Getting to MetLife Stadium from Midtown Manhattan: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you ready for the electrifying atmosphere of a live event at MetLife Stadium? Whether it's a thrilling football game, a pulsating concert, or an exciting special event, getting there from the heart of Midtown Manhattan can seem like a daunting task. Fear not, fellow adventurer! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey from the bustling streets of NYC to the grand stands of MetLife.
Let's dive in and plan your perfect trip!
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Step 1: Your Mission - Choose Your Mode of Transport!
Before we embark on our journey, let's figure out how you prefer to travel. Do you crave the efficiency of public transit, the comfort of a private ride, or the freedom of your own vehicle? Each option has its perks, and knowing your priorities will make the rest of this guide a breeze.
- Public Transit (Train & Bus): This is often the most recommended and cost-effective option, especially for major events. You avoid traffic and parking hassles.
- Ride-Sharing/Taxi: Convenient for direct door-to-door service, but can be subject to surge pricing and traffic delays.
- Driving: Offers flexibility but requires navigating traffic and securing parking, which can be expensive and require pre-planning.
Take a moment to consider what matters most to you: cost, speed, convenience, or comfort? Once you've made your decision, proceed to the relevant step below!
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
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| How To Get To Metlife Stadium From Midtown |
Step 2: The Public Transit Playbook
For most events, public transit is the champion. Let's break down your options.
Sub-heading: The Train - NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Line
This is often the easiest and most reliable public transport option, especially for major events (those with an anticipated attendance of over 50,000).
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
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Step 2a: Getting to New York Penn Station (NYP)
- From anywhere in Midtown, New York Penn Station is your starting point. You can reach it easily by:
- Subway: Numerous subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, LIRR) connect directly to Penn Station at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.
- Walking: If you're in the immediate vicinity of Penn Station (e.g., Times Square, Herald Square), a walk might be quicker than a short subway ride.
- Taxi/Ride-share: For those further afield or with luggage, a quick taxi or ride-share will get you there.
- From anywhere in Midtown, New York Penn Station is your starting point. You can reach it easily by:
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Step 2b: Your Ride to Secaucus Junction
- Once at New York Penn Station, you'll need to take an NJ Transit train to Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This is a major transfer hub.
- Purchase your round-trip ticket in advance! You can do this at any NJ Transit ticket vending machine or ticket window at Penn Station. Select "Meadowlands Sports Complex" as your final destination to ensure you get the correct transfer.
- Trains to Secaucus Junction depart frequently. The ride is quick, typically around 10-15 minutes.
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Step 2c: The Final Leg to MetLife Stadium
- At Secaucus Junction, you'll transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line. This line provides direct service to MetLife Stadium.
- Important Note: Trains to the Meadowlands depart from the lower level at Secaucus Junction. Follow the clear signage.
- The ride from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is approximately 10 minutes. The station is conveniently located near the MetLife Gate, between the stadium and Lot B.
- Event-Specific Service: Meadowlands Rail Line service typically begins approximately 3.5 hours prior to kickoff or an event and runs every 10-20 minutes, then hourly during the event, and every 10 minutes after the event concludes. Always check the official NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands
Sub-heading: The Bus - Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express
Another excellent public transport option is the dedicated Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service. This offers a direct route for NFL games and other large events.
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Step 2a: Head to Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT)
- Located at 625 8th Avenue, Port Authority is easily accessible from Midtown via:
- Subway: Many subway lines (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7) connect to Port Authority.
- Walking: A short walk from Times Square and surrounding Midtown hotels.
- Taxi/Ride-share: Convenient if you have luggage or prefer not to use the subway.
- Located at 625 8th Avenue, Port Authority is easily accessible from Midtown via:
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Step 2b: Boarding the 351 Meadowlands Express
- The 351 Meadowlands Express bus departs from the South Wing, on the third floor of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, typically from Gates 411, 412, 413, or 414. However, street-level departures on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues are also possible depending on the event. Always check the Coach USA website (351express.com) for the specific departure gate for your event.
- Purchase your round-trip ticket in advance online or at the Port Authority South Wing, main floor (windows 11-15). The round-trip fare is generally around $18. Priority boarding is often given to online ticket holders.
- The bus service usually begins 2.5 hours prior to the event start time and continues to run until 30 minutes after the start of the game. Return service operates for approximately one hour after the event ends.
- The journey typically takes around 20 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic conditions.
- The bus drops off and picks up in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center, which is accessible via the MetLife Gate.
Step 3: Driving - The Freedom of the Open Road (with Considerations)
If you prefer to drive, be prepared for potential traffic and parking logistics.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
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Step 3a: Navigating to MetLife Stadium
- MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. From Midtown, your primary routes will involve the Lincoln Tunnel or Holland Tunnel, leading to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and then connecting to local roads like State Road 3.
- Always use a GPS or mapping app for real-time traffic updates and the most efficient route.
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Step 3b: Parking at MetLife Stadium
- Pre-paid Parking: For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are almost always required to enter the Sports Complex. These can be purchased through Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange. Parking permits are categorized as "Platinum" (Lots E, F, G) or "Gold" (Lots B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and lots near American Dream).
- On-site Parking (Non-NFL events): For non-NFL events, pre-paid permits may not be required, and parking may be available and payable upon arrival.
- 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 usually available for a fee (cash/credit accepted). Shuttle service to Lot G on the Stadium Complex is provided from here.
- Secaucus Junction Park & Ride: For NFL games, you can also park at the Edison Park Fast lot at Secaucus Junction (675 New Country Road, Secaucus NJ) and take the Meadowlands Rail Service to the stadium. This 1,100-space lot is open 24/7. Confirm rail service is running for your event before choosing this option.
- Lot Opening Times: Parking lots typically open 5 hours prior to the start of an event and close 2 hours after the conclusion. Do not arrive too early, as you may not be permitted to enter.
- Accessibility Parking: Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with valid ADA license plates or hang tags. The owner of the vehicle must be present.
- Be aware of parking regulations: Tailgating rules apply, and illegal parking on roadways or medians is strictly prohibited and will result in ticketing and/or towing.
Step 4: Ride-Sharing & Taxis - Convenience at a Price
For a direct, door-to-door experience, ride-sharing services (like Uber, Lyft) and traditional taxis are an option.
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Step 4a: Booking Your Ride
- Simply open your preferred ride-sharing app or hail a yellow cab in Midtown.
- Input "MetLife Stadium" as your destination.
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Step 4b: Understanding the Costs and Logistics
- Cost: A taxi from Midtown to MetLife Stadium can range from approximately $40-$55, depending on traffic and time of day. Ride-sharing prices will fluctuate significantly based on demand (surge pricing) and can be much higher during peak event times.
- Travel Time: Without heavy traffic, the drive is relatively quick, around 15-20 minutes. However, on event days, traffic can be a major factor, extending travel times considerably.
- Drop-off/Pick-up: MetLife Stadium has a designated drop-off and pick-up area between parking lots D and E. This is a no-charge zone. Be prepared for crowds and potential wait times for your return ride, especially after a large event. Many ride-share services will experience long wait times and surge pricing after games. Private car services like GO Airlink NYC offer pre-booked options to avoid this.
Step 5: Accessibility at MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests.
- Accessibility Assistants: Guests with limited mobility can request wheelchair assistance from any team member at the gates to get to their seats.
- Accessible Seating: Wheelchair/low mobility and companion seating are available on all levels. Guests can purchase accessible seating through Ticketmaster or contact the MetLife Stadium Guest Services Hotline (201-559-1515) for assistance.
- Restrooms: All public restrooms are accessible, and family/companion restrooms are available on every level.
- Ramps & Escalators: Code-compliant public ramps are located at the north and south end-zones. Public escalators are at various entrances.
- Guest Services: Booths are located throughout the stadium (Sections 124, 149, 227, 249, 303, 324, 328, 349) to assist with any special requests.
- For a complete list of accessible services, visit the MetLife Stadium website's A-Z Guide.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions to help you further plan your trip to MetLife Stadium from Midtown:
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How to check the NJ Transit train schedule for MetLife Stadium?
- Visit the official NJ Transit website at
njtransit.com/meadowlands
- Visit the official NJ Transit website at
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How to buy tickets for the 351 Meadowlands Express bus?
- You can buy round-trip tickets online at
coachusa.com/351-meadowlands-express
- You can buy round-trip tickets online at
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How to find the cheapest way to get to MetLife Stadium from Midtown?
- Driving with a group to split gas and parking costs is often the cheapest, but public transit (NJ Transit train or bus) is a close second and usually more practical for events.
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How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
- Leave very early, especially for popular events. Utilize real-time traffic apps, and consider the Secaucus Junction Park & Ride option if train service is available.
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How to purchase pre-paid parking for NFL games at MetLife Stadium?
- Pre-paid parking permits for NFL games are typically purchased through the Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange when you buy your game tickets.
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How to get dropped off or picked up by a taxi or ride-share at MetLife Stadium?
- The designated drop-off and pick-up area is located between parking lots D and E. Follow signage upon arrival.
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How to get back to Midtown Manhattan after an event?
- For public transit, head back to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station for the train to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to a train to New York Penn Station. For buses, return to Lot K for the 351 Meadowlands Express back to Port Authority. For ride-shares, be prepared for potential surge pricing and longer wait times at the designated pick-up area.
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How to find out if train service is running for a specific event?
- Always check the MetLife Stadium official website's "Public Transportation" section or the NJ Transit website (
njtransit.com/meadowlands
- Always check the MetLife Stadium official website's "Public Transportation" section or the NJ Transit website (
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How to get assistance with accessibility needs at MetLife Stadium?
- Upon arrival, speak with any stadium team member at the gates, visit a Guest Services Booth located throughout the concourses, or contact the Guest Services Hotline at 201-559-1515 in advance.
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How to know the latest event information and stadium policies?
- Always refer to the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) and their "Know Before You Go" documents, which are updated for each specific event and contain crucial details on timings, policies, and transportation.
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