Where to Stay for a MetLife Stadium Concert or Game: Port Authority vs NJ

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide Β· 2026 Edition

Where to Stay for a MetLife Stadium Concert or Game: Port Authority vs NJ

Where to Stay for a MetLife Stadium Concert or Game: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford Β· Updated October 2026 Β· Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

Hotels for metlife stadium concerts fall into two camps: stay in New Jersey near the Meadowlands, or base yourself in Midtown Manhattan and ride out on show day. MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, roughly eight miles from Midtown as a rough estimate, so the choice shapes your whole evening.

Hotels for MetLife Stadium Concerts: Midtown Manhattan or New Jersey?

Hotels for metlife stadium concerts fall into two camps: stay in New Jersey near the Meadowlands, or base yourself in Midtown Manhattan and ride out on show day. MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, roughly eight miles from Midtown as a rough estimate, so the choice shapes your whole evening.

This guide covers the New York City side of the decision: Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, subway lines, walking distance and sample hotel addresses, with 2026 planning rates and tax math. Show times, event transit and hotel details change, so confirm everything with the venue, NJ Transit, the MTA or the property.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford: How Show Day Transit Works From Manhattan

Most Manhattan visitors reach the stadium by bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal at Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street or by event-day rail through Secaucus Junction. Routes, stops, cutoffs and fares are set by NJ Transit and the venue, so confirm the current plan before you commit to a hotel.

Plan for crowds both ways. Buses and trains fill quickly after the final song, and the ride back can take far longer than the ride out. A hotel that lets you walk to a transit hub, not cross town, removes one risk from an already long night.

Aerial view of downtown Newark, New Jersey, with rail lines along the right side
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Subway Lines to Port Authority at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue

The A, C and E stop at 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, right beside the bus gates. The 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S and 7 serve Times Square-42nd Street, linked by an underground passage that takes roughly five to ten minutes on foot as an estimate.

The fare is commonly cited as $3 per ride with OMNY, but confirm the current amount with the MTA. Late-night subway service runs less often and sometimes on altered routes, so check weekend notices before relying on one train to get you back.

Event-Day Rail via Secaucus Junction and Moynihan Train Hall

Event-day rail to the Meadowlands commonly means a New Jersey Transit train from New York Penn Station, a transfer at Secaucus Junction and a second train to the stadium. Moynihan Train Hall at 421 Eighth Avenue sits beside Penn Station, so confirm which entrance your service uses.

Special event service, ticket types and last-train times vary by show, and tickets may need to be bought in advance.

Midtown Manhattan Hotels Near Port Authority and Hell’s Kitchen

Hotels west of Times Square offer the shortest trip to the bus terminal. The Paramount at 235 West 46th Street, the New Yorker at 481 Eighth Avenue and the Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway are frequently mentioned addresses; confirm current status, categories and policies with each property.

Hell’s Kitchen blocks along Ninth Avenue add dining within walking distance of those hotels, which helps on a show day when you want to eat early.

Sunset over Midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River, seen from the Empire State Building
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Boutique Hotel and Luxury Hotel Options Within Reach of the 42nd Street Hub

If you prefer a boutique hotel, the Algonquin at 59 West 44th Street is a commonly cited option, a short subway or taxi hop from the bus terminal. Confirm room counts, elevator access and overnight desk hours before booking for a late arrival.

For a luxury hotel night around a stadium concert, consider the Peninsula at 700 Fifth Avenue or the Lotte New York Palace at 455 Madison Avenue, both commonly described as luxury hotels. Neither is near Port Authority, so factor in the extra ride and confirm all details.

Penn Station and Chelsea Stays for NJ Transit Concert Weekends

Staying near Penn Station at Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street puts New Jersey Transit trains underfoot, which is useful when your concert depends on rail. The New Yorker and the Ace at 20 West 29th Street are examples to confirm, along with their current amenities and rates.

Hotels in Chelsea also open up the 1, 2, 3 and A, C, E lines, giving you a backup route if one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels for MetLife Stadium Concerts in New York City

Fans planning New Jersey concert trips tend to ask the same questions about location, transit and cost. The answers below are general guidance, not guarantees, and each should be confirmed with the venue, NJ Transit, the MTA or the hotel.

If your situation involves accessibility needs, a very late return or a large group, contact the hotel directly and keep written confirmation of room category, check-in time and cancellation terms. That record helps if the event or your transit plan changes.

Is a Manhattan hotel practical for a MetLife concert?

Often yes, because buses and event trains leave from Port Authority and Penn Station. The trip is longer and slower on the return, so confirm transit plans, allow a generous buffer and choose a hotel with a late desk.

Which subway lines serve Port Authority Bus Terminal?

The A, C and E stop at 42nd Street-Port Authority, and the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S and 7 are reached through the Times Square-42nd Street complex. Confirm service changes with the MTA.

What nightly budget should I plan for in 2026?

Use $195 to $295 for budget, $320 to $480 for mid-range and $650 and up for luxury as estimates. Add 14.75% plus about $3.50 per night and confirm any extra fees with the hotel.

Keep reading

Getting Around NYC Β· Hotels Near MetLife Stadium Β· NYC Landmarks and Sightseeing Questions Answered Β· Staying Near Newark Penn Station for PATH, NJ Transit & Amtrak into Manhattan Β· Staying Along the New Jersey Gold Coast (Edgewater & Fort Lee) for NYC Trips Β· Where to stay in NYC Β· NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks Β· Cheap hotels in NYC Β· All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.