Absolutely! NJ Transit is often the best and most stress-free way to get to MetLife Stadium, especially for major events like football games or concerts. Forget the traffic jams, expensive parking, and the hassle of navigating congested roads. NJ Transit offers a convenient and affordable alternative, making your event experience much smoother.
Ready to learn how? Let's dive in!
Your Ultimate Guide to Taking NJ Transit to MetLife Stadium ️
MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, as well as a premier venue for concerts and other massive events, is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While driving might seem like the obvious choice for many, the public transportation system, particularly NJ Transit, offers a far more efficient and enjoyable journey. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure you get to your event with ease.
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| Can You Take Nj Transit To Metlife Stadium |
Step 1: Planning Your Journey - The Crucial First Move! ️
Before you even think about leaving your house, the most important step is to plan your trip in advance. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity for a seamless experience, especially on event days.
Sub-heading: Checking Event-Specific Service
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Is rail service operating for your event? NJ Transit's direct rail service to MetLife Stadium (the Meadowlands Rail Line) usually operates for large-scale events with anticipated attendance above 50,000, such as NFL games and major concerts. For smaller events, direct rail service might not be available, and you'd need to consider bus options or other local connections.
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Actionable Tip: Always check the official NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands
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Sub-heading: Understanding Your Starting Point
Your journey will largely depend on where you're starting from:
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From New York City: Your primary hub will be New York Penn Station (located at 32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues). From here, you'll take an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction.
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From New Jersey: Most NJ Transit rail lines connect to Secaucus Junction. These include:
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Main-Bergen County Line
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Montclair-Boonton Line
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Morris & Essex Line
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Northeast Corridor
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North Jersey Coast Line
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Pascack Valley Line
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Port Jervis Line
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From Hoboken Terminal: You can take Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, or Port Jervis Line trains to Secaucus Junction.
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From Newark Penn Station: Take a Northeast Corridor train to Secaucus Junction.
Step 2: Purchasing Your Tickets - Don't Get Caught Off Guard!
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to buy tickets last-minute or on the train. Always purchase your round-trip tickets BEFORE you board the train.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Sub-heading: Ticket Purchase Options
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NJ Transit Mobile App: This is highly recommended for convenience. Download the free NJ Transit Mobile App (available on Apple App Store and Google Play). You can buy and activate your tickets directly on your phone. This allows for easy scanning at fare gates.
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at most NJ Transit stations, including New York Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, and other major terminals. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
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Ticket Offices: Available at larger stations.
Sub-heading: Important Ticket Tips
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Buy Round-Trip: Always purchase a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" or "Meadowlands Station" from your originating station. This saves you the hassle of buying a return ticket at the stadium and avoids a potential $5.00 surcharge for tickets purchased on board the train.
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Joint Tickets (NYC & LIRR/Metro-North):
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LIRR riders can often buy a round-trip joint ticket to Meadowlands station from a ticket machine or window at their origin station. This joint ticket includes the NJ Transit portion.
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Metro-North riders should take the train to Grand Central and then the subway to Penn Station. From Penn Station, purchase an NJ Transit round-trip ticket to the Meadowlands.
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Keep Your Ticket Safe: You'll need your ticket to pass through fare gates at Secaucus Junction, both on the way to and from the stadium.
Step 3: The Journey to Secaucus Junction - Your Gateway!
No matter where you start in New Jersey or New York City, your path to MetLife Stadium via NJ Transit trains almost always funnels through Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction.
Sub-heading: Boarding Your Initial Train
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From New York Penn Station: Head to the NJ Transit concourse. Look for trains marked with "SEC" on the departure board. These trains will make Secaucus Junction their first stop.
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From other NJ Transit lines: Take any train on the Main-Bergen County, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Pascack Valley, or Port Jervis lines that stops at Secaucus Junction.
Sub-heading: Arriving at Secaucus Junction
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Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, you'll need to transfer to the special Meadowlands-bound train.
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Follow the signs: Secaucus Junction is designed to handle large crowds for stadium events. There will be plenty of signs and NJ Transit staff directing you to the correct platform for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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Show your ticket: You'll typically need to show or scan your rail ticket to pass through the fare gates to access the lower level platforms for the Meadowlands train.
Step 4: The Meadowlands Rail Line - Direct to the Stadium!
This is the final leg of your train journey, taking you directly to MetLife Stadium.
Sub-heading: Boarding the Meadowlands Shuttle
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The Meadowlands Rail Line trains depart from the lower level (Tracks E-H) at Secaucus Junction.
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These shuttle trains run frequently on event days, typically every 10-20 minutes before the event.
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The travel time from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station is approximately 10 minutes.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Sub-heading: Arriving at MetLife Stadium
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The Meadowlands Rail Station is located just steps away from MetLife Stadium, conveniently situated near the MetLife Gate between the stadium and Lot B. You'll be right in the heart of the action!
Step 5: The Return Trip - Smooth Sailing Home ↩️
Getting back from MetLife Stadium is just as straightforward, provided you plan ahead.
Sub-heading: Departing from Meadowlands Rail Station
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After the event, head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station. Again, there will be ample signage and staff to guide you.
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Remember to have your ticket ready! You must have a ticket to board the train from Meadowlands to Secaucus Junction. If you purchased a round-trip ticket earlier, you're all set.
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Trains from Meadowlands to Secaucus Junction run frequently after events, often on a "load-and-go" basis until crowds dissipate, then as needed. During peak periods, expect trains to depart at least every 15 minutes.
Sub-heading: Transferring at Secaucus Junction for Your Final Destination
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At Secaucus Junction, you'll transfer again to an NJ Transit train heading to your original destination (e.g., New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal, or another New Jersey station).
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Crucial Note for Evening Events: For evening games or concerts, it's imperative to check the last train departure times from Secaucus Junction to your final destination. Don't get stranded! NJ Transit's website and app will have this information.
Alternative: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351 Meadowlands Express)
While the train is generally the preferred method for large events, Coach USA also offers a dedicated bus service, the 351 Meadowlands Express, from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to MetLife Stadium.
Sub-heading: Bus Service Details
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This bus service operates for NFL games and other major events.
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Buses typically begin running about 2.5 hours before the event and continue until 30 minutes after the start of the event.
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Return service usually operates for about 1 hour after the conclusion of the event.
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Pick-up/Drop-off: In Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center, accessible from the MetLife Gate.
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Fare: Typically a round-trip fare. You can buy tickets online (often with priority boarding) or at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Wing, main floor, windows 11-15).
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Travel Time: Normally around 20 minutes each way, subject to traffic.
Local NJ Transit Bus Routes (Less Common for Direct Event Travel)
While not typically used for direct event travel to MetLife Stadium due to potential restrictions on event days, some local NJ Transit bus routes serve the general Meadowlands area:
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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Bus Route 703: Provides local service near the MetLife Sports Complex and Meadowlands Racetrack. However, on major event days, Route 703 will not enter the Sports Complex property starting two hours before an event and continuing until one hour after it ends. During these times, it operates along Paterson Plank Road with stops upon request.
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Bus Routes 85, 703, and 772: Serve the American Dream mall, which is adjacent to MetLife Stadium. You could potentially walk from American Dream to the stadium, but verify specific event access and walkability.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check NJ Transit schedules for MetLife Stadium events?
You can check event-specific rail and bus schedules on the official NJ Transit website (
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
Purchase tickets via the NJ Transit Mobile App, at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at any NJ Transit rail station, or at ticket offices at major terminals like New York Penn Station.
How to transfer at Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium?
At Secaucus Junction, follow the clear signage and staff directions to the lower level platforms (Tracks E-H) for the special Meadowlands-bound shuttle trains. You'll need to show your ticket at the fare gates.
How to avoid surcharges when taking NJ Transit to MetLife Stadium?
Always buy a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" or "Meadowlands Station" from your originating station before boarding the train. This avoids the $5.00 onboard surcharge.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from New York Penn Station via NJ Transit?
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
Take any NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station marked "SEC" to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle train to MetLife Stadium.
How to find out if the Meadowlands Rail Line is running for an event?
Consult the "Meadowlands" section of the NJ Transit website for event-specific rail schedules, or check the MetLife Stadium's public transportation page. Direct rail service usually runs for large events.
How to use the NJ Transit Mobile App for MetLife Stadium tickets?
Download the app, select "Buy Tickets," choose your origin station and "Meadowlands" as your destination, select round-trip, and purchase. Activate your ticket just before boarding.
How to get back to NYC after an evening event at MetLife Stadium?
Take the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle back to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to an NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station. Always check the last train departure times from Secaucus Junction to ensure you don't miss your connection.
How much does it cost to take NJ Transit to MetLife Stadium?
A round-trip adult fare from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Station is typically around $12.90. Fares vary by origin station, so check the NJ Transit website or app for exact pricing.
How to get to MetLife Stadium by bus if the train isn't running?
If the direct train service isn't available for your event, consider the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. For local service nearby, NJ Transit's Route 703 operates with some restrictions on event days.
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