FOLLOW BIRMINGHAM CITY TO STOKE CITY

Driving & road restrictions

For the Bristol City match, use Saturday 24 October's 3pm kick-off and allow extra time rather than treating the last mile as a routine motorway exit. The bet365 Stadium is at Stanley Matthews Way, off the A50, with approach options from the M6 junction 15/A500, the eastbound A50 and Trentham Road. The club's recent warning about restricted lanes on the A500/A50 approach makes driving right onto the stadium estate a particular risk.

If you're aiming for a prompt getaway, consider leaving the car farther out and walking or using Stoke's Glebe Street shuttle rather than joining the Stanley Matthews Way queue. The club's October travel notice says traffic may be held to let buses and emergency vehicles through, while older fan reports describe lengthy waits leaving the nearest parking. Those reports are experience, not a guaranteed journey time.

The pedestrian approach is also worth planning: there is no walking along the A50 or A500 carriageways. The signed footbridge/cycleway from Heron Cross and Hollybush paths, or Stanley Matthews Way from Trentham Road, provides the intended approach. Follow any new traffic management signs and check the live roadworks map before travel.

Fixture and UK local kick-off

Saturday 24 October 2026: Stoke City v Bristol City; 14:00 UTC = 15:00 BST. UK clocks change the following day, 25 October.

Stadium and navigation

bet365 Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4EG. Approaches via M6 J15/A500, A50 from the east, and A5035 Trentham Road from the south.

Motorway and estate access

From the M6 south/west approach use J15 then A500/A50 and signed stadium/Trentham Lakes accesses; eastern arrivals use A50. Do not assume one entrance suits every booked car park.

Current lane restriction affecting match

Stoke City notice of 12 October 2026 reports a damaged bridge parapet and one inbound lane approaching traffic lights from the A500/A50 onto the stadium estate; expected to persist for at least three months, subject to repair. Not a newly verified 24 October traffic order.

Pre-match congestion point

The club warned of queues on the A500/A50 slip road and a single lane before traffic lights; use both lanes after the bridge on the approach to the Lexus roundabout when directed. Notice was issued for the 13 October evening fixture, so its 7pm congestion forecast is not a 24 October daytime forecast.

After-match traffic control

Stoke City reported two outbound lanes eastbound towards the A50 bridge and possible short holds for shuttle buses/emergency vehicles; follow marshals. Stadium-estate roads may be held after full time.

Independent supporter exit experience

September 2024 r/StokeCityFC reports call the roads around the ground congested and favour walking from more distant parking; one BFM user reported 35–45 minutes to leave. Anecdotal, not promised or guaranteed.

Pedestrian approach and motorway safety

No pedestrian access along the A500 or A50 themselves. Use the signed footway/cycleway via Grove Road (Heron Cross) or Highfield Drive (Hollybush), and/or Stanley Matthews Way from A5035 Trentham Road.

Travel disruption monitor

Check Stoke council roadworks map and National Highways closure updates before departure; 24 October event-specific closure schedule not independently established at research time.

Stoke shuttle connection

Matchday shuttle between Glebe Street, Stoke, and the stadium; 3pm schedule on official club page states from 13:30 every 5–10 minutes and post-match return departures 17:05–18:10. Adult return £3, concession return £2; services can suffer traffic delays.

Parking & park-and-ride

For a visiting supporter, pre-booking an authorised off-street space is more dependable than hunting for free roadside parking near the bet365 Stadium. Some away guides suggest Grove Road in Heron Cross, but historic stadium permit zones cover parts of Grove Road, Hollybush and Campbell Road; no particular unrestricted bay has been confirmed. Check current roadside signs and the council restriction map rather than treating an area name as permission. If you can walk 20–30 minutes, private drives around Ashdale Road or Frank Soo Street offer bookable alternatives; check the actual route, vehicle size and full booking period. For cheaper pay-on-arrival parking, City Road in Fenton has an all-day tariff but only 14 spaces. Kingsway in Stoke offers a larger council long-stay option, with the paid Glebe Street stadium shuttle nearby. The club lists South Car Park passes and recognised business parking, although availability needs checking. Allow for slow departures and avoid supermarket customer bays without express match-length permission.

Best parking choice

Pre-book a legitimate off-street parking space for the full visit, or use a council long-stay car park and club shuttle. Free roadside parking near the ground is not a dependable or independently verified plan.

Historical stadium controlled parking hours

The 2002 and indexed later stadium traffic orders specify 12:00–21:00 on match/event days for regulated stadium parking areas. These are historical order terms, not an independently verified 2026 rule for every individual bay; current signs and live orders govern.

Historic STAD1 permit streets

Birks Street, Fielding Street and specified Campbell Road frontages (including odd-numbered 135–277) appear on the indexed historical permit-eligibility list. This does not prohibit parking along every length of each street.

Historic STAD2 permit streets

Highfield Drive, Hollybush Road, Hollybush Crescent, Central Drive, Cemlyn Avenue, Meaford Drive, Seedfields Road, Almond Grove and specified Blurton Road frontages appear in the historical stadium-zone permit documentation.

Historic STAD3 permit streets

Grove Road, Grove Avenue, Claud Street, Heron Street, Hines Street, Chilton Street, Hertford Street, Camden Street and Bracken Street appear in the historical stadium-zone permit documentation. Grove Road historic eligible properties included 1–61 odd and 2–44 even.

Residents parking and street signs

The council describes designated residents-only bays and permit enforcement. Its general page says most resident schemes operate Monday–Saturday 08:00–21:00, but the stadium-specific historical regime differs; do not apply the general hours indiscriminately.

Grove Road free street parking

An away guide calls Grove Road (ST4 3AY) free, with a roughly 15-minute footpath walk. This clashes with historic stadium-zone coverage. No specific legally unrestricted free bay was established; check each sign and actual kerbside restriction.

Free on-street capacity and reliability

Uncertain: supporter reports describe competition and some parking on verges, but do not verify legality or capacity. Do not park on grass verges, across dropped kerbs or in permit bays without entitlement.

Heron Cross and Hollybush pedestrian routes

Visit Stoke identifies signed footway/cycleway approaches from Grove Road (Heron Cross) and Highfield Drive (Hollybush). The A50 and A500 carriageways have no pedestrian access; use footbridges and designated routes.

20–30 minute booked walk: Ashdale Road

A named JustPark driveway host describes approximately 20 minutes at a fast pace or 25 minutes at a steady pace via the A50 footbridge from Grove Road opposite Heron Cross School. This is an owner estimate, not an independently timed route.

20-minute booked walk: Frank Soo Street

A JustPark driveway owner advertises approximately 20 minutes on foot to the ground. This is a private-space listing and owner estimate, not proof of unrestricted kerbside parking on Frank Soo Street.

Private-space booking conditions

Choose the actual match date, start before expected arrival and end after likely departure; verify the booking is confirmed, dimensions, access instructions and walking route. Generic from-prices and listing existence do not establish a fixture price or availability.

City Road council car park

City Road, Fenton, ST4 3AF; entrance from Baker Street; 14 spaces (including two accessible); Monday–Saturday all day until midnight £2.10; card payment unavailable according to council. First come, not reservable; approach walk not independently measured.

Kingsway council car park plus shuttle

Kingsway, Stoke ST4 1BL; 195 spaces, council Saturday all-day until midnight £5.50, card payment accepted. Park here and use nearby Glebe Street club shuttle rather than assuming this is a short stadium walk. Both car-park space and shuttle seat are unreserved.

Hide Street alternative

Hide Street, Stoke ST4 1NX; 73 spaces, Saturday all-day until midnight £4.00. Consider with the Stoke shuttle after checking the walk to its Glebe Street stop; not a close stadium car park.

Stoke Station West alternative

Council Stoke Station West long-stay car park: 150 spaces; published weekend until-midnight tariff £5. Useful if combining a longer visit or station-area stay with onward travel, not confirmed a 20–30-minute stadium walk.

Glebe Street shuttle

Stoke City says stadium shuttles from Glebe Street operate approximately every 5–10 minutes, starting around 90 minutes before kick-off; current adult return £3 and concession return £2. Kick-off-specific service times and post-match queues should be checked.

Short-stay car park warning

Glebe Street is a 12-space council short-stay car park whose published daytime rates only reach three hours. Kingsway on-street bays expressly have a three-hour maximum: avoid using either for a four-to-six-hour visit.

Official South Car Park advance passes

Stoke City 2025/26 away guide says pre-paid match-by-match South Car Park passes can be bought through the club Ticket Office on 01782 367599, not online at guide publication. Check away-fan eligibility, availability and 2026/27 terms directly.

Other on-site access

Club guide reserves North, West 1 and West 2 car parks for seasonal permit holders. AccessAble also describes some limited pay-on-arrival South and Trent parking on Stanley Matthews Way; sources vary, so confirm policy and availability before setting off.

Stadium-area recognised pay-on-arrival alternatives

The club guide names Powerleague, Hem Heath Cricket Club, Longton Rugby Club and BFM Europe as recognised nearby businesses offering matchday pay-on-arrival parking. Current prices, opening for any particular fixture, away supporter acceptance and capacity have not been confirmed.

Campbell Road lorry park (supporter report)

Supporters have reported a matchday paid lorry-park option on Campbell Road (ST4 4RJ), with roughly 15–20 minutes on foot, but tariff, public availability, entry rules and current matchday operation are not independently confirmed. Treat only as a possible operator-check option.

Screwfix former matchday car park

Some historic visiting guides mention Screwfix, but Stoke City explicitly described that car park as closed until further notice in September 2023. No fresh reopening was verified, so do not recommend it as an active option.

Visiting Blue Badge parking

Stoke City says five away-fan Blue Badge passes are supplied through the visiting club, near the South Stand. Arrange through your own club in advance; do not infer that ordinary Blue Badge display provides walk-up access.

Retailer customer parking permission

Asda Fenton and Tesco Meir publish store information but do not grant unattended football-match parking on the pages checked. Do not treat shopping/customer bays as matchday parking without explicit operator permission covering the entire stay.

Indicative supermarket time-limit conflict

Tesco says maximum free stays vary by store and are shown on entrance and car-park signs; the retrieved Tesco and Asda retailer pages did not confirm an applicable full-match stay. A 90-minute, two-hour or three-hour customer stay is inadequate for a visit lasting about 4.5–6 hours.

Separately bookable Sainsbury’s parking

JustPark lists a Horizon Parking-managed paid booking for Sainsbury’s Stoke-on-Trent: site described as 24-hour with one entry and exit per reservation. This is separate from ordinary customer parking, and its availability for a specified match was not checked.

Driving approach

Official stadium guidance routes drivers from M6 J15 via A500/A50, or from the east along the A50. Stadium estate access uses Stanley Matthews Way; use signed routes for your actual car park rather than a residential short cut.

Post-match delays

Stoke City says its stadium traffic-management system may close some roads or hold traffic after games and that surrounding car parks can take up to 60 minutes to clear. Local fans corroborate slow exits; consider a longer walk or park-and-shuttle if a quick escape matters.

Stadium car-park opening-time discrepancy

The Stoke City 2025/26 guide and AccessAble individual car park descriptions say two hours before kick-off, but AccessAble general directions and Visit Stoke say 11:00 for an afternoon game and 16:00 for an evening game. Confirm with the specific operator before relying on early entry.

Potentially full Nuffield car park

Stoke City warned for its Middlesbrough fixture in October 2026 that Nuffield car-park queues could obstruct roads and drivers may be moved on when full. This is evidence of an exit/arrival pinch point, not proof of spaces or the same traffic scheme at subsequent fixtures.

Whole-visit parking duration

For a 15:00 UK kick-off, arriving around 12:00–13:00 and leaving around 17:30–18:00 needs about 4.5–6 hours; allow more if eating or waiting out congestion. For early or evening kick-offs recalculate the entire visit, not just the 90-minute match.

For supporters staying overnight

Saturday council all-day tickets described here expire at midnight, so they are not evidence of permitted overnight parking. If staying in a hotel, confirm its guest parking rules, overnight tariff, check-in arrangements and any matchday access changes directly; a paid 24-hour private booking can be an alternative if its particular terms cover the stay.

Rail, Underground & tram

For most visiting supporters, Stoke-on-Trent is the station to book: it has mainline connections, step-free platforms and a matchday onward journey. Stoke City's shuttle runs from Glebe Street, a walk from the station, while away supporters may instead be directed to a separate, police-managed bus pick-up near Leek Road; follow stewards' instructions rather than assuming both queues are interchangeable. The club advertises frequent pre-match shuttles and return services, but allow extra time after the final whistle. If you prefer to walk, the club describes a route via Wharf Place and the Trent & Mersey Canal; allow around 40–55 minutes depending on route and stadium entrance. A taxi is another option, although published fares are examples, not guaranteed matchday quotes. Longton is a working local station and may suit certain journeys, but its platforms have no step-free access and the onward walk requires planning. Do not plan to arrive by train at Wedgwood: National Rail marks the station closed and shows replacement buses instead.

Recommended station

Stoke-on-Trent (SOT), Station Road, ST4 2AA. Principal rail arrival for away supporters and the bet365 Stadium shuttle connection.

Stoke station accessibility

National Rail category A: step-free access to all platforms, lifts and staff assistance are available. Check current lift status and arrange Passenger Assist when required.

Home/public matchday shuttle pick-up

Glebe Street, Stoke, near St Peter’s Church. The AccessAble home-supporter route from Stoke station is approximately 680 metres and 7–9 minutes on foot, with slopes and uneven surfaces.

Matchday shuttle schedule and fares

Club advertises buses around every 5–10 minutes, starting approximately 90 minutes before kick-off; adult return £3, concession return £2. For 3pm kick-offs, Stoke departures from 1.30pm and return services approximately 5.05pm–6.10pm. Check the club’s match-specific arrangements.

Away-supporter escorted shuttle

Stoke City’s 2025/26 away guide says police often meet away fans at the station and direct them to refreshments before their shuttle. AccessAble gives an alternative away-bus pick-up near The Terrace on Leek Road: around 720m/9–10 minutes from the station, via Station Road and Leek Road. The arrangement is not guaranteed for every fixture; follow police and stewards.

Post-match connection to rail

Club guide states that buses return away supporters to Stoke-on-Trent railway station. Public shuttle return points/times vary by kick-off; the Stoke service can depart from Harvester roundabout bus stops. Allow for queues and check the last train before travel.

Walk from Stoke station to stadium

Stoke City describes the route via Wharf Place off Glebe Street, south along National Cycle Route 5 beside the Trent & Mersey Canal. Its guide and Avanti indicate roughly 40 minutes on foot; Moovit estimates about 55 minutes for a different stadium-side destination. Allow approximately 40–55 minutes depending on route and entrance.

Pedestrian safety

Use the canal path, signposted footways/bridges or Stanley Matthews Way as appropriate. Visit Stoke expressly advises that there is no pedestrian access along the A500 or A50 carriageways.

Stoke station taxi rank

The club’s 2025/26 guide locates the taxi rank by Platform 1 or left of the main entrance. Pre-booked private-hire vehicles may use a separately agreed collection point.

Stoke station taxi price examples

Magnum Taxis gives a Saturday 9am sample quote checked 30 September 2026: about £6 for a car (up to four people) or £10 for an eight-seater to bet365 Stadium. These are whole-vehicle example fares, not fixed or matchday-confirmed prices; traffic, route and waiting may alter the quote.

Longton operational station

Longton (LGN), King Street, ST3 1EZ, is an operating East Midlands Railway station. It can be considered for a suitable local service, but Stoke-on-Trent offers the published matchday shuttle link.

Longton accessibility warning

National Rail category C: no step-free access to either platform, no lifts and no regular on-site staffing. East Midlands Railway advises contacting its assistance team to discuss alternatives if required.

Longton walk estimate

Moovit (updated 4 October 2026) estimates Longton station to the stadium-area bus stop at around 25 minutes on foot (1,979m), with an additional short walk to the stadium; this is not a surveyed route to the away turnstiles. Check a walking map and allow more time for matchday access.

Other local bus alternatives

Moovit currently shows routes 24 and 27A at the stadium stop, but services, stop locations and matchday running can change. Avanti’s stadium page separately mentions route 14: that discrepancy was not resolved with a current operator timetable, so do not rely on route 14 without checking.

Wedgwood operational status

Wedgwood (WED), ST12 9ER: National Rail states STATION CLOSED and no train service calls. Rail journey-planner entries are replacement buses from Wedgwood Old Road. Staffordshire County Council says rail services have been absent since the 2003 WCML works. Never suggest it as a train arrival for the stadium.

Source-data verification boundary

NaPTAN is a transport access-point dataset, not a guarantee of current passenger-train calls. This research checked the public DfT portal and definitions but did not download the station-specific NaPTAN records, so the existing active=1 values and exact exported labels cannot be authenticated as current NaPTAN database fields.

Suitable overnight rail base

For supporters staying overnight and travelling by intercity rail, arriving and leaving through Stoke-on-Trent is the more practical default because it offers mainline connections, step-free access and documented stadium buses. This is general planning advice, not a hotel availability or pricing claim.

Away coaches

If you're coming to Stoke on an organised away-supporters' coach, it is usually the simplest way to reach the bet365 Stadium. Stoke directs official and independent supporter coaches to the away-coach area beside the visiting turnstiles, behind the south stand. Its current parking guidance says there are only ten away-coach spaces and they are allocated in advance through the visiting club, so independent organisers must confirm a space rather than turn up unannounced. Coaches normally wait there until departure after the final whistle; stadium traffic controls can delay the exit. Check your operator's boarding point, coach number and return instructions before setting off. For supporters with mobility needs, AccessAble describes a short, step-free route from the visiting-supporters' parking area to the concourse, although there are slight slopes. That does not confirm an accessible vehicle: ask the coach provider about boarding assistance and wheelchair accommodation before paying. Stoke City's own coaches to away matches depart from a separate area, with arrangements published for individual trips.

Planning note (editorial advice, not a confirmed service): COACH VERSUS HOTEL PLANNING: A standard organised away-day coach is planned around a return after the match, rather than an overnight stay. Supporters who intend to stay in Stoke overnight should ask whether their operator permits an outbound-only journey and arrange their own later return; no regular overnight coach offer has been verified.

ARRIVING AWAY-SUPPORTER COACHES

Stoke City's published visiting-fan guide directs both official and unofficial supporter coaches to the rear of the south stand, next to the visiting supporters' turnstiles. Coaches normally park there and remain until after the final whistle. This is not the separately fenced parking position for the visiting team's players' coach.

COACH PARK CAPACITY AND BOOKINGS

Stoke City's current Directions & Parking page says the Away Coach Park is immediately opposite the away stand, has only ten coach spaces and is sold in advance of each fixture through the visiting club. Independent coach organisers should agree arrival, permitted parking and any payment with the away club or Stoke City before travel; it is not advertised as a pay-on-arrival coach park.

HOW TO APPROACH

The ground's address is bet365 Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EG. Stoke's guidance directs drivers from the M6 via junction 15/A500 or via the A50, then to follow stadium signs, including the coach-parking signs; approach instructions from stewards and the coach organiser take precedence on matchday.

POST-MATCH DEPARTURE

Visiting supporter coaches are expected to remain at their designated location until supporters reboard after full-time. Stoke warns that its matchday traffic-management arrangements may temporarily hold traffic and close some surrounding roads at the end of the game; its 2025/26 supporter guide says clearance from nearby car parks can take up to an hour. This is a general recurring caution, not a verified notice of a closure on a particular upcoming fixture.

AWAY-SUPPORTER ACCESSIBILITY

Stoke City's accessibility page says the visiting club receives five passes for visiting Blue Badge holders, to be booked through that visiting club. These are car-parking passes, not reserved spaces for supporters' coaches. The designated visiting supporters' car park is near the away corner of the south stand. On arrival, tell stewards that you are a visiting supporter.

STEP-FREE ROUTE NEAR AWAY END

AccessAble surveyed the visiting Blue Badge parking area beside the south stand, entered from Stanley Matthews Way. It reports a step-free tarmacked route to the visiting concourse, approximately 15–60 metres depending on the bay, with slight slopes and possible crowding. This describes the car-park-to-entrance route; it is not a measurement from every coach door.

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES

AccessAble identifies step-free entry at Gate W for the visiting section of the south stand, with stewards available. The upper designated viewing area can be reached via accessible Gate U1 and a lift. Supporters should confirm their allocated entrance with stadium staff because arrangements can differ by ticket or fixture.

BOARDING AND VEHICLE ACCESSIBILITY

An accessible stadium approach does not mean every visiting supporters' coach has a wheelchair lift, wheelchair space, suitable steps or safe boarding facilities. Arrange these requirements directly with the coach operator before buying a seat. Stoke's accessibility team can advise about the stadium at accessibility@stokecityfc.com; its ticket office is 01782 367599.

BOOKING A VISITING-CLUB COACH

An away match ticket does not, by itself, establish a place on a coach. Buy or reserve coach travel with the visiting club or its authorised travel organiser, and confirm the outward boarding point, departure time, seat/coach assignment, return meeting location and any accessibility needs. Preston North End's October 2026 Stoke fixture notice is a direct example of a visiting club publishing a separate coach-travel offer, not a permanent timetable.

STOKE CITY'S OWN OUTBOUND COACHES

Official Stoke City coaches departing the bet365 Stadium for away fixtures are a different service from coaches visiting Stoke. For the Derby County trip announced on 16 October 2026, Stoke specified the North Car Park as the departure point. Do not reuse that match's midday departure time or boarding area as a fixed rule for future matches; check the relevant club announcement or ticket office.

STOKE CITY FREE AWAY-TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Stoke City's ticket FAQ states that supporters under 18 using its free away-coach travel must be accompanied by at least one adult aged over 21. Stoke's announcement of complimentary official Championship away-coach travel was explicitly for 2025/26; check the current fixture's booking page rather than assuming every 2026/27 journey is automatically free. These conditions relate to Stoke fans going away, not visitors coming to the bet365 Stadium.

LOCAL SUPPORTERS' CLUB HOME TRAVEL

Knypersley & Biddulph Stoke City Supporters Club advertises members' home-match coaches from Knypersley Sports Club, Tunstall Road, Knypersley, ST8 7AH. Seats must be booked in advance with home-travel coordinator John Jervis (01782 838738); confirmation is required. Its online published fees and memberships refer to 2025/26 and should be checked for the current season. This is not visiting-club transport.

Buses & local travel

For a match at the bet365 Stadium, the simplest public-transport option from Stoke-on-Trent railway station is usually Stoke City's matchday shuttle from Glebe Street, rather than waiting for an ordinary bus. The boarding point is near St Peter's Church, a separate walk from the station. Stoke shuttles normally begin around 90 minutes before kick-off, running every five to ten minutes, while selected departures also leave Hanley Bus Station, Newcastle Bus Station and Chell Roundabout. After the match, Stoke-bound shuttles use the Harvester roundabout stops; Hanley, Newcastle and Chell services board below the Gordon Banks statue. Regular D&G route 24 also serves the stadium from Hanley, Stoke railway station and Stoke town centre, but check its timetable against kick-off and full-time. Route 27A serves the stadium from Longton and Bentilee, although departures are sparse. Matchday shuttles charge separate fares and do not accept ordinary day passes. Check Stoke City's fixture-specific match pack before travelling, especially if you have a train to catch after the final whistle.

Best matchday connection from the railway station

Walk to the Stoke City shuttle departure point on Glebe Street in Stoke town centre; buses do not start outside the railway station.

Glebe Street boarding landmark

Shuttle buses depart in the St Peter's Church area of Glebe Street. From the railway station use Station Road towards the town centre, following the signed pedestrian route.

Stoke shuttle frequency

The club advertises a bus approximately every 5–10 minutes from Glebe Street, starting about 90 minutes before kick-off. These are matchday departures, not a daily scheduled service.

Other matchday shuttle origins

Newcastle Bus Station, Hanley (city-centre) Bus Station and Chell Roundabout have selected pre-match departures; these are not on the same frequent pattern as Glebe Street.

3pm kick-off: advertised outward services

Typical club schedule: Chell 1.25pm; Hanley 1pm and 1.50pm; Newcastle 1pm and 2pm; Stoke from 1.30pm then about every 5–10 minutes. Check the specific fixture announcement.

3pm kick-off: advertised return window

The club lists departures beginning at 5.05pm and continuing until 6.10pm. Post-match queues and any fixture-specific changes should be allowed for.

12.30pm kick-off: advertised outward services

Glebe Street from around 11am with last departure at 12.10pm; Hanley 10.30am and 11.20am; Newcastle 10.30am and 11.30am; Chell 10.55am, subject to matchday confirmation.

12.30pm kick-off: advertised return arrangements

Stoke shuttles commence at full-time; Hanley, Chell and Newcastle usually leave approximately 20 minutes after the match. The club also lists later services, but confirm they are running for your fixture.

Evening kick-off: outbound shuttles

For a standard 8pm kick-off, club guidance lists Stoke from 6.30pm (last bus about 7.40pm), Hanley at 6pm and 6.50pm, Newcastle at 6pm and 7pm, and Chell at 6.25pm. Fixture-specific timings take precedence.

Post-match boarding for Stoke

Board Stoke-bound matchday shuttles at the stops near the Harvester roundabout, not automatically where other destination buses load.

Post-match boarding for Hanley, Newcastle and Chell

The club directs these buses to the stops below the Gordon Banks statue, generally departing after the match; return services may also call at Stoke-on-Trent railway station.

Matchday shuttle fares and concessions

Club-listed return fares: £3 adult and £2 concession (under-16s and senior concessionary-pass holders). After the game only, one-way fares are £2 adult and £1 concession; pre-match singles are not sold.

Matchday shuttle ticket validity

Matchday fares are separate: FirstDay/FirstWeek/FirstMonth and SmartDay/SmartWeek tickets are not accepted, and English National Concessionary passes do not provide free travel on these shuttles.

Regular service 24: operator and corridor

D&G Bus route 24 serves the bet365 Stadium on Stanley Matthews Way via Hanley Bus Station, Stoke-on-Trent railway station, Stoke town centre and Sideway, continuing through Trentham Lakes. It is distinct from the football shuttles.

Regular service 24: boarding points

Published route points include Hanley Bus Station, Stoke-on-Trent rail station, Glebe Street and the bet365 Stadium stop. Check the D&G journey planner for the date, direction, precise stop and operating times.

Regular service 24: matchday limitation

D&G lists scheduled daytime services but not a football-specific post-match guarantee. The route had timetable revisions from 1 September 2026; use the latest schedule and do not assume an hourly bus after the final whistle.

Regular service 27A: limited alternative

D&G route 27A links Bentilee, Longton Exchange, Longton rail station, Fenton and Sideway with the stadium. Its operator timetable shows only widely spaced journeys; it is not a dependable post-match shuttle.

Ordinary bus fares: multi-operator Smart tickets

The Stoke/North Staffordshire Smart scheme covers participating local operators including D&G and First on ordinary services. Current listed day fares are £4.80 adult and £3.70 for travellers aged 18 or under; these tickets do not cover the club shuttles.

Concessionary travel distinction

Council guidance states valid concessionary travel passes remain free on ordinary local bus services after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays; the football shuttle explicitly excludes free pass travel.

Access from the ordinary stadium bus stops

The Stanley Matthews Way stop is approximately 50–200 metres from the stadium outer concourse, depending on the gate used; AccessAble describes slopes, crossings, tactile paving and step-free access on parts of the route.

Walking instead of waiting for a bus

Avanti describes Stoke-on-Trent station as about a 40-minute walk from the stadium; consider the canal/Boothen pedestrian approaches only if happy with a substantial walk, and allow for weather and route conditions.

Fixture-specific shuttle changes

Stoke City's Middlesbrough match pack on 12 October 2026 explicitly cancelled the advertised late buses for that fixture. Treat the general website timetable as a guide rather than a guarantee of late departures.

Supporter-reported post-match queues

Supporters discussing a February 2026 visit reported that the shuttle queue can be substantial at full-time (one estimated 30–40 minutes). This is anecdotal, not a published waiting-time guarantee; leave a buffer for a train connection.

Accessible journeys

Visiting disabled supporters should arrange accessible tickets and Blue Badge parking with their own club before travelling. Stoke City currently allocates five visiting parking passes through the away club; older turn-up parking advice should not be relied upon. The visitors car park is beside the South Stand, with AccessAble documenting a step-free approach of roughly 15–60 metres, although some sections slope or become crowded. Dedicated accessible entrances and lifts serve visiting wheelchair positions, with allocation and the precise gate depending on the ticket. Stoke-on-Trent station offers step-free platform access, but the documented walk to the away-supporter bus pick-up near Leek Road is about 720 metres and includes uneven pavements. Matchday shuttle buses operate, yet wheelchair access on the specific service has not been confirmed; check with the club before depending on it. Request companion arrangements, audio commentary and sensory support early, and check any particular toilet, transfer or evacuation needs before arrival. Contact accessibility@stokecityfc.com or call 01782 367599 for assistance.

Ground and address

bet365 Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4EG

Accessibility enquiries

accessibility@stokecityfc.com

Ticket Office / accessible booking telephone

01782 367599

Ticket Office email

tickets@stokecityfc.com

Disabled supporter liaison

Courtney Allerton is named as Disability Liaison Officer by Level Playing Field; use the club accessibility email or ticket office to reach the current team.

Home accessible ticket booking

Telephone 01782 367599 or visit the Ticket Office; online purchases are possible after the Ticket Office has configured an account.

Visiting accessible ticket booking

Arrange with your own club’s ticket office or Disability Liaison Officer; tell them your seating, wheelchair and companion requirements so details can be passed to Stoke City.

Wheelchair positions available to visiting supporters

Up to 26, depending on away allocation and availability.

Visiting easy-access seats

Level Playing Field lists 16 designated easy-access/amenity seats for away supporters; confirm allocation and steps for your particular ticket.

Accessible gate procedure

Use the dedicated accessible gate specified for the ticket rather than a conventional turnstile; stewards can assist.

Away stand accessible entrance - Gate W

AccessAble surveys a step-free entrance and step-free access onward to the South Stand concourse at Gate W.

Away stand higher accessible entrances - Gates U1 and U2

AccessAble surveys step-free entrances and lifts to upper designated seating platforms via Gates U1 and U2; confirm the correct entrance with the away ticket office.

Away stand lift at Gate U2

AccessAble records a 90cm clear lift doorway and a 110cm x 120cm internal lift; check mobility equipment compatibility and current availability directly with the club.

Away concourse mobility

Step-free concourse routes are documented, but access to ordinary stepped seating rows is not universally step-free. The concourse gets congested before kick-off and around half-time.

Visiting Blue Badge parking booking

Stoke City currently specifies five visiting Blue Badge parking passes allocated in advance through the away club. Contact your club before travelling; do not rely on an unreserved space.

Away accessible parking location

Visitors car park immediately outside the South Stand/away corner, approached via Stanley Matthews Way. Inform stewards you are a visiting supporter.

Away car park physical bay count

AccessAble documents 10 physically marked Blue Badge bays in the visitors car park. This is NOT the same as the five away-club parking passes in Stoke City’s current allocation policy.

Visitors car park to accessible entrance distance

AccessAble surveys approximately 15–60 metres depending on the bay, on step-free paths with some slight slopes.

Visiting parking payment caution

The current club page does not specify an away-pass price or payment method. Older Level Playing Field information says £10 cash on arrival; this may be superseded by the current pre-booked five-pass system, so verify with the away club.

Home accessible parking booking

Book match-by-match through the Stoke City Ticket Office; the club lists accessible North and South car-park spaces subject to availability.

Home accessible parking published price

£10 per pass; Stoke City lists an additional £2 transaction fee for passes purchased by phone.

Assistance for temporary disabilities

Contact the Ticket Office on 01782 367599 or tickets@stokecityfc.com before travelling.

Companion ticket policy

Complimentary PA/companion ticket available to qualifying supporters with required recent DWP benefit evidence; club also recognises Nimbus Access Cards showing +1. Discuss any individual eligibility questions when booking.

Companion documentation currency

Stoke City requests relevant DWP documentation dated within the last 12 months, or a valid Nimbus +1 card.

Away accessible toilets

AccessAble records an accessible toilet at Block 38 on the concourse and toilets on upper platforms U1/U2. The Block 38 toilet requires a RADAR key obtainable from a steward.

Toilet transfer-side information

Block 38: left transfer. Upper platform U1: right transfer. Upper platform U2: left transfer, according to AccessAble surveys. Confirm if specialist dimensions or facilities are essential.

Changing Places provision

AccessAble details a Changing Places facility on the upper platform in the Boothen End/North Stand; request the current available facility and an escorted route for visiting supporters from the accessibility team.

RNIB Soccer Sight match commentary

Available to home and visiting supporters. For away supporters request through the travelling club’s DLO/ticket office at booking; collect the receiver from the Away Ticket Office. Bring your own earphones.

Audio headset request deadline

Stoke City asks supporters to request as early as possible, preferably more than 48 hours before the match; Level Playing Field recommends at least three days. Aim for three days or more.

Assistance dogs

Welcomed by prior arrangement; tell the club when booking so an appropriate place and any exercise arrangements can be discussed.

Sensory weighted blankets

Stoke City offers match-by-match loan of weighted sensory blankets; request in advance via accessibility@stokecityfc.com with supporter name and seat details.

Access room / sensory provision

Level Playing Field describes an accessibility room used for groups through the club Community Department; not advertised as a general walk-in service. Confirm any need with the club.

Flashing light pre-match event

Level Playing Field warns that evening fixtures include an approximately five-minute light show with bright and flashing lights. Contact the club if this affects access needs.

Rail station step-free access

Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) has National Rail category A step-free access to all platforms and lifts, plus accessible toilets and staff assistance.

Station to away shuttle pick-up

AccessAble’s documented away-supporter route is approximately 720 metres via Station Road and Leek Road to the bus pick-up near The Terrace pub; some footways are uneven, narrow or sloped.

Station to home shuttle pick-up

AccessAble’s home-supporter route is about 680 metres via Station Road and Glebe Street; this is a route to a bus pickup, NOT the stadium itself.

Station to bus pickup fully level?

false

Matchday bus information

Stoke City runs matchday shuttle buses from Stoke (Glebe Street) and other origins, generally starting around 90 minutes before kick-off; away-supporter shuttle pickup is separately mapped by AccessAble. Check the correct supporter pickup point.

Matchday shuttle wheelchair booking advice

First Bus describes accessible low-floor services generally, but this does not confirm the vehicle or available wheelchair space on Stoke City matchday shuttles. Ask Stoke City and the operating company before relying on them.

Ordinary bus and shuttle concessions

Stoke City explicitly says English National Concessionary bus passes are not valid for free travel on its special matchday buses, regardless of local bus scheme concessions.

Older visiting-fan access feedback

Archived Level Playing Field supporter comments discuss gradients outside the stadium, and past concerns about shuttle accessibility and wheelchair sightlines. These accounts are historic and do not establish current conditions.