Attending an event at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is an exciting experience, whether you're there for a thrilling football game, a blockbuster concert, or another special event. But the big question for many New Jersey residents is: How do I get there without the headache of traffic and parking?
Fear not, fellow New Jerseyans! This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the best ways to reach MetLife Stadium from various points in the Garden State, making your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Decide Your Transportation Style - Public Transit, Driving, or Ride-Share?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's figure out what kind of traveler you are. Are you someone who prefers to kick back and let someone else do the driving, or do you like the freedom of having your own wheels? Perhaps you're looking for the ultimate convenience with a ride-share service. Each option has its perks and considerations.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
- Public Transportation: Often the most cost-effective and stress-free option, especially on event days when traffic can be a nightmare. NJ Transit is your best friend here.
- Driving: Offers flexibility and directness, but comes with the challenges of traffic, tolls, and parking.
- Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft): Convenient for door-to-door service, but can be pricey, especially with surge pricing, and might involve a short walk to/from designated zones.
Once you've got a general idea, let's explore the specifics!
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| How To Get To Metlife From Nj |
Step 2: Navigating MetLife with NJ Transit - Your Best Bet!
For most events at MetLife Stadium, especially major ones like NFL games or large concerts, NJ Transit train service is by far the most recommended way to get there from anywhere in New Jersey. It's designed to handle large crowds efficiently.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
Sub-heading: The Core Route: Secaucus Junction is Key
The key to reaching MetLife Stadium by train from almost anywhere in New Jersey is Secaucus Junction. Think of it as the central hub for Meadowlands-bound trains.
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Find Your Train to Secaucus Junction:
- From Northern/Central NJ: Many NJ Transit lines, including the Main-Bergen County Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, Pascack Valley Line, and Port Jervis Line, offer direct service to Secaucus Junction.
- From Southern/Central NJ (via Northeast Corridor/North Jersey Coast Line): Take any Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train to Newark Penn Station. From Newark Penn Station, you'll transfer to a train heading to Secaucus Junction. Look for trains marked with "SEC".
- From Hoboken Terminal: Trains from Hoboken Terminal also go directly to Secaucus Junction.
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Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line:
- Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, you'll need to transfer to 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.
- Follow the signs and listen for announcements. Trains typically depart from Tracks E-H on the lower level at Secaucus Junction.
Sub-heading: Purchasing Your Ticket
- Round-Trip is Smart: Always purchase a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands" right from your origin station. This saves you time and avoids any additional on-board charges. You'll need this ticket for both legs of your journey, including the transfer at Secaucus.
- NJ Transit Mobile App: The NJ Transit Mobile App is incredibly convenient for purchasing tickets on the go.
- Ticket Vending Machines/Ticket Offices: You can also buy tickets at ticket vending machines or ticket offices at major terminals.
- Important Note: You MUST have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. Don't lose it!
Sub-heading: Planning Your Journey
- Check Schedules: Always check the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com - Allow Extra Time: Especially for large events, expect crowds and plan to arrive early. Connections at Secaucus Junction are generally smooth, but it's always good to have a buffer.
Sub-heading: Bus Alternatives from New Jersey
While trains are the primary recommendation, certain NJ Transit bus routes provide local service near the MetLife Sports Complex.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
- Route 703: Provides local service near the Meadowlands Racetrack. However, on major event days, this route might not enter the Sports Complex property starting two hours before the event and continuing until one hour after it ends. It will operate along Paterson Plank Road during these times.
- Routes 85, 772: These routes serve the American Dream mall, which is adjacent to MetLife Stadium. You might be able to walk from there, but verify walkability and safety, especially at night.
Step 3: Driving to MetLife Stadium - For the Road Warriors
If driving is your preferred method, be prepared for potential traffic and plan your route carefully.
Sub-heading: Stadium Address for GPS
- 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- When using GPS, this address will direct you to the main entrance of the Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Key Roadways and Directions
MetLife Stadium is well-situated near major highways in New Jersey.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
- From the George Washington Bridge:
- Take the George Washington Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike South.
- Follow the Turnpike's Western Spur (signs for Sports Complex to Exit 16W or 18W). These exits provide direct access to the parking areas.
- From Northern NJ (I-80 East):
- Merge onto I-80 East.
- Continue onto US-46 East.
- Make a slight right at NJ-3 East.
- Follow signs to the Sports Complex.
- From Southern NJ (NJ Turnpike North):
- Follow the Western Spur (Meadowlands Complex/Carlstadt to Exit 19W), which provides direct access to parking areas. Be aware this is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway – no cash lanes.
- Alternatively, if congested, use the Eastern Turnpike Spur (Lincoln Tunnel) to Exit 16E to take Route 3 West, which also provides direct access.
- From the Garden State Parkway (Northbound):
- Garden State Parkway North to Exit 153A (Route 3).
- Follow Route 3 East to the Sports Complex.
- From the Garden State Parkway (Southbound):
- Garden State Parkway South to Exit 163 (Route 17).
- Follow Route 17 to Paterson Plank Road.
- Take Paterson Plank Road east to the Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium
- Pre-Paid Parking: For NFL games and many major events, pre-paid parking passes are often required and highly recommended. Purchase these in advance through the official MetLife Stadium website or the event organizer.
- Event Day Parking: For smaller events, parking might be available and payable upon arrival. Always check the specific event page or "Know Before You Go" document for parking details, including lot opening times.
- Accessible Parking: Available in designated lots (typically Lots E, F, and G) for vehicles with a valid state-issued accessible parking license plate or hang tag. The owner of the tag must be in the vehicle.
- Tailgating: MetLife Stadium has specific rules and designated areas for tailgating (Lots G and J are popular for NFL games). Check the stadium's policies before you go.
- Overflow Parking: The American Dream Mall next to the stadium often offers additional parking, sometimes with shuttle services to the stadium. This can be a good alternative if official lots are full.
- Edison ParkFast at Secaucus Junction: If you want to drive part of the way and then take the train, you can park at the Edison ParkFast lot at Secaucus Junction (675 New Country Road, Secaucus, NJ). This 1,100-space lot is open 24/7. From there, you take the short NJ Transit train to MetLife. Verify that train service is running for your event if you choose this option.
Sub-heading: Traffic Tips
- Arrive Early: This cannot be stressed enough. Traffic on Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike can be extremely heavy on event days. Giving yourself ample time will save you a lot of frustration.
- Use Navigation Apps: Waze or Google Maps provide real-time traffic updates and can help you navigate around unexpected congestion.
Step 4: Ride-Share Services - Convenience with a Catch
Using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft can be a great option for door-to-door convenience, but be aware of potential challenges.
Sub-heading: Designated Zones
- MetLife Stadium has designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones, typically in Lot E, adjacent to the Verizon Gate and Walk Bridge. Follow signage and app instructions to these areas.
Sub-heading: Post-Event Considerations
- Surge Pricing: Expect significant surge pricing after events due to high demand.
- Long Wait Times: Wait times for a ride can be over an hour after major events. Your phone battery might also drain quickly from checking the app.
- Walk Away: To potentially avoid some of the immediate post-event chaos and surge pricing, consider walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting your ride.
- Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone is fully charged before the event, or bring a portable charger.
Step 5: Pre-Event Preparation and General Tips
Regardless of your chosen method, a little preparation goes a long way.
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- Check Event Specifics: Always check the official MetLife Stadium website and the event organizer's website for any specific transportation advisories, parking changes, or schedules related to your particular event. Things can change!
- "Know Before You Go" Documents: Many events will issue "Know Before You Go" guides closer to the date, which contain crucial information on parking, transportation, bag policies, and more. Read these!
- Bag Policy: MetLife Stadium has a strict clear bag policy. Be familiar with it before you arrive to avoid delays at security.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, especially if you'll be walking to/from public transport or parking.
- Stay Hydrated: Particularly important for outdoor events.
- Have Fun! Once you've got your transportation sorted, relax and enjoy the experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to getting to MetLife Stadium from New Jersey, with quick answers:
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How to get to MetLife Stadium from Newark Penn Station?
- Take an NJ Transit train from Newark Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to MetLife Stadium.
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How to find the best public transportation from Jersey City to MetLife Stadium?
- From Jersey City, take an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle. Alternatively, some local NJ Transit buses (like the 85) go to American Dream, which is a walk away.
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How to purchase NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium?
- Buy a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands" using the NJ Transit Mobile App, at ticket vending machines, or ticket offices at major stations.
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How to know if the MetLife Stadium train service is running for my event?
- Check the official NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com
- Check the official NJ Transit website (
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How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
- Arrive very early before the event, use navigation apps with real-time traffic updates (like Waze or Google Maps), and consider using the Edison ParkFast at Secaucus Junction and taking the train for the last leg.
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How to find parking at MetLife Stadium?
- Purchase pre-paid parking passes in advance for most major events. Otherwise, parking is available and payable upon arrival, but always check the event-specific parking information beforehand.
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How to use ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) to MetLife Stadium?
- Ride-share services have designated drop-off and pick-up zones, typically in Lot E. Follow in-app directions. Be prepared for surge pricing and long waits after events.
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How to get from the American Dream Mall to MetLife Stadium?
- The American Dream Mall is adjacent to MetLife Stadium, so it's often a walkable distance, though always assess the route and your comfort level, especially at night. Some shuttle services might also be available for specific events.
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How to transfer trains at Secaucus Junction for MetLife Stadium?
- At Secaucus Junction, follow signs for the "Meadowlands Rail Line." Trains to MetLife Stadium typically depart from Tracks E-H on the lower level. Show your pre-purchased ticket to staff.
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How to ensure a smooth departure from MetLife Stadium after an event?
- If taking NJ Transit, keep your return ticket handy and head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station quickly after the event. If using ride-share, consider walking a few blocks away from the immediate stadium area to avoid the densest crowds and potential surge pricing, and ensure your phone is charged.
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