MetLife Stadium Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for East Rutherford.
Last updated: 3/9/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | MetLife Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" (one per person) and small clutch purses/handbags (non-clear) no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (one per person). One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are also allowed. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. Prohibited bags include backpacks, large purses, camera or binocular cases, fanny packs, diaper bags, briefcases, and computer bags. All bags are subject to security screening. |
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| Doors open | Doors typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before the event start time, though this can vary by event. Parking lots usually open five hours prior to kickoff for NFL games. |
| Cashless? | MetLife Stadium is a cash-free venue for all concession and retail locations. Guests can pay with debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or convert cash to a prepaid Visa debit card at reverse ATM machines located throughout the stadium. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated rideshare zones for Uber and Lyft are available around MetLife Stadium on event days. The designated drop-off and pickup area for all vehicles is located between parking lots D and E. |
| Re-entry | MetLife Stadium has a no re-entry policy for most stadium events, including New York Football Giants games. For New York Jets games, guests may re-enter up to one hour prior to kickoff. |
| Transit | Public transportation to MetLife Stadium includes NJ Transit rail service and Coach USA bus service. The NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line provides direct service to the Meadowlands Rail Station from Secaucus Junction, which connects to most of NJ Transit's rail system, including service from New York Penn Station. Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express bus service operates from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan directly to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games and other large events. |
Parking
Pre-paid parking permits are often required for NFL games and select concerts, and it's recommended to purchase them in advance. Arriving 2 to 3 hours early for NFL games or large concerts is advised. Parking lots usually open five hours before the event and close two hours after. Booking parking in advance through platforms like ParkWhiz or SpotHero can offer savings. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers are not permitted inside MetLife Stadium.
- Family perks: MetLife Stadium offers accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance from Accessibility Assistants at the gates, elevators for guests with disabilities, an Assistive Listening System, and Closed Captioning on ribbon boards and concourse televisions. Children 34 inches or taller require a ticket; shorter children do not but must share a seat with an accompanying adult.
Culture layer
- Local tradition: A notable fan tradition at MetLife Stadium is tailgating in the parking lots before events. The stadium's lighting also changes color to reflect the home team playing, blue for the New York Giants and green for the New York Jets.
Verified places nearby
- Redd's Meadowlands317 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 · Carlstadt (adjacent to East Rutherford)What to order: Local craft and imported brews, tailgate favorites like wings, ribs, sliders, nachos, burgers, and for football Sundays, bacon pizza.
- Yard House1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (American Dream Mall, Court A, Level 3) · American Dream MallWhat to order: New American-style dishes and a vast selection of draft beers.
- The Union Bar & Provisions170 Union Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 · East Rutherford (adjacent to train station)What to order: Signature dishes like steak frites, fresh lobster roll, seasonal chef specials, curated selection of beers on tap, and classic cocktails with a twist.
- The Candlewyck Diner179 Paterson Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ · East RutherfordWhat to order: Homemade desserts, classic diner fare like omelettes, burgers (including a Nacho Burger), sandwiches, and pizza from their brick oven.
- The Shannon Rose Irish Pub98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, NJ · Clifton (near East Rutherford)What to order: Irish mule cocktails, a variety of beers, pub fare like wings, burgers, fish and chips, and reubens.
- The Roosevelt356 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford, NJ · East RutherfordWhat to order: Handcrafted cocktails and a diverse menu of elevated American cuisine.