Coventry vs Chelsea: getting from London to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Chelsea 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 London to Coventry by train

Once you are at Euston this is one of the quickest away days in the division: a direct train to Coventry, fastest under an hour, with Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern both running the route. From southwest London the Underground gets you to Euston in about half an hour.

• Getting to Euston: Fulham Broadway to Embankment on the District line, then the Northern line up to Euston. South Kensington and the Piccadilly line to King's Cross is the alternative if the District is disrupted.
• Euston to Coventry: Avanti West Coast is quickest at around an hour, London Northwestern about one hour 15. For a Boxing-week fixture book early, since engineering work is common over the holidays.

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 London to Coventry by car

By car it is around 100 miles and about two hours, almost all motorway. The usual route out of west London is the M4 to the M25, then the M40, M42 and M6 towards Coventry, or the A40 and M40 straight out if you are starting north of the river. Getting clear of London sets your journey time, so start 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.

How to get from London to Coventry by coach

National Express runs direct coaches from London Victoria to Coventry, taking around two to two and a half hours. Cheap and simple, though the train is quicker. Coaches arrive in 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