How to Get to New York for World Cup 2026
Complete transportation guide for World Cup visitors traveling to New York. From international flights to local transit on match day.
Airports Serving New York
Newark Liberty International Airport
19 km to MetLife Stadium
John F. Kennedy International Airport
48 km to MetLife Stadium
LaGuardia Airport
24 km to MetLife Stadium
Flight Booking Tips
- ●Book 4-6 months ahead — flight prices to New York will surge as the World Cup approaches
- ●Use flexible dates — flying in 2-3 days before your match is often cheaper and lets you acclimate
- ●Compare all 3 airports — flying into a secondary airport can save hundreds
- ●Set price alerts — use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price drops
- ●Consider one-way tickets — if you're visiting multiple host cities, one-way flights can be more flexible
Getting to MetLife Stadium on Match Day
Public Transit (Best Option)
NJ Transit operates the Meadowlands Rail Line from Secaucus Junction directly to the stadium on match days. Secaucus connects to NJ Transit and Amtrak at Penn Station NYC. NJ Transit buses also run from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
Download the NJ Transit app for real-time schedules. The Meadowlands Rail Line is the most stress-free way to reach the stadium. Trains depart from Secaucus Junction every 10 minutes starting 3 hours before kickoff. After the match, trains run continuously until all fans are served.
By Car / Rideshare
Major routes: Located at the intersection of NJ Routes 3 and 120, just off the NJ Turnpike (I-95). Parking lots hold 28,000+ vehicles. Expect heavy traffic 2 hours before and after matches.
Expect heavy traffic 2-3 hours before and after matches. Rideshare pickups will have designated zones. Allow extra time.
Getting Around New York
Beyond match day, New York offers multiple ways to get around. The local transit system (NJ Transit buses and the Meadowlands Rail Line run directly to MetLife Stadium on match days. NYC subway connects to NJ Transit at Penn Station. The PATH train links Jersey City and Hoboken to Manhattan.) connects major areas efficiently. Consider getting a multi-day transit pass for your stay.
Public Transit
NJ Transit buses and the Meadowlands Rail Line run directly to MetLife Stadium on match days. NYC subway connects to NJ Transit at Penn Station. The PATH train links Jersey City and Hoboken to Manhattan.
Rideshare
Uber & Lyft widely available
Walking
Great for downtown areas & fan zones
Continue Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What airports are closest to MetLife Stadium?
The closest airports are Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR, 19 km); John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK, 48 km); LaGuardia Airport (LGA, 24 km).
Is there public transit to MetLife Stadium?
Yes. NJ Transit operates the Meadowlands Rail Line from Secaucus Junction directly to the stadium on match days. Secaucus connects to NJ Transit and Amtrak at Penn Station NYC. NJ Transit buses also run from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.. On match days, enhanced service with increased frequency will be available.
Should I rent a car for the World Cup in New York?
For match days, public transit is strongly recommended as parking near MetLife Stadium is extremely limited. However, a rental car can be useful for exploring New York on non-match days.