Coventry vs Ipswich: getting from Ipswich to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Ipswich Town 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 Ipswich to Coventry by train

There is no direct train, and the two sensible routes are very different in feel. Going via London is simple but means crossing the capital; going via Peterborough keeps you out of London but needs two changes. Either way, budget around three hours 15 and book ahead for a midweek evening kick-off.

• Via London: Ipswich to London Liverpool Street on Greater Anglia, then the Underground across to Euston and a fast train to Coventry.
• Via Peterborough and Nuneaton: Ipswich to Peterborough, then a CrossCountry service towards Birmingham, changing at Nuneaton for the short hop down to Coventry.

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 Ipswich to Coventry by car

By car it is around 150 miles and about two hours 45, and it is one of the simpler drives on the list: the A14 runs almost the whole way, west past Cambridge, Huntingdon and Kettering to the M6 at Catthorpe, then a few miles down into Coventry. The A14 roadworks and lorry traffic are the usual hold-ups, so leave a 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.

How to get from Ipswich to Coventry by coach

National Express runs coaches from Ipswich to Coventry, but they route through London or Birmingham and take the best part of a day. For an evening kick-off the train or the car is the realistic choice.

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