Coventry vs Aston Villa: getting from Birmingham to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Aston Villa at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CV6 6GE), just north of the city centre off Jimmy Hill Way. Best of all for away fans, the ground sits right next to Coventry Arena railway station, so the train drops you almost at the turnstiles.

How to get from Birmingham to Coventry by train

This is about as short an away day as it gets. There are frequent direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Coventry, with the fastest Avanti West Coast services taking around 20 minutes and West Midlands Railway trains a little longer. From Coventry city-centre station it is one short stop on the Nuneaton line to Coventry Arena station, right beside the ground. For an evening kick-off, check the last train back to Birmingham before you travel.

• From Villa Park: If you are starting near the ground, take a local train from Witton or Aston into Birmingham New Street, then change for Coventry.
• To the ground: Change at Coventry for the Nuneaton line to Coventry Arena station. Services are not frequent, so allow time, or take a short taxi from the city centre instead.

You arrive at Coventry city-centre station. From there, hop on a local train one stop to Coventry Arena station right by the ground (extra services usually run on matchdays), or take a taxi in about 10 to 15 minutes. Book advance tickets to keep the cost down.

How to get from Birmingham to Coventry by car

By car it is around 25 miles and about 40 minutes outside rush hour. The quickest route is the M6 south-east from Birmingham to junction 3, then the A444 towards Coventry, which brings you right past the arena. For a midweek evening game the M6 around Birmingham can be slow with commuter traffic, so leave early. Put CV6 6GE into your sat nav to bring you straight to the arena.

The one thing worth sorting before you set off is parking, because this is where away fans lose the most time on the day. Spaces close to the ground fill up fast and cost more last minute, so booking a guaranteed space in advance means you drive straight in, park and walk to the turnstiles rather than circling nearby streets.

How to get from Birmingham to Coventry by coach

National Express West Midlands runs buses between Birmingham and Coventry, a cheap option though much slower than the train. National Express coaches also link the two cities. Both arrive in or near the city centre, a short taxi or local train from the ground.

Getting to the ground once you arrive

However you travel, the finish is easy. Coventry Arena railway station sits right next to the stadium, about a five-minute walk away, so the train is the closest you can get without driving. If you come by car, park in a pre-booked space by the arena and walk in. From the city centre, a taxi to the ground takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

Making a day of it in Coventry

With the travel sorted, the rest is the fun part. Get there early, find a spot for a pre-match drink and time your walk to the turnstiles so you are not rushing:

• Pubs and bars near the CBS Arena, with walking distance from the ground.
• Where to park and how far it is from the arena on foot.
• The matchday timetable, from gates opening to full time.

First time at the ground? Our Coventry City matchday guide for away fans covers everything else around your visit.

Frequently asked questions