Attending an event at MetLife Stadium is an incredible experience, but figuring out how to get there can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle, especially if you're trying to avoid NJ Transit. Don't worry, you're not alone in seeking alternatives! Many people prefer the flexibility and comfort of other transportation methods. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various ways to reach MetLife Stadium without relying on NJ Transit, ensuring your trip is as smooth as possible.
Ready to conquer your MetLife Stadium journey? Let's dive in!
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting to MetLife Stadium Without NJ Transit
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a massive venue hosting everything from NFL games to world-class concerts. While NJ Transit offers convenient rail service, there are plenty of other viable options.
Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point and Priorities
Before deciding on your mode of transport, consider where you're coming from and what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing speed, cost-effectiveness, convenience, or comfort?
Coming from NYC (Manhattan)? Your options might differ significantly from someone driving in from rural New Jersey.
Traveling with a group? Carpooling or private car services become more attractive.
Budget-conscious? Driving and carpooling generally offer the best value.
Seeking maximum convenience? Rideshares or taxis might be your best bet, despite potential higher costs.
Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you can pick the perfect path to MetLife.
Step 2: Driving and Parking – The Most Common Alternative
Driving yourself is often the first alternative that comes to mind, offering unparalleled flexibility.
Sub-heading: Navigating to MetLife by Car
MetLife Stadium is strategically located and easily accessible by major roadways. The official address is:
1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
When using GPS, ensure you input this exact address for the most accurate directions.
From New York City and points east (via Lincoln Tunnel): Take the Lincoln Tunnel and follow signs for Route 3 West. Route 3 West provides direct access to the Sports Complex.
From the George Washington Bridge: Take the George Washington Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike South. Opt for the Turnpike's western spur to one of the Sports Complex's exits, 16W or 18W. These exits offer direct access to the parking areas.
Traveling North on the New Jersey Turnpike: Follow the Western Spur (Sports Complex to Exit 16W), which provides direct access to parking. If congested, you can use the eastern turnpike spur (Lincoln Tunnel) to exit 16E to take Route 3 West.
Traveling South on the New Jersey Turnpike: Follow the Western Spur (Meadowlands Complex/Carlstadt to Exit 19W). Be aware: Exit 19W is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway. No cash lanes are available.
Traveling South on the Garden State Parkway: Take Garden State Parkway South to exit 163 (Route 17). Follow Route 17 to Paterson Plank Road, then take Paterson Plank Road east to the Sports Complex.
Traveling North on the Garden State Parkway: Take Garden State Parkway North to exit 153A (Route 3). Follow Route 3 East to the Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
Parking is available on-site at MetLife Stadium, but it's crucial to understand the policies, especially for large events.
Parking Lot Hours: Typically, parking lots open five hours prior to the start of an event and close two hours after its conclusion. Arriving earlier than five hours is generally not permitted.
Cost: Parking fees vary by event type. For instance, New York Jets game days can be up to $75 per vehicle, Giants game days up to $60, and concerts or other events up to $80.
Pre-paid Parking: For NFL games, parking is often pre-paid and assigned to a specific tier (Premium, Reserved, General). For non-NFL events, pre-paid permits are usually not required unless part of VIP or Suite Packages.
Payment: Many lots are credit card only on arrival; cash is often not accepted.
Accessible Parking: Available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with a valid, state-issued accessible parking license plate or hang tag. The owner must be in the vehicle, and registrations/IDs may be checked.
Tailgating: Tailgating is generally permitted in surface lots, with specific rules regarding space usage (one car = one space) and prohibited items (e.g., deep fryers, open fires).
American Dream Parking: The American Dream entertainment complex, conveniently located across the street, also offers parking (Lots 26 and 27) for MetLife Stadium events. These are pre-pay only, either by credit card on arrival or with a prepaid Giants/Jets pass. If you visit an American Dream attraction, you might get a reduced parking fee.
Pro-Tip: Traffic can be heavy on event days. Allow ample time for travel and parking, especially if you're driving. Following the directions of traffic and parking staff is essential for a smooth experience.
Step 3: Ridesharing and Taxis – Convenience at Your Fingertips
For those who prefer not to drive or deal with parking, ridesharing services and traditional taxis offer a direct and convenient solution.
Sub-heading: Rideshare Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Rideshare services are a popular choice for getting to and from MetLife Stadium.
Designated Zones: MetLife Stadium has a designated rideshare zone in Lot E, adjacent to the Verizon Gate and Walk Bridge. This area is used for both drop-off and pick-up.
Drop-off/Pick-up for Guests with Disabilities: A dedicated drop-off area is located in Lot C, next to the Verizon Gate.
Surge Pricing: Be advised that surge pricing is often in effect after games or concerts due to high demand. This can lead to significantly higher prices than your arrival fare and potentially long wait times (over an hour is not uncommon after a major event).
Plan Ahead: Ensure your phone is fully charged if you plan to use rideshare for your return journey. Consider booking your return ride in advance if the service allows it.
Sub-heading: Taxis and Limousines
Traditional taxis and private car/limousine services provide a more structured and often more luxurious option.
Designated Areas: Similar to rideshares, taxis and limousines have designated drop-off and pick-up areas, typically between parking lots E and D.
Pre-Booking: Many limousine and car services allow you to pre-book your ride, which can offer peace of mind and potentially avoid surge pricing (though regular rates may still be higher than rideshares). Companies like Air Brook and King Transportation offer services to MetLife Stadium from various locations, including airports.
Group Travel: Limo and car services can be particularly cost-effective and comfortable for groups, with options ranging from SUVs to Mercedes Sprinters and even mini-buses.
Professional Chauffeurs: You'll benefit from experienced drivers who know the best routes to navigate traffic.
Consideration: While convenient, taxis and private car services can be the most expensive option, especially for longer distances or luxury vehicles.
Step 4: Coach Buses and Other Private Shuttles
Beyond NJ Transit, there are other bus services and private shuttles that can take you directly to MetLife Stadium.
Sub-heading: Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express
This is a popular and reliable alternative to NJ Transit for those coming from New York City.
Route: The Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express provides direct bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to the MetLife Sports Complex.
Frequency: Buses typically run every 10 to 15 minutes on event days, starting several hours before the event.
Tickets: Tickets usually need to be purchased in advance (e.g., via the Megabus website, as Coach USA is part of Megabus). Round-trip tickets are often available and can be valid for a year, offering flexibility.
Efficiency: Many users report that this coach bus service can be very efficient, especially for the return trip, as they often have a dedicated bus-only lane, allowing for quicker exits from the stadium area compared to personal vehicles or even some rideshares.
Sub-heading: Private Shuttle Services
For major events, some private companies or even fan groups might organize their own shuttle services from various locations.
Check Event Specifics: It's worth searching online or checking the official MetLife Stadium or event organizer's website for any event-specific shuttle announcements.
Examples: Companies like "Senate Transportation NYC" have been known to run round-trip shuttle services from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium for concerts and games. These often boast cleaner vehicles and well-organized pick-up/drop-off points.
Booking: These services typically require advance booking and may have set departure and return times.
Benefit: These options can be a good middle ground between the cost of public transit and the expense/hassle of driving/rideshares, often providing a direct and comfortable ride.
Step 5: Carpooling and Ride-Sharing with Friends
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best! Organizing a carpool with friends, family, or other event-goers can save money and reduce traffic congestion.
Sub-heading: Organizing Your Carpool
Designate a Driver: Decide who will drive and who will contribute to gas and parking.
Meet-up Point: Choose a convenient meeting point where everyone can gather before heading to the stadium.
Parking Strategy: Review the MetLife Stadium parking information together to decide on the best lot and understand the payment methods.
Ride-Share Matching Sites: For larger events or if you don't have a direct group, consider using carpooling platforms or local community boards (like on Reddit) to find others heading to the same event. Websites like njrideshare.com also offer carpool matching services.
Advantages: Carpooling significantly reduces per-person travel costs, cuts down on vehicle emissions, and can make the journey more fun!
Step 6: Consider the "Walk-ability" (Limited, but Possible for Some)
While MetLife Stadium is primarily accessed by vehicle, it's worth noting that pedestrian access from certain proximate locations is possible, albeit limited.
Pedestrian Bridge: If you're parking in certain lots (like Lot P) or on the east side of the Sports Complex near the Arena, there is a pedestrian bridge that allows walking to the stadium.
Avoid Roadways: For your safety, MetLife Stadium strongly advises against walking on the main roadways that service the Sports Complex. Always use designated sidewalks and the pedestrian bridge.
Note: This option is generally only feasible if you're dropped off extremely close to the stadium or if you've parked in a lot designed for pedestrian access. It's not a common or recommended approach for most attendees.
Wrapping Up Your Journey Planning
By carefully considering these alternative transportation methods, you can confidently plan your trip to MetLife Stadium without relying on NJ Transit. Remember to:
Book in advance for parking, private car services, or specific coach bus tickets, especially for high-demand events.
Check event-specific information on the MetLife Stadium website, as policies and recommendations can sometimes change.
Allow ample travel time, no matter your chosen method, as traffic in the Meadowlands area can be unpredictable on event days.
Enjoy your event at MetLife Stadium!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC without NJ Transit?
The most popular alternatives from NYC are driving (with parking at the stadium or American Dream), taking a rideshare, or using the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium for an event?
Parking is available on-site; you can pre-pay for NFL games or pay by credit card upon arrival for most other events. American Dream also offers paid parking lots (26 and 27) directly across the street.
How to avoid MetLife Stadium traffic after a game or concert?
Leaving immediately after the event or staying longer (tailgating, exploring American Dream) can help. Using the Coach USA 351 bus often benefits from bus-only lanes, and rideshares from the designated Lot E might be quicker than navigating general traffic if you can secure a ride swiftly.
How to book a private car service to MetLife Stadium?
You can book private car services through various companies online or by phone. Search for "MetLife Stadium car service" or "limo service NJ" and specify your pick-up location and event date.
How to carpool to MetLife Stadium?
Organize with friends or family, designating a driver and sharing costs. You can also explore carpool matching websites or community forums for your event to find others to share a ride with.
How to get to MetLife Stadium if you have accessibility needs without NJ Transit?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G with a valid accessible parking license plate or hang tag. There's also a dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate. Rideshare and private car services can also accommodate specific needs.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Newark Airport without NJ Transit?
Driving, taking a taxi, or pre-booking a private car service are the most direct ways. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available from Newark Airport (EWR).
How to find out if there are special non-NJ Transit shuttles for a specific event at MetLife Stadium?
Check the official MetLife Stadium website for the event you're attending, or the event promoter's website. Sometimes private shuttle companies also advertise services specifically for major concerts or games.
How to pay for parking at MetLife Stadium?
Parking on-site often requires credit card payment upon arrival. Cash is generally not accepted. For NFL games, parking may be pre-paid. American Dream parking also typically requires pre-payment or credit card on arrival.
How to drop off and pick up someone at MetLife Stadium without parking?
MetLife Stadium has designated drop-off and pick-up zones for rideshares and taxis, typically located between parking lots E and D, and also in Lot E adjacent to the Verizon Gate. Follow on-site signage and staff directions.
