Getting to MetLife Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide to a Seamless Experience!
So, you've got tickets to a major game, an electrifying concert, or an unforgettable event at MetLife Stadium! Exciting, isn't it? But before you can soak in the atmosphere, there's one crucial question: How are you going to get there? Navigating transportation to a massive venue like MetLife Stadium can seem daunting, but fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every option, ensuring your journey is as smooth as your favorite team's winning play.
Let's dive in and make your trip to MetLife Stadium a breeze!
Step 1: Know Your Event and Plan Ahead!
Before you even think about which mode of transport to choose, the single most important step is to check the specific event details and plan accordingly. Different events may have different transportation recommendations, parking availability, and public transport schedules.
Event-Specific Considerations:
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NFL Games vs. Concerts vs. Other Events: NFL games, especially those with high anticipated attendance, almost always have dedicated NJ Transit rail service. Smaller events or concerts might have slightly different public transport schedules or parking arrangements.
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Start Times and End Times: Factor in travel time, especially for peak hours. Public transportation services often begin a few hours before an event and run for about an hour after it concludes. Don't get caught without a ride home!
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Check Official Sources: Always, always refer to the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) and NJ Transit (
njtransit.com/metlifestadium
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| How Do People Get To Metlife Stadium |
Step 2: Public Transportation - Your Eco-Friendly and Often Fastest Bet
For many, especially those coming from New York City or various parts of New Jersey, public transportation is the most efficient and stress-free way to reach MetLife Stadium. Avoid the hassle of traffic and parking fees!
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Sub-heading: NJ TRANSIT Rail Service
This is often the highly recommended option for large events.
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Getting to Secaucus Junction: Most NJ TRANSIT rail lines connect at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is your key transfer point.
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From New York Penn Station (NYC): Take any NJ TRANSIT train that goes to Secaucus Junction. This is generally the fastest and most cost-effective way from NYC. The journey is quick, typically around 10-15 minutes.
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From Other NJ Locations: Many NJ TRANSIT lines (Main-Bergen County Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Pascack Valley Line, Port Jervis Line) will take you to Secaucus Junction.
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From Metro-North (CT/NY): Riders from New York or Connecticut can take select Metro-North trains from the New Haven line to Grand Central Station, then take the Subway to New York Penn Station to connect to NJ Transit.
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Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line: Once at Secaucus Junction, you'll transfer to the dedicated Meadowlands Rail Service. This shuttle train delivers you directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex station, just steps away from the stadium entrance.
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Travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station is approximately 10 minutes.
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Service Hours: Rail service typically starts about 3.5 hours before an event and runs for about 1 hour after it ends.
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Tickets: Purchase your round-trip tickets in advance! You can do this at Ticket Windows, Ticket Vending Machines, or via the free NJ TRANSIT Mobile App (highly recommended for convenience). Be sure to buy a round-trip ticket to avoid additional charges on board.
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Important Note: You must have a ticket to board the train from Meadowlands to Secaucus Junction after the event.
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Sub-heading: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351 Meadowlands Express)
A direct bus option from the heart of Manhattan.
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Departure Point: The Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
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Service Hours: This bus service typically begins 2.5 hours prior to the event start and continues to run until 30 minutes after the event begins. It will also operate for approximately 1 hour after the event concludes for departures.
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Drop-off/Pick-up: Buses drop off and pick up near Parking Lot K at the Sports Complex.
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Tickets: Round-trip tickets cost around $14.00, and one-way tickets are about $7.00. Purchase tickets before boarding at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
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Visit
www.351express.com
Step 3: Driving and Parking - For Those Who Prefer Their Own Wheels
If driving is your preferred method, be prepared for potential traffic and parking fees. Pre-planning is crucial here.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Sub-heading: Driving Directions
MetLife Stadium is conveniently located at the intersection of major roadways.
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From the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95): Take Exit 16W. Be aware that if you're traveling southbound on the NJ Turnpike, Exit 19W is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway.
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From Route 3: MetLife Stadium is directly accessible off Route 3.
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Use GPS or navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and the most efficient route.
Sub-heading: Parking at the Stadium
Parking permits and fees vary by event.
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Pre-paid Parking Permits: For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are typically required and distributed as part of VIP or Suite packages. For most non-NFL events (concerts, soccer, etc.), pre-paid permits are generally not required and parking is payable upon arrival. Always check the specific event's details for parking requirements.
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Parking Lot Hours: Stadium parking lots usually open five (5) hours prior to the event start time and close two (2) hours after the event concludes. Arriving earlier than the designated opening time will likely result in you being turned away.
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Parking Fees (Non-NFL Events):
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Cars: Approximately $40 per vehicle.
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Bus / RV: Approximately $160 per vehicle.
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Limousine: Approximately $100 per vehicle.
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Parking Lot Locations: You will be directed to parking lots closest to your entry point into the Sports Complex. Follow the directions of traffic and parking staff. Circulation between parking lots is generally not permitted.
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Accessible Parking (ADA): Available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with valid ADA license plates or hang tags. The owner of the vehicle with the valid tag must be in the vehicle. There's also a dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities in Lot C.
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Important Note: Illegal parking outside the Sports Complex on roadways or medians is strictly prohibited and will result in ticketing and/or towing. Overnight parking is also not permitted.
Sub-heading: Park and Ride (Train Option)
A smart alternative if you prefer to drive partway.
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Edison Park Fast at Secaucus Junction: If you don't have a pre-paid stadium parking permit, consider parking at the Edison Park Fast lot located next to the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (675 New Country Road at Seaview Drive, Secaucus, N.J., 07094).
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Parking Cost: The cost is typically around $20 per game.
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Connect to Rail: From this lot, you can then take the Meadowlands Rail Service directly to MetLife Stadium. This is a great way to avoid stadium traffic and parking congestion.
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The parking lot is open 24 hours a day. Call 888-PARKFAST or visit parkfast.com for more information.
Step 4: Rideshares & Taxis - Convenience with Caveats
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis offer door-to-door convenience but come with their own set of considerations.
Sub-heading: Rideshare Services
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Designated Zones: MetLife Stadium has a designated rideshare zone, typically located in Lot E, adjacent to the Verizon Gate and Walk Bridge. Look for signage and follow staff directions.
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Surge Pricing: Be prepared for significant surge pricing after events, especially large ones. This can dramatically increase the cost of your ride.
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Wait Times: Due to the sheer volume of people, wait times for rideshares after an event can be very long, potentially exceeding an hour.
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Consider pre-booking private car services like GO Airlink NYC to avoid surge pricing and long waits, especially for larger groups.
Sub-heading: Taxis
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Designated Drop-off/Pick-up: Taxis also have designated drop-off and pick-up points at the stadium. There's usually no charge if taxis drop off passengers at these designated points.
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Availability: Similar to rideshares, finding an available taxi immediately after a large event can be challenging.
Step 5: Charter Buses & Private Shuttles - For Groups and Tailgaters
If you're attending with a large group or prefer a more tailored experience, charter buses and private shuttles are excellent options.
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Private Charter Shuttles: Companies like ETS Airport Shuttle offer private charter services to MetLife Stadium, with various vehicle sizes (sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, motorcoaches). This is ideal for avoiding traffic, tolls, and parking concerns, and allows for flexible pick-up and drop-off times.
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Group Travel: Many fan groups and organizations arrange charter buses for events. This can be a cost-effective and fun way to travel with friends.
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Tailgating: Charter buses often offer the flexibility to park and allow for tailgating, making them popular for NFL games. Charter bus parking is typically in Lot L.
Step 6: Accessibility Services - Ensuring a Smooth Journey for Everyone
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
MetLife Stadium is committed to providing accessible services for all guests.
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Accessible Parking: As mentioned, available in Lots E, F, and G with valid DMV-issued accessible parking plates or hang tags.
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Accessible Drop-off: Dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is in Lot C.
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Wheelchair Assistance: Guests with limited mobility can request wheelchair assistance from Accessibility Assistants at the gates to get to their seats.
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Elevators, Ramps, Restrooms: The stadium features accessible elevators at various entrances (HCLTech, Verizon, Moody's, premium seating), code-compliant public ramps, and accessible restrooms on all levels.
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For detailed information on all accessible services, refer to the "Accessible Services" section on the MetLife Stadium website or contact their Guest Services Hotline.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To's with Quick Answers):
How to get to MetLife Stadium from New York City without a car? The fastest and most cost-effective way is via NJ Transit. Take a train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to the stadium. Alternatively, take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium? Purchase round-trip tickets in advance at Ticket Windows, Ticket Vending Machines, or through the NJ Transit Mobile App. It's crucial to have your return ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium? For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are usually required. For most other events, parking is available upon arrival and payable at the lot. Check the official MetLife Stadium website for specific event parking details. Lots typically open 5 hours before the event.
How to avoid traffic when going to MetLife Stadium? Public transportation (NJ Transit rail or Coach USA bus) is the best way to avoid traffic. If driving, consider arriving very early or parking at the Edison Park Fast lot at Secaucus Junction and taking the train shuttle.
How to get to MetLife Stadium with a large group? Consider chartering a private bus or van service. Companies like ETS Airport Shuttle offer various vehicle sizes for group transportation, often allowing for tailgating as well.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium? Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G with a valid state-issued accessible parking plate or hang tag. The owner of the vehicle must be present. A dedicated accessible drop-off area is in Lot C.
How to use rideshare services for MetLife Stadium events? Utilize the designated rideshare zone, typically in Lot E. Be prepared for potential surge pricing and long wait times, especially after large events.
How to check if the NJ Transit train service is running for an event? Always check the official NJ Transit website (
How to get from Newark Airport (EWR) to MetLife Stadium? Take the AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then connect to an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line.
How to find out about upcoming events at MetLife Stadium? Visit the official MetLife Stadium website (
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