Navigating to MetLife Stadium for a thrilling game or an unforgettable concert can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. But fear not! Public transportation offers a convenient and often more economical way to reach the stadium, allowing you to avoid the headaches of traffic and expensive parking. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth journey to your event.
Ready to ditch the driving stress and embrace a seamless journey to MetLife Stadium? Let's get started!
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| How To Take Public Transportation To Metlife Stadium |
Step 1: Determine Your Starting Point and Event Type
Before you even think about buying a ticket, it's crucial to identify your starting location. Are you coming from New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, etc.), another part of New Jersey, or further afield? Your starting point will heavily influence your best transportation option.
Also, consider the type of event you're attending. For large-scale events like NFL games (Giants/Jets) and major concerts, NJ Transit typically offers enhanced rail service directly to the stadium. For smaller events, bus services might be more prevalent. Always check the official MetLife Stadium website or the NJ Transit website for event-specific transportation advisories!
Step 2: Choose Your Public Transportation Method
There are primarily two excellent public transportation options for reaching MetLife Stadium: NJ Transit Rail Service and Coach USA Bus Service.
Sub-heading: Option A: NJ Transit Rail Service (Highly Recommended for Large Events)
This is often the most efficient and popular choice for major events.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Sub-heading: A1: Getting to Secaucus Junction
The key to the NJ Transit rail service to MetLife Stadium is the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a major transportation hub where many NJ Transit lines converge.
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From New York City (NYC Penn Station):
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Take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. Look for "SEC" on the departure boards at Penn Station. These trains typically include Northeast Corridor (NEC), North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL), and Raritan Valley Line (RVL) trains. The ride is usually around 10-15 minutes.
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From Northern New Jersey (e.g., Hoboken, Newark Penn Station):
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From Hoboken Terminal: Take any Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, or Port Jervis Line train to Secaucus Junction.
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From Newark Penn Station: Take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction (e.g., Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line). The journey is quick, often less than 10 minutes.
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From other parts of NJ Transit's rail system: Most NJ Transit rail lines connect at Secaucus Junction. Use the NJ Transit Trip Planner on their website or app to find the most direct route from your specific station.
Sub-heading: A2: Transferring to the Meadowlands Rail Line
Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, you'll transfer to the special BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line (formerly just Meadowlands Rail Line) which delivers you directly to the MetLife Sports Complex station.
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Follow the Signs: Secaucus Junction is well-signposted for the Meadowlands train. You'll typically take escalators to the lower level platform for the shuttle.
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Shuttle Frequency: For major events, trains on the Meadowlands Rail Line run frequently, often every 10-20 minutes, starting approximately 3.5 to 5 hours prior to the event, and continuing for about an hour after the event concludes. Expect crowds, especially after an event!
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Travel Time: The ride from Secaucus Junction to the MetLife Sports Complex station is approximately 10 minutes.
Sub-heading: A3: Purchasing Your Rail Tickets
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Round-Trip is Key: Always purchase a round-trip ticket to the "Meadowlands Sports Complex" before boarding your initial train. This saves you time and avoids a potential $5 surcharge for buying your ticket on board.
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Where to Buy:
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NJ Transit Mobile App: This is by far the easiest and most convenient method. Download the app (available on Apple Store and Google Play), set up your account, and purchase your mobile tickets in advance. Activate your ticket just before boarding.
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at all major NJ Transit stations, including Penn Station New York, Hoboken Terminal, and Secaucus Junction.
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Ticket Windows: Staffed ticket windows are available at larger stations during operating hours.
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Fare Information: A round-trip ticket from NYC Penn Station to Meadowlands Sports Complex is typically around $11.00. Fares from other locations will vary but generally range from $4.50 to $8.50 for a round trip from closer New Jersey stations like Secaucus Junction or Hoboken Terminal. Children, seniors, and persons with disabilities often qualify for discounted fares.
Sub-heading: Option B: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351 Meadowlands Express)
For those who prefer a direct bus route from NYC, Coach USA offers the 351 Meadowlands Express service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
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Departure Point: Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Manhattan. Look for the designated gates for the 351 Meadowlands Express.
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Service Availability: This service generally operates for NFL games and other large events. It typically begins 2.5 hours prior to the start of the event and runs until 30 minutes after the event begins. Post-event service runs for approximately one hour after the conclusion of the event.
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Drop-off/Pick-up: The bus drops off and picks up in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center, at MetLife Stadium. This is accessible via the MetLife Gate.
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Travel Time: The bus ride from Port Authority Bus Terminal to MetLife Stadium can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Tickets: Purchase your tickets directly from Coach USA. Check their website (
www.351express.com
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Step 3: Plan Your Arrival and Departure Times
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Arrive Early: For any major event, always plan to arrive well in advance. Crowds at Secaucus Junction and MetLife Stadium can be immense, leading to longer waits for trains, security checks, and finding your seats. Aim to be at the stadium at least 1-2 hours before the event starts.
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Post-Event Strategy: After an event, the lines for the Meadowlands Rail Line back to Secaucus Junction can be very long. Be prepared for a wait. Some attendees opt to wait out the initial rush at the stadium or explore nearby amenities if available. NJ Transit also occasionally offers bus service from the stadium to Secaucus Junction to help with crowd dispersal.
Step 4: Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience
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Download the NJ Transit App: Seriously, this is a game-changer. Mobile ticketing is seamless. You can also check schedules and real-time service alerts.
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Purchase Round-Trip Tickets: We can't stress this enough! It saves you time and hassle.
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Check Event-Specific Information: Always verify transportation details on the MetLife Stadium website (
metlifestadium.com/plan-your-visit/public-transportation/ njtransit.com/metlifestadium -
Be Prepared for Crowds: Especially for popular events, trains and buses will be packed. Be patient and allow extra time.
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Stay Connected: Follow NJ Transit's social media (e.g., @NJTRANSIT on X/Twitter) for real-time updates and service alerts.
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Bag Policy: Be aware of MetLife Stadium's bag policy to avoid delays at security. Check their website for the most current information.
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Comfortable Shoes: You'll likely be doing some walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
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Charge Your Phone: For mobile tickets, navigation, and staying in touch, a fully charged phone is essential. Consider a portable charger.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to buy train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
You can buy train tickets to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Sports Complex Station) via the NJ Transit Mobile App (highly recommended), at ticket vending machines at any NJ Transit station, or at staffed ticket windows at larger stations like Penn Station New York. Always purchase a round-trip ticket in advance.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC Penn Station by train?
Take any NJ Transit train from NYC Penn Station that stops at Secaucus Junction (look for "SEC" on departure boards). At Secaucus Junction, transfer to the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle, which takes you directly to the stadium.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
How to get to MetLife Stadium by bus from Port Authority?
Take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Manhattan. This direct service operates for major events and drops you off in Lot K at the stadium.
How to transfer at Secaucus Junction for MetLife Stadium?
Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the Meadowlands Rail Line. You'll typically take an escalator to the lower-level platform where the shuttle train departs directly for the MetLife Sports Complex station.
How to know if NJ Transit rail service is operating for my event?
Always check the official MetLife Stadium website (
How to find the cost of public transportation to MetLife Stadium?
For NJ Transit trains, a round-trip ticket from NYC Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is approximately $11.00. Fares vary depending on your starting point. For Coach USA buses, check the
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
How to travel from Newark Penn Station to MetLife Stadium by public transport?
From Newark Penn Station, take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. Then, transfer to the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle directly to MetLife Stadium.
How to get back from MetLife Stadium to NYC after an event?
After an event, take the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle back to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus Junction, transfer to any NJ Transit train heading towards New York Penn Station. Be prepared for significant crowds and potential wait times.
How to check real-time updates for NJ Transit service to MetLife Stadium?
Download the NJ Transit Mobile App for real-time updates and push notifications. You can also follow @NJTRANSIT on X (formerly Twitter) for live service alerts.
How to ensure accessible public transportation to MetLife Stadium?
NJ Transit trains and the MetLife Sports Complex station are generally ADA compliant and accessible. Accessible parking is also available at MetLife Stadium in Lots E, F, and G with a valid accessible parking license plate or hang tag. The dedicated drop-off area for fans with disabilities is located in Lot C. For specific accessibility questions, it's best to contact NJ Transit or MetLife Stadium directly.
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