It's game day (or concert day!) and you're ready to experience the electric atmosphere of MetLife Stadium. But first, you have to get there from New Haven, CT. Don't worry, this guide will lay out all your options, from hitting the open road to navigating public transport, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.
Your Ultimate Guide: New Haven, CT to MetLife Stadium
Are you ready to embark on an adventure from the charming streets of New Haven to the roaring crowds of MetLife Stadium? Let's get this show on the road!
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| How To Get To Metlife Stadium From New Haven Ct |
Step 1: Choosing Your Transportation Adventure
Before you even think about packing your fan gear, the first and most crucial step is deciding how you'll travel. Each option has its perks and considerations. Will it be a leisurely drive, a multi-leg train journey, or a combination of bus and rail?
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The Driver's Seat: Ideal for those who love flexibility, carpooling, and don't mind navigating traffic and parking.
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The Rail Rider: Perfect for avoiding traffic headaches and enjoying a more relaxed trip, though it involves transfers.
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The Bus & Beyond: A cost-effective option, particularly if you're comfortable with bus travel and connections.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and preference for comfort versus convenience when making this initial decision.
Step 2: Hitting the Road: Driving to MetLife Stadium
Driving offers the most direct route and can be a great option if you're traveling with a group and can split gas and parking costs. The journey is approximately 80-90 miles and typically takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, without significant traffic. However, traffic, especially around New York City and the Meadowlands Sports Complex on event days, can significantly increase travel time.
Sub-heading: Detailed Driving Directions (Recommended Route)
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Here's a common and efficient route to get you from New Haven to MetLife Stadium by car:
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Start in New Haven: Head northeast on College St toward Phelps Gate, then turn right onto Elm St.
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Navigate to I-95 South: Turn left onto Orange St, then right onto Trumbull St. Take a slight left onto the ramp to I-91 S. Take the ramp to I-95/New London/N.Y. City and merge onto I-91 S.
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Continue on I-95 South: Take the exit onto I-95 S toward N.Y. City. Continue straight to stay on I-95 S.
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Entering New York & George Washington Bridge: In New York, stay on I-95 S (signs for Cross Bronx Expy/Geo Washington Brg/S Interstate 678). Then, take a slight right onto Interstate 95 Lower Level S/U.S. 1 Lower Level S (signs for Interstate 95 S/US 1 S/G W Bridge Lower Level). Be prepared for tolls on the George Washington Bridge.
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Into New Jersey & NJ Turnpike: Continue onto I-95 (a toll road, this is the New Jersey Turnpike). Keep left to continue on I-95 S, following signs for Interstate 95 S/16W/New Jersey Turnpike S.
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Approaching MetLife Stadium: Take Exit 19W toward N Connection Rd (this is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway – no cash lanes). Slight right to merge onto N Connection Rd, then continue straight onto Rd D. Take the Rd D ramp and merge onto NJ-120 S.
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Final Approach: Take the exit toward Sports Complex. Follow signs for MetLife Stadium parking.
Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
Parking at MetLife Stadium is generally pre-paid for NFL events and strongly recommended to purchase in advance if available for other events. For non-NFL events (concerts, soccer, etc.), parking is often available and payable upon arrival, typically around $40 for cars.
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Parking Lot Hours: Lots typically open five (5) hours prior to the event start and close two (2) hours after. Arriving earlier is not permitted.
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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 not permitted. Follow the directions of traffic and parking staff.
Step 3: Riding the Rails: Public Transportation Options
Public transportation is a fantastic way to avoid traffic and parking hassles. While there isn't a direct train from New Haven to MetLife Stadium, it's a well-established multi-leg journey.
Sub-heading: The Metro-North to NJ Transit Route
This is the most common and recommended public transport option.
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Metro-North from New Haven: From New Haven's Union Station, take a Metro-North New Haven Line train to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. This leg typically takes around 2 hours.
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Subway to Penn Station: From Grand Central Terminal, you'll need to take the NYC Subway. The easiest way is to take the 4, 5, or 6 (green line) downtown to 42nd Street-Grand Central and then transfer to the 7 (purple line) to Times Square-42nd Street, followed by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E trains to 34th Street-Penn Station. Allow ample time for this transfer, especially during peak hours.
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NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction: At Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station (New York Penn Station), head to the NJ Transit concourse. Purchase a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" (this includes the shuttle from Secaucus). Board any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction (look for "SEC" on the departure boards). Secaucus Junction is usually the first stop after leaving Penn Station, a quick 10-15 minute ride.
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Shuttle to MetLife Stadium: At Secaucus Junction, follow signs to the lower level (Tracks E-H) for the Meadowlands Rail Line. This shuttle train provides direct service to Meadowlands Rail Station, right next to MetLife Stadium. The shuttle ride is approximately 10 minutes.
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Pro Tip: Purchase your round-trip NJ Transit ticket at Penn Station to avoid any lines or confusion at Secaucus.
Sub-heading: Bus Service from Port Authority
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Another public transport option involves taking a bus to New York City and then connecting to a stadium-specific bus.
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Bus from New Haven to Port Authority: Take a bus service like Peter Pan Bus Lines or Greyhound from New Haven's Union Station to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. This can take approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes, depending on the service and traffic.
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Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express: From the Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Wing, third floor, Gates 411-414, or 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues depending on the event), take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus. This direct service runs for events at MetLife Stadium, starting about 2.5 hours before the event and continuing for a period after. The ride is typically 20 minutes, traffic permitting.
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Important: Check the Coach USA website for schedules, as the 351 Express only operates for specific events. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on these buses.
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Step 4: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, a little preparation goes a long way.
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Check Event Schedules: Always verify event start times and related transportation schedules (especially for public transport) directly with MetLife Stadium, NJ Transit, and Coach USA.
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Allow Ample Time: Especially on event days, expect delays. It's always better to arrive early and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere than to be stressed and late.
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Cash & Cards: Have small bills for tolls or unexpected purchases. While most places accept cards, it's good to have cash on hand.
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Ticket Purchases: For public transport, consider purchasing round-trip tickets in advance to save time and avoid potential surcharges.
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Dress for the Weather: MetLife Stadium is an outdoor venue. Check the forecast and dress in layers.
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MetLife Stadium Bag Policy: This is crucial! The stadium has a strict clear bag policy.
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Permitted: Clear bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", small non-clear clutch purses (4.5" x 6.5" or less), and one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
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Prohibited: Any non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera cases, etc. An exception is made for medically necessary items after inspection.
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No On-Site Bag Check: MetLife Stadium does not offer on-site bag storage. Plan accordingly.
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Step 5: Enjoy the Experience!
You've made it! Now, all that's left is to soak in the incredible energy of MetLife Stadium. Whether you're there for a thrilling football game, a spectacular concert, or another exciting event, being prepared with your transportation plan will ensure you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the cheapest way to get from New Haven, CT to MetLife Stadium?
The cheapest way is often driving, especially if carpooling, due to the flexibility and control over costs like gas. However, bus services can also be very economical.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
How to buy train tickets for the journey from New Haven to MetLife Stadium?
For the Metro-North leg, you can buy tickets at New Haven's Union Station or via the MTA eTix app. For the NJ Transit portion from Penn Station, purchase a combined round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" at ticket vending machines or windows at Penn Station, or via the NJ Transit mobile app.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium from New Haven?
To avoid heavy traffic, try to depart very early in the morning for afternoon events or consider alternative routes if traffic builds up on I-95. Public transportation is often the best way to avoid traffic entirely.
How to get to MetLife Stadium using only buses from New Haven?
You would take a bus service (like Peter Pan or Greyhound) from New Haven to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC, and then transfer to the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus directly to the stadium.
How to know if there's special train service to MetLife Stadium for my event?
NJ Transit often runs special Meadowlands Rail Line service for large events. Check the official NJ Transit website (
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium if I don't have a pre-paid permit?
For non-NFL events, parking is usually available on-site and payable upon arrival. For NFL games, it's highly recommended to have a pre-paid permit. Alternatively, you can park at the Edison Park Fast lot at Secaucus Junction and take the short train shuttle to the stadium.
How to determine the best public transportation route for a concert at MetLife Stadium?
The Metro-North to Penn Station to NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction and then the Meadowlands Rail Line is generally the most reliable public transport route for any event at MetLife Stadium. Confirm the Meadowlands Rail Line schedule for your specific event date and time.
How to comply with MetLife Stadium's clear bag policy?
Bring only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutch purses (4.5" x 6.5" or less) are also allowed. Inspect your bag contents beforehand to avoid issues.
How to handle medically necessary items that don't fit the bag policy?
Medically necessary items are an exception to the clear bag policy but will require proper inspection at a designated gate. Arrive a bit earlier to allow for this process.
How to find real-time updates on travel conditions to MetLife Stadium?
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates if driving. For public transit, check the MTA and NJ Transit websites or their respective mobile apps for service alerts and schedule changes.
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