Coventry vs Nottingham Forest: getting from Nottingham to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Nottingham Forest 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 Nottingham to Coventry by train

Good news for Forest fans: there is a direct CrossCountry train from Nottingham to Coventry, so no changes, with the fastest services taking around one hour 45. It runs via Leicester and Nuneaton and drops you at Coventry city-centre station, one short stop from Coventry Arena station right beside the ground.

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 Nottingham to Coventry by car

By car it is a short hop of around 50 miles and about an hour, almost all motorway. Head down the M1, then the M69 straight into Coventry, or take the A46 if the motorway is busy. 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 Nottingham to Coventry by coach

National Express runs coaches from Nottingham to Coventry. It is a cheap option, though slower than the direct train. Coaches arrive in the city centre, a short taxi or local train from 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