For Manchester City fans heading to the Etihad Stadium, planning your journey ahead of time is key to avoiding delays on busy matchdays.
Located just east of Manchester city centre, the stadium is well connected by tram, bus and rail, making it one of the more accessible grounds in the Premier League.
Whether you're travelling locally or arriving from further afield, FootballGroundGuide provides a complete guide to the best ways to get to the Etihad in 2026.
Getting to Etihad Stadium by Car
Driving to the Etihad Stadium is straightforward via the motorway network, but traffic can build up quickly close to kick-off.
From the M6 – Leave at Junction 19 and follow the A556 towards Stockport, then join the M56, and continue onto the M60 towards Ashton-under-Lyne. Exit at Junction 23 and take the A635 towards Manchester, then join the A662 (Ashton New Road) and continue for around three miles. The stadium will be on your right.
From the M62 – Leave at Junction 18 and join the M60 towards Ashton-under-Lyne, then exit at Junction 23 and follow the A635. Join the A662 and continue for around three miles to the stadium
As with most major grounds, expect congestion in the surrounding area on matchdays.
Car Parking at Etihad Stadium
Some parking at the Etihad Stadium is available but must be pre-booked in advance.
Spaces go on sale once fixtures are confirmed and are prioritised for season ticket holders, with any remaining availability released to general admission fans.
- One space per fan
- £12 for vehicles with two or more passengers
- £14 for solo drivers
Manchester city centre offers thousands of additional parking spaces, including options near university areas such as the Booth Street West car park. Many fans choose to park centrally and complete the journey via tram.
Getting to Etihad Stadium by Train and Tube
Public transport is one of the best ways to reach the Etihad, with strong rail and tram connections.
Via Train
The nearest station is Ashburys Station, which is just one stop from Manchester Piccadilly. It will take around five minutes, with a 15-minute walk to the stadium.
As you leave Ashburys, turn left and follow the road until you reach the stadium.
Via Metrolink
Manchester’s Metrolink tram system is the most popular option for fans.
The stadium has its own stop, Etihad Campus, located just a five-minute walk from the ground.
- Trams run from Piccadilly, Victoria, Market Street, and St Peter’s Square
- Services run every six minutes on matchdays
It will take just eight minutes from Piccadilly, making it by far the quickest and easiest way to get to the stadium from the city centre.
Getting to Etihad Stadium by Bus
Buses provide a reliable and well-organised alternative, particularly on matchdays.
Transport for Greater Manchester operates a dedicated network of 15–19 buses covering 64 stops across the region.
Key routes include:
- 16/16H: Booth Street to Piccadilly Station to Etihad Stadium
- 17: Victoria Station to Etihad Stadium
These services are wheelchair accessible and run before and after matches.
Several Bee Network routes also serve the stadium:
- 216: Piccadilly Gardens to Ashton-under-Lyne
- 230 & 231: City centre to Ashton New Road
- 53, 76, 219: Stops within walking distance
Buses run every 10–15 minutes, with journey times of around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting to Etihad Stadium from the Airport
For fans travelling from further afield, Manchester Airport is located around ten miles from the stadium.
- Train + Tram: Take a train to Manchester Piccadilly, then the Metrolink to Etihad Campus
- Taxi: Around 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic
Public transport is typically the most reliable option on matchdays.
FGG Verdict: What is the best way to get to Etihad Stadium?
For most Manchester City fans or supporters heading to the Etihad Stadium to watch a game, the Metrolink tram is the best way to get there.
With a dedicated stop just minutes from the ground, frequent services, and quick journey times from the city centre, it offers the most convenient matchday experience.
Driving is a viable option if parking is booked in advance, but congestion can be an issue.
Buses and trains provide solid alternatives, but overall, the tram network is the standout choice for ease and efficiency.