For many fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, NJ Transit may become the most practical way to avoid severe matchday traffic.

But many first-time visitors search:

• “How do I get to MetLife Stadium by train?”
• “Which station goes to MetLife Stadium?”
• “How long does NJ Transit take?”
• “Do I need to transfer trains?”

Visitors often discover the process feels more confusing than expected at first.

At MetLife Matchday, we’ve noticed many visitors assume there is a direct New York City subway route to the stadium. In reality, most fans traveling from Manhattan will need to use NJ Transit rail connections through Secaucus Junction before continuing toward the Meadowlands Sports Complex.

The good news is that the process is usually straightforward once you understand the route.

Step-by-Step: Taking NJ Transit From Manhattan to MetLife Stadium

Step 1: Start at Penn Station, New York

Most fans staying in Manhattan will begin at:

Penn Station (New York City)

This is the primary departure point for NJ Transit trains heading toward New Jersey.

During the World Cup, Penn Station could become extremely crowded before major matches, especially:

• knockout games
• weekend fixtures
• evening kickoffs

Visitors should expect heavier foot traffic than during normal commuter periods.

Step 2: Take NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction

From Penn Station, fans typically board an NJ Transit train heading toward:

• Secaucus Junction
• Hoboken-connected routes
• Meadowlands event service connections

Approximate travel time:

• Penn Station → Secaucus Junction: around 10–15 minutes

This first leg is usually the easiest part of the trip.

Step 3: Transfer at Secaucus Junction

This is the step many first-time visitors overlook.

At Secaucus Junction, fans usually transfer to:

Meadowlands Rail Service

This special event rail line operates for major events at MetLife Stadium.

Approximate transfer/train timing:

• transfer wait times vary depending on crowd levels
• Secaucus → Meadowlands: around 10 minutes

During high-attendance matches, large queues may form on the platforms after the game.

This is one reason many experienced visitors prefer arriving earlier rather than close to kickoff.

Related guide: Best Time to Arrive at MetLife Stadium for World Cup Matches

Step 4: Arrive at Meadowlands Station

Fans traveling by NJ Transit will typically exit at:

Meadowlands Sports Complex Station

From there, most visitors walk toward the stadium entrances using designated pedestrian routes.

Approximate walking time is around 8–15 minutes, depending on gate location and crowd flow. Large international matches may create slower pedestrian movement around the stadium perimeter.

Comfortable footwear may become more important than many visitors expect.

Related guide: Can You Walk to MetLife Stadium During the World Cup?

How Long Does NJ Transit Take Overall?

For most fans traveling from Manhattan, the total travel time may range between:

35–60 minutes

depending on:

• train timing
• transfer waits
• crowd congestion
• walking speed near the stadium

However, post-match outbound travel often takes significantly longer than arrival trips.

This becomes especially noticeable after:

• late-night matches
• knockout rounds
• high-profile national team games

Is NJ Transit Better Than Uber or Driving?

In many cases, NJ Transit may offer more predictable timing than driving directly to the stadium.

Why do some fans prefer the train?

• Avoids parking congestion
• Avoids tunnel traffic
• Avoids rideshare surge pricing
• No need to navigate road closures

However, trains can still become heavily crowded after matches.

Some visitors staying nearby in Carlstadt or East Rutherford may even prefer walking shorter routes instead.

Related guide: Why Walking to MetLife Stadium May Be Faster Than Driving

Matchday Tips for Using NJ Transit

Experienced event-goers often recommend:

• Arriving earlier than expected
• Buying tickets before reaching the station
• Charging phones fully beforehand
• Preparing for outbound queues after the match
• Avoiding tight scheduling after the final whistle

Mobile service around large crowds may also become inconsistent after games. Portable chargers and offline directions can help considerably.

Related guide: What First-Time Visitors Often Underestimate About World Cup Match Days