It's game day (or concert night!) and you're ready to experience the excitement at MetLife Stadium. But first, you need to get there from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Don't fret! While it might seem daunting, especially if you're new to the area, there are several convenient ways to make the journey. Let's get you from the tarmac to the turf (or stage) with ease!
Ready to kick off your MetLife Stadium adventure?
Let's dive into the best ways to navigate from Newark Airport to the heart of the action!
Navigating from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting to MetLife Stadium from EWR involves a few key options, each with its own advantages in terms of cost, time, and convenience. We'll cover public transportation, ride-sharing, taxis, and even shuttle services.
Step 1: Arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
First things first, you've landed at EWR. Take a deep breath! After you've collected your luggage, you'll need to make your way to the ground transportation area, or specifically, the AirTrain station if you're planning on using public transit. Signs are generally well-marked throughout the terminals.
Step 2: Choosing Your Mode of Transportation
This is where you decide how you want to reach MetLife Stadium. Consider your budget, the amount of luggage you have, and how much time you have before your event.
Option A: The Public Transportation Route (Recommended for Budget & Experience)
This is often the most cost-effective and, surprisingly, quite efficient way to reach MetLife Stadium, especially for major events when dedicated rail service is running.
Sub-step 2A.1: AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station
- From your EWR terminal, follow signs for AirTrain. The AirTrain is a monorail system that connects all terminals at EWR with the Newark Airport Railroad Station. It operates 24/7.
- The ride on the AirTrain to the Newark Airport Railroad Station is free if you're just transferring to NJ Transit.
Sub-step 2A.2: NJ Transit Train to Secaucus Junction
- At the Newark Airport Railroad Station, purchase a ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" (or "Secaucus Junction" if you prefer to buy the second leg of your journey there). You can use ticket vending machines or the NJ Transit Mobile App. Pro-tip: Buy a round-trip ticket to Meadowlands if possible to save time and avoid an extra charge.
- Board an NJ Transit train heading towards New York Penn Station. All trains from Newark Airport Railroad Station will stop at Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction. This is your transfer point.
- The train ride from Newark Airport Railroad Station to Secaucus Junction takes approximately 13-15 minutes.
Sub-step 2A.3: Transfer to Meadowlands Rail Line
- At Secaucus Junction, follow the clear signage for the Meadowlands Rail Line. For major events (NFL games, large concerts), NJ Transit operates special shuttle trains directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is just steps away from MetLife Stadium.
- These shuttle trains typically start running about 3.5 hours before the event and continue for about an hour after.
- The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is a quick 10-minute journey.
Option B: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft) (Convenience & Flexibility)
Ride-sharing apps offer a convenient, door-to-door option, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
Sub-step 2B.1: Requesting Your Ride
- Once you've collected your luggage, open your preferred ride-sharing app (Uber, Lyft).
- Enter "MetLife Stadium" as your destination.
- The app will guide you to the designated pickup zone at your terminal. EWR has specific zones for ride-share pickups (e.g., Zones 7, 8, 9, or 10 depending on the terminal). Follow the in-app instructions carefully.
Sub-step 2B.2: Understanding the Cost and Time
- Estimated costs for an UberX or Lyft from EWR to MetLife Stadium typically range from $50 - $100, but can fluctuate significantly based on demand (surge pricing), traffic, and the type of vehicle you choose (e.g., UberXL will be more expensive).
- Travel time generally ranges from 25-40 minutes, but this is heavily dependent on traffic, especially on event days. Expect longer travel times closer to kick-off or concert start times.
Option C: Taxis (Traditional & Straightforward)
Taxis are readily available at EWR and offer a direct route to MetLife Stadium.
Sub-step 2C.1: Finding a Taxi
- Follow signs for "Taxi" outside your terminal. There will be uniformed taxi dispatchers to assist you. Only use official, yellow taxis from the designated taxi stands.
- Provide the driver with your destination: "MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ."
Sub-step 2C.2: Estimating Cost and Time
- A taxi fare from EWR to MetLife Stadium typically ranges from $55 - $75, not including tolls and tip.
- Travel time is similar to ride-sharing, usually 18-30 minutes without heavy traffic. Factor in potential delays on event days.
Option D: Shuttle Services (Pre-Booked & Shared)
Several private shuttle services operate between EWR and the MetLife Stadium area. These are often shared rides, which can be more economical than a private car but less flexible than a taxi or ride-share.
Sub-step 2D.1: Booking a Shuttle
- Research and book a shuttle service in advance. Companies like Mozio or other local providers offer these services. Pre-booking is highly recommended as walk-up availability can be limited, especially for popular events.
- Confirm pickup instructions with your chosen shuttle company. They will typically have designated pickup points at the airport.
Sub-step 2D.2: Understanding the Experience
- Cost for a shared shuttle can range from $20 - $40 per person.
- Travel time is estimated around 30-45 minutes, but can be longer as the shuttle may make multiple stops to drop off other passengers.
Step 3: Arriving at MetLife Stadium
Regardless of your chosen method, once you arrive, follow the crowds and signage to the stadium gates. Be aware of security procedures and bag policies before entering. Enjoy your event!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about getting from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium:
How to get to MetLife Stadium by train from Newark Airport?
Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Airport Railroad Station, then an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, and finally transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line (special event service) directly to the stadium.
How to take a bus from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium?
While there isn't a direct NJ Transit bus from EWR to MetLife Stadium, you can take a bus to Newark Penn Station, then a train to Secaucus Junction, and transfer to a special event bus (if offered by NJ Transit) or the Meadowlands Rail Line. For direct bus service, Coach USA offers the 351 Meadowlands Express from Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC, which you would need to reach first from EWR.
How to get a taxi from EWR to MetLife Stadium?
Follow the "Taxi" signs at EWR to the official taxi stands outside each terminal. Uniformed dispatchers will assist you in getting into a licensed yellow cab.
How to use Uber or Lyft from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium?
Open your Uber or Lyft app after landing, set "MetLife Stadium" as your destination, and follow the in-app instructions to your designated ride-share pickup zone at your terminal.
How to find shuttle services from EWR to MetLife Stadium?
Search online for private shuttle companies serving Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium. Websites like Mozio often list available shuttle options. It's best to book in advance.
How to buy NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
You can purchase NJ Transit tickets from ticket vending machines at Newark Airport Railroad Station and Secaucus Junction, or through the NJ Transit Mobile App.
How to know if the Meadowlands Rail Line is running?
The Meadowlands Rail Line runs specifically for major events at MetLife Stadium (NFL games, large concerts). Always check the official NJ Transit website (
How to estimate the cost of public transport to MetLife Stadium?
A one-way public transit trip (AirTrain + NJ Transit train) from EWR to MetLife Stadium typically costs around $17-$35, with specific round-trip fares to Meadowlands often being more economical.
How to avoid traffic when traveling to MetLife Stadium?
Public transportation, especially the dedicated Meadowlands Rail Line, is the best way to avoid traffic congestion on event days. If driving or using ride-shares, plan to arrive very early.
How to get from MetLife Stadium back to Newark Airport?
Simply reverse your chosen method! For public transit, take the Meadowlands Rail Line back to Secaucus Junction, then an NJ Transit train to Newark Airport Railroad Station, and finally the AirTrain to your terminal. For ride-shares or taxis, head to the designated pickup zones outside the stadium.
