QPR are back at Villa Park for the first time in four years on Wednesday night - here's the usual travel guide for those planning on making the trip.

Ground Name: Villa Park
Capacity: 42 640 (all seated)
Address: Villa Park, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE
Main Telephone No: 0121 327 2299
Ticket Office: 0800 612 0970

By Car:
QPR fans who travelled to the League Cup tie here four years ago may recall that on arrival we found the Aston expressway closed and a lengthy diversion up the M6 and back again that saw many Rangers supporters still taking their seats midway through the first half. Thankfully that now seems to be sorted so it’s simply M6 to junction six then off onto the A5127 Aston Expressway. The ground is clearly visible once you’ve arrived at junction six so get straight off the Expressway at the first possible opportunity and start looking for somewhere to park.

Map:


Click map to visit Multi Map site and zoom in/out or tour round.

Parking:
Pretty rank it has to be said. Basically once you’re off the Expressway start looking for anything you can find. Street parking is limited by residents only schemes and if you do find a space expect some pikey kid to take a fiver from you for the privilege of not nicking your alloys. On our experience last time lots of local schools and businesses open up their play grounds and car parks to fans and charge around a fiver for you to park there – my advice is take one if you can see it, and go for the first one you see otherwise you could end up driving around right up to kick off time. Not the best for driving it must be said.

By Train
Villa Park is well served by trans from New Street Station. Witton is the closest station but Aston, only slightly further away, is served by more trains. The 1640 from Euston will get you to New Street at 1809 and then out to Witton on the 1827 that arrives at 1836. You can set off later, 1710, if you go to Aston, arriving at 1902. The ground is clearly visible from both Witton and Aston stations so you should have no trouble with the five minute walks from either – the away end is closer to Witton so if you can get off there do. Going back afterwards the last New Street to London train is at 2300 (arrives 0102). The last train from Witton for that one is 2202, from Aston it’s 2232. Worth remembering that extra time and penalties are possible if not entirely likely. Virgin Trains are always extortionately expensive so the cheapest ticket at this late stage is £100.10 return. If you go on Chiltern Trains from Marylebone on the way there leaving at 1630 and walking from Birmingham Snow Hill to New Street before connecting to Aston you can arrive at 1902 and pay £72.60 based on going back on the last Virgin service and buying two single tickets.

Pubs:
Villa, and Birmingham in general, is normally pretty inhospitable to away fans as far as pubs go and it’s worth bearing in mind that QPR’s finest hardly covered themselves in glory last time we were here so don’t expect a warm welcome tomorrow night. We used to drink in The Armada under the motorway junction back in the Premiership days but I’ve no idea if it’s even still there never mind away fan friendly so I wouldn’t want to recommend it. The guide mentions the Cap and Gown which apparently has separate home and away sections with a £2 entry fee and is right next to Witton railway station. The Harriers and Barton Arms a little further afield also come recommended but again I’d expect a high police presence and possibly plenty of hassle this week.

Tickets
Rangers have sold 3000 of their allocation and have that many again to sell, it’s all ticket so do not travel without one. £15 adults, seniors and students, £5 juniors. Six loyalty points awarded.

Links:

Detailed fans' guide to the Ricoh Arena

Official website



 

Photo: Action Images

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