For Manchester United supporters heading to Old Trafford, planning your journey in advance can make all the difference on matchday.
Located just outside Manchester city centre in Trafford, the stadium is well served by public transport, while road access can become congested close to kick-off.
Whether you're travelling locally or from further afield, FootballGroundGuide provides a complete guide to the best ways to get to Old Trafford in 2026.
Getting to Old Trafford by Car
Driving to Old Trafford is possible, but like most major stadiums, traffic congestion is a major factor on matchdays.
If travelling from the South: Leave the M6 at Junction 19 and follow the A556 towards Altrincham. At the M56 junction, take the A56 and continue for around six miles until you reach Sir Matt Busby Way, where the stadium is located.
If travelling in from the North: Leave the M6 at Junction 30 and join the M61 towards Bolton. At the end of the M61, merge onto the M60 and exit at Junction 9, following the A5081 towards Manchester. Sir Matt Busby Way will be on your right.
If travelling in from the West: Follow the M56 to its end, then join the M60 westbound. Exit at Junction 7 and take the A56 towards Stretford. After around two miles, turn onto Sir Matt Busby Way.
Sir Matt Busby Way is often closed to traffic on matchdays, so expect diversions and delays.
Car Parking at Old Trafford
Parking at Old Trafford is restricted and tightly controlled on matchdays.
Official car parks (E1 & E2) are only accessible via Wharfside Way and require a valid permit. Attempting to access via Chester Road will likely result in being redirected, adding to delays.
If parking at the stadium, be sure to follow steward instructions, park within marked bays, observe the 10mph speed limit and allow extra time for security checks.
Also, be aware that after matches, cars in official car parks may be temporarily held back under police guidance.
Alternative parking outside of Old Trafford itself includes the park-and-ride at nearby Metrolink stations such as Parkway, the multi-storey car park at the Lowry Shopping Centre, and at retail locations such as on Chester Road.
Getting to Old Trafford by Train or Metro
Public transport is one of the most efficient ways to reach the stadium, particularly via Manchester’s tram network.
Via Train
Most supporters travelling by rail will arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, which is around 2.5 miles from Old Trafford. Closer alternatives include:
- Manchester Deansgate (1.8 miles away)
- Trafford Park (1.5 miles away)
Old Trafford railway station exists behind the South Stand but is currently not in regular operation.
Via Metrolink / Tram
The Metrolink is the most popular option for match-going fans. Nearby stops include:
- Wharfside (closest, on the Trafford Centre line)
- Old Trafford
- Trafford Bar
- Pomona
- Exchange Quay
Most supporters will use Old Trafford or Trafford Bar, both around a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium.
Trams from the city centre frequently stop at Trafford Bar, while services to Altrincham also stop at Old Trafford.
Getting to Old Trafford by Bus
Buses provide a simple and affordable route from central Manchester.
From Piccadilly Gardens, you can take Stagecoach 255 or 256, or Arriva North West 263. These services run along the A56 (Chester Road), close to the stadium.
Buses depart from Stop L (255 & 256), and Stop K (263). Journey times are typically around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Getting to Old Trafford from the Airport
For fans travelling from further afield, Manchester Airport is located around eight miles from the stadium.
- Metrolink: Direct trams run from the airport to Trafford Bar, followed by a 10-minute walk to Old Trafford
- Taxi: Around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares typically around £30
The tram is often the most reliable option on busy matchdays.
FGG Verdict: What is the best way to get to Old Trafford?
For most United fans or supporters heading to Old Trafford, the Metrolink tram system is the best way to get to Old Trafford.
It offers regular services, multiple stops within walking distance of the stadium, and avoids the heavy traffic that builds up around the ground on matchdays.
Driving can be useful for those coming from further afield, but parking restrictions and congestion make it far less convenient.
Overall, combining train travel into Manchester with a short Metrolink journey provides the smoothest and most stress-free route to Old Trafford.