way is a multi-step public transit journey: Metro-North train to Grand Central, subway to Penn Station, then NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally a shuttle train to MetLife Stadium.
How to use the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus?
Take the subway to Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC. From there, head to the South Wing, third floor (Gates 411-415), purchase a round-trip ticket, and board the 351 Meadowlands Express bus for direct service to the stadium.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
How to handle accessible transportation to MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium offers accessible parking in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with valid ADA placards/plates, and a dedicated accessible drop-off/pickup in Lot C. NJ Transit also has accessible services.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
Leaving ample time, utilizing GPS with real-time traffic updates, and considering less congested routes (if available and practical) can help. Public transit is often the best way to avoid traffic altogether.
How to find my way around Secaucus Junction to transfer to MetLife Stadium?
Secaucus Junction is well-designed with clear signage directing passengers to the Meadowlands Rail Line for transfers to MetLife Stadium. Follow the overhead signs.
How to know if the MetLife Stadium train service is running for my event?
NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Service usually operates for large events with anticipated attendance over 50,000. Check the NJ Transit website (
How to buy tickets for MetLife Stadium events?
Tickets for MetLife Stadium events are typically purchased through authorized ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, directly from the team/artist website, or other official vendors. Always verify the source to avoid counterfeit tickets.
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