Navigating from the bustling heart of Times Square to the vast expanse of MetLife Stadium can seem daunting, but it's entirely manageable with a little planning! While you can't take a direct subway from Times Square to MetLife Stadium, as the stadium is located in New Jersey, there are excellent public transportation options that connect these two major hubs. Get ready to embark on a journey that combines the iconic New York City transit with efficient New Jersey connections.
Your Grand Journey: Times Square to MetLife Stadium by Public Transit
Let's dive into how you can make this trip as smooth as possible. We'll focus on the most reliable and common methods using a combination of subway and commuter rail/bus.
Step 1: Start Your Adventure at Times Square ♀️
First things first, let's get you oriented in Times Square. With its dazzling billboards and vibrant energy, it's a sensory overload in the best way!
Locate the Subway Station: Times Square is a major subway hub. You'll want to find the Times Square-42nd Street subway station. It's easily accessible from various points within Times Square.
Identify Your Subway Line: Your goal is to get to New York Penn Station. Several subway lines can take you there. The most convenient are typically the 1, 2, 3 (Red Line) or the A, C, E (Blue Line) trains. All of these lines have stops at 34th Street-Penn Station.
Pro-Tip: Check the digital signs for train arrivals and any service changes. Google Maps or a transit app like Citymapper can be your best friends here for real-time information!
Step 2: Ride the Subway to Penn Station
Once you're on the right subway line, enjoy a short ride to Penn Station.
Travel Duration: The subway ride from Times Square to Penn Station is very brief, usually just 1-2 stops, and takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on the specific line and any delays.
Exiting at Penn Station: Follow the signs within the station to exit towards Penn Station. Penn Station is a massive transportation hub, so pay attention to the signs.
Step 3: Transition to NJ Transit at Penn Station
This is where you'll switch from the NYC subway system to New Jersey's commuter rail.
Finding NJ Transit: Once inside Penn Station, follow the abundant signs for NJ Transit. This will lead you to their concourse and ticket machines.
Purchasing Your Ticket:
You'll need a ticket from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station.
It's highly recommended to purchase a round-trip ticket in advance to avoid long lines after the event at MetLife Stadium.
You can purchase tickets at the ticket vending machines or at the ticket windows. NJ Transit also offers a convenient mobile app for purchasing tickets.
Important Note: For major events at MetLife Stadium, NJ Transit often runs special direct train service from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station.
Boarding the Train to Secaucus Junction: You'll need to take any NJ Transit train that stops at Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction. Trains on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Main-Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line, or Port Jervis Line will all stop at Secaucus Junction. Look for trains marked "SEC."
Travel Time: The train ride from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is typically around 10-15 minutes. Secaucus Junction is usually the first stop after leaving Penn Station.
Step 4: Connect to the Meadowlands Rail Line at Secaucus Junction
Secaucus Junction is the critical transfer point for reaching MetLife Stadium.
Transferring at Secaucus Junction: Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, you'll need to go upstairs to the mezzanine level.
Meadowlands Rail Line: For major events, NJ Transit operates a dedicated Meadowlands Rail Service that takes you directly to MetLife Stadium. Look for signs directing you to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which typically departs from Tracks E-H on the lower level.
Frequency: This shuttle service runs frequently before and after major events. Rail service usually begins about 3.5 hours before an event and ends an hour after.
Travel Time: The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is a quick 10 minutes.
Step 5: Arrive at MetLife Stadium!
The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is located just steps away from MetLife Stadium.
Walk to the Stadium: Follow the crowds and signs, and you'll be at the stadium entrance in no time!
Alternative: Taking the Bus from Port Authority
While the train is generally the preferred method for major events, especially given the direct rail service from Secaucus Junction, you can also take a bus.
Step A: Get to Port Authority Bus Terminal: From Times Square, the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) is just a short walk west on 42nd Street.
Step B: Find the Coach USA 351 Express Bus: For NFL games and other large events, Coach USA operates the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the MetLife Sports Complex.
Location: Check the PABT information screens for the exact gate.
Schedule: This bus service typically starts 2.5 hours before an event and runs until 30 minutes after the event starts. It also runs for about an hour after the event concludes.
Travel Time: The bus ride can take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Drop-off/Pick-up: The bus drops off and picks up in Lot K near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center.
10 Related FAQs: How to Get to MetLife Stadium
How to purchase NJ Transit tickets?
You can purchase NJ Transit tickets at ticket vending machines, ticket windows at major stations like New York Penn Station, or through the NJ Transit Mobile App for convenience.
How to know if the Meadowlands Rail Service is running?
NJ Transit generally operates the Meadowlands Rail Service for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000. It's always best to check the NJ Transit website (
How to avoid long lines for tickets?
Buy your round-trip tickets in advance! This is crucial, especially for the return trip, to avoid post-event crowds at the Meadowlands station.
How to get back to Times Square after an event?
Simply reverse your journey: take the Meadowlands Rail Service back to Secaucus Junction, then an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, and finally, the subway (1, 2, 3, A, C, or E lines) back to Times Square-42nd Street.
How to find the correct subway platform in Times Square?
Look for signs indicating trains going "Downtown & Brooklyn" or "Uptown & The Bronx" and locate the platform for the 1, 2, 3 or A, C, E lines heading towards 34th Street-Penn Station.
How to check for real-time delays or service changes?
Utilize transit apps like Google Maps or Citymapper, or check the official MTA and NJ Transit websites/apps for real-time service alerts and schedules.
How to pay for the subway in NYC?
You can use a MetroCard (purchased at subway stations) or use OMNY by tapping your contactless credit/debit card or smartphone/wearable at the turnstile.
How much does public transportation to MetLife Stadium cost?
A round-trip ticket from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station on NJ Transit typically costs around $12.90 for adults. The subway fare in NYC is a standard $2.90 per ride.
How early should I leave Times Square for an event?
Factor in approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for travel time, especially on event days. It's always better to arrive early and enjoy the pre-game/pre-show atmosphere.
How to find alternative transportation if trains aren't running?
If special train service to MetLife Stadium isn't operating (for smaller events), NJ Transit may offer bus service from Secaucus Junction. Always check the official NJ Transit website for event-specific details. You can also consider a taxi or ride-share service, though these will be significantly more expensive and subject to traffic.
