How To Get To Metlife Stadium From Brooklyn

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Are you ready for an epic journey from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the electric atmosphere of MetLife Stadium? Whether you're a die-hard fan catching a game, heading to an unforgettable concert, or attending a special event, getting to MetLife Stadium from Brooklyn can seem a bit daunting. But fear not, my friend! This comprehensive guide will break down all your options, ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip.

Let's dive in and get you to the action!

Step 1: Determine Your Priority – Time, Cost, or Convenience?

Before we map out your route, let's figure out what matters most to you. Are you:

On a budget and looking for the most economical way to get there?
In a hurry and willing to pay a bit more for speed?
Seeking maximum convenience and want to avoid transfers or driving altogether?

Your answer to this question will largely dictate the best mode of transport for you.

Step 2: Public Transportation – The Eco-Friendly and Often Smart Choice

Public transit is a fantastic option, especially for major events, as it helps you avoid the headache of traffic and expensive parking. You'll primarily rely on a combination of NYC's MTA subway system and New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit).

Sub-heading: The Subway & NJ Transit Train Combo (Most Recommended for Events)

This is often the most efficient and reliable way to get to MetLife Stadium for large events, as NJ Transit runs special direct services.

Get to Penn Station, Manhattan:
- From Downtown Brooklyn (e.g., Jay St-MetroTech, Borough Hall): Take the C or E subway line directly to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal or 34 St-Penn Station, respectively. The E train goes directly to Penn Station.
- From other parts of Brooklyn (e.g., Church Av, Prospect Park):
  - Take the 2 or 3 train to 34 St-Penn Station.
  - Take the Q train to 42 St-Times Square, then you'll need to walk a couple of blocks west to Penn Station (34th Street & 7th/8th Avenue).
- Travel Time (Brooklyn to Penn Station): This can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on your starting point in Brooklyn.
Take NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction:
- From New York Penn Station, look for NJ Transit trains heading to Secaucus Junction (Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction). There are multiple lines that go through Secaucus Junction (e.g., Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Line, etc.). Any train marked with "SEC" will get you there.
- Purchase your ticket in advance! You can buy a round-trip ticket to "Meadowlands Sports Complex" at the NJ Transit ticket machines or via the NJ Transit Mobile App (highly recommended for ease and avoiding lines). Purchasing a round-trip ticket before boarding is crucial to avoid a potential $5 surcharge.
- Travel Time (Penn Station to Secaucus Junction): Approximately 10-15 minutes.
Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line:
- Once at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the Meadowlands Rail Line. This is a dedicated shuttle train that runs directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station, which is steps away from MetLife Stadium.
- Travel Time (Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex): Around 10 minutes.
- Important Note: For major events, these trains run frequently (every 10-20 minutes before the event, and on a "load and go" basis for up to 3 hours after an event). During the event, they typically run hourly. Always check the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com/meadowlands) for specific schedules related to your event.

Sub-heading: The Subway & Coach USA Bus Combo (Alternative Public Transit)

This option involves a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. It's also a viable public transport route.

Get to Port Authority Bus Terminal, Manhattan:
- From almost anywhere in Brooklyn, take a subway that connects you to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street & 8th Avenue). The A, C, E trains stop directly at 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Travel Time (Brooklyn to Port Authority): Similar to getting to Penn Station, 20-45 minutes.
Take the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express Bus:
- From the Port Authority Bus Terminal, locate the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service. This bus provides direct, non-stop service to the MetLife Sports Complex.
- Ticket Purchase: You can buy tickets online via the Coach USA website (www.351express.com) or at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Wing, main floor, windows 11-15). A round-trip ticket typically costs around $18.
- Bus Departure: Departure gates at Port Authority can vary by event, so check the Coach USA website or signs at the terminal for the exact boarding location (often Gates 411-414 on the third floor of the South Wing, or a street-level departure area on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues).
- Travel Time (Port Authority to MetLife Stadium): Approximately 20-30 minutes, but this is highly subject to traffic. This is where the train often has an advantage on event days.

Step 3: Driving – For Those Who Prefer Their Own Wheels

Driving offers flexibility, but be prepared for potential traffic and the cost of tolls and parking.

Sub-heading: Navigating by Car from Brooklyn

The exact route will depend on your starting point in Brooklyn, but generally, you'll be heading towards one of the tunnels or bridges into Manhattan or directly into New Jersey.

Crossing into Manhattan/New Jersey:
- Manhattan Bridge/Holland Tunnel Route: A common route involves taking the Manhattan Bridge into Manhattan, then navigating to the Holland Tunnel to cross into New Jersey. From there, you'll pick up highways like the I-78 W or NJ-139 W, eventually connecting to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95 North) and then Route 3 West towards the Sports Complex.
- Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) / Lincoln Tunnel Route: Another option is to take the BQE (I-278) to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel (I-495 W) into Manhattan, then continue on I-495 W (which becomes NJ-495 W) towards the Lincoln Tunnel. Once through the Lincoln Tunnel, follow signs for Route 3 West to the Sports Complex.
- Tolls: Be prepared for tolls on bridges/tunnels and potentially on the New Jersey Turnpike. Consider getting an EZ-Pass to make your journey smoother.
Directions to MetLife Stadium from New Jersey Highways:
- From the Lincoln Tunnel: Take Route 3 West and follow the signs to the Sports Complex and Racetrack.
- From the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North or South:
  - Follow the Western Spur (Sports Complex to Exit 16W or 19W for I-95 South). This provides direct access to the Sports Complex parking areas. Note: Some Western Spur exits are EZ-Pass ONLY.
  - If the Western Spur is congested, use the Eastern Spur (Lincoln Tunnel) to exit 16E to Route 3 West, then follow the Route 3 West directions.
- From Garden State Parkway (North or South):
  - Southbound: Take Exit 163 (Route 17). Follow Route 17 to Paterson Plank Road. Take Paterson Plank Road East to the Sports Complex.
  - Northbound: Take Exit 153A (Route 3). Follow Route 3 East to the Sports Complex.

Sub-heading: Parking at MetLife Stadium

Parking at MetLife Stadium can be a significant cost and requires planning, especially for NFL games.

Pre-paid Parking Permits: For NFL games and many large events, a pre-paid parking permit is required for all vehicles entering the Sports Complex. These can often be purchased through Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange or other authorized sellers.
- Platinum permits generally allow access to Lots E, F, or G.
- Gold permits allow access to Lots B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and lots near American Dream.
Off-site Parking: If you don't have a pre-paid permit for NFL games, an off-site lot at 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 is often available for a fee (e.g., $55, cash/credit accepted). Shuttle service is provided from this lot to Lot G on the Stadium Complex.
American Dream Parking: The American Dream mall, located across from MetLife Stadium, offers parking in Lots 26 and 27. These are often pre-pay only via credit card upon arrival or by showing your pre-paid permit for certain events. Parking rates can be high ($40-$75) on event days.
Secaucus Junction Park & Ride: You can also park at the Edison Park Fast lot at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (675 New Country Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094) and take the Meadowlands Rail Service to the stadium. This can be a good option to avoid stadium traffic.
Always check the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com/plan-your-visit/parking-tailgating) for the most up-to-date parking information and rules for your specific event!

Step 4: Ride-Sharing and Taxis – The Convenient (But Potentially Pricey) Options

For those who want door-to-door service without the hassle of driving or multiple transfers, ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) or traditional taxis are an option.

Sub-heading: Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Lyft)

Cost: Expect prices to be in the range of $75-$100+ from Brooklyn to MetLife Stadium, potentially higher due to surge pricing during peak event times or heavy traffic.
Travel Time: Similar to driving, around 30 minutes to an hour or more, heavily dependent on traffic conditions.
Pick-up/Drop-off: MetLife Stadium has designated pick-up and drop-off areas (typically between parking lots D and E). Be sure to follow signage and app instructions.
Pro Tip: Consider taking a ride-share to Secaucus Junction and then hopping on the Meadowlands Rail Line to avoid stadium traffic, especially when leaving.

Sub-heading: Taxis

Cost: Similar to ride-sharing, a taxi from Brooklyn to MetLife Stadium can cost in the range of $75-$95, plus tolls and tip.
Availability: While you can hail a taxi in Brooklyn, arranging one for a specific time and destination like MetLife Stadium might require booking in advance, especially for early morning or late-night events.
Drop-off/Pick-up: Taxis will also use the designated drop-off/pick-up areas at the stadium.

Step 5: Planning Your Return Trip

Don't forget to plan your journey back to Brooklyn! For public transport, the steps are essentially reversed. For driving or ride-sharing, be prepared for potential heavy traffic and higher surge pricing immediately after an event concludes.

NJ Transit Train: The Meadowlands Rail Line will take you back to Secaucus Junction, where you can connect to trains back to New York Penn Station. From Penn Station, take the subway back to Brooklyn.
Coach USA Bus: The 351 Meadowlands Express buses will depart from the stadium up to an hour or so after the event ends, returning to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Driving: Factor in significant delays due to post-event traffic leaving the stadium complex.
Ride-share/Taxi: Expect long wait times and very high surge pricing immediately after a major event. It might be better to walk a bit further away from the immediate stadium area or wait out the initial rush.

Final Tips for a Smooth Trip:

Check Event Schedules: Always verify the event start and end times. This is crucial for planning public transport, as services often align with event schedules.
Allow Extra Time: No matter your chosen method, always budget for extra travel time, especially for major events. Traffic, subway delays, or long lines for transfers can happen.
NJ Transit App/MTA App: Download the NJ Transit Mobile App and the MYmta app for real-time updates, schedules, and ticket purchases.
Stay Hydrated & Pack Snacks: Especially if you're taking public transport and might be waiting or walking, have some water and snacks on hand.
Dress Comfortably: You might be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must!
Cash/MetroCard/OMNY: Have your MetroCard ready for the subway, or use OMNY for tap-to-pay. For NJ Transit, use the app or have cash/card for ticket machines.

By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you'll be cheering on your team or enjoying your concert at MetLife Stadium in no time!