MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, not New York City

The New York Giants play at MetLife Stadium, which sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, about 10 miles west of Manhattan. Despite the team name, the stadium is not in New York State. This matters for planning your trip because public transit from New York City takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on where you start, and driving times vary widely based on traffic and which direction you're coming from.

MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 and is shared with the New York Jets. The address is One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. The stadium holds about 82,500 people and hosts not only football but also concerts, soccer matches, and other large events.

Key Takeaways

  • MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, accessible by NJ Transit bus, commuter rail, or car from New York City and surrounding areas.
  • Game day parking at the stadium costs money and fills up quickly; arriving at least two hours before kickoff gives you the best chance at a spot.
  • Public transit from Manhattan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and may require a bus transfer once you reach the stadium area.
  • You can bring a clear bag (12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches) and a small clutch into the stadium, but weapons, outside food, and most other items are prohibited.
  • Ticket prices vary by opponent, day of week, and how close to game day you purchase; secondary markets like StubHub and Ticketmaster resale often have inventory when the official box office is sold out.

Getting there by car and parking

If you drive, take the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) or Route 3 depending on which direction you're coming from. The stadium has its own exit signs on both routes. Parking at MetLife Stadium costs between $15 and $30 per vehicle depending on the lot you use and whether you prepay online. Prepaying through the Giants or Jets website sometimes saves a few dollars.

Arrive at least two hours before kickoff if you want a reliable parking spot. On popular game days—especially against division rivals or during playoffs—lots fill up and the stadium stops accepting vehicles. Once parked, allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the lot to the stadium entrance. Some lots are closer than others; the closer lots fill first and may cost more.

If you want to avoid driving, several parking lots near the stadium offer off-site parking with shuttle service to the entrance. These are sometimes cheaper than on-site parking but add time to your arrival and departure.

Using public transit from New York City

NJ Transit bus route 191 runs directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium on game days. The trip takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can buy a round-trip ticket at the terminal or on the bus itself. The return bus leaves after the game ends, though exact departure times vary.

If you're in New Jersey already, you can take NJ Transit bus route 320 from Secaucus Junction, which is a major transit hub. Secaucus Junction is reachable by NJ Transit rail from various points in New Jersey and by PATH train from New York City. This route is useful if you're coming from the western suburbs or if you want to avoid the Port Authority.

Public transit is often cheaper than parking and eliminates the stress of driving in game-day traffic, but it does mean less flexibility on when you leave and a longer total travel time door-to-door.

What you can and cannot bring into the stadium

MetLife Stadium allows one clear bag (no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches) and one small clutch or wallet per person. Clear bags are typically plastic or vinyl. The clutch can be any color but must be small—think the size of a phone or a small purse, not a full-size backpack.

Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, outside food and beverages, recording devices, selfie sticks, umbrellas, and most bags that are not clear. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside the stadium. Sunscreen and small personal medications are usually permitted but check the Giants website before game day to confirm current rules, as policies change.

The stadium has metal detectors at every entrance, so plan extra time to get through security. Lines move faster if you have your bag open and ready for inspection when you reach the detector.

Buying tickets and understanding price variation

The Giants sell tickets through their official website and Ticketmaster. Prices vary based on the opponent (division rivals cost more), the day of the week (Sunday games cost more than Monday night), and how far in advance you buy. Games against popular teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles sell out weeks ahead and cost significantly more on the secondary market.

If the official box office is sold out, you can find tickets on resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or Ticketmaster's resale section. Resale prices are often higher than face value, especially for popular matchups. Buying a week or two before game day sometimes offers better prices than waiting until the day before.

Season ticket holders and members of the Giants' loyalty program sometimes get access to presales before general public sales open. Check the Giants website to see if you're may be able to access for any presale windows.

Stadium amenities and what to expect on game day

MetLife Stadium has concessions throughout the building selling hot dogs, pizza, nachos, hamburgers, and other typical stadium food. Prices are higher than outside the stadium—expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich and $8 to $12 for a drink. The stadium also has a variety of restaurants and bars in different sections.

Restrooms are located throughout the stadium, but they get crowded during halftime. Going during the first or third quarter means shorter lines. The stadium has WiFi, though it can be slow on crowded game days.

Seating is assigned by section and row. Upper-level seats are cheaper but farther from the field; lower-level seats offer a better view but cost more. The Giants website shows a seating chart so you can see the view from any seat before you buy.

Getting back after the game

If you drove, expect heavy traffic leaving the parking lots for 30 to 45 minutes after the game ends. Patience and following lot attendant directions will get you out, but there's no way to avoid the congestion. Some people wait 15 to 20 minutes in the parking lot before even starting to drive.

If you took the bus, head to the designated bus loading area after the game. The return buses fill up in the order they arrive, so you may wait 20 to 30 minutes for your bus to load and depart. NJ Transit runs extra buses on game days to handle the crowd, but they still take time to fill and leave.

Plan to spend at least an hour getting from your seat to your car or bus after the final whistle. Leaving during the fourth quarter can save time but means missing the end of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into MetLife Stadium?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at fountains inside the stadium. All food and drinks must be purchased from stadium concessions.

What time should I arrive for a 1 p.m. kickoff?

If driving, arrive by 11 a.m. to find parking and get through security comfortably. If taking the bus from Manhattan, leave by 11:15 a.m. to account for traffic and security lines. Arriving earlier gives you time to explore the stadium and grab food before the game starts.

Is there a difference between Giants and Jets parking at MetLife Stadium?

No. The parking lots are shared and the same price regardless of which team is playing. Parking costs and lot availability depend on the day and how early you arrive, not which team you're seeing.

Can I take the subway directly to MetLife Stadium?

No. The subway does not go to MetLife Stadium. You must take NJ Transit bus 191 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or use other NJ Transit routes from different starting points. The bus is the most direct public transit option from Manhattan.

What happens if the game is rained out or postponed?

MetLife Stadium has a roof, so rain does not postpone games. If a game is postponed for other reasons (weather, emergency), the Giants will announce it and provide instructions on the website about ticket exchanges or refunds. Check the Giants website or your email if weather looks severe on game day.