Welcome, fellow concert-goer or sports enthusiast! Are you planning a trip to MetLife Stadium and already feeling the pre-game jitters about parking? You're not alone. The parking situation at MetLife can be a beast, but with a little planning and some insider tips (straight from the Reddit community!), you can navigate it like a pro. Forget those nightmarish tales of 2+ hour exit waits – we're here to arm you with the knowledge to make your MetLife experience as smooth as possible.
Let's dive in and conquer MetLife Stadium parking, shall we?
The Ultimate Reddit-Approved Guide to Parking at MetLife Stadium
Step 1: Assess Your Priorities: Convenience, Cost, or Escape?
Before you even think about hitting the road, ask yourself: what's most important for your MetLife experience?
Convenience for Tailgating: Are you planning a full-blown tailgate party with grills and cornhole? Then on-site stadium parking is likely your best bet, despite potential egress challenges.
Cost-Effectiveness: Are you looking to save a few bucks and don't mind a bit of a walk or a shuttle ride? Off-site options might be more appealing.
Quick Exit Strategy: Do you want to be out of there as fast as humanly possible once the final whistle blows or the encore ends? This is often the biggest concern for Reddit users, and we'll cover strategies for it.
Understanding your priority will significantly influence your parking decision.
Step 2: Securing Your Parking Pass: The Essential First Move
Gone are the days when you could always roll up to MetLife Stadium and pay for parking on arrival. For most major events, you absolutely need to acquire a parking pass in advance.
Sub-heading: Where to Buy Your Pass
Official Channels: The primary source for official MetLife Stadium parking passes is usually Ticketmaster. Check the event page for direct links.
Resale Markets: If passes are sold out or you're looking for a better deal, reliable resale platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek are your go-to. Be prepared for prices to fluctuate based on demand. Reddit users often find passes here for around $40-$60, though prices can go higher for high-demand events.
Sub-heading: Printing vs. Mobile
While the MetLife website might sometimes suggest printing your pass, many Redditors confirm that a mobile pass scanned from your phone is generally accepted. However, to be safe, having a printed backup never hurts, especially if you anticipate poor cell service.
Step 3: Choosing Your Parking Lot: Location, Location, Location!
This is where Reddit wisdom truly shines. The "best" lot depends heavily on your priorities.
Sub-heading: On-Site Stadium Parking (The Classic Choice)
Pros: Direct access to the stadium, ideal for tailgating, and the most straightforward option.
Cons: Traffic, traffic, traffic. Getting in can take a while, and getting out can be a legendary test of patience. Reddit threads are rife with tales of 1-2 hour waits to exit.
Reddit Tips for Faster Egress (Within Stadium Lots):
Park Near Exits: Many users swear by parking in lots like M, L, or J, and specifically aiming for spots as close as possible to the exits onto Road C/Berrys Creek Road. This can significantly cut down on your post-event wait time.
Back In: If possible, back your car into your parking spot. This can shave off crucial minutes when everyone is trying to make a quick escape.
Leave Early: If you're not concerned about seeing the very last minute of the event, consider leaving 10-15 minutes before the end. This is a highly recommended strategy for beating the initial rush.
Arrive Early: To get a good spot near an exit, aim to arrive 2-3 hours before the event starts. This also gives you ample time for tailgating and enjoying the pre-game atmosphere.
Sub-heading: American Dream Mall Parking (The Popular Alternative)
Pros: Often easier to get out of compared to the main stadium lots, and the mall offers plenty of pre- and post-event dining and entertainment options. There's a pedestrian walkway/tunnel directly to the stadium.
Cons: You'll still pay a fee (often comparable to stadium parking, around $60-$75), and the walk, while not excessive, is still a walk. Exiting the mall garage itself can still be a headache, especially if you park in the most obvious spots.
Reddit Tips for American Dream Parking:
Park Away from Main Exits: If parking in the mall garage, try to park on the other side of the mall, away from the most obvious exit routes, and be prepared for a slightly longer walk within the garage to save time on exiting.
Walk Smart: The pedestrian walkway is generally efficient, but can get crowded immediately after an event.
Sub-heading: Secaucus Junction Park & Ride (The Mass Transit Marvel)
Pros: Avoids all stadium and mall traffic entirely. You park at Secaucus Junction train station ($19-ish) and take a short, dedicated train ride directly to MetLife Stadium ($5 round trip). Redditors rave about how quick and easy the train is both ways, especially for egress.
Cons: You're reliant on train schedules, and the "vibe" isn't the same as tailgating. If you have a large group or a lot of gear, it might be less convenient.
Reddit Tip: This is consistently recommended as the least stressful option for getting in and out quickly.
Sub-heading: Redd's Restaurant & Shuttle (The "Dinner & A Ride" Option)
Pros: Combines pre-event food/drinks with a shuttle service to the stadium, eliminating the need to park directly at MetLife.
Cons: It's not free (parking and shuttle can total around $50-$70), and some Redditors have reported long waits for the shuttle after events or even bus breakdowns.
Consideration: This is a good option if you plan to eat before the event and value not driving directly to the stadium.
Sub-heading: Other Off-Site Options (Use with Caution)
Some Reddit threads mention parking at nearby big box stores on Route 17 and walking or Ubering. Be warned: Many of these stores have strict "no event parking" policies and will tow your car. This is a high-risk, potentially high-reward strategy and generally not recommended unless you've confirmed the policy for the specific event and location.
Prked or similar apps sometimes offer private driveway or garage rentals nearby. This can be a good, hassle-free option if you find a suitable spot.
Step 4: Game Day (or Concert Night) Execution: Smart Strategies
You've got your pass and chosen your strategy. Now, how do you make the most of it on the day of the event?
Sub-heading: Arrive Early, Always!
This cannot be stressed enough. Whether you're tailgating or taking the train, arriving well in advance of the event start time is the golden rule. It allows for unexpected traffic, finding your spot, and soaking in the pre-event atmosphere without stress.
For major events, aim for 3-4 hours before kick-off/showtime if you want to tailgate. Even if you're not tailgating, 1.5-2 hours gives you a comfortable buffer.
Sub-heading: Pay Attention to Staff and Signage
Once you're in the vicinity, follow the instructions of parking staff and official signage. They are there to direct traffic flow, and deviating can cause unnecessary headaches.
Sub-heading: Mark Your Spot (Seriously!)
The MetLife parking lots are massive. Take a photo of your parking section and aisle number, or drop a pin on your phone's map app. This will save you significant time and frustration when leaving.
Step 5: The Great Escape: Post-Event Strategies
This is often the most anxiety-inducing part of parking at MetLife.
Sub-heading: Patience is a Virtue (Unless You Leave Early)
If you stay for the entire event, expect some level of traffic congestion when exiting. Even with the best parking spot, it's inevitable with tens of thousands of people leaving simultaneously.
If you chose a stadium lot, consider waiting in your car for 15-30 minutes after the event to let the initial wave of traffic clear out. Some Redditors report significantly faster exits by doing this.
Sub-heading: Know Your Exit Route
Before the event, familiarize yourself with the general direction you need to head after leaving the stadium. While staff will direct traffic, having a mental map can help.
If you parked in lots known for quick exits (like those near Road C/Berrys Creek Road), be assertive but polite in getting to your desired exit lane.
Step 6: Consider Alternatives (Beyond Driving)
While this post is about parking, many Redditors strongly advocate for alternatives to driving.
Sub-heading: The Train from Secaucus Junction
As mentioned in Step 3, this is a highly recommended option for stress-free travel. It's reliable, avoids traffic, and often a quicker overall journey.
Sub-heading: Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft)
Designated rideshare pickup/drop-off zones exist. However, be aware of surge pricing after events and potential waits for your ride. Some users suggest walking a bit further away from the immediate stadium area to find a less congested pickup spot.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to purchase MetLife Stadium parking passes in advance?
You can typically purchase official parking passes through Ticketmaster or on reputable resale sites like StubHub or SeatGeek. It's highly recommended to buy in advance for major events.
How to get out of MetLife Stadium parking lot quickly?
To exit quickly, aim to park in lots M, L, or J, ideally as close to the exits onto Road C/Berrys Creek Road as possible. Back your car into your spot. Leaving 10-15 minutes before the event ends also significantly reduces exit time.
How to find the best parking lot for tailgating at MetLife Stadium?
Any of the on-site stadium lots are suitable for tailgating, but arriving early (3-4 hours before the event) is crucial to secure a good spot with ample space.
How to use American Dream Mall parking for MetLife Stadium?
Park at the American Dream Mall, often for a similar price to stadium parking. There's a pedestrian walkway/tunnel that connects directly to MetLife Stadium. Consider parking further away from the most obvious exits within the mall garage for a potentially faster exit.
How to get to MetLife Stadium by train?
Take a train to Secaucus Junction (NJ Transit), then transfer to a dedicated train that goes directly to MetLife Stadium. This is often cited as the most efficient way to avoid traffic.
How to save money on MetLife Stadium parking?
Parking directly at the stadium or American Dream can be expensive ($60-$75+). Taking the train from Secaucus Junction is generally the most cost-effective option for travel and parking combined.
How to avoid MetLife Stadium traffic after an event?
The best ways to avoid traffic are to take the train from Secaucus Junction or, if driving, to leave 10-15 minutes before the event ends, or wait 15-30 minutes after the event for the initial rush to clear.
How to find my car in the MetLife Stadium parking lot?
Take a picture of your parking section and aisle number, or drop a pin on your phone's map app as soon as you park. The lots are very large and can be disorienting.
How to know if my MetLife Stadium parking pass needs to be printed?
While the official site might sometimes suggest printing, many people successfully use mobile passes scanned from their phone. However, having a printed backup is always a good idea.
How to find alternative parking near MetLife Stadium other than official lots?
Some private apps like Prked may offer driveway rentals. Be extremely cautious about parking at nearby businesses on Route 17, as many have strict towing policies for event parking.