Thousands of Aston Villa fans will head to London this weekend for the FA Cup semi-final match against Crystal Palace, meaning trains and stations will be busier than normal.
With tens of thousands of fans heading to Wembley on Saturday (26 April), trains between Birmingham and London are expected to be extra busy before and after the game, which kicks off at 5.15pm.
Passengers are advised to plan their journeys, check before they travel, and allow extra time to get to and from Wembley.
Changes to services on the Chiltern main line means all services to Wembley Stadium and London Marylebone will start and end at Warwick Parkway, with no services calling at Solihull, Dorridge, Hatton, Lapworth or Warwick at all on Saturday.
There will be extra services running between Warwick Parkway and Wembley Stadium and for customers needing step-free access to trains, Leamington Spa is the nearest accessible station serving the route.
Extra staff will be on hand at Birmingham New Street and London Euston to help keep passengers safe and trains leaving on time.
For Aston Villa supporters travelling from south of the city:
- Chiltern Railways’ services to Wembley Stadium will start at Warwick Parkway, calling at Leamington Spa and Banbury. Free parking will be available at Warwick Parkway, Leamington Spa and Banbury throughout the day.
For Aston Villa supporters travelling from other areas of the city and the city centre:
- London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast are operating services between Birmingham New Street and London Euston
Elizabeth Graham, Network Rail’s Birmingham New Street station manager, said: “With Aston Villa heading to Wembley and other key sporting events taking place across the weekend, we’re expecting Birmingham New Steet to be extra busy, particularly on Saturday.
“We want everyone to get safely to and from the match, so I’d urge passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time. Our staff are here to help, so please treat them with respect if you are in the station and need their help at any point.”
Lucy Wootton, head of the Grand Railway Collaboration, which represents the rail industry in the West Midlands, said: “We have worked collaboratively with rail operators in the region to advise Aston Villa supporters of rail options when heading to Wembley. Rail services will be in operation to London from Birmingham New Street and Warwick Parkway.
“With a later kick-off of 5.15pm, services may be limited on the return journey so please plan your trip in advance and choose the route and travel option which is best for you.
Passengers can plan their journey and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk and with their train operator.
Image credit: Network Rail Air Operations
