Oh, you're looking to embark on an adventure from the vibrant borough of Queens to the epic MetLife Stadium? Excellent choice! Whether you're heading to cheer on your favorite football team, sing along with a legendary band, or witness another spectacular event, getting there from Queens requires a bit of planning. But fear not, intrepid traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. Let's get you to the Meadowlands!
Navigating from Queens to MetLife Stadium: Your Ultimate Public Transit Guide
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which means you'll be crossing state lines. Public transportation is often the most efficient and economical way to get there, especially on event days when traffic and parking can be a nightmare. Here's your step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Choosing Your Starting Point in Queens
Queens is a vast borough, and your starting point will influence your initial leg of the journey. The primary goal for this first step is to get to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) or New York Penn Station.
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Sub-heading: Using the Subway (MTA)
- The E, F, M, R, and 7 Lines: Depending on where you are in Queens, one of these subway lines will likely be your best bet to reach Midtown Manhattan.
- If you're in Long Island City, Astoria, or Sunnyside, the 7 train (to Times Sq-42 St) or the N/W trains (to Times Sq-42 St or 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal) are excellent options.
- From Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, or Rego Park, the E, F, M, or R trains will take you directly to Port Authority (42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal) or within a short walk.
- Tip: Use Google Maps or an MTA app to get precise directions from your exact location in Queens to "Port Authority Bus Terminal" or "Penn Station." This will give you the most accurate subway lines and transfers.
- Travel Time: Subway travel time within Queens to Manhattan can vary widely, but expect anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting station and transfers.
- Cost: A single subway fare is currently $2.90 (as of June 2025). You'll need a MetroCard (physical or OMNY tap-to-pay).
- The E, F, M, R, and 7 Lines: Depending on where you are in Queens, one of these subway lines will likely be your best bet to reach Midtown Manhattan.
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Sub-heading: Using the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)
- From Eastern Queens: If you're coming from areas further east in Queens, such as Jamaica, Flushing, or Queens Village, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) might be a faster way to get to New York Penn Station.
- To Penn Station: The LIRR has numerous lines that terminate at Penn Station.
- Tip: Check the LIRR schedules and fares on the MTA website. Buying a round-trip ticket is usually more convenient.
- Travel Time: LIRR travel times to Penn Station from Queens can range from 15 to 40 minutes.
- Cost: LIRR fares vary based on distance and peak/off-peak times. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-$12 for a one-way ticket to Penn Station.
Step 2: Reaching the Gateway to New Jersey: Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) or Penn Station
Once you've arrived in Manhattan, your next step is to head to either the Port Authority Bus Terminal for bus service or Penn Station for train service to Secaucus Junction.
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Sub-heading: From Subway to PABT
- If your subway line directly goes to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, you're already there!
- If you arrive at Times Sq-42 St via the 7, N, Q, R, S, or W trains, the Port Authority Bus Terminal is literally across the street or a very short walk (usually a block or two west on 42nd Street). Look for the large signage.
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Sub-heading: From Subway or LIRR to Penn Station
- If you took the LIRR, you'll arrive directly into New York Penn Station.
- If you're taking the subway to Penn Station, the A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 lines all have stops at 34 St-Penn Station.
Step 3: Your Journey from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium
This is where your path diverges slightly depending on whether you prefer bus or train. Both are viable options, but the train typically offers a more direct and often quicker connection to MetLife Stadium on event days.
Option A: The NJ Transit Train (Recommended for most events!)
This is generally the most efficient and popular option for reaching MetLife Stadium from NYC.
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Sub-heading: Step 3a.1: From Penn Station to Secaucus Junction
- NJ Transit Trains: From New York Penn Station, you'll take any NJ Transit train that stops at Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station at Secaucus Junction. Look for trains heading to points like Newark Penn Station, Long Branch, or Trenton, but ensure they specifically list Secaucus Junction as a stop.
- Frequency: These trains run frequently, especially on event days.
- Travel Time: The ride to Secaucus Junction is typically 10-15 minutes.
- Cost: A one-way ticket from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction is usually around $4-$5. You can purchase tickets at the NJ Transit machines or through the NJ Transit mobile app. Pro-tip: Buy a round-trip ticket to Meadowlands Station from your originating station (e.g., "Queens (LIRR station name) to Meadowlands" or "NY Penn Station to Meadowlands") to avoid lines later.
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Sub-heading: Step 3a.2: From Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station (MetLife Stadium)
- Dedicated Shuttle Service: For major events (Giants/Jets games, large concerts), NJ Transit operates special shuttle trains directly from Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is literally steps away from MetLife Stadium.
- Finding the Train: Follow the signs at Secaucus Junction for the Meadowlands Rail Line. These trains usually depart from a dedicated track (often Track H).
- Frequency: These shuttles run frequently before and after events, often on a "load and go" basis during peak times.
- Travel Time: The shuttle ride is very short, usually only 5-10 minutes.
- Cost: If you bought a direct ticket to "Meadowlands Station" from your original Queens or Penn Station departure, this leg is included. Otherwise, you may need to purchase an additional ticket at Secaucus Junction.
Option B: The Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express Bus
This is a good alternative, particularly if you prefer a direct bus ride from Manhattan.
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Sub-heading: Step 3b.1: Finding the 351 Express Bus at Port Authority
- Location: The Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express Bus departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Midtown Manhattan. Look for gates, often on the South Wing, 3rd Floor, or sometimes from a street-level departure area on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. The exact gate can vary, so check the screens at PABT for "351 Meadowlands Express" or ask a Port Authority staff member.
- Tickets: You can purchase tickets online via the Coach USA website (recommended for round-trip) or directly at the Port Authority Bus Terminal ticket windows.
- Frequency: Buses run frequently before and after major events.
- Travel Time: The bus ride typically takes around 20-30 minutes, but this is highly dependent on traffic. On event days, traffic around the Lincoln Tunnel and Meadowlands Sports Complex can be significant, so allow for extra time.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket on the 351 Express Bus is usually around $18.
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Sub-heading: Step 3b.2: Arrival at MetLife Stadium by Bus
- The 351 Express Bus drops passengers off at designated areas near MetLife Stadium, usually in Parking Lot K. From there, it's a short walk to the stadium entrance.
Step 4: The Final Approach and Enjoying Your Event!
Once you arrive at Meadowlands Rail Station (via train) or Parking Lot K (via bus), MetLife Stadium will be clearly visible. Follow the crowds and signs to the stadium entrance.
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Sub-heading: Security and Entry
- Be prepared for security checks, including bag checks (check stadium policy for bag size restrictions, usually clear bags are preferred).
- Have your ticket ready (mobile or printed) for entry.
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Sub-heading: Return Journey
- Plan Ahead: For your return, simply reverse the process. Follow signs for the Meadowlands Rail Station or the 351 Express Bus pickup point (usually the same as the drop-off).
- Allow Extra Time: After a major event, there will be large crowds heading back. Be patient and allow ample time for waiting in lines for trains or buses. NJ Transit trains and Coach USA buses run frequently after events to clear the crowds.
Important Considerations & Tips for a Smooth Trip:
- Check Event-Specific Schedules: Always verify the NJ Transit and Coach USA schedules for your specific event date. Event times can affect public transport schedules, especially the dedicated shuttle trains to Meadowlands. Check
njtransit.com/MetLife - Purchase Round-Trip Tickets: This is a major time-saver. Lines for tickets can be long at Penn Station or Secaucus Junction.
- Download Transit Apps: The NJ Transit app and MTA app are invaluable for real-time schedules, service alerts, and mobile ticketing.
- Cashless Fares: NJ Transit encourages cashless fares via their mobile app. For MTA subways, OMNY (tap-to-pay with a credit/debit card or smartphone) is widely available and convenient.
- Arrive Early: Especially for popular events, arriving at least 1-2 hours before the event starts is highly recommended to account for travel, transfers, and security.
- Dress for the Weather: You'll be doing some walking between transit points and the stadium, so dress appropriately for the weather.
- Hydrate and Snack: Bring a water bottle and a small snack, especially if you anticipate long travel times or waits.
- Bag Policy: MetLife Stadium has a strict clear bag policy. Check their official website for the latest guidelines before you go.
- Consider Ride-sharing (as a last resort): While driving is an option, traffic and parking are often prohibitive on event days. If you opt for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, expect surge pricing and potential difficulty finding a pick-up/drop-off point close to the stadium, especially after an event. Public transport is almost always the more practical choice.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check NJ Transit train schedules to MetLife Stadium?
You can check NJ Transit train schedules directly on their official website, njtransit.com, or by downloading the NJ Transit mobile app. Look for schedules to "Meadowlands Station" or "Secaucus Junction" and then for specific event shuttle times.
How to buy bus tickets for the 351 Meadowlands Express?
You can buy tickets for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus online through the Coach USA website (recommended for round-trip tickets) or in person at the Port Authority Bus Terminal ticket windows.
How to find the correct gate for the 351 bus at Port Authority?
The specific gate for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal can vary. Always check the digital display boards within the terminal for "351 Meadowlands Express" and its designated gate, or ask a Port Authority staff member.
How to transfer from a subway to the LIRR at Penn Station?
If you're already at Penn Station via the subway, follow the signs within the station for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) platforms. They are well-marked.
How to purchase a MetroCard for the subway in Queens?
You can purchase a MetroCard at any subway station in Queens (or anywhere in NYC) from the vending machines. Most machines accept cash, credit, and debit cards. You can also use OMNY, the tap-to-pay system, with your contactless credit/debit card or smartphone.
How to know if there's direct train service to MetLife Stadium on my event day?
Direct train service from Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium (Meadowlands Rail Line) is typically provided only for major events like NFL games and large concerts. Always check the NJ Transit website's "MetLife Stadium" section for event-specific rail schedules.
How to get from Grand Central to Penn Station for NJ Transit?
From Grand Central Terminal, you can take the S (Shuttle) train to Times Square-42 St, then transfer to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines to reach 34 St-Penn Station. This is a very common transfer route.
How to find my way around Secaucus Junction?
Secaucus Junction is a major transfer hub, but it's well-signposted. Follow the overhead signs for "Meadowlands Rail Line" or "Trains to MetLife Stadium." There will likely be crowds of fellow event-goers heading in the same direction.
How to ensure I don't miss the last train or bus back from MetLife Stadium?
Public transportation providers usually run extra service to accommodate event crowds. However, it's crucial to check the last scheduled departure times from Meadowlands Rail Station or the 351 bus stop. NJ Transit and Coach USA websites will have this information, usually released closer to the event date.
How to deal with large crowds when leaving MetLife Stadium?
Patience is key! After a major event, thousands of people will be leaving simultaneously. Expect lines for trains and buses. Follow the instructions of staff, stay calm, and allow for extra time. The transit systems are designed to handle these crowds efficiently, but it will take time.
