Advice: Travel tips for Rugby World Cup weekend at Villa Park
Villa Park will play host to some of rugby's most renowned international rugby teams this weekend. Thousands of fans will be coming to Birmingham from across the country to watch teams including Australia and South Africa.
With a capacity of more than 42,000, the games at Villa Park will be attracting huge crowds all making their way to the stadium. Here are your tips on how to plan a smooth journey to rugby matches.
ARRIVING BY CAR
Given the volume of people entering the city, visitors are advised not to rely on finding parking and being able to get near the stadium. A number of the main roads in the city are subject to road works and are likely to be busier than normal.
If you do need to drive, the following Park and Ride options are available.
Park & Ride at Perry Park (Postcode B42 2LA) - access from M6 Junction 7
Park & Ride at Perry Hall Park (Postcode B42 1RS) - access from M6 Junction 7
Park & Ride at Fort Dunlop (Postcode B24 9FD) - access from M6 Junction 5
Park & Walk at Power League (Postcode B6 7TG) - access from M6 junction 6
Park & Walk at Birmingham City University (B42 2SU) - access from M6 Junction 7
Park & Walk at Moor Lane Sports Ground (Postcode B6 7AA) - access from M6 junction 7
The Park & Ride/Walk schemes will run three hours before matches and three hours after the final whistle and cost £10 per vehicle.
Spaces are limited but you can book your place in advance here.
The Council will be using variable messaging signs, social media alerts and local media updates to keep motorists informed on the status of the road network and availability of spaces in car parks.
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
There are several ways to get to Villa Park, either directly by train or via train and shuttle bus:
For passengers travelling from London Euston (and all stops in between), the easiest way to get to the game is to leave the train at Birmingham International where a free shuttle bus will take you directly to Villa Park.
The free shuttle buses from Birmingham International will operate on Saturday between 1300 – 1600 and Sunday between 0900 – 1130.
If you are travelling from other areas to Villa Park, your closest station is Aston. A queuing system will be in pace at Aston station following the match, and it will take longer to board the train.
Buses will also be available to take you to Birmingham City Centre if you prefer, and your rail ticket will be accepted on these buses.
A third station, Whitton, is a fifteen minute walk from Villa Park if you would prefer to avoid Aston train station.
If you arrived at the Stadium by train you may want to consider the 55 minute walk back into central Birmingham after the match as Aston and Witton Stations are expected to be busy.
ARRIVING BY BUS
There are local buses and shuttle buses running over the weekend to take you to Villa Park:
Bus Number 7: This departs from Livery Street outside Snow Hill Station in the centre every 10 minutes and stops two minutes from Villa Park. You can find a timetable here.
Other Bus Routes: The following bus routes also go to Villa Park from different parts of the wider Birmingham area - 7, 11A, 11C, 65, 67, 68A, 68C, 424, 424E
Shuttle Bus: Operates on match-days between the Fanzone, at Eastside Park in the City Centre (B4 7AP) and Villa Park.
It will run regularly from 3 hours prior to kick off to 3 hours after final whistle on match-days. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
ARRIVING ON FOOT & BIRMINGHAM FANZONE
Villa Park is a 55 minute walk from the city centre - but you can also break up that journey with a visit to Birmingham's Fan Zone in Eastfield Park.
It features inflatable attractions, fair grounds, food and drink and a large screen with deckchairs to watch the rugby action.
Here are the best routes to walk to Villa Park.
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