Train operators have issued travel advice for supporters travelling to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup semi-final between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on Saturday, 26th April.
The advice applies particularly to Aston Villa supporters travelling from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area.
Trains are expected to be very busy, and because of the late-afternoon kick-off time of 5.15 pm, there will be fewer train services returning from London towards Birmingham after the match, especially if there is extra time or the match goes to penalties.
If possible, supporters should try to stay overnight in London and return to the West Midlands on Sunday, 27th April, as there will be more choice of return train services.
Match travel advice
- Chiltern Railways will operate services direct to Wembley Stadium, starting at Warwick Parkway and calling at Leamington Spa and Banbury.
- On Saturday, 26th April, there will be no Chiltern train services from Birmingham Moor Street, Solihull, Dorridge, Hatton, Lapworth, or Warwick.
Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway
- Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services will operate from Birmingham New Street to London Euston, where supporters can change to trains for direct travel to Wembley.
Post Match Services
- Because of the late kick-off time, return services to Birmingham and the West Midlands will be limited.
Revised train timetables for Saturday, 26th April, will be loaded to online journey planners later this week.
Similar advice was issued ahead of the Birmingham City v Peterborough United EFL Trophy Cup Final last Sunday, 13th April, which was Birmingham City’s first cup final since 2011, and for last year’s FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Coventry City.
“It is great for the region to have another West Midlands team playing at Wembley this season, but I would like to remind Aston Villa supporters that rail travel to and from the match will be extremely busy. The kick off time of 5.15 pm means that there will be limited rail services after the match for supporters returning to the West Midlands. Please plan your trip in advance of travelling and you may want to consider extending your stay into the following day.”
Lucy Wootton, Head of the Grand Railway Collaboration, which represents the rail industry in the region
Responses