Ever wondered how long it really takes to get from the bustling heart of New York City's Penn Station to the electrifying atmosphere of MetLife Stadium for that big game or concert? You're in the right place! While it might seem like a straightforward journey, there are a few factors that can influence your travel time. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure your trip is as smooth and efficient as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get to MetLife from Penn Station? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer? It typically takes around 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by public transportation, depending on your chosen method and the event schedule. Driving time can be significantly shorter without traffic, but that's a rare luxury for MetLife events.
Step 1: Choose Your Adventure: Train or Bus?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's pick your mode of transport. Both options have their pros and cons.
The Train (NJ Transit): Often considered the most reliable and efficient way for large events, as it delivers you directly to the stadium.
The Bus (Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express): A direct option from Port Authority Bus Terminal, offering a more direct route in some cases.
Ready to decide? Let's explore each route in detail!
Step 2: Navigating the Rails: Penn Station to MetLife by Train
This is the preferred method for many, especially during major events. It involves a two-part journey.
Sub-heading: Your First Leg: Penn Station to Secaucus Junction
Arrive at New York Penn Station: Head to the NJ Transit concourse. Penn Station is a large, busy hub, so allow yourself ample time to navigate.
Find Your Train: Look for any NJ Transit train that is bound for Secaucus Junction. These trains will often be marked with "SEC" on the departure boards.
Purchase Your Ticket: You'll need a round-trip ticket from "New York Penn Station" to "Meadowlands Sports Complex." It's crucial to buy your ticket in advance at the ticket windows, vending machines, or via the NJ Transit Mobile App to avoid an extra $5 charge on board. A round-trip adult fare typically costs around $12.60.
Board the Train: Secaucus Junction is usually the first stop after leaving Penn Station, making it a quick ride. This leg generally takes about 10-15 minutes.
Sub-heading: The Final Stretch: Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium
Transfer at Secaucus Junction: Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, head upstairs to the mezzanine. There will likely be plenty of staff and signs guiding you.
Locate the Meadowlands Rail Line: This is a dedicated shuttle train that runs directly to MetLife Stadium. These trains depart from Tracks E-H on the lower level.
Board the Shuttle: The travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station is approximately 10 minutes.
Arrive at MetLife Stadium: The Meadowlands Rail Service drops you right at the stadium's front door!
Total Estimated Train Travel Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, including transfers and waiting time for the shuttle. Remember, for major events, NJ Transit rail service typically begins 3.5 hours before the event and runs until 1 hour after.
Step 3: Rolling to the Stadium: Penn Station to MetLife by Bus
While not as direct from Penn Station itself, the bus is a viable option, especially if you're closer to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Sub-heading: Getting to the Bus Terminal
From Penn Station to Port Authority Bus Terminal: Penn Station is only a few blocks from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT). You can walk (about 10-15 minutes), or take a short subway ride (e.g., A, C, E trains to 42nd St - Port Authority Bus Terminal).
Sub-heading: The Direct Bus Ride
Locate the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express: This bus service operates directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) to MetLife Stadium. Buses usually depart from the South Wing, third floor, Gates 411-414, or from a street-level departure area on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, depending on the event. Always check the Coach USA website for specific departure gates and times for your event.
Purchase Your Ticket: A round-trip ticket for the 351 Meadowlands Express is generally around $18.00. You can buy tickets online or at the Port Authority South Wing (windows 11-15).
Board the Bus: The bus service usually begins 2.5 hours before an event and continues to run until 30 minutes after the event starts. Return buses run for approximately one hour after the event concludes.
Arrive at MetLife Stadium: The bus drops you off near Parking Lot K.
Total Estimated Bus Travel Time: Approximately 45-70 minutes, including the walk/subway to PABT and the bus ride. The bus ride itself is advertised as around 20 minutes, but this is highly subject to traffic conditions, which can be significant on event days.
Step 4: Important Considerations for Your Journey
Event Day Crowds: MetLife Stadium events attract tens of thousands of people. Expect significant crowds at Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. This will impact your travel time, especially for boarding and transferring.
Ticket Purchase: Always buy your round-trip tickets in advance. This saves you time and potential surcharges. For train tickets, purchase to "Meadowlands Sports Complex."
Check Schedules: Public transportation schedules for MetLife events are often specialized and event-dependent. Always check the official NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands coachusa.com/351-meadowlands-express Arrive Early: To avoid stress and ensure you don't miss any of the action, plan to arrive at Penn Station or Port Authority well in advance of your event's start time. We recommend at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the event if you're taking public transit for a major game or concert.
Mobile Apps: Download the NJ Transit Mobile App for easy ticket purchasing and real-time service updates.
Walking at MetLife: Once you arrive at MetLife Stadium, whether by train or bus, you'll still have a short walk to your specific gate. Factor this into your overall arrival time.
Step 5: Alternative (But Less Recommended) Options
While public transportation is generally the best bet for MetLife events from Penn Station, here are a few other options, along with their drawbacks:
Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi or rideshare service can get you there in around 15-30 minutes without traffic. However, on event days, expect severe traffic delays and surge pricing. This can easily push your travel time to over an hour and make it very expensive ($40-$60+).
Driving Your Own Car: While the drive without traffic is only about 13-17 minutes (approximately 8-10 miles), parking at MetLife Stadium requires a pre-paid permit and the traffic into and out of the stadium lots on event days is notoriously bad. This option is generally only feasible if you have a parking permit and are prepared for significant delays and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting to MetLife from Penn Station
Here are 10 common questions to help you plan your trip:
How to buy train tickets from Penn Station to MetLife?
You can buy tickets at NJ Transit ticket windows or vending machines at Penn Station, or conveniently through the NJ Transit Mobile App. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
How to transfer trains at Secaucus Junction?
Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs to the lower level (Tracks E-H) for the Meadowlands Rail Line. There are usually plenty of staff to guide you.
How to know if the special MetLife train is running?
NJ Transit operates the Meadowlands Rail Service for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000. Always check the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands
How to get to the Port Authority Bus Terminal from Penn Station?
It's a 10-15 minute walk north from Penn Station to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or you can take a short subway ride (A, C, E trains to 42nd St - Port Authority Bus Terminal).
How to buy tickets for the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus?
Tickets can be purchased online via the Coach USA website (
coachusa.com/351-meadowlands-express
How to find the bus departure gates at Port Authority Bus Terminal for MetLife?
The 351 Meadowlands Express usually departs from the South Wing, third floor, Gates 411-414, or from 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Confirm on the Coach USA website for your specific event.
How to get back to Penn Station from MetLife after an event?
For trains, head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex station and take the shuttle back to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to an NJ Transit train bound for New York Penn Station. For buses, return to the Lot K pick-up area for the 351 Meadowlands Express.
How to avoid crowds when traveling to MetLife?
Unfortunately, avoiding crowds entirely on event days is difficult. Your best bet is to arrive significantly earlier than the event's start time and depart a bit later if possible to let some of the initial rush subside.
How to find real-time updates on NJ Transit service?
Download the NJ Transit Mobile App or visit their website (njtransit.com) for real-time service alerts and schedule changes.
How to determine the cheapest way to get to MetLife from Penn Station?
Public transportation (train or bus) is consistently the most cost-effective option, with train fares typically around $12.60 round-trip and bus fares around $18.00 round-trip. Driving or taking a taxi/rideshare will be significantly more expensive due to gas, tolls, parking (if driving), and surge pricing.