Going to MetLife Stadium for a game, concert, or any major event is an incredible experience! But if you've ever battled traffic, dealt with expensive parking, or navigated crowded roads, you know it can also be a bit of a headache. What if I told you there's a much smoother, often faster, and undeniably less stressful way to get there? Yes, you guessed it: taking the train!
NJ Transit offers a fantastic rail service directly to MetLife Stadium, taking you right to the action without the vehicular chaos. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your journey is as seamless as a perfect touchdown pass.
Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get to MetLife Stadium by Train
Step 1: Engage with Your Event Schedule – Is Train Service Running?
Before you even think about buying a ticket, the absolute first thing you need to do is check if NJ Transit is operating its special Meadowlands Rail Line service for your specific event. This is crucial because the direct train service to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Sports Complex Station) is primarily for major events with anticipated attendance above 50,000, such as NFL games, large concerts, and major soccer matches.
How to Check:
Visit the official NJ Transit website:
njtransit.com/metlifestadiumornjtransit.com/meadowlands.Look for the specific event you're attending. NJ Transit typically posts detailed schedules for these events well in advance.
Pro Tip: If your event isn't listed, or if it's a smaller event, direct rail service might not be available. In such cases, you might need to consider alternative public transportation like buses (e.g., Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express from Port Authority) or a combination of train and a short ride-share from a nearby station like Secaucus Junction.
Step 2: Choose Your Originating Station & Plan Your Route
The heart of the train journey to MetLife Stadium is Secaucus Junction (Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction). This major hub connects to virtually all NJ Transit rail lines, making it the gateway to the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Traveling from New York City (NYC)
From New York Penn Station (NYP): This is the most common starting point for NYC travelers.
Take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. These include lines like the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, and some Morris & Essex Line trains.
Departure boards at Penn Station will clearly indicate "SEC" for trains stopping at Secaucus.
The ride from NY Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is typically very quick, often just 7-10 minutes.
Sub-heading: Traveling from New Jersey (and beyond)
From Northern New Jersey: If you're coming from northern New Jersey, you'll likely take a train directly to Secaucus Junction. Lines that connect to Secaucus include:
Main-Bergen County Line
Montclair-Boonton Line
Morris & Essex Line
Northeast Corridor
North Jersey Coast Line
Pascack Valley Line
Port Jervis Line
From Southern/Central New Jersey: You'll typically connect to a train that heads north towards New York Penn Station, making sure it stops at Secaucus Junction.
From Hoboken Terminal: You can take any Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, or Port Jervis Line train to Secaucus and transfer to Meadowlands-bound trains. There may be limited direct service from Hoboken to the Meadowlands for some events, but generally, a transfer at Secaucus is required.
From Connecticut/Upstate New York (via Metro-North): Take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal, then use the subway to reach New York Penn Station, and follow the instructions above for traveling from NY Penn Station.
Step 3: Purchase Your Tickets – The Smart Way!
This step is where you can save yourself time and a potential surcharge!
Sub-heading: Advance Purchase is Key
Always purchase your round-trip ticket in advance! This is highly recommended to avoid long lines at ticket machines or windows on event day, and to prevent a $5 surcharge that applies to tickets purchased onboard the train if a ticket agent or vending machine was available at your boarding station.
Types of Tickets to Purchase:
Your destination for the final leg of the journey should be "Meadowlands Sports Complex" or "Meadowlands Station."
Ensure you get a round-trip ticket.
Sub-heading: Where to Buy Tickets
NJ Transit Mobile App (MyTix): This is by far the most convenient option. Download the free "NJ Transit Mobile App" from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can buy and display your tickets directly on your phone.
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at most NJ Transit rail stations. Look for these machines to purchase your tickets.
Ticket Windows: At major terminals like New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal, you'll find ticket windows with agents.
Web Ticketing: NJ Transit also offers web ticketing for train travel, allowing you to purchase tickets from your computer.
Step 4: Navigate to Secaucus Junction and Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line
Once you're on an NJ Transit train heading towards Secaucus Junction:
Sub-heading: Arriving at Secaucus Junction
All trains going to MetLife Stadium from Secaucus Junction depart from the lower level of the station.
When you arrive at Secaucus Junction, follow the clear signage for "Meadowlands Rail Line" or "MetLife Stadium." You'll typically need to use your ticket to pass through fare gates at Secaucus Junction – each ticket opens the gate one time.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line
The Meadowlands Rail Line operates as a shuttle service between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station.
Frequency: For major events, trains run frequently (e.g., every 10-20 minutes) starting approximately 3.5 hours before the event's start time. They continue to run hourly during the event and every 10-15 minutes on a load-and-go basis after the event until crowds dissipate.
Travel Time: The ride from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is incredibly fast, usually only 10-13 minutes.
Step 5: Arriving at MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Sports Complex Station)
Congratulations, you've made it!
The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is located directly adjacent to MetLife Stadium, between the stadium and Lot B. It offers a direct aerial connection to the stadium.
You'll exit the train and find yourself just a short walk from the stadium gates (typically the MetLife or Verizon Gates).
Step 6: The Return Journey – Planning Your Departure
Leaving MetLife Stadium can be just as busy as arriving, so a little planning goes a long way.
Sub-heading: Post-Event Departure
Head back to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station. Be prepared for large crowds and potentially long lines, but NJ Transit is very efficient at moving people. Trains will run consistently until the crowds clear.
Important Note: You must have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. If you didn't buy a round-trip ticket earlier, you'll need to purchase one before boarding.
Transfer at Secaucus Junction: Most trains from Meadowlands will take you back to Secaucus Junction. From there, you'll transfer to your connecting NJ Transit train to your final destination (e.g., New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal, or another New Jersey station).
Check Last Train Times: Especially for evening events, always double-check the departure times for the last connecting trains out of Secaucus Junction to your final destination. You don't want to be stranded! NJ Transit's website or app will provide this information. There will be trains running after the event, but connections might be less frequent late at night.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check train schedules for a specific MetLife Stadium event?
Visit njtransit.com/metlifestadium or use the NJ Transit mobile app to find specific rail timetables for your event, as service is typically adjusted for major events.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
Purchase round-trip tickets in advance via the NJ Transit Mobile App (MyTix), at ticket vending machines (TVMs) at any NJ Transit rail station, or from ticket windows at major terminals.
How to avoid a surcharge when buying NJ Transit tickets?
Buy your round-trip ticket before boarding the train. A $5 surcharge is applied to tickets purchased onboard if a ticket agent or vending machine was available at your boarding station.
How to get to Secaucus Junction from New York Penn Station?
Take any NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station that indicates "SEC" (for Secaucus Junction) on the departure board. The ride is approximately 7-10 minutes.
How long does the train ride from Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium take?
The direct shuttle train from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station at MetLife Stadium takes approximately 10-13 minutes.
How often do trains run to MetLife Stadium on event days?
For major events, trains typically run every 10-20 minutes starting about 3.5 hours before the event, and every 10-15 minutes on a load-and-go basis after the event.
How to transfer at Secaucus Junction for MetLife Stadium?
Upon arrival at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the "Meadowlands Rail Line." Trains to MetLife Stadium depart from the lower level of the station.
How to get back to Hoboken Terminal from MetLife Stadium by train?
Most trains from MetLife Stadium return to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, you can then transfer to a train heading to Hoboken Terminal. Limited direct service from Meadowlands to Hoboken may be available for some events, but it's best to plan for a transfer.
How to find the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station at MetLife Stadium?
The station is located directly next to MetLife Stadium, offering a pedestrian overpass that leads directly to the stadium gates (near the MetLife and Verizon Gates).
How to confirm if train service is running for smaller events at MetLife Stadium?
Always check the official NJ Transit MetLife Stadium page (njtransit.com/metlifestadium) as direct train service typically only runs for events with anticipated attendance over 50,000. For smaller events, alternative transportation like buses (e.g., Coach USA 351) may be the primary public transit option.