Yes, you can take public transportation to MetLife Stadium, but it's important to understand that the New York City subway system doesn't directly reach MetLife Stadium. Instead, you'll utilize a combination of the NYC subway and NJ Transit train services to get there. MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the primary public transit link is the Meadowlands Rail Line operated by NJ Transit.
Ready to plan your trip to MetLife Stadium without the headache of traffic and parking? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Where Are You Starting From?
First things first, let's figure out your starting point. Are you coming from within New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, etc.) or elsewhere in New Jersey? Your initial steps will differ slightly based on your location.
If you're in New York City: You'll likely need to get to Penn Station New York (not to be confused with Newark Penn Station in New Jersey).
If you're in New Jersey: You'll aim for a direct NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, or a local bus that connects there.
Step 2: Getting to Secaucus Junction
This is the critical transfer point for nearly all public transportation routes to MetLife Stadium.
From New York City (NYC)
Sub-heading: Taking the Subway to Penn Station
If you're in NYC, your journey will almost certainly begin with a subway ride to 34th Street-Penn Station.
From Midtown Manhattan: Many subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3) directly serve Penn Station.
From Downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn: You'll use subway lines like the A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 to get to Penn Station.
From Queens: You might take the 7 train to Times Square-42nd Street and transfer to an A, C, or E train to Penn Station. Alternatively, if you're closer to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations, you can take the LIRR directly to Penn Station.
Sub-heading: NJ Transit from Penn Station New York to Secaucus Junction
Once you're at Penn Station New York (located at 32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues), you'll need to transfer to NJ Transit.
Locate the NJ Transit Concourse: Follow the signs for NJ Transit trains.
Board a Train to Secaucus Junction: Look for any NJ Transit train that displays "SEC" on its departure board. Many lines, including the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Line, and Montclair-Boonton Line, stop at Secaucus Junction. Secaucus Junction is typically the first stop after leaving Penn Station.
Travel Time: The train ride from Penn Station New York to Secaucus Junction is usually about 10-15 minutes.
From New Jersey
Sub-heading: Direct NJ Transit Service to Secaucus Junction
If you're starting from various locations within New Jersey, you can often take a direct NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction.
Major NJ Transit Lines: The Main-Bergen County Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Pascack Valley Line, and Port Jervis Line all connect to Secaucus Junction.
Hoboken Terminal Option: You can also take the PATH train to Hoboken Terminal and then transfer to an NJ Transit train that serves Secaucus Junction.
Step 3: The Final Leg – Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium ️
This is where the dedicated event service comes into play.
Sub-heading: The BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line
For most major events (like NFL games, large concerts, etc.), NJ Transit operates a special BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle service directly from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is right at MetLife Stadium.
Follow the Crowds: At Secaucus Junction, especially on event days, you'll find plenty of signs and staff directing you to the Meadowlands-bound trains. These trains depart from the lower level (Tracks E-H) of Secaucus Junction.
Frequency: This shuttle service runs frequently (typically every 10-20 minutes, or even more often on a "load-and-go" basis during peak times before and after events).
Travel Time: The ride from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is very short, usually around 10 minutes.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for the Meadowlands Rail Line
Event-Specific Service: The Meadowlands Rail Line typically operates only for large-scale events. Always check the NJ Transit website or the MetLife Stadium website for event-specific rail schedules before you travel. If there's no rail service, you might need to consider bus options from Secaucus or other transit hubs.
Tickets: You'll need a valid NJ Transit ticket to Meadowlands Station. It's highly recommended to purchase a round-trip ticket in advance to avoid long lines and potential surcharges. You can buy tickets at vending machines or via the NJ Transit Mobile App (which is incredibly convenient!).
Step 4: Arriving at MetLife Stadium
The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station drops you off just steps away from MetLife Stadium, usually near the MetLife Gate. From there, it's a short walk to the stadium entrance.
Enjoy your event!
How to FAQs:
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy NJ Transit tickets at ticket vending machines at any NJ Transit station, or conveniently through the NJ Transit Mobile App. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination for round-trip tickets from your origin.
How to know if the Meadowlands Rail Line is operating?
Always check the NJ Transit website (
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Brooklyn?
Take the NYC subway to Penn Station New York, then an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally the special Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to MetLife Stadium.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Grand Central?
Take the NYC subway (e.g., S shuttle or 7 train) from Grand Central to Times Square-42nd Street, then transfer to an A, C, or E train to Penn Station New York. From Penn Station, follow the NJ Transit route to Secaucus Junction and then the Meadowlands Rail Line.
How to find the correct platform at Penn Station for NJ Transit?
Follow the signs within Penn Station for "NJ Transit." Departure boards will display train lines and their destinations, including those stopping at "SEC" (Secaucus Junction).
How to transfer at Secaucus Junction?
Upon arriving at Secaucus Junction, head upstairs to the mezzanine. There will be clear signage and often staff directing passengers to the lower-level tracks (E-H) for the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to MetLife Stadium.
How to use the NJ Transit Mobile App for tickets?
Download the NJ Transit Mobile App, create an account, select "Buy Tickets," choose your origin and "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination, and purchase your ticket. Activate the ticket just before boarding.
How to get back from MetLife Stadium after an event?
Head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station and board the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, you can connect to NJ Transit trains back to Penn Station New York or other NJ destinations.
How to avoid long lines when leaving MetLife Stadium?
Purchase your round-trip NJ Transit ticket in advance. Be prepared for crowds, especially after major events, and be patient as trains will be running on a "load-and-go" basis to clear the station.
How to check for service advisories or delays?
Check the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) or their social media accounts (e.g., @NJTRANSIT on X/Twitter) for real-time service updates, advisories, and potential delays.
