Planning a trip to MetLife Stadium from the bustling heart of New York City? You're in for an experience, whether it's a thrilling NFL game, a sold-out concert, or a captivating live event. But before you get swept up in the excitement, a common question pops up: "How far away is MetLife Stadium from New York City?"
Let's dive deep into this, exploring not just the distance, but every single detail you need to know to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
The Proximity of MetLife Stadium to New York City
While MetLife Stadium proudly hosts New York's NFL teams (the Giants and the Jets), it's actually located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Don't let that deter you! It's remarkably close to NYC, making it a very accessible destination for city dwellers and tourists alike.
The exact distance varies slightly depending on your starting point within New York City, but generally, MetLife Stadium is approximately:
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10-12 miles from Midtown Manhattan (e.g., Times Square, Penn Station).
The travel time, however, is far more variable due to the notorious New York and New Jersey traffic. While a clear drive can take as little as 15-20 minutes, during peak hours or event days, it can easily stretch to 45 minutes to over an hour.
Ready to plan your trip? Let's get started!
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| How Far Away Is Metlife Stadium From New York City |
Step 1: Choosing Your Adventure: How Do You Want to Get There?
Before we even think about directions, let's consider your preferred mode of transportation. Are you looking for the most economical option, the fastest route, or perhaps the most convenient without the hassle of driving? Each method has its pros and cons, and we'll break them down for you.
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Driving Yourself (and Parking!)
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Public Transportation (Train & Bus)
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Ride-Sharing & Taxis
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Private Shuttle Services
Once you've got a general idea, let's get into the specifics of each.
Step 2: Navigating by Car: The Driving Details
Driving offers flexibility, but it comes with its own set of considerations, primarily traffic and parking.
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Sub-heading: Driving Directions from Key NYC Locations
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From Midtown Manhattan (Times Square/Penn Station area):
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The most common route involves heading through the Lincoln Tunnel (I-495 W).
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After exiting the tunnel in New Jersey, you'll typically connect to NJ-3 W.
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Follow signs for the Meadowlands Sports Complex/MetLife Stadium.
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Expect tolls for the Lincoln Tunnel.
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Travel Time (Estimated): 15-20 minutes in clear traffic; 45 minutes to 1.5+ hours during peak times or event days.
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From Lower Manhattan:
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You might opt for the Holland Tunnel (I-78 W) and then connect to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95 N), eventually merging onto NJ-3 W.
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Tolls apply for the Holland Tunnel and potentially sections of the Turnpike.
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Travel Time (Estimated): Similar to Midtown, but potentially with more city traffic at the start.
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Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
Parking at MetLife Stadium is extensive but requires careful planning, especially for major events.
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Pre-paid Parking: For NFL games, parking passes are often pre-sold. It's highly recommended to purchase these in advance, as they can sell out, and on-site parking might be limited or unavailable.
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Non-NFL Events: For concerts and other events, pre-paid parking permits might not be required or available unless part of VIP packages. Parking fees are typically paid upon arrival (around $40 for cars).
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Parking Lot Hours: Lots usually open five hours prior to an event and close two hours after. Arriving too early may result in being turned away.
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Accessible Parking: Available in Lots E, F, and G for guests with valid ADA placards or license plates. The designated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is in Lot C.
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Follow Signage: As you approach the stadium, there will be plenty of signs and staff directing you to available lots. Always follow their instructions for smooth entry and exit.
Step 3: Embracing Public Transit: Train & Bus Options
Public transportation is often the most cost-effective and stress-free way to get to MetLife Stadium, especially on event days when traffic can be a nightmare.
Sub-heading: Taking the Train to MetLife Stadium
The train is a popular choice, particularly for NFL games and larger events where dedicated service is running.
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From New York Penn Station (NYC):
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Take an NJ Transit train to Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a crucial transfer point. Trains depart frequently from Penn Station.
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At Secaucus Junction, transfer to a dedicated Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle train. These trains provide direct service to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, located right next to MetLife Stadium.
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Travel Time (Estimated): Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes total, including the transfer. The Secaucus to Meadowlands portion is usually about 10 minutes.
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Cost (Estimated): A round-trip adult fare from New York Penn Station to the Meadowlands Sports Complex is around $12.60.
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Important Note: Rail service on the Meadowlands Rail Line to the stadium typically operates for events with an expected attendance of 50,000 or more. Always check the NJ Transit website or the MetLife Stadium event page for specific rail service availability for your event.
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Purchase round-trip tickets in advance to avoid lines after the event. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
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Sub-heading: Riding the Bus to MetLife Stadium
The bus is another excellent and often faster public transport option from New York City.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
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From Port Authority Bus Terminal (NYC):
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Take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express. This bus provides direct service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (located at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan) straight to MetLife Stadium.
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The bus typically drops off passengers at Stadium Lot G-17.
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Travel Time (Estimated): As little as 20-30 minutes in good traffic.
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Cost (Estimated): A one-way fare can range from $7 to $55, depending on the specific service and time. A round-trip ticket is usually advised.
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Service Frequency: The 351 bus service generally begins 2.5 hours prior to a game and runs until 30 minutes after kick-off. It continues for approximately one hour after the event concludes. Always verify schedules with Coach USA or NJ Transit for your specific event.
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Step 4: Convenience at a Cost: Ride-Sharing & Taxis
For ultimate convenience, especially if you're traveling with a group or have specific time constraints, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) or traditional taxis are viable options.
Sub-heading: What to Expect with Taxis and Ride-Shares
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Door-to-Door Service: This is the primary advantage, dropping you off and picking you up closer to the stadium entrance (in designated areas).
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Travel Time: Similar to driving yourself, heavily dependent on traffic. Could be as fast as 15-20 minutes or over an hour.
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Cost: This is typically the most expensive option. A one-way trip can range from $45-$60+, especially with surge pricing during peak event times.
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Designated Drop-off/Pick-up: MetLife Stadium has specific areas for taxis and ride-shares. Be sure to coordinate with your driver to ensure a smooth pickup after the event, as mobile service can sometimes be spotty with large crowds.
Step 5: Specialized Transport: Private Shuttle Services
Some private companies offer dedicated shuttle services to MetLife Stadium from various points in New York City. These can be a good option for groups or those seeking a more curated experience.
Sub-heading: Benefits of Private Shuttles
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Pre-arranged: Often booked in advance, taking the guesswork out of event day travel.
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Comfort: Can offer more comfortable vehicles than public transit.
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Direct: Many services offer direct routes to the stadium.
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Cost: Generally falls between public transit and taxis/ride-shares. Pricing varies by company and service level.
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Research is Key: Do a quick online search for "MetLife Stadium shuttle from NYC" to find current offerings and compare prices and pickup locations. Companies like ETS Airport Shuttle offer private charter services to the stadium.
Step 6: Bonus Tips for a Seamless Journey
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Check Event Schedules: Always confirm the exact start time of your event and plan your travel accordingly, adding extra buffer time for delays.
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Monitor Traffic: Use real-time traffic apps (Google Maps, Waze) if driving or using ride-sharing.
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NJ Transit Website: For public transportation, the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands -
MetLife Stadium's "Plan Your Visit" Section: The official stadium website (
metlifestadium.com -
Bag Policy: Be aware of MetLife Stadium's clear bag policy. Clear bags 12" x 6" x 12" or less are permitted, along with small clutch-type bags (4.5" x 6.5" or less). Larger bags are not allowed and will need to be checked for a fee or returned to your vehicle.
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Dress for the Weather: Being an outdoor stadium, weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and dress in layers.
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Arrive Early: Especially for popular events, arriving early allows for easier navigation, soaking in the pre-event atmosphere, and avoiding last-minute rushes.
By following this comprehensive guide, your journey from New York City to MetLife Stadium will be as exciting and enjoyable as the event itself!
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get to MetLife Stadium from New York City by train?
Take an NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle train directly to the stadium.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from New York City by bus?
Take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to MetLife Stadium.
How to drive to MetLife Stadium from New York City?
Drive through the Lincoln Tunnel from Midtown Manhattan and follow NJ-3 West to the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium for an event?
Parking passes are often pre-sold for NFL games; for other events, you typically pay upon arrival (around $40 for cars). Always check the MetLife Stadium website for specific event parking information.
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How to know if train service is running to MetLife Stadium for an event?
Check the official NJ Transit website (
How to avoid traffic when going to MetLife Stadium from NYC?
Public transportation (especially the bus from Port Authority) is generally the best way to avoid traffic, or leave very early if driving.
How to get back to New York City from MetLife Stadium after an event?
Return via the same public transportation routes (Meadowlands Rail Line to Secaucus Junction then train to NYC Penn Station, or the 351 bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal), or use pre-arranged taxis/ride-shares.
How to check MetLife Stadium's bag policy?
Refer to the official MetLife Stadium website under their "Plan Your Visit" or "Clear Bag Policy" sections. Generally, clear bags (12"x6"x12") and small clutch purses (4.5"x6.5") are allowed.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Times Square?
From Times Square, you can easily walk to the Port Authority Bus Terminal for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus, or take a short subway ride to Penn Station for the train option. Driving or taking a taxi/ride-share are also options.
How to estimate the cost of travel to MetLife Stadium from NYC?
Driving involves gas and tolls (approx. $5-$10+). Public transit (train or bus) typically costs between $7-$13 round trip. Taxis and ride-shares are the most expensive, ranging from $45-$60+ one-way, especially with surge pricing.
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