You're planning a trip to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan, and you're wondering if taking the train is a viable option. The good news is, yes, absolutely! Taking the train is often the most efficient and stress-free way to get to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan, especially for major events, as it helps you avoid notorious traffic and expensive parking. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this journey!
Your Journey to MetLife Stadium by Train: A Step-by-Step Guide ️
Going to a game or concert at MetLife Stadium is an exciting experience, and getting there shouldn't be a source of stress. NJ Transit offers a reliable and convenient way to travel from the heart of Manhattan directly to the stadium's doorstep.
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| Can You Take The Train From Manhattan To Metlife |
Step 1: Get Ready to Roll! (Planning Your Trip)
So, you've got your event tickets, and now it's time to figure out the best way to get there. The first thing you should always do is check the NJ Transit website or app for event-specific train schedules. This is crucial because special service to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Station) typically only runs for large-scale events like NFL games and major concerts. If it's a smaller event, you might need to consider alternative bus routes or other transportation.
Sub-heading: Checking Event Schedules ️
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NJ Transit Website: Head to
njtransit.com/meadowlands -
Mobile App: Download the official NJ Transit mobile app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play). This app is invaluable for real-time departures, schedule information, and even purchasing tickets.
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Event Website: The MetLife Stadium official website () also often provides detailed transportation information specific to upcoming events. Always cross-reference!
Step 2: Making Your Way to Penn Station New York
Your journey by train will almost certainly begin at New York Penn Station. This is a major transportation hub in Midtown Manhattan, located at 32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.
Sub-heading: Arriving at Penn Station ♀️
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Subway: Penn Station is directly accessible by several NYC Subway lines, including the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 trains. Depending on where you are in Manhattan, this is often the quickest way to get there.
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Bus: Numerous MTA bus lines also have stops near Penn Station.
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Walking/Taxi/Rideshare: If you're close enough, walking is always an option. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can also drop you off directly at the station.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Step 3: Purchasing Your NJ Transit Ticket ️
Once you're at Penn Station, you'll need to purchase your NJ Transit ticket. It's highly recommended to buy a round-trip ticket to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Station) directly from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, which will cover your transfer. This saves you time and avoids a potential $5 surcharge if you buy your ticket onboard the train without a station ticket office or vending machine available.
Sub-heading: Ticket Purchasing Options
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NJ Transit Mobile App: This is arguably the easiest and most convenient method. You can purchase and activate your tickets directly on your smartphone. Just remember to activate your ticket before boarding the train, and don't activate your return ticket until you're ready to leave the stadium after the event!
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Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): These are available throughout Penn Station. Look for the distinctive NJ Transit logo. They accept cash and credit/debit cards.
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Ticket Windows: During peak hours or for special assistance, you can also purchase tickets from ticket agents at the ticket windows.
A round-trip adult fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is approximately $12.90 (as of current information). Reduced fares are available for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. On weekends and holidays, up to two children (ages 5-11) can ride free with a paying adult.
Step 4: Boarding Your Train to Secaucus Junction ➡️ Secaucus
The first leg of your train journey will take you from New York Penn Station to Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a quick, approximately 10-minute ride.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Platform
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DepartureVision Screens: Look for the large electronic departure boards throughout Penn Station. These screens will display the next available trains, their destinations, and track numbers.
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Any Train to Secaucus: Almost all NJ Transit trains departing from New York Penn Station will stop at Secaucus Junction, as it's a major transfer point. You can take trains on the Main-Bergen County Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Pascack Valley Line, or Port Jervis Line. Don't worry too much about the specific line, just ensure it's heading towards Secaucus.
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Listen for Announcements: Pay attention to overhead announcements for last-minute track changes or service updates.
Step 5: Transferring at Secaucus Junction
Secaucus Junction is a modern and efficient transfer station. Once you arrive, you'll need to transfer to a special shuttle train that runs directly to the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is right next to MetLife Stadium.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Sub-heading: The Secaucus Transfer ➡️️
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Follow the Crowd: For major events, Secaucus Junction will be bustling with fellow fans heading to MetLife Stadium. Simply follow the signs and the flow of people to the Meadowlands Rail Line.
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Dedicated Track: There's usually a dedicated track (often Track G or H) specifically for the Meadowlands-bound trains. NJ Transit staff are often on hand to direct passengers during large events.
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Shuttle Train Frequency: These shuttle trains run frequently (approximately every 10-20 minutes during peak periods leading up to an event, and on a load-and-go basis after the event) to accommodate the crowds. The ride from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Station is very short, typically around 10 minutes.
Step 6: Arriving at MetLife Stadium!
Congratulations! You've made it to the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is conveniently located just a short walk from the stadium entrance.
Sub-heading: The Final Walk ♂️
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The walk from the Meadowlands Rail Station to MetLife Stadium is straightforward and well-marked. You'll be able to see the stadium as soon as you exit the station.
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Enjoy the atmosphere and prepare for your event!
Step 7: Your Return Journey ↩️
Leaving MetLife Stadium can be just as busy as arriving. NJ Transit operates trains back to Secaucus Junction on a "load-and-go" basis after events until the crowds dissipate.
Sub-heading: Heading Back to Manhattan
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Meadowlands Rail Station to Secaucus Junction: Head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station and board a train back to Secaucus Junction. Remember, you must have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. If you bought a round-trip ticket initially, you're all set.
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Secaucus Junction to New York Penn Station: Once at Secaucus Junction, look for trains heading to New York Penn Station. Again, check the departure boards or listen for announcements. Be mindful of the time, especially for evening events, to ensure you don't miss the last train back to Manhattan.
Important Tips for a Smooth Trip
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Allow Plenty of Time: Especially for popular events, trains can be crowded. Arrive at Penn Station well in advance of the event start time to avoid rushing.
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Check NJ Transit Alerts: Before you leave, check the NJ Transit website or app for any service alerts or delays.
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Mobile App is Your Friend: The NJ Transit app makes the entire process incredibly easy, from buying tickets to checking schedules.
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Stay Hydrated & Comfortable: You might be standing on the train, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds.
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Travel with a Group: If you're with friends, stick together!
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Don't Rely on Uber/Lyft for Departure: While possible for arrival, ride-sharing services can be extremely difficult and expensive to secure after a major event at MetLife Stadium due to traffic and demand. The train is almost always the best option for leaving.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to buy train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
You can buy tickets using the NJ Transit Mobile App, at ticket vending machines (TVMs) at any NJ Transit station, or from ticket windows at major terminals like Penn Station New York. It's recommended to buy a round-trip ticket.
How long does the train ride take from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium?
The entire journey, including the transfer at Secaucus Junction, typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times for connections. The train ride from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is about 10 minutes, and the shuttle from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands is another 10 minutes.
How much does a train ticket to MetLife Stadium cost from Manhattan?
A round-trip adult ticket from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Station) via Secaucus Junction costs approximately $12.90. Prices for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities are reduced.
How often do trains run to MetLife Stadium?
Special shuttle train service to MetLife Stadium runs for major events. Trains operate frequently (every 10-20 minutes during peak times) before and after events. Always check the NJ Transit website or app for event-specific schedules.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to transfer at Secaucus Junction?
At Secaucus Junction, simply follow the signs and the crowds to the Meadowlands Rail Line. There will be dedicated tracks for the shuttle trains heading to MetLife Stadium.
How early should I arrive at Penn Station for a MetLife Stadium event?
It's advisable to arrive at Penn Station at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the event starts, especially for highly anticipated games or concerts, to account for ticket purchase, crowds, and transfers.
How to avoid long lines when leaving MetLife Stadium?
The best way to avoid long lines is to head to the Meadowlands Rail Station as soon as the event concludes. NJ Transit runs trains on a "load-and-go" basis to efficiently move people out.
How to find the train schedule for a specific event at MetLife Stadium?
Visit the NJ Transit website (
How to use the NJ Transit Mobile App for tickets?
Download the app, create an account, select "Buy Tickets," choose "Rail," then select your origin (New York Penn Station) and destination (Meadowlands Rail Station). Activate your ticket just before boarding.
How to know if there's train service for an event at MetLife Stadium?
NJ Transit typically announces special rail service for events with anticipated attendance over 50,000. Check the MetLife Stadium website or the NJ Transit Meadowlands section for confirmation.
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