Getting There
Piscataway is served primarily by Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located approximately 19 to 24 miles away depending on your route, with a drive of roughly 27 to 36 minutes in normal traffic. The fastest option from EWR is a rideshare or rental car, costing around $19 to $21 and taking under 40 minutes. For a transit option, NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line departs from the Newark Liberty International Airport Station (connected via AirTrain — note that as of January 2026, AirTrain service is partially suspended on weekdays during construction hours and replaced by free shuttle buses) and arrives at New Brunswick Station in about 32 minutes for $16 to $20, putting you within shuttle distance of SHI Stadium.
Getting Around
Piscataway is a suburban township with limited local transit, and a car or rideshare is strongly recommended for getting around between hotels, restaurants, and the stadium. NJ Transit bus routes (810, 811, 814) and the Northeast Corridor commuter rail serve the broader area but are not convenient for on-demand travel between neighborhoods. Uber and Lyft are available and reliable throughout Piscataway, Edison, and New Brunswick, making rideshare a practical car-free alternative for game day.
Where to Stay
The best base for visiting sports fans is New Brunswick, roughly 3 to 4 miles from SHI Stadium, where you will find the most dining and bar options within walking distance of each other; hotels there such as the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick and The Heldrich Hotel range from about $150 to $250 per night. The Piscataway and Somerset corridor along Route 287 offers quieter, more suburban options like the Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset and the Hilton Garden Inn Piscataway, typically running $110 to $180 per night with free parking. Edison, about 3 miles from the stadium, is another solid mid-range area with options like the Sheraton Edison and Courtyard Edison Woodbridge. Book well in advance for major home games, particularly rivalry weekends, as the entire region fills up quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
Rutgers bills itself as the birthplace of college football, having played the first intercollegiate game in 1869, which gives SHI Stadium a genuine sense of historical weight for die-hard fans of the sport. The Scarlet Knights compete in the Big Ten, meaning visiting fans will encounter high-stakes conference matchups and a passionate, scarlet-clad home crowd. Fans looking to stack a trip can easily pair a Rutgers game with professional sports in the New York metro area, including NFL games at MetLife Stadium, MLB at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field, and NHL or NBA at Madison Square Garden, all within an hour. TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, home of the Somerset Patriots (New York Yankees Double-A affiliate), is only about 6 miles from SHI Stadium and makes for an easy add-on if you have an extra evening.
Venues in Piscataway
Jersey Mike’s Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from EWR to Piscataway for a game at SHI Stadium?
The fastest option is a rideshare (Uber or Lyft) directly to your hotel or the stadium, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes and costing approximately $19 to $21 under normal conditions. Alternatively, take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Airport Railroad Station, then board a NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train to New Brunswick Station (about 32 minutes, $16 to $20); on game days, Rutgers runs a free shuttle from in front of the Rutgers Bookstore at New Brunswick Station directly to SHI Stadium.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in for a Rutgers sports trip?
New Brunswick is the top pick for visiting fans. It sits about 3 to 4 miles from SHI Stadium, has the most concentrated bar and restaurant scene in the area, and is directly on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line with the game-day free shuttle to the stadium. If you prefer a quieter, more suburban stay with free parking and slightly lower rates, the Piscataway and Somerset corridor along Route 287 is a good secondary option.
Which sports teams play in Piscataway?
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team (NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference) plays at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Rutgers is one of college football's founding programs and competes against Big Ten heavyweights throughout the fall season, making home games a significant draw for college football fans across the region.
Is Piscataway a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Piscataway is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is New York/New Jersey, where games will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, approximately 30 miles northeast of Piscataway.
Sports cities near Piscataway
Close enough to pair with a Piscataway trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.