Hello there! Planning a trip to MetLife Stadium from Long Island? You've picked a fantastic way to avoid the notorious New Jersey traffic. While there isn't a direct train, it's absolutely possible to reach the stadium by combining Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and NJ Transit services. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. Let's get you to the game or concert!
The Train Journey from Long Island to MetLife Stadium: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting to MetLife Stadium from Long Island by train involves a few transfers, but with proper planning, it's a very efficient and often preferred method of travel, especially for major events.
Step 1: Plan Your Trip & Check Event Schedules ️
Before you even leave your house, the most crucial step is to verify that NJ Transit will be running special rail service to MetLife Stadium for your specific event. NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Line typically operates only for large-scale events, such as NFL games, major concerts, and other events with anticipated attendance above 50,000.
Sub-heading: Verify Event-Specific Train Service
Check the MetLife Stadium Website: Always consult the official MetLife Stadium transportation page (
metlifestadium.com/plan-your-visit/transportation njtransit.com/meadowlands Why this is important: If no special train service is running, you'll need to consider alternative public transport options like the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus from Port Authority (which still requires you to get to Port Authority from Long Island).
Step 2: Take the LIRR to New York Penn Station
Your journey begins on Long Island, heading straight into Manhattan.
Sub-heading: Boarding Your LIRR Train
Find your closest LIRR Station: Long Island is served by numerous LIRR stations. Use the MTA's TrainTime app or website to find the most convenient station for your starting point.
Purchase your LIRR ticket: You can buy your LIRR ticket at the station from a ticket machine or window, or conveniently through the MTA's TrainTime app on your smartphone. Make sure to purchase a ticket to New York Penn Station. Consider purchasing a round-trip ticket to save time later.
Off-Peak vs. Peak Fares: Be mindful of LIRR's peak and off-peak hours. Peak fares are generally more expensive and apply during weekday rush hours (6 AM - 10 AM for arrivals in NYC, and 4 PM - 8 PM for departures from NYC). Off-peak fares apply at all other times, including weekends and holidays.
Travel Time: The travel time on the LIRR to Penn Station will vary greatly depending on your originating station on Long Island. It can range from as little as 20-30 minutes for stations closer to NYC to over an hour for those further east.
Step 3: Navigate Penn Station & Transfer to NJ Transit
New York Penn Station can be a bustling hub, but transferring from LIRR to NJ Transit is straightforward if you know where to go.
Sub-heading: Locating the NJ Transit Concourse
Arriving at Penn Station: Once your LIRR train arrives, disembark and follow the signs for "NJ Transit." Penn Station is large, but signage is generally good. You'll need to head to the NJ Transit concourse, which is typically located between gates to Tracks 1 through 12.
Purchase Your NJ Transit Ticket: This is a critical step. At Penn Station, you need to purchase a round-trip joint ticket to "Meadowlands Station" (or "MetLife Sports Complex Station"). Look for ticket windows or the distinct NJ Transit ticket vending machines. It is highly recommended to buy your round-trip ticket before boarding the train to avoid a $5 surcharge per ticket if purchased on board. The MTA website states that LIRR joint tickets for MetLife Stadium are available at LIRR ticket machines, so you might be able to buy it at your initial LIRR station. This joint ticket is valid for travel to/from Penn Station and the NJ Transit portion to the Meadowlands.
Check the Departure Boards: Look for the NJ Transit departure boards within the NJ Transit area. You'll be looking for trains heading to Secaucus Junction. The display will often show "SEC" next to the line name.
Step 4: Take the NJ Transit Train to Secaucus Junction ➡️
The next leg of your journey is a quick ride across the Hudson River.
Sub-heading: The Short Ride to the Transfer Hub
Board Your Train: Board the NJ Transit train bound for Secaucus Junction. This ride is typically very short, around 10-12 minutes.
Secaucus Junction is the Transfer Point: This station is a major transportation hub for NJ Transit. All trains heading to MetLife Stadium for events originate from Secaucus Junction.
Step 5: Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Service at Secaucus Junction ️
This is the final leg of your train journey, taking you directly to the stadium.
Sub-heading: The Dedicated Shuttle to MetLife Stadium
Follow the Signs (and the Crowd!): At Secaucus Junction, simply follow the signs for "Meadowlands Rail Line" or "MetLife Stadium." You'll likely see a large number of fellow event-goers heading the same way, often wearing team jerseys or concert merchandise.
Use Your Ticket: Use your pre-purchased joint ticket (or your NJ Transit ticket to Meadowlands Station) to access the dedicated escalators or platforms for the Meadowlands Rail Line.
Board the Shuttle Train: These trains run frequently on event days, acting as a shuttle service directly to the MetLife Sports Complex Station. The ride from Secaucus Junction to the stadium is very short, usually only about 10 minutes.
Arrival at MetLife Sports Complex Station: The station is conveniently located right at the stadium, just a short walk to the main gates.
Step 6: Enjoy the Event & Plan Your Return Journey
You've made it! Now, remember to plan for your departure.
Sub-heading: Post-Event Departure Considerations
Return Trains: NJ Transit generally runs trains for a significant period after events conclude (often up to an hour or more). The lines for the return shuttle from MetLife Stadium to Secaucus Junction can be long, so be prepared to wait, but the trains run consistently to clear the crowds.
Reverse Your Route: Simply reverse the steps: take the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle back to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to an NJ Transit train back to New York Penn Station, and finally, catch your LIRR train from Penn Station back to your originating station on Long Island.
Keep Your Tickets Handy: Ensure you keep your round-trip tickets accessible for all legs of your journey.
Important Tips for Your Train Trip
Allow Ample Time: Especially for major events, expect crowds and potential delays. Give yourself plenty of buffer time to make all your connections. A journey from central Long Island can easily take 2.5 to 3 hours or more including transfers and waiting times.
Check Weekend/Holiday Schedules: Train schedules can differ on weekends and holidays. Always check the latest timetables on the LIRR (mta.info/lirr) and NJ Transit (njtransit.com) websites or their respective apps.
Download the Apps: The MTA TrainTime app (for LIRR) and the NJ Transit Mobile App are invaluable. You can purchase tickets, check schedules, and get real-time service updates directly on your phone.
Stay Hydrated & Comfortable: Especially on crowded trains, it's wise to have water with you. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing.
Cashless is Best: Both LIRR and NJ Transit encourage cashless payments through their apps or ticket machines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get to MetLife Stadium from Long Island without a car?
The best way to get to MetLife Stadium from Long Island without a car is by combining the LIRR and NJ Transit train services, involving transfers at New York Penn Station and Secaucus Junction.
How to buy train tickets for MetLife Stadium from Long Island?
You'll need to purchase an LIRR ticket from your Long Island station to New York Penn Station, and then an NJ Transit "joint ticket" to "Meadowlands Station" from Penn Station (or potentially at your LIRR station if available). Using their respective mobile apps (MTA TrainTime and NJ Transit Mobile App) is highly recommended.
How to transfer from LIRR to NJ Transit at Penn Station for MetLife Stadium?
At New York Penn Station, follow the signs for "NJ Transit." Head to the NJ Transit concourse, purchase your ticket to Meadowlands Station, and then look for trains departing to Secaucus Junction.
How to find out if NJ Transit is running trains to MetLife Stadium for my event?
Always check the official MetLife Stadium website's transportation section or the NJ Transit website (
How to save money on train fares to MetLife Stadium?
Purchase round-trip tickets in advance (either at the station or via the apps) to avoid on-board surcharges. Travel during off-peak hours on the LIRR if your schedule allows.
How to get from Secaucus Junction to MetLife Stadium?
At Secaucus Junction, simply transfer to the dedicated Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle train. Follow the signs and the crowds of fellow attendees. This is a very short, direct ride to the stadium.
How to estimate the total travel time from Long Island to MetLife Stadium by train?
The total travel time, including transfers and potential waiting, can range from 2.5 to 3 hours or more, depending on your starting point on Long Island and the efficiency of transfers.
How to handle large crowds at Penn Station and Secaucus Junction?
Be prepared for crowds, especially on event days. Stay patient, follow signage, and allow extra time for navigating the stations and boarding trains.
How to ensure a smooth return journey from MetLife Stadium by train?
Head back to the Meadowlands Rail Station promptly after the event. Lines for the shuttle to Secaucus Junction will be long but move consistently. Reverse your inbound route: Secaucus Junction to Penn Station, then LIRR back to Long Island.
How to get real-time train updates for LIRR and NJ Transit?
Download the MTA TrainTime app for LIRR and the NJ Transit Mobile App for real-time train statuses, delays, and schedule changes.
