Finding parking at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey can be a challenge during big events like New York Giants or New York Jets games. With a capacity of over 80,000 fans, there are thousands of vehicles all competing for limited parking spaces. Planning ahead and knowing where to find the best parking options near MetLife Stadium is key to avoiding traffic jams and long walks from far away lots.
MetLife Stadium Parking Overview
MetLife Stadium offers over 20,000 parking spaces in various lots surrounding the venue. However, these lots are mainly reserved for premium ticket holders, suite owners, and corporate clients. There are very limited general parking spaces available for the average fan.
The main public parking lots at MetLife Stadium are Lot E, Lot F, Lot G, and Lot L. There are a couple smaller public lots as well. Public parking passes typically sell out fast as the lots fill up. If you don’t pre-purchase a pass, you’ll have to hunt for cheaper off-site parking options.
Parking prices at MetLife lots range from around $30 to $100 or more. Pre-purchasing online typically offers savings compared to driving up and paying the day-of rates. Accessibility parking is available for disabled parking permit holders.
Keep in mind when parking directly at MetLife Stadium, you’ll still have a good 10-15 minute walk to the stadium entrance gates. Shuttles are available to help transport fans from certain lots for a fee.
Best MetLife Stadium Parking Tips
To find the most convenient MetLife Stadium parking, consider these tips:
- Pre-purchase parking passes online in advance – this guarantees a spot and can save money over day-of rates
- Arrive early – at least 3 hours before kickoff to get a spot close by
- Consider off-site parking – nearby businesses and properties offer cheaper alternative parking and shuttles
- Use mass transit – take NJ Transit train or bus and avoid parking altogether
- Use rideshare – services like Uber or Lyft can drop off/pick up close to stadium
- Park in the Yellow Lot – closest public lot near gates and best chance for shorter walk
- Check all options – private small lot operators offer parking spaces too, sometimes at better rates
Give yourself plenty of extra time when driving to the stadium and navigating large crowds. Patience and preparation is key to finding the best parking spot for your budget and needs.
MetLife Stadium Parking Map
MetLife Stadium is located at One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.
Here is an overview map of the parking lots around MetLife Stadium:
As you can see, there are parking lots on all sides of the stadium. However, the majority are permit/premium lots not available to the general public. The main public lots are on the south and west sides.
Key Parking Lots
Some key MetLife Stadium parking lots to know are:
- Yellow Lot – Closest public lot near gates, best chance for shorter walk
- Green Lot – Second closest driveside lot with more capacity
- Blue Lot – Nearby offsite lot with shuttle access
- Purple Lot – Economy parking with lower rates but longer walk
- Orange Lot – Private VIP parking with premium spaces
Off-Site and Private Parking
In addition to the official MetLife Stadium lots, there are many offsite parking options on nearby roads, private property, and businesses. These can offer cheaper rates, anywhere from $10 to $50 or more per car.
Some popular offsite parking areas include:
- Meadowlands Racetrack – offers parking and shuttles
- Route 120 – local businesses like movie theater, restaurants, hotels
- Paterson Plank Road – lots of private operators set up parking here
- Secaucus Junction – park at train station and take train to stadium
- American Dream mall – newer option with shuttle buses
Small private lots are all over the roads leading to the stadium. Look for handmade signs and flaggers directing cars on game days. Many homeowners earn extra cash renting out their front lawns or driveways as makeshift parking lots.
Shop around and compare prices if parking offsite. Factor in the shuttle fees if they are not included. Leave extra time to account for traffic jams getting in and out of these unofficial lots.
MetLife Stadium Parking Passes
For guaranteed parking, purchase passes in advance through the official MetLife Stadium website or ticket resellers. Here are some options:
Parking Pass | Description | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Premier | Close reserved spaces, VIP lots | $100+ |
Premium | Nearby reserved spaces | $60-$100 |
General | First-come spaces in main public lots | $30-$60 |
Economy | Farther walk from less desirable lots | $20-$40 |
Accessibility | Disabled parking in select lots | Same as General |
Parking passes grant entry but do not guarantee a specific spot. Get there early to secure a good spot. Prices fluctuate based on demand for big games vs preseason.
Day-Of Parking Tips
If you do not pre-purchase a pass, follow these tips for parking on the day of the event:
- Arrive at least 3-4 hours before start time to get in line
- Bring cash for onsite payment – some lots are cash only
- Follow parking attendants and police directives to lots
- Don’t park illegally – you may get ticketed or towed
- Be prepared to pay higher demand-based pricing
- Consider offsite parking to save money
- Allow extra time for traffic jams and finding a spot
Parking tends to open 4-5 hours prior to the event start time at MetLife Stadium. Spots fill up fast, so come early if you want to park close and don’t have a pre-paid pass.
MetLife Stadium Parking Costs
Parking prices at MetLife Stadium vary greatly depending on the location, proximity to stadium, and whether you pre-pay for a pass or pay day-of. Here are typical parking rates:
Lot Type | Pre-Paid Online | Drive-Up Day-Of |
---|---|---|
Premier/VIP | $100-$200+ | $150-$250+ |
Preferred/Premium | $60-$100 | $80-$120+ |
General Parking | $30-$60 | $40-$80 |
Economy Parking | $20-$40 | $30-$60 |
Offsite Parking | $20-$50 | $20-$60 |
Booking online in advance can save $10-$30 compared to driving up and paying at the gate. Rates are highest for major games like the NY Jets/Giants rivalry matchups.
Accessible Parking Rates
Accessible parking rates for approved disability placard holders are:
- Pre-Paid Online – Same as general parking ($30-$60)
- Drive-Up Day-Of – Same as general parking ($40-$80)
There are limited accessible parking spots available in certain MetLife lots, mostly in Lots D, E, F, L and the Yellow Lot. Make sure to display valid permits.
Where to Park for Less Walking
To minimize walking distance, target these MetLife Stadium parking lots:
- Yellow Lot – Closest to Gates A, B, C, D, E
- Green Lot – Next closest to Gates F, G
- Purple Lot – Near Gates H, J, K
- Blue Lots 1 & 2 – Close to Gate L
The Yellow Lot is the top choice for short walking distance. It fills up fastest with pre-paid parking pass holders. From this lot, expect about a 10-15 minute walk to stadium gates.
Other lots can require walks of 20-30 minutes or more. The farther lots include Orange, Red, Brown, Tan, and Pink.
Getting Dropped Off or Picked Up
If you don’t want to park at all, getting dropped off and picked up at MetLife Stadium is a convenient option. Here are some tips:
- Use the MetLife Central or MetLife West drop-off zones
- Have an agreed pick-up location and time
- Avoid traffic jams by getting dropped early, picked up late
- Coordinate an offsite pickup spot like American Dream mall
- For rideshares, use the designated Uber & Lyft zones
- Don’t wait or park illegally – use designated areas only
MetLife Central is the main plaza with multiple drop-off lanes to easily access Gates A-E. MetLife West is smaller providing access to Gates F-K. Both locations have helped improved the pick-up/drop-off experience compared to past years.
MetLife Stadium Parking Policies
Know the parking policies at MetLife Stadium lots:
- Parking opens 4-5 hours before event
- No re-entry – once you leave the lot, you cannot return
- No tailgating or oversized vehicles in most lots
- Keep possession of parking pass – it is required for exit
- Pay attention to all posted signs and attendants
- Don’t park illegally – be aware of fire lanes, no parking zones
- No overnight parking or camping allowed
Parking attendants will be stationed in the lots to direct traffic, collect payment, and enforce policies. Failure to comply may result in fines or being towed.
FAQs about MetLife Stadium Parking
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about parking at MetLife Stadium:
How early should I arrive to parking for a MetLife Stadium event?
Arrive at least 3-4 hours before start time to get parked closeby if you don’t have pre-paid pass. For big games, arrive even earlier up to 5 hours pre-event.
Can I tailgate in MetLife Stadium parking lots?
Tailgating is prohibited in most MetLife lots except for certain premium areas. Use offsite private lots if you want to tailgate.
Are MetLife Stadium parking lots first-come, first-served?
Yes, most public lots are first-come-first-served for drive-up parking. Pre-paid passes have reserved spaces.
Do the parking lots at MetLife Stadium require cash only?
Some lots are cash only for drive-up parking. For pre-paid online, credit cards are accepted. Bring cash just in case.
Can I take a shuttle from offsite parking?
Yes, many nearby properties like the racetrack and malls offer shuttles for a fee.
How late can I leave my car after the event?
Parking lots are cleared out shortly after the end of the event. Vehicles can’t remain overnight.
Are accessible parking spots available?
Yes, limited accessible parking is available for permits holders in designated areas.
Conclusion
Finding convenient parking at MetLife Stadium starts with advance preparation and knowing your options. Look at all the stadium lots, offsite businesses, and private operators to find the best rates and walking distance. Popular lots like Yellow fill up fastest, so arrive early if you want to park there without a pre-paid pass. Consider transit as an alternative to avoid parking hassles altogether. With the right planning and research, you can find suitable MetLife Stadium parking even with 80,000 other fans competing for spaces.