Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan
Hey there, sports fans and concert-goers! Are you ready to experience the thrill of MetLife Stadium, but feeling a little overwhelmed about how to navigate from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the Meadowlands? Don't sweat it! You're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every popular option, making your journey from the concrete jungle to the stadium a breeze. Let's get you cheering for your favorite team or singing along to your favorite band without any transportation woes!
Step 1: Assess Your Needs – What Kind of Traveler Are You?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's figure out what matters most to you for this trip. Are you looking for the cheapest option, the fastest route, or the most convenient door-to-door service? Are you traveling solo, with a small group, or a large party? Do you prefer public transport, or the comfort of a private car? Your answers will help you pick the perfect mode of transportation.
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| How To Get To Metlife Stadium From Manhattan |
Sub-heading: Consider Event Day Factors
- Time of Day: Rush hour traffic can significantly impact travel times, especially for driving or ride-sharing.
- Event Type: Large events like NFL games will have dedicated public transport services that might not be available for smaller events. Always check the MetLife Stadium website for event-specific transportation details.
- Weather: Inclement weather can affect all modes of transport, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Public Transportation – The Smart & Often Cheapest Way
Public transportation is often the most recommended way to get to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan, especially on event days. It helps you avoid notorious New Jersey traffic and expensive parking.
Sub-heading: Option A: NJ Transit Train (Most Popular for Major Events)
This is typically the most efficient and popular option for major events like NFL games and large concerts.
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Get to New York Penn Station (NYC):
- No matter where you are in Manhattan, your first goal is to reach New York Penn Station. You can get there via various subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 lines) or countless bus routes.
- Pro Tip: Allow ample time to navigate Penn Station; it's a large and busy hub!
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Purchase Your NJ Transit Ticket:
- At Penn Station, look for NJ Transit ticket vending machines or ticket windows.
- Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination. It's highly recommended to purchase a round-trip ticket to avoid lines after the event.
- Note: NJ Transit also has a convenient mobile app for purchasing tickets. Download it in advance!
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Take the Train to Secaucus Junction:
- From Penn Station, board an NJ Transit train that stops at Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a major transfer hub. Trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line are common options.
- The ride to Secaucus Junction is typically around 10-15 minutes.
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Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line:
- Once you arrive at Secaucus Junction, follow the signs for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
- You'll typically transfer to a train on the lower level of the station.
- On event days, these trains run frequently (every 10-20 minutes before an event, hourly during, and every 10 minutes after). The travel time from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is approximately 10 minutes.
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Arrive at MetLife Stadium:
- The Meadowlands Sports Complex Station drops you off right at the doorstep of MetLife Stadium, usually near the MetLife Gate. It's incredibly convenient!
Sub-heading: Option B: Coach USA Bus (351 Meadowlands Express)
This direct bus service is another excellent option, especially if you're starting closer to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
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Head to Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT):
- Located at 625 8th Avenue in Manhattan, the PABT is a major hub accessible via various subway lines (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7 lines) and numerous bus routes.
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Locate the 351 Meadowlands Express Bus:
- Coach USA operates the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service directly from Port Authority to MetLife Stadium for NFL games and other large events.
- Important: Check the Coach USA website (
www.351express.com
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Purchase Tickets:
- Tickets can usually be purchased at the Port Authority Bus Terminal or in advance online.
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Enjoy the Direct Ride:
- The 351 bus offers a direct ride to the MetLife Sports Complex, typically dropping you off in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center. From there, it's a short walk to the stadium.
- The journey can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Step 3: Driving & Ride-Sharing – For Flexibility (with Caveats)
If public transit isn't your preference, or you have specific needs (e.g., tailgating), driving or using a ride-share service are alternatives. Be warned: traffic can be heavy, especially on event days, and parking can be expensive or require pre-paid permits.
Sub-heading: Option A: Driving Your Own Car
While it offers flexibility, driving to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan comes with its challenges.
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Route Planning:
- The stadium is easily accessible from major roadways. Common routes involve:
- Lincoln Tunnel: From Midtown Manhattan, take the Lincoln Tunnel, follow signs for Route 3 West, and then signs for the Sports Complex.
- George Washington Bridge: From Upper Manhattan, take the George Washington Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike South, then the Western Spur (Exits 16W or 18W) for direct access to the Sports Complex.
- Always use a GPS app (Google Maps, Waze) for real-time traffic updates.
- The stadium is easily accessible from major roadways. Common routes involve:
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Parking at MetLife Stadium:
- Pre-paid parking permits are highly recommended, and often required, for NFL games and other major events. These can usually be purchased through Ticketmaster or the NFL Ticket Exchange.
- Parking lots typically open 5 hours before an event.
- 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 usually available for a fee (shuttle service provided to Lot G).
- Parking fees can range from $40-$70 or more.
- Be aware: Circulation between parking lots is not permitted, and vehicles are subject to search.
Sub-heading: Option B: Taxi or Ride-Share Services (Uber/Lyft)
These offer door-to-door convenience but can be pricey and subject to surge pricing.
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Booking Your Ride:
- You can easily hail a yellow cab in Manhattan or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
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Drop-off and Pick-up at MetLife Stadium:
- MetLife Stadium has designated drop-off and pick-up areas, usually between parking lots D and E. Follow signage for these zones.
- Crucial Tip for After the Event: Ride-share services often experience significant surge pricing and long wait times after major events. Your ride back could be substantially more expensive and take much longer to secure than your ride there. Consider this carefully when planning your return journey. Many recommend public transport for the return trip to avoid this headache.
Step 4: Private Shuttle Services & Charters
For groups or those seeking a more luxurious or hassle-free experience, private shuttle services and charter buses are an option.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
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Research Providers:
- Companies like GO Airlink NYC offer private car services, SUVs, vans, minibuses, and even motorcoaches for larger groups.
- Other independent companies also offer round-trip shuttle services from various points in Manhattan (e.g., Times Square). A quick online search for "Manhattan to MetLife Stadium shuttle" will yield results.
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Booking in Advance:
- These services must be booked in advance. Confirm pick-up locations, times, and pricing.
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Benefits:
- Comfort and convenience: Often offers direct, non-stop service.
- Avoids parking hassles: Drivers will typically drop you off and pick you up at designated areas.
- Fixed pricing: Can avoid surge pricing associated with ride-shares after an event.
Step 5: Accessibility & Special Considerations
MetLife Stadium strives to be accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, plan ahead.
- Accessible Parking: Available in Lots E, F, and G with a valid state-issued accessible parking license plate or hang tag.
- Accessible Drop-off/Pick-up: Located in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
- NJ Transit: The train system is generally accessible. Check NJ Transit's website for specific accessibility information and elevator availability at stations.
Step 6: Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Check Event Schedules: Always verify game or event times on the MetLife Stadium website.
- Arrive Early: No matter your chosen method, arriving early is key to avoiding last-minute stress, especially on major event days. This gives you time for security checks, finding your seats, or tailgating.
- Stay Hydrated & Fueled: Travel can be tiring.
- Charge Your Phone: Essential for tickets, navigation, and communication.
- Dress for the Weather: MetLife Stadium is an outdoor venue.
- Have Fun!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to choose the best transportation option to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan?
The best option depends on your priorities: NJ Transit train for efficiency and cost (especially for major events), Coach USA bus for direct service from Port Authority, and driving/ride-share for flexibility but with potential traffic/cost/hassle.
How to buy NJ Transit train tickets to MetLife Stadium?
You can buy tickets at NJ Transit vending machines or ticket windows at New York Penn Station, or conveniently through the NJ Transit mobile app. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your destination.
How to find the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus from Port Authority?
Check the Coach USA website (
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan?
The best way to avoid traffic is to arrive very early, or consider using public transportation instead. Real-time GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze can also help navigate around current congestion.
How to park at MetLife Stadium for an event?
For most major events, you'll need a pre-paid parking permit, which can often be purchased through Ticketmaster. Without a permit for NFL games, you might need to use an off-site lot with shuttle service.
How to get back to Manhattan from MetLife Stadium after an event?
The NJ Transit train from Meadowlands Sports Complex Station to Secaucus Junction, then connecting to New York Penn Station, is generally the most reliable way back. The Coach USA 351 bus also operates after events. Be wary of ride-share surge pricing.
How to get to MetLife Stadium if I'm not near Penn Station or Port Authority?
You'll need to use the NYC subway or bus system to reach either New York Penn Station (for the NJ Transit train) or Port Authority Bus Terminal (for the Coach USA bus) as your first leg of the journey.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How to get to MetLife Stadium with accessibility needs?
MetLife Stadium offers accessible parking in Lots E, F, and G (with proper tags) and a dedicated accessible drop-off/pick-up area in Lot C. NJ Transit trains are generally accessible, but check their website for specific details.
How to determine the cost of transportation to MetLife Stadium?
NJ Transit train tickets are typically around $6-$9 one-way. Coach USA bus tickets are in a similar range. Driving costs include tolls and parking (potentially $40-$70+). Taxis/rideshares can range from $40-$60+ one-way, with potential surge pricing.
How to ensure I don't miss my train or bus back to Manhattan after an event?
Note the last departure times for your chosen public transport option, especially for connecting trains at Secaucus Junction. For trains, head to the station promptly after the event. For buses, familiarize yourself with the pick-up location in Lot K.
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