Away-day guide
Coventry vs Bournemouth: getting from Bournemouth to the CBS Arena
Heading to Coventry for AFC Bournemouth's trip to Coventry City? Here is everything you need to get from Bournemouth 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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Coventry City host AFC Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Coventry by train
Better news than the distance suggests: CrossCountry runs a direct service north from Bournemouth through Southampton, Reading and Banbury that calls at Coventry, so there are no changes at all. It takes around three hours, and Coventry Arena station is one short stop further on from the city-centre stop.
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 Bournemouth to Coventry by car
By car it is around 155 miles and about three hours. The usual route is the A31 and M27 east, then the A34 north past Winchester and Newbury to the M40, leaving at junction 15 for the A46 into Coventry. The A34 is single-carriageway in places and slow behind lorries, so it is worth leaving a decent margin. 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 Bournemouth so you know where you are heading.
How to get from Bournemouth to Coventry by coach
National Express runs coaches from Bournemouth to Coventry, routing through London or Birmingham and taking a large part of the day. The direct train is far better value for a matchday.
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 Bournemouth to Coventry for the game?
The two easiest options are the train (about 3 hours) and driving (around 155 miles, about 3 hours). 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 Bournemouth 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.