Traveling from JFK and LaGuardia to the Meadowlands

Updated: June 202625 min read

While Newark (EWR) is physically closer to the stadium, many international fans will fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA) due to airline routing. Traveling from these New York airports into New Jersey is a grueling, multi-step process that you must prepare for.

From JFK to MetLife

JFK is located in Queens, on the complete opposite side of the massive NYC metropolitan area. The most affordable transit option is to take the JFK AirTrain to the Jamaica station, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to New York Penn Station, and then transfer to NJ Transit to reach Secaucus. Expect this entirely train-based journey to take at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

From LaGuardia to MetLife

LaGuardia is notoriously disconnected from the NYC subway system. The cheapest method is taking the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to the Jackson Heights subway station, taking the E train into Manhattan (Penn Station), and then transferring to NJ Transit.

The Uber Option

Taking an Uber from JFK or LGA directly to a New Jersey hotel is incredibly expensive. You are crossing multiple toll bridges and tunnels, and you will be charged for all of them. An Uber from JFK to Secaucus can easily exceed $100-$150.

Survival Tips

Helicopter Transfers:
If budget is unlimited, Blade operates helicopter flights from JFK directly to Manhattan or the Meadowlands, reducing a 2-hour commute to 5 minutes.
The Manhattan Layover:
Do not attempt to land at JFK at 3 PM and make it to MetLife Stadium for a 6 PM kickoff. It is too risky. Land a day early and spend the night in Manhattan.