Are you ready for some football?! Heading to MetLife Stadium to catch a New York Jets game is an exhilarating experience, but getting there can sometimes feel like running a full-back dive through a brick wall if you're not prepared. Fear not, fellow fan! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey, ensuring your game day starts and ends with a touchdown.
Your Ultimate Game Day Playbook: Getting to MetLife for a Jets Game!
So, you've got your tickets, your jersey is picked out, and the excitement is building! But before you can cheer on the Jets, you need to figure out the best way to get to MetLife Stadium. Don't worry, we're going to break down all your options, from public transit to driving, so you can choose the strategy that best suits your game-day squad.
Step 1: Choosing Your Game Day Transportation Strategy - What's Your Vibe?
First things first: how do you envision your game day journey? Are you a relaxed public transit warrior, happy to let someone else do the driving and enjoy the pre-game buzz with fellow fans? Or are you a road warrior, ready to navigate traffic and tailgate in style? Perhaps you're looking for the ultimate convenience of a rideshare? Each option has its pros and cons, and understanding them is key to a smooth trip.
Public Transit (NJ Transit Train/Bus): Best for: Avoiding traffic, parking hassles, and enjoying a few pre-game beverages. Considerations: Can involve transfers, and schedules need to be checked carefully, especially for return trips after evening games.
Driving: Best for: Tailgating, bringing a lot of gear, and having complete control over your schedule. Considerations: Traffic can be brutal, and parking permits are usually required and can be expensive.
Rideshare/Taxi: Best for: Convenience, especially for smaller groups, and avoiding parking. Considerations: Surge pricing can be an issue, and pick-up/drop-off points might require a short walk to the stadium.
Private Shuttle/Charter: Best for: Larger groups, corporate outings, or those who want a truly hassle-free, luxury experience. Considerations: Most expensive option.
Once you have a general idea, let's dive into the specifics!
Step 2: Conquering the Commute - Detailed Transportation Guides
Sub-heading: Option A: The Public Transit Power Play (Highly Recommended!)
For many, public transportation is the smartest play to get to MetLife Stadium. NJ Transit offers convenient and relatively stress-free options.
The NJ Transit Train (Meadowlands Rail Line): This is often the fastest and most efficient way to reach the stadium, dropping you directly at the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is a short walk to the MetLife Gate.
Getting to Secaucus Junction: Most NJ Transit rail lines connect at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction.
From New York City (Penn Station NYC): Take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction (many lines do, just look for "SEC" on the departure boards). This trip is typically around 10-15 minutes.
From Hoboken Terminal (via PATH from NYC): If you're coming from lower Manhattan, consider taking the PATH train to Hoboken Terminal. From Hoboken, you can get a one-seat ride directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
From New Jersey: Catch any NJ Transit train line that connects to Secaucus Junction.
Transferring at Secaucus Junction: Once at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the Meadowlands Rail Line. You'll take an escalator down to the lower level.
Boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line: Trains to the Meadowlands Sports Complex typically run every 10-20 minutes, starting approximately 3.5 hours before kickoff. Travel time from Secaucus Junction to the stadium is about 10 minutes.
Purchasing Tickets:
Always buy a round-trip ticket in advance! This will save you time and hassle after the game.
You can purchase tickets from any NJ Transit rail ticket vending machine, ticket window, or through the free NJ Transit Mobile App. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
Important Note: Your ticket will be needed to pass through the fare gates at Secaucus Junction both arriving and departing.
Coach USA Bus Service (Route Number 351 Meadowlands Express): This bus service operates directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games.
Locate the Bus: Head to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street & 8th Avenue in NYC). Look for the 351 Meadowlands Express service.
Departure Times: The 351 bus service usually begins 2.5 hours prior to kickoff and continues to run until 30 minutes after the start of the game. After the game, it typically operates for about one hour.
Drop-off/Pick-up: The bus will drop you off and pick you up near Parking Lot K at the Sports Complex.
Fares: A round-trip ticket generally costs around $14.00, and a one-way ticket is about $7.00. Check the Coach USA website (
www.351express.com
Sub-heading: Option B: The Driving Dominance (For the Tailgaters!)
Driving offers the ultimate flexibility, especially if you plan on tailgating. However, be prepared for traffic and ensure you have a parking plan.
Set Your GPS: The official address for MetLife Stadium is: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. If your GPS struggles with that, try 102 Route 120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.
Key Approaches: MetLife Stadium is conveniently located near major roadways.
From New York City (Lincoln Tunnel): Take the Lincoln Tunnel and follow signs for Route 3 West. Continue on Route 3 West to the Sports Complex.
From the George Washington Bridge: Take the George Washington Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike South. Then, take the Turnpike's western spur to either Exit 16W or 18W. These exits provide direct access to the parking areas.
From the New Jersey Turnpike (North or South): Look for the Western Spur (Sports Complex to Exit 16W if northbound, Meadowlands Complex/Carlstadt to Exit 19W if southbound). Be aware that Exit 19W is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway.
From the Garden State Parkway:
Northbound: Take Exit 153A (Route 3) and follow Route 3 East to the Sports Complex.
Southbound: Take Exit 163 (Route 17) and follow Route 17 to Paterson Plank Road. Take Paterson Plank Road east to the Sports Complex.
Parking Permits: Your Golden Ticket!
A pre-paid parking permit is REQUIRED for all vehicles entering the Sports Complex for Jets games. You cannot simply show up and pay for parking on game day.
How to Get One: Season Ticket Holders typically receive pre-paid permits for the season. Individual game parking permits can often be purchased via Ticketmaster by searching for "Jets Parking." These permits are usually for "GOLD" lots (B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and lots near American Dream).
Parking Lot Opening Times: Parking lots typically open five hours prior to kickoff. Arriving early is highly recommended to avoid the worst of the traffic.
Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in your designated parking space. Remember: one car, one space.
Print Your Pass: Mobile parking passes are generally not available for parking. You will likely need to print your parking pass before arriving at the stadium.
Sub-heading: Option C: The Ride-Share Blitz (Convenience is King!)
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving yourself.
Designated Drop-off/Pick-up Zones: MetLife Stadium has specific zones for rideshare services. For Jets games, these are typically located at Lot E near the American Dream Mall. This area is usually a short walk from the stadium entrance.
Timing: Be aware that demand (and therefore surge pricing) will be very high immediately before and after the game. Consider scheduling your ride in advance or walking a short distance away from the immediate stadium area for easier pick-up post-game.
Confirm Your Ride: Always double-check the license plate and driver information to ensure you're getting into the correct vehicle.
Sub-heading: Option D: The Luxury Linebacker (Private Charters)
For groups seeking the utmost comfort and convenience, private shuttle or limousine services are available. Companies like ETS Airport Shuttle and Santos VIP Limousine offer private charter options for various group sizes. This eliminates any parking or navigation worries, allowing you to focus solely on the game.
Step 3: Game Day Essentials & Stadium Savvy
Beyond getting to the stadium, a few key things will make your game day experience even better.
Bag Policy: MetLife Stadium (and the NFL in general) has a strict clear bag policy.
You can bring one clear bag that is 12" x 6" x 12" or less.
A small clutch bag (approximately 4.5" x 6.5") with or without a strap is also permitted.
Prohibited bags: Backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, briefcases, coolers, etc.
There are bag check facilities available outside the stadium, sometimes free for NFL events, but it's best to avoid bringing prohibited items if possible.
Gate Opening Times: Stadium gates typically open two hours prior to kickoff. Arriving early allows you to explore the stadium, find your seats, and soak in the atmosphere without rushing.
Food and Drink: You are generally allowed to bring food in clear plastic bags and factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks (20 oz or less).
Cashless Transactions: Many vendors at MetLife Stadium are cashless, so be prepared to pay with a credit/debit card or mobile payment.
Step 4: The Post-Game Departure - Your Exit Strategy
Leaving MetLife Stadium can be just as busy as arriving. Have a plan!
Public Transit (Train): Head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station. Trains will run frequently for about an hour after the game, taking you back to Secaucus Junction for onward connections.
Public Transit (Bus): Return to the designated Coach USA bus pick-up area (near Lot K). Buses will run for approximately one hour after the game.
Driving: Traffic will be heavy. Be patient and follow the instructions of parking staff and law enforcement. Consider waiting a bit in your tailgate spot or exploring the American Dream mall next door to let traffic clear out.
Rideshare: Head to the designated pick-up zone (Lot E). Expect delays and potential surge pricing. Consider walking a little further away from the immediate stadium crowds for a potentially quicker pick-up.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-prepared to navigate your way to MetLife Stadium for an unforgettable New York Jets game! J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - MetLife Stadium & Jets Games
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about getting to MetLife Stadium for a Jets game, with quick answers:
How to find my parking permit for a Jets game? Pre-paid parking permits are usually provided to season ticket holders. For individual games, you can often purchase them via Ticketmaster by searching "Jets Parking." Remember to print your pass as mobile passes are typically not accepted for parking.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium? The best way to avoid traffic is to arrive early. Parking lots open five hours before kickoff. Consider carpooling or utilizing public transportation as an alternative.
How to get from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium by train? Take any NJ Transit train from Penn Station NYC to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line to reach the stadium directly.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium? Purchase a round-trip ticket in advance from any NJ Transit rail ticket vending machine, ticket window, or through the NJ Transit Mobile App, selecting "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
How to use a rideshare service to MetLife Stadium? Use your preferred rideshare app (Uber/Lyft) and set your destination to MetLife Stadium. Follow signs to the designated drop-off/pick-up zone in Lot E near the American Dream Mall.
How to know when MetLife Stadium gates open for a Jets game? Stadium gates typically open two hours prior to kickoff for Jets games.
How to check the MetLife Stadium bag policy before a game? Always check the official MetLife Stadium website, but generally, a clear bag policy is enforced (clear bags 12" x 6" x 12" or less, or small clutches 4.5" x 6.5" or less).
How to get from New Jersey to MetLife Stadium via public transport? Take any NJ Transit train line that connects to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line for direct service to the stadium. Bus routes (like the 351 Meadowlands Express from Port Authority) are also an option from NYC.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium? Guests with valid ADA license plates or hang tags AND a pre-paid parking permit will be directed to accessible parking spaces in Lots E, F, or G. The individual with the valid tag must be in the vehicle.
How to get back to NYC from MetLife Stadium after an evening game? Utilize the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line back to Secaucus Junction, ensuring you know the last train departure times for your connecting line. Coach USA buses also operate for about an hour post-game. Be prepared for crowds and potential waits.
