Public Transport guide for major stadiums

Guide to Navigating Public Transport to Major Stadiums

Attending a live game or event at a major stadium is an exciting experience, but getting there can be a challenge,

Attending a match or event at a major stadium should be exciting, not stressful. With crowded streets and limited parking, public transport often provides the most efficient way to reach your destination. This guide covers key stadiums in the U.S, UK and Europe, with tips to make your journey smooth.


Wembley Stadium (England National Team/Major Events)

The iconic home of English football with excellent transport links

Best Transport Options:

  • Tube:
    • Wembley Park (Metropolitan/Jubilee Lines) – 10-minute walk via Olympic Way
    • Wembley Central (Bakerloo Line/Overground) – 15-minute walk
  • Train:
    • Wembley Stadium Station (Chiltern Railways) – Direct from Marylebone (5-minute walk)
    • Wembley Central (London Overground/Bakerloo) – Connects to National Rail services
  • Bus:
    • Major routes: 18, 83, 92, 182, 224, 297
    • Night buses: N18, N83

Matchday Tips:

✔ Arrive Early – Wembley Park station gets extremely congested 60-90 mins before kickoff.
✔ Alternative Exit – Post-match, walk to Wembley Central for shorter queues.
✔ Avoid Driving – Limited parking and strict event-day restrictions.
✔ Accessibility – Dedicated shuttle buses from stations for mobility-impaired fans.

Special Events:

  • For concerts/major games, extra trains/tubes run – check TfL.gov.uk for updates.
  • National Rail offers combined match + travel tickets for Wembley events.

Wembley’s transport system is designed for large crowds, but planning ahead ensures a smooth experience. Whether for football, concerts, or NFL games, public transport is the smartest way to travel.


Premier League Stadiums (UK)

Old Trafford (Manchester United)

Best options:

  • Metrolink Tram: The Old Trafford stop (10-minute walk) or Exchange Quay (15-minute walk) on the Eccles line
  • Train: Trafford Park station (20-minute walk) or Manchester Piccadilly with connecting trams
  • Bus: Routes 250, 255, and 256 stop near the stadium
    Tip: Trams get extremely crowded on matchdays, arrive early or consider walking from nearby stops.

Emirates Stadium (Arsenal)

Best options:

  • Tube: Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) is closest, or Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line) for a short walk
  • Overground: Drayton Park (Great Northern) for quick access from North London
  • Bus: Routes 4, 19, 29, and 271 stop nearby
    Tip: Avoid driving, resident parking restrictions apply on matchdays.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Best options:

  • Overground: White Hart Lane station (5-minute walk)
  • Tube: Seven Sisters (Victoria Line) followed by a 20-minute walk or shuttle bus
  • Bus: Routes 149, 259, 279, and 349 serve the area
    Tip: The stadium has a dedicated “Stadium Accessible Shuttle” for mobility-impaired fans.

London Stadium (West Ham United)

Best options:

  • Tube/Elizabeth Line: Stratford Station (10-minute walk)
  • DLR: Pudding Mill Lane (5-minute walk)
  • Bus: Multiple routes including 97, 104, 308, and 339
    Tip: Stratford Station gets extremely busy—allow extra time post-match.

Anfield (Liverpool FC)

Best options:

  • Train: Kirkdale station (20-minute walk) or Sandhills station with a dedicated matchday shuttle bus
  • Bus: Routes 17, 26, and 917 stop near the ground
    Tip: Avoid taxis post-match, demand is high and roads are congested.

Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)

Modern stadium with improving transport links

  • Tram: East Manchester Line to Etihad Campus (5-min walk)
  • Bus: Routes 53, 54, 185, 186 from Manchester city center
  • Train: Walk from Manchester Piccadilly (25 mins) or take tram
    Pro Tip: The Ashton-under-Lyne tram line runs until midnight on matchdays

Stamford Bridge (Chelsea)

Compact stadium in West London

  • Tube: District Line to Fulham Broadway (3-min walk)
  • Overground: Imperial Wharf (15-min walk)
  • Bus: Routes 14, 211, 414 along Fulham Road
    Pro Tip: Avoid Earl’s Court station changes – it gets dangerously overcrowded

St James’ Park (Newcastle United)

Iconic city-center location

  • Metro: Green Line to Haymarket (7-min walk) or Central Station (10-min walk)
  • Bus: All major routes stop at Eldon Square or Haymarket
  • Train: Newcastle Central Station (15-min walk)
    Pro Tip: Use the Quayside walkway for a scenic post-match route to avoid crowds

Other European Giants

Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich)

Germany’s most futuristic stadium

  • U-Bahn: U6 to Fröttmaning (10-min walk)
  • Bus: 293 from Moosach station
  • S-Bahn: S1 to Fröttmaning (15-min walk)
    Pro Tip: Purchase a Munich CityTourCard for unlimited transport

Camp Nou (FC Barcelona)

Catalonia’s football cathedral

  • Metro: L3 (Green Line) to Les Corts or Palau Reial
  • Bus: Routes H6, H8, 7, 33, 54, 56, 57, 59, 63, 67, 68, 74, 75, 78, 113
  • Tram: T1, T2, T3 to Avinguda de Xile
    Pro Tip: Avoid taxis – Barcelona’s bus network is more reliable

Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid)

Newly renovated with improved access

  • Metro: Line 10 to Santiago Bernabéu station
  • Bus: Routes 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 147, 150
  • Cercanías: Nuevos Ministerios station (15-min walk)
    Pro Tip: Use Madrid’s excellent bike-share system for a quick escape post-match

General Matchday Transport Tips

  1. Arrive Early
    • Aim to reach the stadium at least 90 minutes before kickoff
    • This avoids last-minute crowds and gives time for security checks
  2. Download Local Transit Apps
    • Citymapper (London, Barcelona, Munich)
    • RMV (Frankfurt/Munich)
    • TfL Go (London)
  3. Consider Alternative Routes
    • Walking from a station slightly further away can save time
    • Look for express shuttle services on matchdays
  4. Post-Match Strategy
    • Wait 30 minutes after final whistle for crowds to thin
    • Walk a few blocks away from the stadium for easier transport access
  5. Accessibility Options
    • Most major stadiums offer special assistance services
    • Book accessible transport in advance where required

U.S. Stadiums

MetLife Stadium (New York Giants/Jets)

Best options:

  • NJ Transit: Secaucus Junction transfer to Meadowlands Rail Line (direct to stadium)
  • Bus: Coach USA’s 351 from Port Authority
    Tip: Trains run only for major events—check schedules in advance.

SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Rams/Chargers)

Best options:

  • Metro Rail: Hawthorne/Lennox Station (free shuttle to stadium)
  • Bus: Metro Line 117 stops nearby
    Tip: Rideshare drop-off zones are well-organized but expect surge pricing post-event.

Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks)

Best options:

  • Link Light Rail: Stadium or International District stations (5-minute walk)
  • Bus: Multiple King County Metro routes serve the area
    Tip: The “Transit to Trails” program offers discounted fares for ticket holders.

By planning ahead, you can skip the traffic and parking hassles, making your stadium experience enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you’re heading to a Premier League clash or an NFL showdown, public transport is often the smartest way to go.