Coventry vs Sunderland: getting from Sunderland to the CBS Arena

Coventry City host Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Coventry by train

For a trip this long the train is the sensible choice. There is no direct service, so you will change at least once, often at York or Birmingham, with the fastest journeys taking around four hours 15. The reward at the end is the location: Coventry Arena railway station sits right next to the ground, a five-minute walk from the turnstiles.

• The usual route: Sunderland to York or Newcastle, then a CrossCountry service down through Birmingham to Coventry. Book the long leg in advance to keep the fare sensible.

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 Sunderland to Coventry by car

By car it is around 200 miles and about four hours, so plan a break. The route is the A1(M) south, then the A19 or A1 to the M1, and down to the M42, M6 and Coventry. Traffic builds around Birmingham, so leave plenty of time on a matchday. 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 Sunderland to Coventry by coach

National Express runs coaches from Sunderland to Coventry, but they take a large chunk of the day, so the train is far better for a matchday unless you are staying over.

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