Coventry vs Leeds: getting from Leeds to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Leeds United 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 Leeds to Coventry by train

CrossCountry runs frequently from Leeds down through Sheffield, Derby and Birmingham, and some of those services carry on through Coventry, which saves you the change. Where they do not, change at Birmingham New Street and it is a 20-minute hop. Reckon on around two hours 30 door to door.

• Straight through: Look for a CrossCountry service towards Reading or the south coast: those run beyond Birmingham and call at Coventry.
• Via Birmingham: Any CrossCountry train to Birmingham New Street, then a Coventry-bound service across. Trains run every few minutes on that leg.

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 Leeds to Coventry by car

By car it is around 130 miles and about two hours 30. The simple version is the M1 south to junction 21 at Leicester, then the M69 straight into Coventry. It is an easy drive outside the Friday evening rush, and the M1 roadworks are the usual variable. 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 Leeds to Coventry by coach

National Express runs coaches from Leeds to Coventry, usually changing in Birmingham. It is the cheapest option and fine if you are not in a hurry, but the train is a lot quicker for a 3pm kick-off.

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