MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a massive capacity of 82,500. It’s one of the most popular venues for sports and entertainment in the United States. This summer, it’ll host the final of the World Cup – the world’s biggest soccer tournament, bringing in fans from all over the globe. With thousands of travelers heading to the games, the first question on many minds is: which airport should you fly into?
There are several airports within easy reach of the stadium. Each has different advantages for convenience, connectivity and travel time. In this guide, we’ll break down the best options, to get you to the stadium quickly and start the excitement as soon as possible.
Skip to:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
- Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Quick Stats:
- Distance from stadium by road: 12.5 miles
- Estimated taxi fare: $35.38
- Number of daily arrivals: ~550
- Best for: Easy public transport
Newark Liberty International Airport is the closest major airport to MetLife Stadium and one of the busiest in the region. It’s located in New Jersey, between Newark and Elizabeth. It handles hundreds of flights daily, and it’s a great choice for stadium visitors.
Traveling from Newark to MetLife stadium is pretty straightforward. For public transit, travelers can take the AirTrain Newark from the terminals to the Newark Airport Rail Station, where they can board NJ Transit trains toward Secaucus Junction. On event days, the Meadowlands Rail Line runs from Secaucus directly to the stadium. When that service isn’t operating, a short taxi or rideshare from Secaucus completes the journey.
Plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services operate from Newark too. Airport car rental services are also available, so direct travel to the stadium is only a short drive.
For more on EWR, check out our Newark Airport guide.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Quick Stats:
- Distance from stadium by road: 19.4 miles
- Estimated taxi fare: $42.47
- Number of daily arrivals: ~530
- Best for: East Coast flight connections
LaGuardia Airport is in Queens, New York. It’s another major travel option for visits to MetLife Stadium. While it’s slightly farther away than Newark, it’s still well-connected to the city and surrounding areas. Driving from LaGuardia to the stadium usually takes under an hour, though traffic in the New York metropolitan area can vary depending on the time of day.
LaGuardia doesn’t have a direct rail connection, but travelers can use the MTA Q70 SBS bus to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue. From there, take the subway into Manhattan, usually to Penn Station, and transfer to NJ Transit trains to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, passengers can reach the stadium by the Meadowlands Rail Line (when running). Rideshares are a convenient alternative. Car rentals are also available at the airport, giving visitors the flexibility to drive themselves.
Visit our LaGuardia Airport guide for more information.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Quick Stats:
- Distance from stadium by road: 30.2 miles
- Estimated taxi fare: $61.58
- Number of daily arrivals: ~580
- Best for: International travelers
John F. Kennedy International is the third option for airports near MetLife Stadium, particularly for those arriving on international long-haul flights. JFK is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with over 1,200 combined take-offs and landings each day.
The drive to the stadium takes about 45–60 minutes under typical traffic conditions. Ride-sharing services and car rentals are also widely available for people who prefer not to taxi. While it’s farther away than EWR or LGA, it’s a major airport with many connections.
Travelers can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and connect to the Long Island Rail Road or the subway into Manhattan (commonly to Penn Station). From there, take the NJ Transit rail service to Secaucus Junction and transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line to reach the stadium. Some also use Amtrak to reach Newark or New York before transferring to NJ Transit.
While JFK needs a bit more planning than Newark or LaGuardia, it has the most flight options, making it ideal for international travelers or those seeking flexibility.
If you’re planning a visit, learn more with our JFK Airport guide.
Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Quick Stats:
- Distance from stadium by road: 4.4 miles
- Estimated taxi fare: $15.62
- Number of daily arrivals: ~100-200
- Best for: Quick transport and higher budgets
Teterboro Airport is located just about 4 miles from MetLife Stadium. It’s the closest of the four, but primarily serves private, corporate, and charter flights rather than scheduled airline traffic. With just 100–200 daily arrivals, it offers a quieter experience. If you have the budget for an exclusive airline, Teterboro is a brilliant option.
The short distance to the stadium makes ground travel extremely convenient, with a typical taxi fare of roughly $15–$20. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive to the stadium takes 10-15 minutes, but major games and fixtures still warrant extra time and planning. While Teterboro isn’t suitable for most airline passengers, it’s popular with high-profile visitors or those looking to avoid the congestion of larger airports.
FAQs
How soon should I land at the airport before a MetLife game?
For domestic flights, aim for 4–5 hours before kick-off. This allows time for baggage claim, ground transportation, and potential traffic delays. For international arrivals, it’s safer to allow 5–6 hours, especially if you need to clear customs.
If you’re traveling on the same day as the game, avoid tight schedules. Delays, congestion and security checks can all eat into your timeline. When possible, landing the day before is the safest option.
What’s the traffic like around MetLife Stadium?
Traffic around MetLife Stadium can be heavy, particularly on game days and during major events. Routes via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 3, and Route 17 often see congestion in the hours leading up to kick-off. Post-game traffic can also mean slow exits from parking lots and surrounding highways.
If you’re driving or taking a taxi or ride-share, plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the event to account for delays. Public transportation such as NJ Transit trains to Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Rail Line can help avoid some of the worst road congestion.
What is the closest airport to MetLife Stadium?
The closest airport by distance is Teterboro Airport (TEB) at approximately 4 miles away. However, it mostly serves private and charter flights. For commercial travelers, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest major airport at roughly 10–13 miles from the stadium.
Which airport is easiest for game day access?
For most fans, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the easiest option. It avoids Manhattan traffic, doesn’t need bridge or tunnel crossings, with the best direct highway access to the stadium. LaGuardia and JFK are good alternatives, but can sometimes involve heavier traffic.
If you’ll be driving from far afield to a match this summer, finding cheap parking close to MetLife stadium will be difficult. So, it’s worth considering parking at the airport and traveling from there to the game as an option.
How long does it take to get from Newark Airport to MetLife Stadium?
In light traffic, the drive typically takes 20–30 minutes. During rush hour or on game day, travel time can increase to 35–50 minutes depending on congestion near the stadium complex.
Is it better to stay in New Jersey or New York for a game?
If your main focus is the game, staying in New Jersey (Secaucus, East Rutherford, or Newark) makes transport easier. If you’re planning a longer trip with sightseeing in NYC, flying into LaGuardia or JFK and staying in Manhattan may make sense. Just allow extra time to get to the stadium.
Does MetLife Stadium have public transportation from the airports?
There is no direct train from any airport straight to the stadium. However:
From Newark: NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction, then Meadowlands Rail Line (on event days).
From LaGuardia or JFK: Requires bus/subway or AirTrain connections into Manhattan, then NJ Transit.
Sources
- Arrivals data: FlightRadar24
- Taxi fares: TaxiFareFinder
- Road distances: Google Maps
Main image: Myron Mott – Unsplash
