Last reviewed: June 2026
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey hosts England vs Panama (27 June, 10pm BST) and the World Cup final (19 July, 8pm BST). This is the complete guide for UK fans travelling to MetLife Stadium from New York City, Newark Airport and the surrounding area.
Key facts
- MetLife Stadium is 8 miles west of Manhattan in East Rutherford, New Jersey - NJ Transit is the best option.
- NJ Transit from Penn Station (34th St) to Secaucus Junction then Meadowlands Rail Link - approx 30-40 mins.
- Match day NJ Transit tickets are approximately USD 10-12 each way - buy on the NJ Transit app or at the station.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 9 miles from the stadium - approx 20-30 mins by Uber.
- Driving: New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 16E then Route 3 West - park via MetLife Stadium pre-purchased parking.
- The stadium is known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the 2026 World Cup (FIFA official name).
Getting to MetLife Stadium New York for World Cup 2026
Getting to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup 2026 is well-served by public transport from Manhattan. The stadium, officially referred to by FIFA as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament, is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, approximately 8 miles west of Midtown Manhattan. NJ Transit rail provides a fast and reliable connection on match days. England play Panama at the stadium on 27 June (10pm BST), and it is also the venue for the World Cup final on 19 July (8pm BST).
NJ Transit Rail: The Best Option from Manhattan
NJ Transit operates commuter rail from Penn Station (34th Street, Manhattan) to Secaucus Junction, where passengers transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Link for the stadium. The total journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Services are timed specifically for World Cup match days and depart in both directions before and after matches. Match day tickets cost approximately USD 10 to 12 each way and can be purchased on the NJ Transit app (transit NJ), at Penn Station ticket machines or from conductors on board.
Penn Station is accessible on the A, C, E (8th Avenue), 1, 2, 3 (7th Avenue), B, D, F, M (6th Avenue) and N, Q, R, W (Broadway) subway lines, making it reachable from across Manhattan and the outer boroughs. New Jersey Transit also departs from Newark Penn Station, which is served by the Newark Airport Rail Link from Newark Liberty International Airport.
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport is the most convenient airport for MetLife Stadium, located approximately 9 miles from the venue. The AirTrain from any EWR terminal connects to Newark Airport Station, then NJ Transit trains run to Newark Penn Station (approximately 5 minutes). From Newark Penn Station, NJ Transit rail connects toward Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Rail Link to the stadium. Alternatively, rideshare from EWR to the stadium takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and costs USD 30 to 55. EWR is also served by direct transatlantic flights from several UK airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
From JFK and LaGuardia Airports
JFK Airport is approximately 30 miles from MetLife Stadium. The most practical route is AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then LIRR or subway to Penn Station Manhattan, then NJ Transit to the stadium - approximately 90 minutes total. Rideshare from JFK to the stadium is typically USD 60 to 100 and takes 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. LaGuardia Airport has no direct rail connection - rideshare to Penn Station then NJ Transit is the most reliable route, or direct rideshare to the stadium (approximately 45 to 60 minutes, USD 50 to 90).
Driving and Parking
The stadium address is MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. From Manhattan, take the Lincoln Tunnel to the New Jersey Turnpike (NJ-3) westbound, then exit toward the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Parking is pre-purchased on the MetLife Stadium website and costs USD 40 to 75 for World Cup match days. The parking lots open several hours before kick-off. New Jersey Turnpike and surrounding roads are heavily congested on match evenings - allow significant extra time.
Match Day Timings
England vs Panama on 27 June kicks off at 5pm Eastern (10pm BST). Gates open at approximately 3pm Eastern. For UK fans based in Manhattan, departing Penn Station by 2pm gives comfortable time. The World Cup final on 19 July kicks off at 3pm Eastern (8pm BST). For the final, the entire New York area will see significant additional transport demand - early departure for the stadium is strongly advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to MetLife Stadium from New York?
NJ Transit from Penn Station (34th Street) to Secaucus Junction then the Meadowlands Rail Link is the fastest and most reliable option. Journey time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Tickets cost approximately USD 10 to 12 each way and are available on the NJ Transit app.
How far is MetLife Stadium from Times Square?
Approximately 9 miles by road. By NJ Transit from Penn Station (near Times Square), the journey is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. By car or rideshare, 20 to 30 minutes in normal conditions, significantly longer on match days.
Is Newark Airport or JFK better for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium?
Newark (EWR) is significantly more convenient for MetLife Stadium - it is 9 miles from the venue versus 30 miles for JFK. If the price difference is modest, EWR is the better choice for fans prioritising the final.
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