Your Ultimate Guide: Conquering the Journey from LIRR to MetLife Stadium!
Hey there, fellow sports enthusiast/concert-goer/event attendee! Are you ready to experience the thrill of MetLife Stadium but scratching your head trying to figure out the best way to get there from the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)? Don't sweat it! You've landed in the perfect spot. We're about to embark on a comprehensive journey, step-by-step, to ensure your trip is as smooth as a perfectly executed touchdown.
Ready to dive in and make your MetLife adventure a breeze? Let's get started!
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| How To Get To Metlife From Lirr |
Step 1: The LIRR Leg – Getting to Penn Station (or Grand Central Madison)
Your journey to MetLife Stadium, regardless of where you start on Long Island, begins with a ride on the LIRR. The key here is to get to a major Manhattan hub that connects you to New Jersey Transit.
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1.1 Identifying Your LIRR Station and Destination:
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First things first, know your starting point on the LIRR. Are you coming from Huntington, Hicksville, Babylon, or somewhere else?
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Your primary destination on the LIRR will be New York Penn Station. This is the traditional and most direct route for connecting to New Jersey Transit.
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Alternatively, if your LIRR line goes to Grand Central Madison, you can also use that as a starting point, but it will involve an extra subway transfer to get to Penn Station for your NJ Transit connection. For most, Penn Station will be simpler.
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1.2 Purchasing Your LIRR Ticket:
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You can purchase your LIRR ticket in several ways:
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MTA eTix App: Highly recommended! Download the app on your smartphone, create an account, and purchase your ticket electronically. This saves time and avoids queues.
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at all LIRR stations. They accept cash and credit/debit cards.
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Ticket Windows: At larger stations, there might be ticket windows, but these often have longer lines.
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On the Train: While possible, purchasing your ticket on the train incurs a surcharge, so it's best to buy it beforehand.
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1.3 Boarding Your LIRR Train:
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Once you have your ticket, check the departure boards at your LIRR station for the correct track number and time for your train to Penn Station (or Grand Central Madison).
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Listen for announcements! They often provide crucial updates on track changes or delays.
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Find a comfortable seat and enjoy the ride into Manhattan. The journey time will vary depending on your starting station.
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Step 2: The Crucial Transfer – Penn Station to Secaucus Junction
This is arguably the most important transfer point for your trip to MetLife. Penn Station is a massive transportation hub, so it's essential to know where you're going.
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2.1 Arriving at New York Penn Station:
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When your LIRR train pulls into Penn Station, follow the signs to the main concourse. It can be a bit overwhelming with the crowds, but stay calm and look for clear signage.
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If you arrived at Grand Central Madison, you'll need to take a quick subway ride (the 7 train to Times Square then the 1/2/3 or A/C/E to Penn Station, or a direct shuttle if available) to get to Penn Station.
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2.2 Navigating to New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit):
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In Penn Station, you need to find the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) section. Follow the overhead signs that specifically point to "NJ Transit" or "New Jersey Trains."
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Be aware: There are multiple levels in Penn Station. NJ Transit tracks are typically on the lower levels.
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Pro Tip: If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask a station attendant or even a fellow traveler. Most people are happy to help.
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2.3 Purchasing Your NJ Transit Ticket to Secaucus Junction:
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You'll need a separate ticket for NJ Transit.
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Look for the NJ Transit ticket vending machines. They are usually distinct from the LIRR machines.
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Your destination for this leg is "Secaucus Junction" (SEC).
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Purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket to Secaucus Junction. You can use cash or credit/debit cards.
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Mobile ticketing: NJ Transit also has a mobile app (NJ TRANSIT Mobile App) where you can purchase tickets. This is often the quickest option.
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2.4 Finding Your Train to Secaucus Junction:
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Once you have your ticket, check the departure boards for trains heading to Secaucus Junction.
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Many NJ Transit lines stop at Secaucus Junction, including the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, and Morris & Essex Lines. Just make sure the train lists Secaucus Junction as a stop.
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Head to the designated track and board your train. The ride to Secaucus Junction is very short, often just one stop, and takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Step 3: The Final Leg – Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Line)
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
You're almost there! Secaucus Junction is the dedicated transfer point for events at MetLife Stadium.
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3.1 Arriving at Secaucus Junction:
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When you arrive at Secaucus Junction, everyone else going to the event will likely be getting off too. Follow the crowd!
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Secaucus Junction is a modern, multi-level station designed for easy transfers.
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3.2 Transferring to the Meadowlands Rail Line:
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Once you're off your NJ Transit train, you'll need to transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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Look for clear signs pointing to "Meadowlands Rail Line" or "MetLife Stadium." These signs are usually very prominent, especially on event days.
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You'll typically go up an escalator or stairs to a dedicated platform for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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3.3 Purchasing Your Meadowlands Rail Line Ticket (if not already done):
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Important: Your NJ Transit ticket to Secaucus Junction does not include the fare for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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There are usually separate ticket vending machines on the Meadowlands Rail Line platform specifically for tickets to "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
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Purchase a round-trip ticket for convenience, especially if you plan on taking the train back the same way.
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Often, during major events, NJ Transit will offer a combined round-trip ticket from NY Penn Station that includes the Meadowlands Rail Line fare. Check the NJ Transit website or app for specific event details and combined ticket options. This can save you a step!
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3.4 Boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line Train:
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The trains on the Meadowlands Rail Line are shuttle trains that run directly to MetLife Stadium. They usually run frequently before and after events.
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Board the train and enjoy the very short ride – it's typically just one stop!
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Step 4: Arriving at MetLife Stadium!
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4.1 Exiting the Train at MetLife:
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The train will pull right up to the MetLife Stadium complex. You'll exit the train and be just a short walk from the stadium gates.
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Follow the flow of people – everyone is heading in the same direction!
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4.2 Enjoy Your Event!
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You've made it! Now, all that's left is to find your gate, grab some refreshments, and enjoy the game, concert, or event you came for.
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Step 5: The Return Journey – Reversing the Steps
Getting back is essentially the reverse of getting there, but with a few key considerations.
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5.1 Departing MetLife Stadium:
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After the event, head back to the Meadowlands Rail Line station.
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Expect crowds! Be patient and follow directions from event staff.
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Board the Meadowlands Rail Line train back to Secaucus Junction.
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5.2 Transferring at Secaucus Junction:
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At Secaucus Junction, transfer to an NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station.
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Check the departure boards for trains heading to New York. Again, many lines go to Penn Station.
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Use your return portion of your NJ Transit ticket (or purchase a new one if you bought one-way).
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5.3 Transferring at New York Penn Station:
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Once back at Penn Station, navigate to the LIRR section.
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Check the LIRR departure boards for trains to your home station on Long Island.
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Use your return portion of your LIRR ticket (or purchase a new one if you bought one-way).
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5.4 Heading Home on the LIRR:
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Board your LIRR train and enjoy a well-deserved rest after your exciting day at MetLife!
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Important Tips for a Seamless Journey:
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Check Event Schedules and NJ Transit/LIRR Websites: Always check the official NJ Transit and LIRR websites (mta.info/lirr and njtransit.com) for updated schedules, special event trains, and any service advisories before you travel. This is especially crucial for late-night events.
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Allow Ample Time: Especially on event days, trains can be crowded, and transfers can take longer. Plan to arrive early to avoid stress.
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Download Mobile Apps: The MTA eTix (LIRR) and NJ Transit apps are invaluable for purchasing tickets, checking schedules, and getting real-time updates.
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Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: Long travel days can be tiring.
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Dress Comfortably: You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing.
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Keep Your Tickets Accessible: Have your mobile tickets ready or physical tickets easily reachable for conductors.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Especially in crowded stations.
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Cash vs. Card: While cards are widely accepted, it's always a good idea to have some small bills on hand for emergencies or small purchases.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
How to buy LIRR tickets?
You can buy LIRR tickets using the MTA eTix app, from ticket vending machines (TVMs) at any station, or at ticket windows at larger stations.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets?
NJ Transit tickets can be purchased using the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, at ticket vending machines (TVMs) at NJ Transit stations (including Penn Station and Secaucus Junction), or from ticket windows.
How to find the correct LIRR train to Penn Station?
Check the departure boards at your LIRR station for trains displaying "New York Penn Station" as their destination, and listen for announcements.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
How to find the NJ Transit section in Penn Station?
Look for prominent overhead signs that say "NJ Transit" or "New Jersey Trains" within New York Penn Station.
How to get from Grand Central Madison to Penn Station?
From Grand Central Madison, you can take the 7 subway train to Times Square-42nd Street, then transfer to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines southbound to Penn Station.
How to know which NJ Transit train goes to Secaucus Junction?
Many NJ Transit lines stop at Secaucus Junction, including the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, and Morris & Essex Lines. Look for "Secaucus Junction" listed as a stop on the departure boards.
How to buy tickets for the Meadowlands Rail Line?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
You can purchase tickets for the Meadowlands Rail Line from dedicated ticket vending machines on the Meadowlands Rail Line platform at Secaucus Junction, or sometimes as part of a combined round-trip ticket from NY Penn Station via the NJ Transit app or TVMs.
How to avoid crowds when traveling to MetLife Stadium?
While difficult on event days, traveling earlier than necessary can help avoid the peak crowds. Also, having mobile tickets ready will save time in queues.
How to get back to Long Island from MetLife Stadium after an event?
Reverse the steps: take the Meadowlands Rail Line to Secaucus Junction, transfer to an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, and then transfer to your LIRR train to Long Island.
How to check for service advisories or delays for LIRR or NJ Transit?
Always check the official websites: mta.info/lirr for LIRR and njtransit.com for NJ Transit. Their respective mobile apps also provide real-time service alerts.
We hope this extensive guide makes your journey from the LIRR to MetLife Stadium absolutely seamless! Have an incredible time at your event!
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