You’re heading to MetLife Stadium from NYC and need reliable transit that won’t break the bank or leave you stranded after the game.
Two main options get you there: the 351 Meadowlands Express bus ($18 round-trip, 20 minutes from Port Authority Bus Terminal) and NJ Transit train ($10-15, requires transfer at Secaucus Junction).
Private shuttles run $50-100+, and rideshare hits brutal surge pricing after events, often $80-150 with 1-2 hour waits.
This guide covers exact costs, schedules, booking steps, and which option fits your situation.
351 Meadowlands Express: Direct Bus from Port Authority
The 351 Meadowlands Express runs direct from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium with zero transfers.
Coach USA operates the service for major events including NFL games, concerts, and special events.
Cost: $18 round-trip. No one-way option available.
Travel time: 20 minutes each way under normal conditions. Post-event returns take 30-45 minutes depending on stadium clearance.
Departure location: Port Authority South Wing, Gates 411-414 on the third floor. Some events use street-level boarding at 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Check the event schedule at Coach USA before you go.
Schedule: Service starts 3 hours before event time and runs continuously until 30 minutes after kickoff or showtime. Return buses operate for approximately 1 hour after the event ends, boarding at Lot K near the MetLife Gate.
Booking: Buy tickets online at coachusa.com/351-meadowlands-express for priority boarding. Walk-up tickets available at Port Authority windows 11-15 (cash or card accepted). If you pay on the bus, bring exact $18 cash.
The direct route eliminates the Secaucus Junction transfer that NJ Transit requires, making it the easier option if you’re unfamiliar with the New Jersey transit system.
NJ Transit Train: Penn Station to Meadowlands via Secaucus
NJ Transit operates special shuttle trains from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Rail Station for major events at MetLife Stadium.
Route: Take any NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction (10-12 minutes, trains depart every 15-20 minutes). At Secaucus, transfer to the dedicated shuttle train to Meadowlands Rail Station, which drops you at the stadium’s front door.
Cost: $10-15 round-trip depending on your starting point. Penn Station to Meadowlands runs about $10-12.
Total travel time: 30-40 minutes including the transfer at Secaucus Junction.
Schedule: Shuttle service from Secaucus to the stadium begins 3.5 hours before game time, running every 10-20 minutes during peak arrival hours and hourly during the event. Post-game trains run every 10 minutes for approximately 2 hours after the event ends.
Critical detail: You must buy your ticket before boarding the return train from Meadowlands to Secaucus. Download the NJ Transit Mobile App or purchase at Penn Station ticket machines before heading to the stadium. No ticket sales at Meadowlands station.
Cost & Time Comparison: Which Shuttle is Best?
| Option | Cost | Travel Time | Transfers | Best For |
| 351 Express | $18 round-trip | 20 min (30-45 post-event) | 0 | First-timers, groups, anyone wanting simplicity |
| NJ Transit | $10-15 round-trip | 30-40 min | 1 (Secaucus) | Budget travelers, regular commuters comfortable with transfers |
| Private Shuttle | $50-100+ per person | 20-30 min | 0 | Large groups splitting cost, tailgating packages |
| Rideshare | $45-60+ (surges to $100-150) | 15-25 min | 0 | Avoid: unpredictable surge pricing, 1-2 hour post-event waits |
Quick decision framework:
If you’re visiting from out of town or traveling with a group, the 351 Meadowlands Express is worth the $6-8 premium over NJ Transit.
Direct boarding at Port Authority Bus Terminal, zero transfers, and simpler logistics make it the stress-free choice.
If you’re on a tight budget or already familiar with NJ Transit, the train saves a few dollars.
The Secaucus Junction transfer adds 10 minutes but it’s straightforward, just follow the signs to the Meadowlands shuttle platform.
Skip rideshare entirely unless it’s a true emergency. Post-event surge pricing routinely hits $100+, and you’ll wait 1-2 hours in stadium parking lots.
How to Book Your Shuttle
For 351 Meadowlands Express:
- Book online at coachusa.com/351-meadowlands-express (priority boarding for advance tickets)
- Buy at Port Authority windows 11-15 in the South Wing main floor
- Pay on bus with exact $18 cash (no priority boarding, subject to space availability)
For NJ Transit:
- Download NJ Transit Mobile App (easiest option: skip ticket window lines)
- Buy at Penn Station ticket vending machines
- Purchase online at njtransit.com
Event-specific service: Both options only run for major events. Check official schedules 2-3 days before your event, service details get posted once the event is confirmed.
Return Trip: What to Expect After the Event
351 Express buses depart from Lot K near the MetLife Gate. Service runs for 1 hour after the event ends. Expect 30-45 minute return trips, with full stadium clearance taking under 2 hours total.
NJ Transit trains depart every 10 minutes for approximately 2 hours after the event. Board at Meadowlands Rail Station, transfer at Secaucus Junction back to your final destination.
Pro tip: If you can stomach leaving 5 minutes before the final whistle or encore, you’ll cut your wait time from 45 minutes to under 10. The mass exodus hits hard when events end, everyone floods the exits simultaneously.
Rideshare surge pricing after major events regularly reaches $100-150 with wait times stretching 1-2 hours.
Parking lot chaos and limited pickup zones create a perfect storm for expensive, miserable experiences.
Parking
- Official Lots: MetLife Stadium offers numerous lots (A and VIP zones) around the Meadowlands Sports Complex. All require digital passes purchased in advance via the stadium website.
- Opening Hours: Lots open 5 hours before kickoff and close 2 hours after events.
- Payment: No cash accepted — passes must be bought online or via mobile apps.
- Tailgating: Allowed in most lots except VIP zones; arrive early and follow stadium rules for grills and space use.
- Rideshare Zone: Designated pickup area near Lot K by MetLife Gate; expect long waits after events.
- Accessibility: ADA parking available near Gates A and D; display valid permit for entry.
- World Cup 2026 Note: General parking will be restricted for FIFA matches — only pre‑approved passes and shuttle access allowed.
Estimated Cost
| Category | Typical Price (USD) | Notes |
| Standard Parking Pass | $40–$60 | Buy online to save $10–15 vs gate price; lots fill quickly on game days |
| Premium Lots (Closest to Entrances) | $100–$150 | Ideal for VIP access and faster exit after events |
| Bus/RV Parking | $150–$200 | Limited spaces on north side; enter via Stadium Drive |
| Rideshare Surge Pricing (Post‑Event) | $100–$150 | Wait times stretch 1–2 hours after major events |
| NJ Transit Train (Secaucus → Meadowlands) | $5–$8 each way | Fastest budget option from New York Penn Station |
| 351 Express Bus (Lot K → MetLife Gate) | $10–$15 round‑trip | Runs 1 hour after events; 30–45 min return time |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Transit Changes
MetLife Stadium hosts eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the July 19, 2026 final. Transit plans differ significantly from typical NFL games.
No general parking or tailgating allowed for World Cup matches. Officials are implementing a fully transit-first operation with expanded NJ Transit service, a new dedicated bus terminal, and a temporary bus-only TransitWay lane from the New Jersey Turnpike.
Limited parking ($225 per spot) will be available at the nearby American Dream mall for ticket holders only. Parking for the final sold out within days of release.
If you’re planning to attend World Cup matches, expect higher demand than typical events. Book transit tickets early and add extra buffer time, crowds of 80,000 per match will test the system.
Travel Tips
- Arrive Early: Traffic builds 90 minutes before kickoff; plan to arrive 2 hours early for major games.
- Public Transit: Take NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line — trains depart every 10 minutes for 2 hours after events.
- Bus Option: The 351 Express Bus from Port Authority departs Lot K near MetLife Gate and runs for 1 hour after events.
- Pro Tip: Leave 5 minutes before the final whistle or encore to cut wait time from 45 minutes to under 10.
- Driving Routes: Best access via NJ Turnpike Exit 16W or Route 3 West → Sports Complex Drive; avoid Route 120 during peak hours.
- Exit Strategy: Wait 15 – 20 minutes after events to avoid gridlock; use alternate routes via Paterson Plank Road or Polito Avenue.
FAQs
How much does the 351 Meadowlands Express cost?
$18 round-trip. Buy online at coachusa.com for priority boarding, or pay exact fare at Port Authority windows 11-15. Cash or card accepted at ticket windows; exact $18 cash required if paying on the bus.
How long does it take to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC?
20 minutes via 351 Express bus from Port Authority, or 30-40 minutes via NJ Transit train from Penn Station (including transfer at Secaucus Junction). Add 10-15 minutes for post-event traffic.
Where does the 351 bus pick up at MetLife Stadium?
Lot K, near the MetLife Gate. Return buses board at the same location after events and run for approximately 1 hour after the event ends.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the shuttle?
Not required for 351 Express (walk-up allowed with exact fare), but online tickets get priority boarding. NJ Transit requires tickets before boarding, buy via app or at Penn Station machines.
Can I use the shuttle for concerts at MetLife Stadium?
Yes, both 351 Express and NJ Transit operate for major events including concerts, NFL games, and special events. Check event-specific schedules at coachusa.com and njtransit.com before traveling.
What happens if I miss the last shuttle after the game?
Last 351 bus leaves 1 hour after event ends; last NJ Transit train runs approximately 2 hours post-event. If you miss both, rideshare is the backup, expect surge pricing $80-150+ and long waits.
Is there parking at MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026?
No general parking for FIFA 2026 matches. Limited spots ($225) at American Dream mall for ticket holders only. Transit-only access via expanded NJ Transit and bus services.
