Advice for travelling fans

We would like to point out the following, for which your cooperation will be appreciated and that we hope will allow you to get full benefit from your visit.

The consumption of alcohol, or the carrying of a container with alcohol therein, or which is apparently containing alcohol, is prohibited on the streets of both the City of Manchester and Trafford, where Old Trafford stadium is located. Any person found contravening this regulation will be requested to hand the container and its contents to a requesting police officer and the container and its contents will be disposed of. If, once requested to hand over the container, you fail to do so, you may be arrested.

It is possible that certain Public Houses may reserve their hospitality for either England or Northern Ireland supporters only. We would ask you to respect this restriction and if you arrive at a Pub that is designated other than for your allegiance, you seek out another venue.

Old Trafford Stadium

Turnstiles are open 90 minutes prior to the kick off. Travelling supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible due to traffic congestion.

Manchester United adopts a strict segregation policy and visiting supporters who have purchased tickets for the home sections may be ejected from the stadium.

Supporters travelling by public transport

Metrolink Station

Old Trafford Metrolink station is 1/2 mile from the stadium. Exit the station into Warwick Road, passing the cricket ground on the left. Continue through two sets of ATS and into Sir Matt Busby Way.

Trafford Bar station is situated at the junction of Seymour Grove and Talbot Road, some ¾ of a mile from the stadium. This is a good stop for those heading for the ‘Tollgate’ public house or the restaurants at the White City Retail Park.

Exchange Quay is alternative on the Eccles route. This is ideal for supporters wishing to visit the Salford Quays area prior to or after the game. The ground is approx. ½ mile from this area and can be clearly seen. Access is either via Trafford Road or over the foot bridge adjacent to The Lowry Centre and Imperial War Museum (North).

National Rail

Overland trains from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road, stop on match days at Old Trafford football ground. (Station halt)

Last midweek trains: There is only a limited service from Manchester Piccadilly to London on Saturdays.

By bus: The numbers 252-257 inclusive, plus 17, 114 and 236 run from Manchester Piccadilly to Old Trafford.

Supporters travelling by private vehicles

Car parking is very limited in the streets near to the stadium. A residents parking scheme is in operation on match days and those streets to which the scheme applies are clearly sign posted. There are a number of car parks in the vicinity of the stadium for a fee.

For secure parking, try one of the following options. Official Manchester United Car Parks which surround the stadium or the Official Match Day Car Parks to the south of the stadium, including the Centrica Building, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Trafford Town Hall.

The following advice is given by GMP regarding the use of ‘On Street’ and unauthorised car parking

"The Greater Manchester Police would like to remind all supporters who have come to today’s game by private car of the risk to your vehicles from Car Crime.

Your vehicle is at risk if you fail to park it in a designated and stewarded match day car park.

If you are travelling from outside Manchester ensure that you know the location of these car parks.

Do not park your vehicle in an unsupervised area or on local residents roads, not only will your vehicle be at risk from crime but also it will create an obstruction to local residents. You may avoid the initial cost of the car parking but the cost of car crime or a fixed penalty notice will be much greater.

Don’t leave any belongings in your car, a coat, CD player, bag, briefcase or club merchandise are all invitations to the car thief. If you must leave valuables then lock them in the car boot.

Please secure all doors and windows, fit anti-theft devices and activate any vehicle alarms and imobilisers.

Consider the use of public transport, bus, tram and train all serve the ground on match days.

Enjoy the game - don’t let car crime spoil it for you. "

Directions for England Supporters Coaches

If you are travelling directly to Old Trafford –

A) Travel on to the M60 motorway via M6, M61, M62 and M56 as appropriate.

B) Continue on the M60 until junction 9 sign posted ‘Trafford Park’ and then leave, following signs for Trafford Park. Enter Park Way (dual carriageway) and continue to the first roundabout.

C) Leave roundabout at the 3rd exit (Village Way) and continue to the next roundabout (Europa Circle).

D) Continue forwards onto Wharfside Way.

E) At the first Traffic Signals turn right into John Gilbert Way, coach parking is provided on the left. There will be a charge.

Coach companies MUST inform local police of their intention to travel and the number of supporters and coaches.

In addition to the above, drivers are advised to comply with the following:-

A) Not to carry intoxicating liquor (obligatory). This also applies to coach operators carrying football teams and officials.

B) Not to stop for refreshments at any place where intoxicating liquor is available.

C) Within a ten mile radius of the destination, do not stop for any purpose other than an emergency, on the way to or from a match.

There is no fixed rendezvous point: however coaches must follow the designated routes.