Going to MetLife Stadium for a game or concert is an incredible experience, but navigating the crowds and traffic can be a challenge. Good news! Taking the train is by far one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free ways to get there. Say goodbye to parking nightmares and hello to a smooth journey!
Ready to ditch the driving hassle and embrace the rails? Let's get you to MetLife Stadium by train!
The Ultimate Guide to Getting to MetLife Stadium by Train
MetLife Stadium is conveniently served by NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands Rail Line, which offers direct service right to the stadium's doorstep for major events. The key to this journey is Secaucus Junction, a major transfer hub.
Step 1: Determine Your Starting Point & Event Day
First things first: where are you coming from, and is there an event happening at the stadium? This is crucial because NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands Rail Line only operates for major events (typically those with an anticipated attendance above 50,000, like NFL games and large concerts).
- Coming from New York City (NYC)? You'll likely start at New York Penn Station (NYP).
- Coming from other parts of New Jersey? You'll connect to Secaucus Junction from your local NJ TRANSIT rail line.
- Coming from Hoboken? You can take a train directly to Secaucus Junction, and sometimes there's limited direct service to the Meadowlands after events.
Is there an event? Check the MetLife Stadium website or NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands section for event-specific rail schedules. If there's no major event, the direct train service to MetLife Stadium will not be running. In that case, you might need to consider bus options (like Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express or local NJ TRANSIT buses to American Dream and then a walk) or ride-shares from Secaucus Junction.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Step 2: Purchasing Your Train Ticket
This is a critical step to avoid delays and potential surcharges!
Sub-heading: Where to Buy Your Ticket
- NJ TRANSIT Mobile App: Highly recommended! Download the free NJ TRANSIT Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. This allows you to purchase tickets directly from your phone, activate them when you're ready to board, and avoid lines at ticket machines. It's incredibly convenient.
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at all NJ TRANSIT rail stations, including New York Penn Station and Secaucus Junction. Look for the distinctive red and white machines.
- Ticket Windows: At larger stations like New York Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal, you'll find manned ticket windows.
- On the Train (with a Surcharge): While possible, it's strongly advised against. There's a $5 surcharge for each ticket purchased on board the train if a ticket window or vending machine was available at your boarding station. Save your money and buy in advance!
Sub-heading: Selecting Your Destination
When purchasing your ticket, select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination. This will ensure you have a valid ticket for the entire journey, including the transfer at Secaucus Junction.
- From New York Penn Station, a round-trip adult ticket to Meadowlands Sports Complex is typically around $12.60.
- From Secaucus Junction, a round-trip ticket to Meadowlands Sports Complex is usually around $5.10.
Pro-Tip: Always purchase a round-trip ticket in advance! This saves you time and hassle when leaving the stadium after the event, as lines for tickets can be very long.
Step 3: Navigating to Secaucus Junction
Secaucus Junction (Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction) is the central hub for all trains heading to MetLife Stadium. Most NJ TRANSIT rail lines connect here.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Sub-heading: From New York Penn Station (NYP)
- Head to the NJ TRANSIT concourse within Penn Station (generally located closer to 7th Avenue).
- Look for trains displaying "SEC" (for Secaucus) on the platform destination boards. Most NJ TRANSIT trains departing from New York Penn Station will stop at Secaucus Junction.
- Board any train destined for stations beyond Secaucus (e.g., Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Lines, Main/Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line, Raritan Valley Line, Port Jervis Line). The ride to Secaucus Junction is typically only one stop and takes around 10-15 minutes.
Sub-heading: From Other NJ TRANSIT Stations
- Consult the NJ TRANSIT Trip Planner on their website or app to find the best route from your originating station to Secaucus Junction.
- Many lines will have direct service, or you may have a single transfer required to reach Secaucus.
Sub-heading: From Hoboken Terminal
- Take any Main Line, Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line, or Port Jervis Line train from Hoboken Terminal to Secaucus Junction.
Step 4: Transferring at Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Line
This is the final leg of your journey!
- Upon arrival at Secaucus Junction, you'll need to exit the platform and proceed to the lower level where the Meadowlands Rail Line departs.
- Follow the signs carefully: There will be clear signage for "Meadowlands Sports Complex" or "MetLife Stadium." NJ TRANSIT staff are usually on hand to direct crowds during major events.
- You will use your pre-purchased ticket to pass through the fare gates at Secaucus Junction. Each ticket will open the fare gate one time.
- Board the Meadowlands-bound train. This shuttle service runs frequently (every 10-20 minutes, sometimes more frequently "load and go" depending on crowd size) on event days, starting approximately 3.5 hours before the event.
- The travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is incredibly quick, typically only 10-13 minutes.
Step 5: Arrival at MetLife Stadium
- The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is located right at the stadium, near the MetLife Gate and Lot B. You'll literally be steps away from the action!
- Enjoy your event!
Step 6: The Return Journey
Planning your return is just as important as your arrival!
- After the event, head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station. Be prepared for crowds, but trains run frequently on a "load and go" basis until the crowds dissipate.
- Important: You must have a valid ticket to board the train from Meadowlands back to Secaucus Junction. If you bought a round-trip ticket, you're all set.
- All trains from MetLife Stadium will take you back to Secaucus Junction.
- From Secaucus Junction, transfer to your connecting NJ TRANSIT train to your final destination (New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal, or other New Jersey stations).
- Pay attention to the schedule for your connecting train from Secaucus Junction, especially for evening events, to ensure you don't miss the last train to your final destination. NJ TRANSIT usually has return service operating for at least an hour after the event, and often longer until crowds are cleared.
By following these steps, your journey to and from MetLife Stadium by train will be smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. Forget the traffic and parking woes – let NJ TRANSIT do the driving!
 |
 |
| How To Get To Metlife Stadium By Train |
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the train schedule for a specific event at MetLife Stadium?
You can find event-specific train schedules on the official NJ TRANSIT website (
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
How to buy train tickets for MetLife Stadium using the mobile app?
Download the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, create an account, select "Buy Tickets," choose "Rail" as your mode, select your starting station and "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination, and then purchase your round-trip ticket. Activate it just before boarding your first train.
How to transfer trains at Secaucus Junction for MetLife Stadium?
At Secaucus Junction, follow the clear signs to the "Meadowlands Sports Complex" or "MetLife Stadium" trains. These trains typically depart from the lower level. You'll need to use your ticket to pass through the fare gates.
How to avoid surcharges when buying train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
Always purchase your round-trip train tickets in advance from a ticket vending machine, a ticket window, or via the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App before boarding the train at your originating station.
How to get to MetLife Stadium by train from New York Penn Station?
From New York Penn Station, take any NJ TRANSIT train that stops at Secaucus Junction (most trains do, look for "SEC" on the departure board). At Secaucus Junction, transfer to a Meadowlands-bound shuttle train.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
How to get back to New York City from MetLife Stadium by train?
After the event, take the Meadowlands Rail Line back to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus Junction, transfer to any NJ TRANSIT train heading towards New York Penn Station.
How to know if train service is operating for an event at MetLife Stadium?
NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands Rail Line typically operates for major events with anticipated attendance above 50,000, such as NFL games and large concerts. Always check the official MetLife Stadium or NJ TRANSIT websites for event-specific rail service announcements.
How to find parking at Secaucus Junction if I drive part of the way?
There is a "Park and Ride" option at the Edison Park Fast parking lot next to the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This allows you to park your car and take the train for the final leg of your journey.
How to connect to the Meadowlands Rail Line from other NJ Transit lines?
All NJ TRANSIT rail lines connect at Secaucus Junction, making it the central transfer point for the Meadowlands Rail Line. Simply take your local train to Secaucus Junction and then transfer to the MetLife Stadium shuttle train.
How to get to MetLife Stadium by train from Hoboken Terminal?
From Hoboken Terminal, take any Main Line, Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line, or Port Jervis Line train to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands-bound shuttle train. Some limited direct service from Meadowlands to Hoboken may be available after events.
 |
