MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, NJ
Home of 8 World Cup matches including the July 19 Final. ~60 miles from Atlantic City via Garden State Parkway / NJ Turnpike.
⚡ 2026 UPDATE: No parking at MetLife on matchdays. NJ Transit fares are $150 round-trip, advance purchase only via app. 40,000 tickets per match — they will sell out. See the Travel Updates section above for full details.
KEY FACT: All trains to MetLife funnel through Secaucus Junction — that's your critical transfer point. From AC, you ride the Atlantic City Rail Line to Philadelphia, then connect north to Secaucus, then board the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to the stadium.
By Train — NJ Transit (Recommended)
~2.5–3 hrs total
1
Board NJ Transit — Atlantic City Rail Line
From Atlantic City Rail Terminal (Atlantic Ave & Michigan Ave). Buy your $150 round-trip ticket to Meadowlands Station in advance via the NJ Transit app — tickets are NOT available at the station on match day and will sell out. Download the NJ Transit App well in advance.
2
Arrive Philadelphia 30th Street Station (~70 min)
Transfer to a northbound NJ Transit Regional Rail line toward New York. Multiple lines stop here heading toward Trenton and Newark. Check the app for your next connection time — allow a comfortable buffer.
3
Transfer at Secaucus Junction KEY STOP
This is the central hub for all MetLife-bound trains. All World Cup match service connects through Secaucus. Look for boards marked "Meadowlands." Starting 4 hours before kickoff, this corridor is restricted to FIFA ticket holders only. Allow extra time — this will be extremely busy on match days.
4
Meadowlands Rail Line → MetLife Stadium DIRECT
Match-day-only trains run directly from Secaucus to Meadowlands Station, steps from MetLife. Trains run every 10–20 minutes during peak windows. Only ticketholders may board. NJ Transit is also deploying 100 articulated buses on a dedicated TransitWay lane to handle overflow capacity.
5
After the match — return to Secaucus, then south
Post-match trains run at least every 15 minutes back to Secaucus. Check your last connection from Secaucus to Philadelphia — for evening matches, plan to catch the last AC-bound train. Orange-jersey ambassadors will be stationed throughout to assist fans.
Pro Tip: Buy your $150 round-trip ticket the day you purchase your match ticket — don't wait. Walk to your post-game rideshare meeting point before requesting the car. On match days, text don't call — it's loud and crowded.
By Official Stadium Shuttle Bus
$80 round-trip · Advance purchase
The NYNJ Host Committee operates official round-trip shuttle buses at $80/person — a cheaper alternative to the $150 train. Shuttles pick up from three locations: Port Authority Bus Terminal (NYC), Midtown East — east of Grand Central Terminal, and a New Jersey park-and-ride at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Advance purchase only. Accessible options are available for guests with accessibility needs. Buy tickets at nynjfwc26.com
From Atlantic City: The shuttle doesn't serve an AC pick-up point directly — drive or take transit to one of the three pick-up locations, or use this option if you're already in NYC before the match.
By Car — Garden State Parkway North
~60 min (add 60+ min match day)
1
AC Expressway West → Garden State Parkway North → Exit 16E
Follow GSP North approximately 100 miles to Exit 16E toward the Meadowlands Sports Complex / MetLife Stadium. NJ Turnpike (Exit 16E) is an alternate route.
2
Parking: American Dream Mall only — $225/spot, advance purchase SOLD OUT FOR FINAL
There is no stadium parking on matchdays. The only advance-purchase parking option is ~5,000 spots at American Dream Mall at $225 each. Parking for the July 19 Final is already sold out. Best alternative: Park at Secaucus Junction and take the shuttle train the last leg — avoids post-game gridlock significantly.
Traffic Warning: Post-match traffic around MetLife can be severe. Consider parking at Secaucus and taking the train, or plan to wait 1–2 hours after the match. NJ Turnpike and GSP will be heavily congested.
By Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
~60–90 min + heavy surge pricing
Drop-off and pick-up is at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment only — approximately 1 mile from the stadium gates. No rideshare vehicles are permitted on stadium property or directly adjacent roads. Book well in advance. Set a fixed meeting landmark before requesting your return ride. Walk to the pick-up zone first, then request — don't try to request from inside the concourse.
Smart Move: Use NJ Transit to get there, rideshare to come back — or vice versa. Return rideshare surge pricing post-match will be extreme. Having a plan both ways is ideal.
Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia
6 World Cup matches in Philadelphia. ~60 miles from Atlantic City via AC Expressway / I-76. This is actually the simpler of the two stadium trips from AC — one train, one subway, you're there.
GOOD NEWS FOR AC FANS: The Philadelphia route is easier than MetLife — no $150 special fare, no Secaucus transfer maze. Standard NJ Transit fares apply on the AC Line. Check current fares at njtransit.com
By Train — NJ Transit + SEPTA (Easiest, Recommended)
~90 min total
1
Board NJ Transit — Atlantic City Rail Line at Atlantic City Rail Terminal
Direct service to Philadelphia 30th Street Station — no transfers required (~70 min). Trains run approximately every 90 minutes. Check njtransit.com for the schedule closest to your match time. Buy tickets in advance via the app to skip any lines. Standard NJ Transit fares apply — no $150 World Cup surcharge on this route.
2
At 30th Street Station — take SEPTA Broad Street Line South DIRECT TO STADIUM
Board SEPTA's Broad Street Line (orange line) southbound. Ride directly to NRG/AT&T Station — adjacent to the Sports Complex including Lincoln Financial Field. SEPTA runs extended service on match days. Pay SEPTA fare separately. Download the SEPTA app or use a SEPTA Key card. One-way fare is approximately $2.50.
3
Walk from NRG/AT&T Station to Lincoln Financial Field
The station puts you directly at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and Wells Fargo Center are all within a short walk. Signage will direct fans. The entire Sports Complex is pedestrian-friendly — this is a well-practiced match-day operation Philadelphia does regularly.
4
Return the same way — watch the last train time
For evening matches, confirm the last NJ Transit departure from 30th Street back to Atlantic City. The final AC Line train typically departs before midnight — check in advance and don't miss it. SEPTA runs extended post-match service from NRG Station.
Best Option from AC for Philly Matches: This is genuinely easy. One NJ Transit train, one SEPTA subway swipe, you're at the gate. No Secaucus, no $150 surcharge, no parking stress. Leave ~2.5 hours before kickoff to be comfortable.
By Amtrak — Northeast Regional / Acela
~30–45 min from NYC or Newark to Philly
If you're connecting from New York or Newark, Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Acela trains serve Philadelphia 30th Street Station directly. Amtrak is running full capacity with additional seats for the World Cup, including the new NextGen Acela fleet. From 30th Street, take the SEPTA Broad Street Line south to NRG/AT&T Station as described above. Visit amtrak.com — book early for World Cup match dates.
Not the primary AC route — NJ Transit from Atlantic City is more direct than going through NYC to catch Amtrak south. Amtrak is ideal if you're coming from New York or further north.
By Car — AC Expressway / I-76
~60 min (add time match day)
1
AC Expressway West → Route 42 North → I-76 East (Schuylkill Expressway)
Follow I-76 east through Philadelphia. Take Exit 349 (Sports Complex) — follow signs for Lincoln Financial Field parking. Alternate route from South Jersey: Walt Whitman Bridge across the Delaware, then Broad Street south to the Sports Complex.
2
Parking at Lincoln Financial Field / Sports Complex
On-site parking is available at the Sports Complex. Purchase in advance at lincolnfinancialfield.com — World Cup matches will sell out parking. Arrive 2+ hours early. Consider parking and riding SEPTA from a station further north to avoid the stadium area traffic.
Note: Unlike MetLife, Lincoln Financial Field does have parking — but it will sell out for World Cup matches. Book early and arrive well before kickoff. Post-game traffic on I-76 and the Schuylkill can be significant after big events.
By Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
~60 min from AC + surge pricing
Rideshare drop-off at Lincoln Financial Field is more straightforward than MetLife — the Sports Complex is accessible. Expect surge pricing on match days, particularly for the return trip. Book the return ride before you enter the stadium — not after the match ends when 40,000 people are all requesting simultaneously. Set a specific street corner meet-up and walk there first.
From Atlantic City: A direct Uber/Lyft from AC to Philly will run $60–$120+ depending on time and surge. NJ Transit ($13 or less each way) is dramatically cheaper and avoids all traffic stress.
Philadelphia Matches to Plan For: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (Jun 14 · 7PM), Brazil vs Haiti (Jun 19 · 9PM — check last train!), France vs Iraq (Jun 22 · 5PM), Curacao vs Ivory Coast (Jun 25 · 4PM), Croatia vs Ghana (Jun 27 · 5PM), Round of 16 (Jul 4 · 5PM).
Getting Around Atlantic City
Within Atlantic City, getting between your hotel, the Boardwalk, fan zones, casinos, and the rail terminal is easy and inexpensive.
AC Jitney
The iconic Atlantic City Jitney runs 24/7 along four routes connecting the Boardwalk, casinos, hotels, and the rail terminal. Fare is approximately $3. The fastest and cheapest way to move around Atlantic City. Visit jitneyac.com for routes and schedules.
Boardwalk Walk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches 4 miles — most major casino hotels, fan zones, and the EIC are within comfortable walking distance of each other. The WorldCupAC Esports Finals at EIC Boardwalk are walkable from virtually every Boardwalk hotel.
Rideshare & Taxis
Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are available throughout Atlantic City. Taxis are typically available at casino hotel entrances. Rideshare pricing is reasonable within the city — useful for late-night returns from watch parties or off-Boardwalk venues.
Bike & Scooter
The Boardwalk is ideal for cycling during the day. Various bike rental options along the Boardwalk. Electric scooters available through rideshare apps in parts of the city. Perfect for reaching beach fan zones and outdoor venues.
🚂 Atlantic City Rail Terminal
Atlantic Ave & Michigan Ave, AC
NJ Transit Atlantic City Line · Service to Philadelphia 30th Street (~70 min) · All stadium connections begin here
Park & Ride Options
West AC Park & Ride · Bader Field Overflow · Marina District Event Parking
Each lot connects to the main transit hub. Shuttle service to fan zones and rail terminal on match days.
Regional Airports
6 airports serve the World Cup region. Atlantic City International is closest to AC — but EWR and PHL often have more international connections. Note: Spirit Airlines has permanently ceased operations at ACY.
ACY AIRLINE UPDATE: Spirit Airlines shut down permanently on May 2, 2026 and no longer flies from Atlantic City. Breeze Airways has stepped in with new nonstop routes including Orlando (Jul 3), Charleston SC (now), Raleigh-Durham (Jun 11), Tampa (Jul 1), and more. Allegiant Air continues Florida service. See the Travel Updates section at top for full Breeze route details.
ACY
Atlantic City International
Closest to Atlantic City hotels. Now served by Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air following Spirit's permanent shutdown. Breeze launching Orlando, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa and more. Jitney and taxi service available. Easy in/out with no major congestion.
~15 min from Boardwalk
PHL
Philadelphia International
Major international hub. Direct NJ Transit / SEPTA connections. ~60 min from Atlantic City by car or train. Best all-around option for fans staying in AC — land near Lincoln Financial AND 60 min from AC hotels.
~60 min from AC · Near Lincoln Financial
EWR
Newark Liberty International
Closest major airport to MetLife Stadium. AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then NJ Transit to Secaucus. Heavy World Cup traffic expected. Best if your primary matches are at MetLife.
~2 hrs from AC · Near MetLife
JFK
John F. Kennedy International
Major international hub. AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR or subway to Penn Station NY, then NJ Transit to Secaucus. Allow 2.5–3 hrs from JFK to AC.
~2.5 hrs from AC
LGA
LaGuardia Airport
Domestic flights. Bus to Port Authority, NJ Transit south toward Philadelphia or Secaucus depending on destination.
~2 hrs from AC
TEB
Teterboro Airport
Private aviation / charter. Located near MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. Excellent option for groups flying private to the Final.
~90 min from AC · 5 min from MetLife
Flying In for the World Cup? PHL is the best all-around option for fans staying in Atlantic City — you land near Lincoln Financial Field AND you're 60 minutes by car or train back to AC hotels. EWR is better if you're primarily attending MetLife matches. For ACY, book Breeze or Allegiant — Spirit is gone for good.
Driving & Parking
Key routes and parking info for fans arriving by car. Note the major change for MetLife — no stadium parking on matchdays.
AC → MetLife Stadium
AC Expressway W → Garden State Parkway N → Exit 16E (Meadowlands)
~60 miles · ~60 min without traffic · Add 60+ min on match days · NJ Turnpike via Exit 16E is an alternate
AC → Lincoln Financial Field
AC Expressway W → Route 42 N → I-76 E → Exit 349 (Sports Complex)
~60 miles · ~60 min without traffic · Walt Whitman Bridge option from South Jersey also works
MetLife Parking
American Dream Mall only — $225/spot, advance purchase
NO stadium parking on matchdays. ~5,000 spots at American Dream Mall only. Parking for the Final already sold out. Best alternative: Secaucus Junction park-and-ride + shuttle train.
Lincoln Financial Parking
On-site Sports Complex lots
Purchase at lincolnfinancialfield.com. Arrive 2+ hours early for World Cup matches. SEPTA from 30th Street is a strong alternative to avoid parking stress entirely.
Match Day Quick Reference
All regional matches within reach of Atlantic City — with recommended travel mode from AC.
Official Transit Resources
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| Date | Match | Venue | Time ET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 13 | Brazil vs Morocco | MetLife NJ | 6:00 PM |
| Jun 14 | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | Lincoln Financial PHI | 7:00 PM |
| Jun 16 | France vs Senegal | MetLife NJ | 3:00 PM |
| Jun 19 | Brazil vs Haiti | Lincoln Financial PHI | 9:00 PM |
| Jun 22 | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife NJ | 8:00 PM |
| Jun 22 | France vs Iraq | Lincoln Financial PHI | 5:00 PM |
| Jun 25 | Ecuador vs Germany | MetLife NJ | 4:00 PM |
| Jun 25 | Curacao vs Ivory Coast | Lincoln Financial PHI | 4:00 PM |
| Jun 27 | Panama vs England | MetLife NJ | 5:00 PM |
| Jun 27 | Croatia vs Ghana | Lincoln Financial PHI | 5:00 PM |
| Jun 30 | Round of 32 | MetLife NJ | 5:00 PM |
| Jul 4 | Round of 16 | Lincoln Financial PHI | 5:00 PM |
| Jul 5 | Round of 16 | MetLife NJ | 4:00 PM |
| Jul 19 | 🏆 WORLD CUP FINAL | MetLife NJ | 3:00 PM |
Official Transit Resources
NJ Transit — Official World Cup Page
Match-day schedules, $150 ticket purchase, app · njtworldcup.com
NYNJ Host Committee — Getting to the Stadium
Official shuttle buses ($80 RT), transportation plan · nynjfwc26.com
SEPTA — Philadelphia Transit
Broad Street Line to Lincoln Financial Field / NRG Station · septa.org
Atlantic City Jitney
24/7 service throughout Atlantic City · jitneyac.com
Breeze Airways — Now Flying from ACY
Replacing Spirit routes · Orlando, Charleston, Tampa, Raleigh-Durham and more · flybreeze.com
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
Flights, ground transport, parking · acairport.com
Amtrak — Northeast Regional & Acela
Philadelphia ↔ Newark ↔ NYC connections · Full World Cup capacity · amtrak.com
MetLife Stadium — Getting Here
Official transportation info · metlifestadium.com
Download before you go: NJ Transit App (iOS / Android) — buy tickets, check schedules, get real-time alerts. Set up My Transit Alerts for match-day service notifications. Check the app the morning of your match for any service adjustments. For MetLife matches, buy your $150 ticket as early as possible — 40,000 per match day will sell out.