Yes, you absolutely can get to MetLife Stadium by train! It's one of the most efficient and stress-free ways to reach the stadium for major events. Forget the traffic and parking woes, and let public transportation get you there. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Engage with Your Journey - Where Are You Starting From?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's figure out your starting point. Are you coming from:
New York City (NYC) Penn Station?
Another part of New Jersey?
Or perhaps even further afield, like Newark Airport?
Knowing your starting location will help tailor your train journey to MetLife Stadium. The primary hub for all train travel to MetLife Stadium is Secaucus Junction. Think of it as the central interchange where you'll switch to the dedicated stadium line.
Step 2: Understanding the Key Player: NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Line
The direct link to MetLife Stadium is provided by NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands Rail Line, also known as the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line due to a naming rights agreement. This line is specifically designed to shuttle fans from Secaucus Junction directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is right at the front door of MetLife Stadium.
Important Notes About the Meadowlands Rail Line:
This service typically operates only for major events with anticipated attendance above 50,000, such as NFL games and large concerts. Always check the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/metlifestadium The travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station is approximately 10 minutes.
For major events, rail service usually begins around 3.5 to 5 hours prior to the event's start and continues for about an hour to three hours after the event concludes. Trains often run on a "load-and-go" basis during peak times before and after events.
Step 3: Getting to Secaucus Junction: Your Gateway to MetLife ️
Since the Meadowlands Rail Line originates at Secaucus Junction, your main goal is to get to this central hub.
From New York City (NYC) Penn Station:
Head to Penn Station: Make your way to New York Penn Station (not Moynihan Train Hall, though it's connected).
Purchase Your Ticket: You'll need a ticket from NY Penn Station to "Meadowlands." It's highly recommended to buy a round-trip ticket in advance to avoid long lines later. You can purchase tickets at vending machines, ticket windows, or through the free NJ TRANSIT Mobile App. A round-trip fare from New York Penn Station to the Sports Complex is approximately $11.00.
Board Your Train: Take any NJ TRANSIT train that stops at Secaucus Junction. Look for "SEC" on the departure boards. Many lines will stop here, including the Northeast Corridor (NEC), North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL), Morristown Line (ME), Montclair-Boonton Line (MOBO), Main/Bergen-Port Jervis Line (MBPJ), Pascack Valley Line (PVL), and Raritan Valley Line (RVL).
Travel to Secaucus Junction: The ride from NY Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is typically about 10 minutes.
Transfer at Secaucus: Once at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs and the flow of fellow event-goers. You'll need to go upstairs, through the fare gates (if using the mobile app, activate your ticket and scan the barcode), and then follow directions to the Meadowlands-bound platforms downstairs. NJ Transit staff are usually present to direct crowds.
From Other Parts of New Jersey:
NJ TRANSIT's extensive rail system connects at Secaucus Junction. You can take any train from your local NJ TRANSIT station that travels to Secaucus Junction. This includes lines like:
Main/Bergen County Line
Montclair-Boonton Line
Morris & Essex Line
Northeast Corridor
North Jersey Coast Line
Raritan Valley Line
Pascack Valley Line
Port Jervis Line
Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, follow the same transfer instructions as outlined above for NYC travelers.
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):
AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Station: Take the AirTrain from your terminal to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
NJ TRANSIT to Secaucus Junction: From this station, take an NJ TRANSIT train (usually the Northeast Corridor line) to Secaucus Junction.
Transfer to Meadowlands Rail Line: At Secaucus Junction, transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line as described previously.
Step 4: The Final Leg: Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium ️
Once you've reached Secaucus Junction and transferred to the Meadowlands Rail Line platform:
Board the Shuttle Train: Wait for and board the next train designated for the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Enjoy the Short Ride: It's a quick, direct trip (about 10 minutes) right to the stadium.
Arrive at MetLife Stadium: The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station delivers you directly to the stadium's entrance, typically between the MetLife and Verizon Gates.
Step 5: Heading Home: The Reverse Journey ↩️
After the event, the process is essentially the reverse.
Return to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station: Head back to the station right outside the stadium.
Board the Shuttle to Secaucus: Trains will be operating on a "load-and-go" basis, taking you back to Secaucus Junction.
Transfer at Secaucus: Once at Secaucus Junction, proceed to the appropriate platform for your connecting train back to your original destination (NYC Penn Station, other NJ towns, or Newark Airport). Again, follow the signs and the crowds.
Be Mindful of Last Trains: It's crucial to check the NJ TRANSIT schedule for the last train departure times from Secaucus Junction to your final destination, especially for late-night events. Don't linger too long if you need to catch a specific train.
Key Tips for a Smooth Train Journey: ✨
Buy Round-Trip Tickets in Advance: This is the #1 tip to save time and avoid lines, especially after a large event.
Use the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App: It's incredibly convenient for purchasing tickets, checking schedules, and getting real-time service alerts. Mobile tickets include a barcode to scan at fare gates.
Plan Your Trip: Familiarize yourself with NJ TRANSIT schedules and fares before your travel day.
Stay Informed: Follow NJ TRANSIT on social media (e.g., @NJTRANSIT on X/Twitter) for live updates and advisories, especially on event days.
Expect Crowds: For major events, the trains will be crowded. Be patient and allow extra time for transfers and boarding.
Listen for Announcements: Pay attention to onboard announcements and staff directives at stations.
Keep Your Phone Charged: If using the mobile app for tickets or relying on your phone for navigation, ensure it's fully charged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
How to buy train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
You can purchase tickets at NJ TRANSIT ticket windows, ticket vending machines at stations, or most conveniently, through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App. Always aim to buy a round-trip ticket.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC Penn Station by train?
Take any NJ TRANSIT train from NYC Penn Station that stops at Secaucus Junction (look for "SEC" on departure boards), then transfer at Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Line which goes directly to the stadium.
How to find the train schedule for MetLife Stadium events?
Visit the NJ TRANSIT website (
How to get back from MetLife Stadium by train after an event?
Head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station right outside the stadium, take the shuttle train back to Secaucus Junction, and then transfer to an NJ TRANSIT train heading to your desired destination (e.g., NYC Penn Station or other NJ locations).
How to know if there's train service for a specific MetLife Stadium event?
NJ TRANSIT typically operates the Meadowlands Rail Service for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000. Always check the official MetLife Stadium and NJ TRANSIT websites for event-specific transportation details.
How to travel to MetLife Stadium with accessibility needs by train?
Accessible parking is available at MetLife Stadium in designated lots. For train travel, NJ TRANSIT trains and stations, including Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, are designed to be accessible. Staff are generally on hand to assist.
How to avoid long lines when taking the train to MetLife Stadium?
Purchase your round-trip tickets in advance, ideally using the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App. Arrive at your departure station with ample time before the event, especially for large crowds.
How to get from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium by train?
Take the AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then an NJ TRANSIT train (typically Northeast Corridor) to Secaucus Junction, and finally transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line to MetLife Stadium.
How to check for real-time train updates and delays for MetLife Stadium travel?
Download the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App and enable service alert notifications. You can also follow NJ TRANSIT's social media accounts (e.g., @NJTRANSIT on X/Twitter) for live updates.
How to find the exact name of the MetLife Stadium train station?
The train station directly serving MetLife Stadium is called the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station.
