How to get to MetLife Stadium: Best ways for England fans to travel for Panama World Cup match

England's World Cup 2026 campaign has already taken supporters on a journey across the United States, with the Three Lions playing each of their Group L matches in a different city.

After kicking off their tournament with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Arlington, Thomas Tuchel's side were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Foxborough on Matchday Two.

The Three Lions now head to New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford knowing that a positive result against Panama on Saturday will secure their place in the World Cup round of 32.

England's travelling supporters have created a vibrant atmosphere everywhere they have gone so far, and the New York/New Jersey area will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

Here, Football Ground Guide takes a look at the best ways for England fans to get to MetLife Stadium for their side's crucial World Cup clash against Panama.

Getting to MetLife Stadium by Car

MetLife Stadium is located within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, around five miles west of New York City and approximately 10 miles north of Newark.

Directions from Midtown Manhattan (20–30 minutes)

• Take the Lincoln Tunnel out of Manhattan and merge onto NJ-495 West.
• Continue for around three miles before joining Route 3 West towards East Rutherford.
• Follow Route 3 West for roughly four miles towards the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
• Take the exit signposted for MetLife Stadium and follow directions to the venue.

Directions from Newark (15–20 minutes)

• Join I-95 North / New Jersey Turnpike North using the cars, trucks and buses lanes.
• Continue north and take Exit 16W for the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
• Follow the clearly marked signs from the toll plaza to the stadium access roads.

Car Parking at MetLife Stadium

Supporters should be aware that there is no general spectator parking at the stadium on World Cup matchdays. The stadium lots are reserved for FIFA operations, shuttle staging and the fan village.

The only nearby parking option is a limited number of spaces at the American Dream Mall, located adjacent to the stadium complex. Spaces are priced at $225 and must be purchased in advance through JustPark, FIFA's official parking partner. Availability is extremely limited and fans who plan to drive are strongly advised to book well ahead of the match.

Getting to MetLife Stadium by Train

For most England fans, travelling by train is likely to be the easiest and least stressful way of reaching the stadium — but supporters must purchase tickets in advance.

NJ Transit (Meadowlands Rail Line)

Supporters travelling from New York City should take an NJ Transit service from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction.

From there, dedicated Meadowlands Rail Line trains run directly to the stadium station, located right outside the venue.

A World Cup round-trip ticket from Penn Station to the stadium costs $105 and must be purchased in advance through the NJ Transit mobile app. Only 40,000 rail tickets are available per match and none will be sold on the day.

NJ Transit services at Penn Station will be restricted to World Cup ticket holders during pre-match and post-match windows, so supporters without match tickets should use alternative routes such as the PATH service.

Trains begin operating approximately four hours before kick-off and run regularly throughout the day.

From Hoboken Terminal

Fans staying along the New Jersey waterfront can take an NJ Transit train from Hoboken Terminal to Secaucus Junction before changing onto the Meadowlands Rail Line for the final leg of the journey.

Official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle

An official shuttle service operates direct round-trip bus routes to the stadium from several locations, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and a Midtown East pickup point near Grand Central Terminal. Shuttle tickets must be purchased in advance and are available to match ticket holders only.

Getting to MetLife Stadium by Taxi and Rideshare

Supporters using Uber, Lyft or other rideshare services should note that vehicles cannot drop off or pick up on stadium property during World Cup matchdays.

Going to the Stadium

All rideshare drop-offs take place at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, which is connected to the stadium by a walking route of approximately 1.3 miles. Supporters should allow extra time for this walk.

A trip from Midtown Manhattan generally costs between $45 and $75, although fares can increase significantly on matchday because of demand. Uber has added a $10 surcharge for trips heading to the stadium on matchdays, with 100% of the fee going to the driver.

Leaving the Stadium

After the final whistle, all rideshare pick-ups also take place at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.

Supporters should be prepared for the 1.3-mile walk from the stadium exits and potentially lengthy waits as thousands of fans attempt to book rides at the same time. Uber has applied a $60 surcharge on post-match departures, so fans should budget accordingly.

Getting to MetLife Stadium from the Airport

From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark is the closest major airport to MetLife Stadium, sitting around 15 miles south of the venue.

A taxi or rideshare journey usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes via the New Jersey Turnpike, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, supporters can take the AirTrain to Newark Airport Rail Station, catch an NJ Transit service to Secaucus Junction and then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line.

From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK Airport is approximately 30 miles from the stadium.

Driving times can vary significantly depending on traffic, with journeys often taking anywhere from one to two hours.

Those travelling by public transport should take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, continue to Penn Station via the Long Island Rail Road and then connect with NJ Transit services to the Meadowlands.

FGG Verdict: What is the best way to get to MetLife Stadium?

For England fans heading to MetLife Stadium this Saturday, taking the train via Secaucus Junction is comfortably the best option.

It avoids the often unpredictable traffic around New York and New Jersey, drops supporters right outside the stadium and allows fans to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere alongside thousands of fellow England supporters before kick-off. Just make sure to purchase NJ Transit tickets in advance through the mobile app, as they will not be available on the day.