Are you planning a trip to MetLife Stadium from the bustling heart of Manhattan? Excellent choice! Whether you're heading to a thrilling Giants or Jets game, a world-class concert, or another exciting event, getting there efficiently is key to a stress-free experience.
You're probably wondering, "Just how far away is MetLife Stadium from Manhattan, anyway?" The answer depends a bit on where you start in Manhattan and how you choose to travel, but generally, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is located approximately 8 to 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. While that might sound like a short hop, New York City traffic and transit connections mean planning is essential.
Let's dive into a comprehensive guide to getting from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium, covering all your options with step-by-step instructions, insider tips, and estimated costs and travel times.
Your Comprehensive Guide: Getting from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium
Navigating the journey from the concrete jungle of Manhattan to the expansive MetLife Stadium requires a bit of foresight. Here's everything you need to know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
 |
| How Far Away Is Metlife Stadium.from Manhattan |
Step 1: Determine Your Manhattan Starting Point
Before you even think about which mode of transport to choose, take a moment to pinpoint your exact location in Manhattan. Are you coming from Times Square, Penn Station, a hotel in Midtown, or somewhere further downtown? Your starting point will significantly influence the most convenient and efficient way to reach the stadium.
- Midtown Manhattan (around Penn Station/Port Authority): This area is generally the most convenient for public transport options.
- Downtown Manhattan (Financial District, Lower East Side): You'll likely need to factor in subway or taxi travel to a major transit hub first.
- Uptown Manhattan (Upper West/East Side, Harlem): Similar to Downtown, you'll need to reach a central transit point.
Once you know where you're starting, you can make an informed decision about your best travel strategy.
Step 2: Choose Your Mode of Transportation
You have several excellent options, each with its own pros and cons in terms of cost, convenience, and travel time.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Option A: Public Transportation – The Most Popular Choice
Public transport is often the most recommended and cost-effective way to get to MetLife Stadium, especially for major events. It avoids parking hassles and traffic jams around the stadium.
Sub-heading: The NJ Transit Train & Shuttle
This is arguably the most efficient and direct public transport route for most major events.
How it works:
- Get to New York Penn Station: From anywhere in Manhattan, take the subway or a taxi to New York Penn Station (located at 32nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues).
- Travel Tip: Purchase your round-trip NJ Transit ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" at Penn Station before you board. This will save you time and potentially a penalty fee. You can use ticket windows, vending machines, or the NJ Transit mobile app.
- Take an NJ Transit Train to Secaucus Junction: From Penn Station, board any NJ Transit train heading to New Jersey. The first stop is almost always Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This ride is usually around 10 minutes.
- Look for signs: Trains will often be marked "SEC" for Secaucus.
- Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line: At Secaucus Junction, you'll exit the train and follow signs for the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line. This is a special shuttle train that runs directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is just steps away from MetLife Stadium.
- Important Note: This shuttle service typically operates for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000. Always check the MetLife Stadium or NJ Transit website for specific event day schedules. The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is approximately 10 minutes.
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45-75 minutes (including subway/taxi to Penn Station, waiting for trains, and transfers). Estimated Cost: Around $12.60 - $15.00 round trip (from New York Penn Station).
Sub-heading: The Coach USA Express Bus (Route 351)
This is another popular and direct option, especially convenient if you're starting near the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
How it works:
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
- Get to Port Authority Bus Terminal: Make your way to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (located between 8th and 9th Avenues, from 40th to 42nd Streets) in Midtown Manhattan.
- Board the 351 Meadowlands Express Bus: Look for gates for the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service. This bus runs directly to the MetLife Sports Complex.
- Schedule: The 351 bus service usually begins 2.5 hours before an event and continues until 30 minutes after the start. Return buses operate for approximately one hour after the event concludes.
- Ticket Purchase: You can purchase round-trip tickets online in advance via Coach USA's website or at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Wing, main floor, windows 11-15). It's highly recommended to buy in advance for priority boarding.
Estimated Travel Time: Around 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Estimated Cost: Approximately $18.00 round trip.
Option B: Driving – For Convenience (with caveats!)
Driving offers door-to-door convenience, but it comes with the significant downsides of potential traffic and expensive parking.
How it works:
-
Navigate from Manhattan to New Jersey:
- Via Lincoln Tunnel: Take the Lincoln Tunnel from Midtown Manhattan. Follow signs for Route 3 West, which leads directly to the Sports Complex.
- Via George Washington Bridge: Take the George Washington Bridge (GWB) from Upper Manhattan. From the GWB, take the New Jersey Turnpike South. Look for the Western Spur and exits 16W or 18W, which provide direct access to the Sports Complex.
- GPS Address: When using GPS, enter: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.
-
Parking at MetLife Stadium: A pre-paid parking permit is typically required for all vehicles entering the Sports Complex. If you don't have one, you can park at the Edison Park Fast parking lot next to the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction and take the Meadowlands Rail Service (see Option A).
Estimated Travel Time: 15-30 minutes without traffic. However, expect significant delays on event days. This can easily extend to 1-2 hours or more due to congestion around the tunnels, bridges, and stadium. Estimated Cost: Tolls for tunnels/bridges (variable, often $17+), plus parking (typically $20-$40+ for events).
Option C: Taxi/Rideshare – The Quickest (and Priciest)
For sheer speed and convenience, a taxi or rideshare service (Uber, Lyft) is your best bet, but be prepared for a higher cost.
How it works:
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
- Hail a Cab or Request a Ride: Simply hail a yellow cab or open your preferred rideshare app from your Manhattan location.
- Designated Drop-off/Pick-up: MetLife Stadium has a designated rideshare zone in Lot E off West Peripheral Road, near the Verizon Gate.
Estimated Travel Time: 17-30 minutes without traffic. Again, be prepared for longer travel times on event days due to traffic, potentially up to an hour or more. Estimated Cost: Typically $45-$65 one-way, but surge pricing during peak event times can significantly increase this.
Step 3: Plan Your Return Journey
Don't forget to plan your way back! For public transportation, the routes generally reverse.
- Train: Head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, take the shuttle to Secaucus Junction, and then an NJ Transit train back to New York Penn Station. Always have your return ticket ready.
- Bus: Return to the designated Coach USA 351 bus pick-up area (usually Lot K) at MetLife Stadium. Buses will depart for Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Be aware that finding a taxi or rideshare immediately after a major event can be challenging and subject to extremely high surge pricing due to demand. Consider walking a short distance away from the immediate stadium area if possible, or be prepared to wait.
Step 4: Check Event-Specific Information
Always, always, always check the official MetLife Stadium website or the event organizer's website for specific transportation advisories related to your event. Large events may have altered train or bus schedules, specific parking instructions, or road closures.
Key Considerations for Your Trip
- Time of Day and Event Size: Weekday commutes and major event days (NFL games, sold-out concerts) will dramatically increase travel times, regardless of your chosen method. Allow ample extra time.
- Ticket Purchase in Advance: For public transport, buying round-trip tickets beforehand is highly recommended to avoid queues and potential on-board surcharges.
- Comfortable Footwear: You'll likely do a fair bit of walking, especially if using public transit or parking further away.
- Weather: Factor in weather conditions. Rain or snow can impact road conditions and public transit schedules.
- Patience: Thousands of people will be heading to and from the stadium. Patience is a virtue, especially on event days.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the exact distance from my specific Manhattan location to MetLife Stadium?
You can use online mapping services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Simply enter your starting address in Manhattan and "MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ" as your destination.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can buy NJ Transit tickets at ticket windows or vending machines at major stations like New York Penn Station, or conveniently through the official NJ Transit mobile app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play). Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination for a round-trip ticket.
How to find the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus at Port Authority?
At Port Authority Bus Terminal, head to the South Wing, main floor. Look for windows 11-15 for ticket purchases and signs indicating the departure gates for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus. It's advisable to ask a Port Authority staff member for directions if you're unsure.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
The best way to avoid traffic is to go extremely early or extremely late, but this is often not practical for events. Consider taking public transit as your primary method to bypass road congestion entirely. If driving is essential, utilize real-time traffic apps like Waze.
How to find parking at MetLife Stadium?
Parking at MetLife Stadium typically requires a pre-purchased parking permit. If you don't have one, consider parking at the Edison Park Fast lot at Secaucus Junction and taking the short train shuttle to the stadium. Check the official MetLife Stadium website for specific parking information for your event.
How to get back to Manhattan after a MetLife Stadium event?
For public transit, reverse your inbound journey: take the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to Secaucus Junction, then an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station. For buses, head back to the designated Coach USA 351 pick-up area (usually Lot K). Taxis and rideshares can be found at the designated rideshare zone, but expect high demand and potential surge pricing.
How to check for event-specific transportation changes for MetLife Stadium?
Always visit the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) and the NJ Transit website (
How to estimate the cost of a taxi or rideshare from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium?
You can get an estimate by checking the "fare estimate" feature within rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) by entering your start and end points. Keep in mind that these are estimates and surge pricing during high-demand periods will increase the actual cost.
How to travel to MetLife Stadium from other parts of New Jersey?
NJ Transit's rail system connects at Secaucus Junction, making it a central hub for travelers from various parts of New Jersey to reach MetLife Stadium via the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle. Bus routes also serve the area. Consult the NJ Transit website for routes from your specific New Jersey location.
How to ensure I don't miss my event start time due to travel?
Plan to arrive early! For major events, aim to be at MetLife Stadium at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled start time, especially if you're taking public transit. This allows for unexpected delays, security checks, and time to find your seats.
 |
