Away-day guide
Coventry vs Aston Villa: getting from Birmingham to the CBS Arena
Heading to Coventry for Aston Villa's trip to Coventry City? Here is everything you need to get from Birmingham to the Coventry Building Society Arena without stress: the fastest ways to travel, where to park and how to get to the ground once you arrive.
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Villa matchday update
Checked for Wednesday 16 September
- Official parking: Arena parking for Coventry City v Aston Villa is currently advertised from £20. Check/book official parking.
- Leaving by car: the official parking notice says an A444 Jimmy Hill Way closure applies after Coventry City first-team home fixtures. Car Park C and Arena Shopping Park traffic can leave onto the A444, but only southbound towards the city centre before following the diversion if heading for the M6.
- Train: Coventry Arena station is around a five-minute walk from the stadium. The Arena currently lists one train per hour in either direction on matchdays with double-carriage capacity. Check Arena travel guidance and confirm live rail times before setting off.
- Bus from Coventry station: the extended Number 20 now links Coventry Railway Station with the Arena area seven days a week and runs until 11pm, with extra football-special buses possible on busy matchdays. Number 20 update.
- Away pub: Coventry City's visiting-supporter guide recommends The Longford Engine, 270 Bedworth Road, CV6 6BP, around a 17-minute walk from the Arena. View the away-fan guide.
Coventry City host Aston Villa at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CV6 6AQ), just north of the city centre off Jimmy Hill Way. Coventry Arena railway station is beside the ground, giving rail travellers a short final walk to the stadium.
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, check the live local rail timetable for Coventry Arena station or use the extended Number 20 bus service towards the Arena area. A taxi from the city centre is another option. Check your return journey before you travel, especially for an evening kick-off.
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 6AQ into your sat nav to bring you straight to the arena.
The one thing worth sorting before you set off is parking. Matchday restrictions operate around the Arena and nearby streets, so use an authorised pre-booked car park rather than arriving without a plan.
Book your CBS Arena parking
Parking near the ground is busy on matchdays. Pre-book before you leave Birmingham so you know where you are heading.
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
Coventry Arena railway station is within walking distance of the stadium. If you come by car, use your pre-booked space and follow event signage and steward instructions. From Coventry city centre, rail, the extended Number 20 bus and taxis are all practical final-leg options.
Where to stay in Coventry
If you are staying overnight, choose between the arena area for the shortest matchday journey and Coventry city centre for more food, bars and transport options. For an evening game, a city-centre hotel can also make the trip home easier if you do not want to rush for a late train.
See every hotel near the CBS Arena and in Coventry on a map, with Google ratings and how long each one takes to reach the ground.
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, built around the next home kick-off.
- Plan your day: your trip from home to the turnstiles, with a pub or a car park on the way.
First time at the ground? Our Coventry City matchday guide for away fans covers everything else around your visit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Birmingham to Coventry for the game?
The two easiest options are the train (about 20 minutes) and driving (around 25 miles, about 40 minutes). By car, set your sat nav to CV6 6AQ and book your parking before you set off.
Is there a train station at the CBS Arena?
Yes. Coventry Arena railway station is around a five-minute walk from the ground. The Arena advises checking live train times before travel; its visitor information currently lists one train per hour in either direction on matchdays, with double-carriage capacity.
Where should Birmingham fans park at the Coventry Building Society Arena?
Spaces close to the ground go quickly on a matchday, so book ahead rather than turning up on spec. For visiting supporters, Coventry City's away guide identifies Car Park C as the closest paid Arena car park to the South Stand.
How long before kick-off should I arrive?
Aim to be near the ground 60 to 90 minutes before kick-off. That leaves time to park, get to your seat and grab a drink without rushing.