Travel to Old Trafford by train
Travelling to Old Trafford from London is a popular choice, and it is possible to do this by taking a train. The quickest and simplest way to travel between London and Old Trafford is to take the direct train operated by Virgin Trains East Coast. This train departs from London Euston station and takes just over two hours to reach its destination. Passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of a 1st class carriage with reserved seats and free Wi-Fi. From Manchester Piccadilly station, it is a 10-minute taxi ride to Old Trafford.
The Virgin Trains East Coast website provides up to date information on ticket pricing and timetables. It is important to book train tickets in advance to get the lowest fares and best availability. Tickets are available for purchase up to 12 weeks in advance of the travel date and can be booked online or via the telephone.
Driving to Old Trafford
For those that prefer to drive to Old Trafford, it is possible to do so in just under five hours. Driving can be a convenient choice if travelling with friends or family, as the journey can be shared. Some car rental companies are based in London and can provide a convenient window of renting and dropping off the car in the same city.
The A1 motorway links London to Old Trafford and the route is via the M25, M1, and then the M60 at Manchester. This route is the most direct route, however, it is also possible to take slightly different routes such as the M3 and M4. Those travelling to Old Trafford by car can benefit from Park and Ride facilities in order to avoid city centre traffic.
Flying to Old Trafford
The quickest way to reach Old Trafford from London is to fly. It takes just over 1 hour to fly from London to Manchester. There are many regular flights operated by various airlines from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airport. Those looking to take the most direct route should be sure to select flights that operate to Manchester airport. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Old Trafford.
When flying to Manchester, travellers should be aware of additional charges for luggage. Many airlines have restrictions on the weight and number of bags passengers can take. For those who need to take additional or hold baggage, it is important to research in advance as these fees can be high. It is also possible to book chauffeur services to take visitors directly from the airport to Old Trafford.
Travelling to Old Trafford by coach
Those wishing to travel to Old Trafford by coach have a number of options. The quickest way to travel is to take an express coach, however, these services are often not as frequent as the longer journeys that include multiple stops.
The National Express coach service runs from London Victoria station to Manchester city centre. The journey takes between four and five hours. National Express also offer an overnight service from Victoria Coach Station in London that takes 10 hours. These services are ideal for those who do not want to spend too much time behind the wheel. From Manchester city centre, it is a 45-minute bus ride to Old Trafford.
Travelling to Old Trafford by boat
For those who are looking for a more unique and scenic way to get to Old Trafford, travelling by boat is an option. It is possible to travel to Old Trafford from London via boat, although it takes around 10 hours and so is not a practical choice. The primary boat route from London to Old Trafford departs from the London Eye pier and travels up the Thames estuary before entering the Irish Sea near Manchester.
However, there are a number of boat tour packages available. These packages are designed for sightseeing and include stops in a number of coastal towns such as Plymouth, Southampton and Liverpool. At the end of the tour, passengers usually disembark in Manchester city centre, from where they can take a bus to Old Trafford.
Cost of Travelling to Old Trafford
The cost of travelling to Old Trafford from London varies depending on the method of transport chosen. Train tickets to Old Trafford from London cost between 20 GBP and 70 GBP, depending on the type of ticket and date of travel. Flights can vary in cost, depending on the airline, but can be booked from as little as 60 GBP. Coaches are usually the most economical option, with tickets starting at 10 GBP and taking around four or five hours. Boat tours start from 300 GBP and take around 10 hours.
The cost of transportation is just one part of the expenses associated with travelling to Old Trafford. Visitors should also consider the cost of accommodation and food, should they need overnight stays. Some hotels in Manchester offer special packages that include train or airfare, meals and tickets to Old Trafford.
Planning a Trip to Old Trafford
When planning a trip to Old Trafford, visitors should consider a number of factors. Firstly, visitors should look into the various options for transportation, depending on budget and time available. If travelling from London, visitors should have a clear plan for the journey that includes how to get from the airport or train station to the stadium. Visitors should also check the Manchester weather forecast before planning their trip to ensure they are travelling in suitable conditions.
Visitors should book tickets in advance in order to secure the best possible seats and the lowest fares. Visitors should also look into local customs and culture prior to their trip in order to make the most of their experience. Finally, visitors should bear in mind that Manchester is a popular destination for tourists and so should plan their trip around peak times in order to avoid overcrowding and long queues.
Exploring Manchester
Travelling to Old Trafford is an excellent opportunity to explore this exciting city. Sightseers can explore Manchester’s impressive architecture, eclectic culture and vibrant art scene. Manchester is a city full of history and many of its attractions have been around for centuries. Visitors should take some time to visit sites including Manchester Cathedral, Castlefield and The Royal Exchange, each of which have long and interesting histories that are worth exploring.
Manchester is also home to a number of excellent museums. The Manchester Museum showcases the fascinating history of this city and the National Football Museum celebrates the city’s sporting heritage. For those who prefer the great outdoors, Manchester boasts an array of parks and nature reserves, where visitors can take leisurely strolls.
Eating in Manchester
No trip to Manchester would be complete without sampling some of the delicious and varied food on offer. The city is home to some of the best eateries in the UK, serving everything from traditional British cuisine to international delicacies. There are also many places to get traditional Manchester dishes such as fish and chips, balti pies and Manchester egg. Visitors should be sure to sample some of the city’s excellent restaurants and bars, where they can enjoy delicious meals and great drinks.
Those looking for something a bit different can visit Chinatown, where they can find a variety of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. Manchester also offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, offering organic and locally sourced produce. There is also an abundance of street food in the city, where visitors can sample some of the region’s best dishes.
