Coventry vs Crystal Palace: getting from London to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Crystal Palace 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

The train leg itself is easy: London Euston to Coventry is direct, with the fastest Avanti West Coast services under an hour and London Northwestern trains a little slower and cheaper. The part to plan is the start, since you need to cross London from the south first.

• Getting to Euston: Selhurst, Norwood Junction or Thornton Heath into London Bridge or Victoria, then the Underground across to Euston. Allow 45 minutes for the crossing on a busy morning.
• Euston to Coventry: Avanti West Coast is the quickest at around an hour. London Northwestern takes about one hour 15 and is usually the cheaper walk-up fare.

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 105 miles and about two hours 15, almost all motorway once you are clear of south London. The usual route is the M25 anti-clockwise to the M40, then the M42 and M6 towards Coventry, or straight up the M1 and round on the M6 if the M25 is slow. 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 in around two to two and a half hours, and Victoria is a straight run from Selhurst. It is the cheapest way to do this one, 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