Beat Traffic for Chiefs vs. Giants: Commute Tips
The Kansas City Chiefs face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, with kickoff at 8:20 PM ET. Expect massive crowds and gridlock on major routes.
If You're Going to the Game
To the Stadium
Start your trip 3-4 hours before kickoff to arrive by 5 PM. Gates open at 6:20 PM; parking lots at 4:20 PM.
- From NYC: Depart by 3:30 PM via Lincoln Tunnel or GWB.
- From NJ: Leave by 4 PM on NJ Turnpike or I-95.
- Expected inbound delays: 30-60 min on I-95 N and Route 3 E starting 5 PM.
From the Stadium
Game ends around 11:30 PM; plan exit by midnight to avoid peak exodus (11:30 PM-2 AM).
- To NYC: Head out by 12:30 AM; use Route 3 W to I-95 S.
- To NJ: Depart immediately post-game via NJ Turnpike S.
- Outbound delays: 45-90 min on local roads and bridges until 2 AM.
Route Planning
Primary routes include I-95 and the NJ Turnpike. Congestion starts 3 hours before kickoff.
| Route | Expected Delay | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| I-95 N | 45-60 min | Route 17 N |
| NJ Turnpike | 30-45 min | Garden State Parkway |
| Route 3 E | 20-30 min | Local roads via Lyndhurst |
Parking Strategies
MetLife offers 20,000+ spots, but they fill fast.
- Pre-book: Reserve via the stadium app.
- Preferred lots: Tailgate-friendly areas near Gate 7 (Lot G).
- Cost: $40-60; arrive early for better spots.
- Alternatives: Park-and-ride from Secaucus Junction.
Public Transit Options
- NJ Transit Rail: From NY Penn Station to Meadowlands Rail Line (20 min ride).
- Buses: NJ Transit #126 from Port Authority.
- Schedules: Trains every 15 min pre-game; delays post-game.
If You Want to Avoid Game Traffic
Directions to Avoid
From 3-11 PM, dodge these inbound directions:
- Northbound I-95 from Newark to Fort Lee
- Westbound NJ Turnpike Exits 16W-18
- Eastbound Route 3 and Paterson Plank Road
Post-game (11 PM-2 AM): Avoid southbound I-95, eastbound Route 3, and GWB/Lincoln Tunnel approaches.
Impact: Up to 2-hour delays.
Alternate Routes
- From NYC: Holland Tunnel to Route 1&9, then Route 7.
- From NJ: Garden State Parkway to Route 440, avoiding Turnpike.
- From West: Route 80 to Route 46, then local to I-287.
| Origin | Alternate Route | Time Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | Route 1&9 Tpk | 30-45 min |
| Newark | Route 21 N | 20-30 min |
| Paramus | Route 4 E to 17 S | 15-25 min |
Optimal Travel Times
- Inbound avoidance: Before 2 PM or after 11 PM.
- Outbound: Travel before 3 PM or after 2 AM.
- Midday: 10 AM-2 PM safest.
Local Impact Areas
- East Rutherford: Surface streets jammed.
- Secaucus/Weehawken: Bridge/tunnel backups.
- Fort Lee: GWB approach clogged.
Key Takeaway: Game traffic can add 1-2 hours; plan departures to cut delays by 50%.