Attending an event at MetLife Stadium from the Hilton Meadowlands? Fantastic choice! You're in a prime location to experience the excitement without the long trek from NYC. While the stadium might seem close, navigating to it, especially on event days, requires a bit of planning. But don't worry, I'm here to give you a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to get from the Hilton Meadowlands to MetLife Stadium, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Your Ultimate Guide: Hilton Meadowlands to MetLife Stadium
Let's dive into the best ways to get you from your comfortable hotel room to the roar of the crowd!
Step 1: Assess Your Priorities and the Event Type – What's Most Important to You?
Before you even think about stepping out the door, let's consider what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you all about convenience and don't mind a slightly higher cost? Or is budget-friendliness your top priority, even if it means a little more effort? The type of event (NFL game, concert, other special event) also plays a huge role in the best mode of transport.
- For NFL Games/Major Concerts: Expect significant traffic and crowds. Pre-planning is crucial. Public transport options are often amplified, and ride-shares might have surge pricing.
- For Smaller Events/Off-Peak Times: Traffic will be lighter, and direct options might be more readily available.
Step 2: Consider Your Transportation Options – Pick Your Path!
You have several ways to get from the Hilton Meadowlands to MetLife Stadium. Each has its pros and cons, so let's break them down.
Option A: The Convenient Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) or Taxi
This is often the most direct and quickest way, especially if you're not a fan of public transit or have a group.
Sub-heading: Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)
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Download the Apps: If you don't already have them, download the Uber and/or Lyft apps onto your smartphone.
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Request Your Ride:
- Open the app and input "MetLife Stadium" as your destination.
- The app will show you estimated fares for different vehicle types (e.g., UberX, UberXL, Uber Black). UberX is typically the most affordable.
- Confirm your pickup location, which will automatically default to the Hilton Meadowlands.
- Tap to request your ride.
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Wait for Your Driver: You'll see your driver's location on the map and their estimated arrival time.
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Enjoy the Short Drive: The distance is relatively short, usually around 5-6 miles, and the drive can take as little as 9 minutes depending on traffic.
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Drop-off at Designated Areas: MetLife Stadium has designated drop-off and pick-up areas, typically between parking lots D and E. Your driver will know where to go.
- Pros: Fast, convenient, door-to-door service, good for groups.
- Cons: Can be subject to surge pricing during peak event times, potentially more expensive than public transport. Uber estimates an average price of around $9, but this can fluctuate greatly.
Sub-heading: Taxi
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Ask the Hotel Concierge: The Hilton Meadowlands front desk or concierge can easily call a local taxi for you.
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Hail a Cab (if outside): While less common in this area than in a city, you might spot a taxi if you're out and about.
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Inform the Driver: Clearly state your destination as "MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford."
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Approximate Cost and Time: A taxi ride typically takes around 9 minutes and costs anywhere from $26-$31.
- Pros: Direct, readily available from the hotel.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than ride-shares, especially without surge pricing, and less transparent pricing upfront.
Option B: The Budget-Friendly Public Transportation (NJ Transit)
This is a great option for saving money and experiencing local transit, though it involves a transfer.
Sub-heading: Bus to Train Connection (Most Common Public Transit)
While there's no direct bus from the Hilton Meadowlands into the stadium complex on event days (due to reroutes), you can combine bus and train for an efficient journey.
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Walk to a Nearby NJ Transit Bus Stop: The Hilton Meadowlands is in Hasbrouck Heights, and there are NJ Transit bus stops nearby. You'll want to find a stop for a bus that goes towards Secaucus Junction or Paterson Plank Road. The NJ Transit Bus Route 163 is a good option, with stops like "Boulevard at Baldwin Ave." It typically goes towards the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC but also serves stops along Paterson Plank Road.
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Take the Bus Towards Paterson Plank Road / Secaucus Area: Look for a bus that will get you to an area where you can connect to the train.
- During events, Route 703 will not enter the Sports Complex. Instead, it operates along Paterson Plank Road. You'd need to get off at a stop near the complex and likely walk, or connect to the train from Secaucus Junction.
- The most recommended method for public transit to MetLife Stadium on event days is to take a train to Secaucus Junction.
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Transfer at Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Line:
- Many NJ Transit train lines converge at Secaucus Junction (Main-Bergen County, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis Lines).
- From Secaucus Junction, for major events, NJ Transit offers special shuttle train service directly to the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is just steps away from MetLife Stadium.
- Look for signs guiding you to the Meadowlands Rail Line at Secaucus Junction. Trains typically depart from Tracks E-H on the lower level.
- Important: You MUST have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. Purchase a round-trip ticket to Meadowlands station from your origin station or at Secaucus Junction.
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Arrive at Meadowlands Rail Station: You're there! The stadium is right next door.
- Pros: Most cost-effective (tickets typically $1-$5 for the bus portion and ~$5 for the Secaucus to Meadowlands train), avoids parking hassles, good for large event days.
- Cons: Requires transfers, may involve walking to and from bus stops, less direct than a ride-share, can be crowded on event days.
Option C: Shuttle Service (If Available)
Some hotels in the Meadowlands area, including potentially the Hilton Meadowlands, offer complimentary or paid shuttle services to MetLife Stadium for certain events.
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Inquire with the Hotel: Before your trip, or upon check-in, call or ask the Hilton Meadowlands front desk directly if they offer a shuttle service to MetLife Stadium for the specific event you are attending.
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Confirm Schedule and Availability: If they do, confirm the shuttle schedule, pickup/drop-off points, and if reservations are required.
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Board the Shuttle: Follow the hotel's instructions for boarding.
- Pros: Extremely convenient if available, potentially free (or a nominal fee), no parking worries.
- Cons: Not always available for all events, may have limited capacity, subject to specific schedules. Some Hilton properties in the area (like Hampton Inn Carlstadt-Meadowlands/American Dream Mall, which is also a Hilton property) explicitly state a free shuttle to MetLife, so it's worth checking with your specific Hilton.
Option D: Driving and Parking (Not Recommended for Most)
While possible, driving and parking at MetLife Stadium on event days is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, high parking costs, and the need for pre-paid parking permits for many events.
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Pre-purchase Parking (Crucial for NFL/Major Events): For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are required. You often cannot just show up and pay for parking. Check the MetLife Stadium website or event-specific information to purchase parking in advance (e.g., via Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange).
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Follow Directions to Designated Lots: MetLife Stadium has numerous parking lots. Follow signs and staff directions to your assigned lot.
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Be Prepared for Traffic: Expect significant congestion on roadways leading to the stadium, especially closer to event start times.
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Consider Off-Site Parking with Shuttle: Some private lots near the stadium (like Redd's Meadowlands) offer parking with shuttle service to the stadium. This can be an alternative to official stadium parking.
- Pros: Direct control over your schedule (if traffic cooperates).
- Cons: Expensive parking, heavy traffic, requires pre-planning for permits, tailgating rules apply.
Step 3: Plan Your Timing – Don't Miss Kick-off or the First Act!
No matter which option you choose, allow ample time to get to the stadium. Events at MetLife Stadium draw massive crowds, and traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) can be intense.
- For Major Events (NFL, Large Concerts): Aim to arrive at least 2-3 hours before the event's start time, especially if you want to soak in the atmosphere, grab food, or navigate through security.
- For Smaller Events: 1-1.5 hours should suffice, but it's always better to be early.
Step 4: Navigate the Stadium Complex – You're Almost There!
Once you arrive at the MetLife Sports Complex, whether by ride-share drop-off, train, or shuttle, you'll need to navigate to the stadium gates.
- Follow Signage and Crowd Flow: There will be clear signs and a steady stream of people heading towards the stadium.
- Security Checkpoints: Be prepared for security checks, including bag policies (usually clear bags are required). Check the MetLife Stadium website for the latest bag policy before you go.
- Find Your Gate: Your ticket will indicate your gate number. Locating it promptly will save you time.
Step 5: Enjoy the Event! – You Made It!
You've successfully navigated your way from the Hilton Meadowlands to MetLife Stadium! Now, relax, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the game or concert!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get from MetLife Stadium back to Hilton Meadowlands after an event?
The best way to return often mirrors your arrival: take an NJ Transit shuttle train back to Secaucus Junction and then a bus or ride-share to the Hilton, or use a pre-booked taxi/ride-share. Be prepared for queues for ride-shares and taxis right after an event.
How to purchase NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can purchase NJ Transit tickets at station vending machines, ticket windows, or via the NJ Transit mobile app. For the Meadowlands Rail Line, it's highly recommended to buy a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Station" to avoid delays on your return.
How to check for MetLife Stadium event-specific transportation advisories?
Always check the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) and the NJ Transit website (
How to estimate Uber or Lyft cost from Hilton Meadowlands to MetLife Stadium?
Open the Uber or Lyft app, enter "MetLife Stadium" as your destination, and the app will provide an estimated fare based on current demand and traffic. This estimate can fluctuate.
How to find the designated ride-share pick-up/drop-off area at MetLife Stadium?
The designated drop-off and pick-up area for ride-shares and taxis at MetLife Stadium is typically located between parking lots D and E. Follow signage upon arrival.
How to avoid traffic when going to MetLife Stadium?
To avoid the heaviest traffic, aim to arrive significantly earlier than the event start time (2-3 hours) or utilize public transportation (NJ Transit train from Secaucus Junction) which has dedicated rail lines.
How to find out if the Hilton Meadowlands offers a shuttle to MetLife Stadium?
Call the Hilton Meadowlands directly at their front desk or check their official hotel website under "Amenities" or "Transportation" for information on shuttle services to MetLife Stadium.
How to pay for parking at MetLife Stadium?
For most major events like NFL games, parking requires pre-purchased permits. For other events, parking may be available upon arrival, payable by cash or credit card. Always check the official MetLife Stadium website for specific event parking details.
How to know if there's a train running to MetLife Stadium for my event?
NJ Transit typically runs special train service to the Meadowlands Rail Station only for major events (NFL games, large concerts). Check the NJ Transit Meadowlands page for specific event schedules. If it's a smaller event, train service may not be available directly to the stadium.
How to prepare for security checks at MetLife Stadium?
Review the MetLife Stadium bag policy on their official website before you go. Generally, clear bags are required, and there are restrictions on bag size and prohibited items. Arrive early to allow time for security screening.
