Are you ready for an unforgettable experience at MetLife Stadium? Whether you're heading to a roaring concert, cheering on your favorite football team, or attending a spectacular event, getting there by train from Manhattan is not only feasible but often the most convenient and stress-free option. Say goodbye to traffic jams and expensive parking, and let's navigate the public transit system together!
How Do You Get to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan by Train?
Getting to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan by train primarily involves a two-step process using NJ Transit. You'll first take an NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, and then transfer to a special shuttle train that goes directly to the Meadowlands Rail Station, right at MetLife Stadium.
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| How Do You Get To Metlife Stadium From Manhattan By Train |
Step 1: Prepare for Your Journey – The Smart Traveler's Checklist
Before you even leave your hotel or apartment, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth trip.
Sub-heading: Check Event-Specific Train Schedules
It's crucial to remember that the dedicated train service to MetLife Stadium from Secaucus Junction only operates for major events and games. Always check the official NJ Transit website (
Sub-heading: Purchase Your Tickets in Advance
This is a golden rule for a hassle-free experience!
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NJ Transit Mobile App: The easiest and most recommended way to buy your tickets is through the free NJ Transit Mobile App. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can purchase a round-trip ticket from "New York Penn Station" to "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): If you prefer a physical ticket, you can purchase one from any NJ Transit ticket vending machine at Penn Station or other major terminals. Look for the option to buy a ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
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Ticket Office: At major stations like Penn Station, there will be ticket offices where you can purchase your ticket from an agent.
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Important Note: Avoid buying your ticket on board the train, as NJ Transit charges an additional $5 surcharge for tickets purchased on the train if a ticket office or TVM was available at your boarding station.
Sub-heading: Understand Your Ticket
Your ticket from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Sports Complex is valid for both legs of your journey (Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, and then Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station). You will use the same ticket to pass through the fare gates at Secaucus Junction.
Step 2: Navigate New York Penn Station
New York Penn Station can be a bustling place, but finding your way to the NJ Transit concourse is straightforward.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Sub-heading: Locate the NJ Transit Concourse
New York Penn Station is located at 32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Once inside, follow the signs for "NJ TRANSIT". This will lead you to the dedicated NJ Transit concourse and platforms.
Sub-heading: Find Your Train to Secaucus Junction
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Departure Boards: Look at the large overhead departure boards. You'll be looking for any train that lists "Secaucus Junction" as one of its stops. These trains are typically marked with "SEC" on the departure board.
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Platform Announcement: Listen for announcements regarding platform numbers for trains departing to Secaucus Junction.
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Virtually all NJ Transit lines that originate from New York Penn Station stop at Secaucus Junction, including the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Main-Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line, and Port Jervis Line. Secaucus Junction is usually the first stop after leaving Penn Station.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Train
Once you've identified your platform, board the train. Find a seat and get ready for a short, approximately 10-15 minute ride to Secaucus Junction.
Step 3: Transfer at Secaucus Junction – The Hub of Your Journey
Secaucus Junction (officially the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction) is the critical transfer point for reaching MetLife Stadium.
Sub-heading: Exiting Your First Train
Upon arrival at Secaucus Junction, everyone will disembark. It's a major transfer station, so don't worry about being alone – you'll be part of a large crowd heading to the stadium.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Station and Fare Gates
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Go Upstairs: Follow the signs to go upstairs to the mezzanine level of the station.
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Show Your Ticket: At the fare gates, you will need to present or scan your ticket (whether it's on your app or a physical ticket) to the staff or at the turnstiles. Your single ticket covers this transfer.
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Follow the Signs for Meadowlands Rail Line: Once through the gates, look for clear signage directing you to the "BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line" or "Meadowlands Sports Complex Station." This will typically lead you down to the lower level tracks, usually Tracks E-H.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Shuttle Train to MetLife Stadium
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
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Dedicated Service: For major events, NJ Transit runs dedicated shuttle trains from Secaucus Junction directly to the Meadowlands Rail Station. These trains are designed specifically to handle the large crowds attending events.
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Frequent Departures: During peak periods before and after events, these shuttle trains operate very frequently, often every 10-20 minutes, or even on a "load-and-go" basis after the event.
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Short Ride: The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station is very short, usually only about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Arriving at MetLife Stadium
Congratulations, you've made it!
Sub-heading: Disembarking at Meadowlands Rail Station
The Meadowlands Rail Station is located right next to MetLife Stadium, making it incredibly convenient.
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Sub-heading: Walking to the Stadium
Once you exit the train, it's just a short walk to the stadium entrances. Follow the flow of the crowd, and you'll be at the gates in minutes. The station is located near the MetLife Gate.
Step 5: The Return Journey – A Smooth Exit
Leaving the stadium can be just as busy as arriving, but following these tips will help.
Sub-heading: Head Back to Meadowlands Rail Station
After the event, make your way back to the Meadowlands Rail Station. Again, follow the crowds.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Shuttle Train to Secaucus Junction
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Have Your Ticket Ready: You will need to show or scan your ticket again to board the train back to Secaucus Junction. Having your return ticket purchased in advance (which you did in Step 1!) will save you time and avoid any surcharges.
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Load-and-Go: Trains will run frequently after the event to clear the stadium. Be patient, as there might be a queue, but the system is designed to move people efficiently.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Sub-heading: Transfer at Secaucus Junction (Again!)
Once back at Secaucus Junction, you'll transfer to an NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station.
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Check Departure Boards: Look for trains going to "New York Penn Station."
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Final Connection: Be mindful of the last train of the evening from Secaucus Junction back to your final destination in New York, especially for late-night events. Check the NJ Transit website or app for these critical times.
Sub-heading: Arrive Back at New York Penn Station
You've successfully completed your train journey to and from MetLife Stadium!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about taking the train to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan:
How to check the train schedule for MetLife Stadium events?
Visit the official NJ Transit website at
How to buy a train ticket to MetLife Stadium?
The easiest way is through the NJ Transit Mobile App. You can also purchase round-trip tickets at ticket vending machines or ticket offices at any NJ Transit rail station. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
How much does a train ticket to MetLife Stadium cost from Manhattan?
A round-trip adult ticket from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Sports Complex typically costs around $12.60 (as of current information). Prices can vary slightly, so check the NJ Transit website for the most up-to-date fares.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How long does the train ride take from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium?
The total travel time, including the transfer at Secaucus Junction, is usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on wait times for transfers. The actual train rides are short (approx. 10-15 minutes each leg).
How to navigate Secaucus Junction for the transfer?
Upon arriving at Secaucus Junction, go upstairs to the mezzanine level, pass through the fare gates by scanning your ticket, and then follow signs down to the lower level tracks (E-H) for the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle.
How to find the correct platform at Penn Station for Secaucus Junction?
Look for trains on the departure boards marked "SEC" (for Secaucus Junction). Most NJ Transit trains departing from Penn Station will stop there as their first stop.
How to know if train service is running for my event?
NJ Transit only runs special shuttle service to MetLife Stadium for major events. Always confirm service by checking
How to get back to Manhattan after a late-night event?
Check the NJ Transit website or app for the last train departure times from Secaucus Junction back to New York Penn Station. Plan accordingly to avoid missing the final train.
How to get assistance if I have limited mobility?
NJ Transit offers accessible trains and stations. At MetLife Stadium, accessibility assistants can provide wheelchair assistance from the gates to your seat. For train assistance, inform the train crew of your destination if you need a bridge plate for boarding.
How to avoid surcharges when buying train tickets?
Always purchase your round-trip train tickets before boarding the train, either through the NJ Transit mobile app, a ticket vending machine, or a ticket office. This avoids the $5 surcharge.
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