Coventry vs Brighton: getting from Brighton to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Brighton & Hove Albion 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 Brighton to Coventry by train

The train is the most relaxed way to do this away day, and it has a big advantage: the ground is right beside Coventry Arena railway station, a five-minute walk from the turnstiles. There is no direct service from Brighton, so you will make one change, with the quickest trains taking a little under three hours.

• Via London: Brighton to London, cross to London Euston, then a fast Avanti West Coast or London Northwestern train to Coventry (the Euston to Coventry leg is about an hour).
• Via Reading: Brighton to Reading, then a direct CrossCountry train up to Coventry. This avoids crossing central London and is often the simpler option.

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 Brighton to Coventry by car

By car it is around 155 miles and about three hours, almost all motorway. The usual route is the A23 and M23 up to the M25, round to the M40, then the M42 and M6 towards Coventry. The M25 is the part that decides your journey time, so leave early on a matchday. 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 Brighton to Coventry by coach

National Express runs coaches from Brighton to Coventry, though they route through London and take a good deal longer than the train. It is the cheapest option if time is not tight. Coaches arrive in the city centre, so you will finish with a short taxi or local train to 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