Getting to bet365 Stadium

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.

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.

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.

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.