The train to MetLife Stadium is NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then a transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle, which reaches Meadowlands Station beside the stadium in about 10 to 13 minutes. The full trip from Midtown typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Traveling to MetLife Stadium by train is one of the most reliable ways to attend NFL games, concerts, and major international events. The rail system serving the stadium is specifically designed to move tens of thousands of spectators efficiently while avoiding the severe traffic congestion that often affects highways near the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
However, the stadium rail connection works very differently from a normal commuter train line. It only runs during major events, requires a transfer through a regional hub, and follows a special operating schedule depending on event demand.
Understanding how the system works before you travel can make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating delay. This guide explains the full train system serving MetLife Stadium, how to reach it from New York City, Westchester, and Connecticut, and what to expect during large events.
What is the train to MetLife Stadium?
The train connection to the stadium operates through the Meadowlands Rail Line, currently branded as the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line.
This short rail spur connects the stadium area with Secaucus Junction, a major rail hub where travelers transfer from regional trains operated by NJ Transit.
The basic route works like this
- Take a regional train to Secaucus Junction.
- Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle.
- Ride about 10 to 13 minutes to Meadowlands Station beside the stadium.
Meadowlands Station sits just steps from the stadium gates, making the train one of the easiest ways to arrive during large events.
How do you get to MetLife Stadium by train?
To reach MetLife Stadium by train, take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction. Once you arrive at Secaucus, transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle on the lower level of the station. The shuttle ride takes about 10 to 13 minutes and drops passengers at Meadowlands Station directly next to the stadium entrances.
This rail service operates only on major event days when large attendance is expected. Travelers should purchase round-trip tickets in advance using the NJ Transit mobile app or ticket machines.
The official rail system serving the stadium
The Meadowlands Rail Line is not a traditional commuter rail route. It was built as a high-capacity event shuttle designed specifically to handle the surge of tens of thousands of fans arriving and leaving large stadium events.
Key characteristics of the system include:
• Approximately 2.3 miles long
• Direct connection between Secaucus Junction and the stadium
• Event-only operation schedule
• Terminal station located steps from the stadium gates
Because the station sits between the main stadium entrances and nearby parking areas, passengers avoid the heavy vehicle congestion that often affects major roadways like Route 3 or the New Jersey Turnpike during major events.
Secaucus Junction: the central transfer hub
Every train trip to MetLife Stadium passes through Secaucus Junction, the operational hub of the entire stadium rail network.
The station connects 11 different NJ Transit rail lines, allowing fans from across New Jersey and New York City to converge at a single transfer point before boarding the stadium shuttle.
The transfer process usually looks like this:
- Arrive on a regional NJ Transit train.
- Exit the platform through fare gates using your ticket barcode.
- Follow signs to the lower-level platforms.
- Board the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle.
The station has multiple levels designed specifically to manage large crowds.
Station layout relevant to stadium travelers
Upper level
Serves major NJ Transit routes such as the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line. Many trains from Manhattan arrive here.
Rotunda and mezzanine
Ticketing and fare gate areas where passengers scan their tickets.
Lower level
Departure point for the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle to the stadium.
During peak arrival periods before games or concerts, the transfer areas can become crowded, so having tickets ready before arriving is important.
Getting to MetLife Stadium by train from NYC
Most visitors begin their train journey at Penn Station in Manhattan.
Step-by-step route from Manhattan
- Take the subway to Penn Station.
- Board an NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction.
- Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle.
- Arrive at Meadowlands Station beside the stadium.
Several subway lines provide easy access to Penn Station:
• A, C, E
• 1, 2, 3
At Penn Station, check departure boards for trains marked SEC, which indicates the train stops at Secaucus Junction.
The train ride from Penn Station to Secaucus usually takes 10 to 13 minutes, and the entire trip from Midtown Manhattan to the stadium typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes, both our own estimates rather than published figures depending on transfer times.
Round-trip rail fares from Penn Station to Meadowlands Station are typically around $12 to $13 for adults, though these are reference prices and may change: New Jersey Monitor reported the adult round trip at $12.90 in April 2026 citing NJ Transit, and NJ Transit’s own Meadowlands page does not list the fare (checked August 2026).
For a broader overview of routes and alternatives, see our guide to
transportation to MetLife Stadium.
Getting to the stadium by train from Westchester
Travelers coming from Westchester County usually begin their trip on Harlem Line or other Metro-North services.
Because the Metro-North system does not connect directly with NJ Transit, travelers must transfer through Manhattan.
Typical route from Westchester
- Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal
- Subway or walk to Penn Station
- NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction
- Transfer to the Meadowlands shuttle
Most travelers take the subway shuttle or the 7 train from Grand Central to Times Square and then transfer to the 1, 2, or 3 lines to reach Penn Station.
Because the journey crosses multiple transit systems, travelers should allow about two hours total travel time from many Westchester locations.
For more detailed regional routes, see our guide to White Plains to MetLife Stadium transportation.
Traveling by train from Connecticut
Visitors coming from Connecticut typically travel using the New Haven Line.
The trip generally includes three major stages.
Typical route
- Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal
- Subway transfer to Penn Station
- NJ Transit train to Secaucus plus the stadium shuttle
Depending on the starting city, total travel time usually ranges between two and two and a half hours.
Examples include:
• Stamford to MetLife Stadium. about 2 hours
• New Haven to MetLife Stadium. about 2 hours 30 minutes
Because separate agencies operate these systems, passengers must purchase separate tickets for Metro-North, the subway, and NJ Transit.
Train frequency during events
The Meadowlands Rail Line does not operate on a normal daily timetable. Instead, trains run only during major events at MetLife Stadium.
The service usually follows three phases.
Pre-event service
MetLife Stadium publishes the service as commencing a few hours prior to kickoff and continuing for a couple of hours after the conclusion of the match. It does not name an hour, and neither does NJ Transit on its Meadowlands page, checked September 2026.
Frequency is not published either. What the stadium does publish is the ride: approximately 10 minutes between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station.
During the event
Service drops to roughly one train per hour while most fans are inside the stadium.
Post-event service
After the event ends, trains operate under a “load-and-go” system.
Instead of following a fixed schedule, trains depart once they reach safe passenger capacity.
Departures usually occur about every 10 to 15 minutes until the crowds clear.
Event schedules can vary, so travelers should check the NJ Transit website or mobile app before traveling.
Limitations of the train system
Although train travel is one of the best ways to reach MetLife Stadium, the system has several limitations travelers should know.
No train service on non-event days
The Meadowlands Rail Line operates only for large stadium events.
If you visit the area on a normal day, the train station near the stadium will not be operating.
This means the rail line cannot be used to reach nearby attractions like American Dream Mall unless a stadium event is scheduled.
Post-event crowd congestion
Large events can create major congestion after the event ends.
Because the stadium holds more than 80,000 spectators, thousands of people often attempt to leave at the same time.
However, the rail line can move only around 7,000 to 10,000 passengers per hour, which can lead to long queues.
Wait times of 45 to 90 minutes are sometimes reported during very large events.
To reduce wait times:
• leave the stadium slightly early
• wait at nearby venues like American Dream Mall
• allow the first wave of crowds to depart
Separate transit ticket systems
Another limitation is the lack of unified ticketing between different transit agencies.
Travelers often need separate tickets for:
• Metro-North
• NYC subway
• NJ Transit
These systems currently operate independently, so passengers must plan their transfers and purchases accordingly.
Buying train tickets
NJ Transit strongly recommends buying tickets in advance using the NJ Transit mobile app.
Advantages of using the app include:
• mobile barcode tickets for station gates
• real-time train updates
• faster boarding during busy periods
Passengers who buy tickets onboard the train may face a $5 surcharge: NJ Transit adds $5 to every ticket bought on board the train (checked August 2026), so buy before boarding.
All fares mentioned here are reference prices and may change over time.
Tips for using the train on event day
A few strategies can make traveling by train much easier during large events.
Buy round-trip tickets before traveling
This avoids long lines at ticket machines in Secaucus Junction.
Activate mobile tickets before reaching the gates
Having your barcode ready speeds up the transfer process.
Plan your exit strategy
Waiting inside the stadium area for about 20 to 30 minutes after the event can significantly reduce train queues.
Check final trains
For late-night concerts, confirm the last eastbound departures from Secaucus Junction to avoid missing your connection.
Why many visitors still choose the train
Despite some limitations, rail travel remains one of the most dependable ways to reach MetLife Stadium.
Driving to the stadium can involve heavy congestion near key corridors such as the Lincoln Tunnel, Route 3, and the New Jersey Turnpike.
The train avoids these traffic bottlenecks and provides predictable travel times even during large events.
If you are comparing different ways to reach the stadium, our detailed guide to NYC to MetLife Stadium transportation explains the main options from Manhattan and surrounding boroughs.
Preparing for the 2026 World Cup
Transportation around MetLife Stadium carried eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the final on July 19, 2026. Those temporary arrangements have ended, and what follows is the standard event-day pattern.
Regional planners are expanding additional transit capacity, including bus rapid transit connections between Secaucus Junction and the stadium.
These upgrades aim to increase the number of fans who can reach the stadium without relying on private vehicles.
FAQs about taking the train to MetLife Stadium
No. There is no direct train from New York City or other regions to MetLife Stadium. All rail trips require a transfer at Secaucus Junction, where passengers board the Meadowlands Rail Line for the final ride, which the stadium puts at approximately 10 minutes.
Travel time depends on your starting point.
Typical travel times are:
• Manhattan. about 45 to 60 minutes
• Brooklyn or Queens. about 60 to 90 minutes
• Westchester. about 2 hours
• Connecticut. about 2 hours 30 minutes
These estimates include the transfer at Secaucus Junction and may vary depending on crowd levels and train schedules.
Round-trip train fares from New York Penn Station to the Meadowlands station are typically around $12 to $13 for adults.
Reduced fares are available for children, seniors, and passengers with disabilities.
All prices are reference estimates and may change over time, so travelers should verify current fares with NJ Transit before traveling.
No. The Meadowlands Rail Line operates only during large events at MetLife Stadium.
The train typically runs for:
• NFL games
• major concerts
• international soccer matches
• major stadium events with large attendance
If there is no major event scheduled, the train will not operate.
MetLife Stadium publishes the service as commencing a few hours prior to kickoff and running a couple of hours after the match ends, without naming an hour or a frequency. What it does publish is the ride: approximately 10 minutes from Secaucus Junction from Secaucus Junction to the stadium.
Exact schedules are published by NJ Transit closer to each event date.
After the event ends, trains operate using a load-and-go system.
Instead of a fixed timetable, trains depart as soon as they reach passenger capacity.
Departures usually occur about every 10 to 15 minutes, but heavy crowds can still cause waiting times of 30 to 90 minutes for the return trip.
Yes, but it is strongly recommended to purchase tickets before arriving.
Buying tickets in advance through the NJ Transit mobile app helps avoid long lines at Secaucus Junction and speeds up the transfer process.
Passengers who buy tickets onboard trains may pay a $5 surcharge, depending on circumstances.
The closest station is Meadowlands Station, located directly next to the stadium complex.
This station is served exclusively by the Meadowlands Rail Line and operates only on event days.
Passengers must transfer at Secaucus Junction to reach it.
Final takeaway
The train system serving MetLife Stadium is unique but efficient once you understand how it works.
There is no direct train from New York City or nearby regions to the stadium. Instead, travelers must transfer at Secaucus Junction before boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle.
Although crowds after large events can create delays, the train remains one of the most reliable ways to reach the stadium and avoid heavy highway traffic.
With advance planning, mobile tickets, and realistic expectations about post-event departures, rail transit offers a practical and efficient way to attend major events at MetLife Stadium.
Editorial note: fares, schedules and policies on this page are reference figures rather than quotes. Operators change them without notice and many vary by season, by event and by demand, so confirm the current price with the operator before you travel. Westchester Ride does not sell tickets or parking and does not accept payment to rank any operator.
Sources
Official pages this guide relies on, checked in October 2026. Rules and prices can change, sometimes for a single event, so confirm with the issuer before you travel.
