Parking Near Old Trafford on a Matchday: Best Options, Prices and How to Book

Finding somewhere to park near Old Trafford on a matchday can be one of the trickiest parts of your visit.

With tens of thousands of supporters arriving at once, roads quickly become congested, and the closest spaces are snapped up early.

The key is knowing your options in advance, whether that’s official club parking, cheaper local alternatives, or booking ahead through a parking app.

FootballGroundGuide breaks down the main options for fans heading to the home of Manchester United, including prices, booking requirements, and accessibility, so you can plan a smoother matchday.

Official Car Parking Near Old Trafford

Parking at the stadium itself is the most straightforward option, particularly if proximity is your priority.

However, spaces are limited and generally only available to supporters with a valid match ticket, meaning advance booking via the club is essential.

Prices are typically higher than elsewhere, but you are paying for convenience and security.

Old Trafford official car park information:

• Prices usually range from £20–£35 per match
• Must be booked in advance via the club website
• Car parks open 4 hours before kick-off and close around 2 hours after full-time
• Mostly tarmac and well-lit, with some outer gravel areas

The main downside is availability and once the match ends, traffic around the stadium can make getting away slow.

Cheaper Matchday Parking Close to Old Trafford

A popular option among regular matchgoers is to use one of the many unofficial “pop-up” car parks in the surrounding area. These are typically run by schools, offices, and local venues that open their land for matchday parking.

They offer significantly better value and are often within walking distance of the stadium.

What to expect:

• Typical prices of £5–£15
• Some spaces are pay on arrival, others now offer online booking
• Usually 10-20 minutes’ walk from Old Trafford

Common locations include:

• Lancashire County Cricket Club (Old Trafford Cricket Ground)
• Trafford College
• Stretford High School
• Victoria Park School
• Imperial War Museum North
• Quayside MediaCity
• Trafford House (Bruntwood)

Arriving early gives you the best choice, as the closest and most organised sites fill up quickly.

Top Old Trafford Matchday Parking Apps to Book in Advance

If you want certainty on matchday, pre-booking your space is the safest approach.

Platforms like Stashbee, JustPark, and YourParkingSpace allow you to reserve parking in advance, often at competitive prices.

You can search by distance, price, and type of space, giving you far more control over where you park.

Why use parking apps:

• Guaranteed space before you travel
• Prices typically £6–£20 depending on distance
• Options include driveways, private land, and secure car parks
• Easier to choose a spot for a quicker post-match exit

For big fixtures, it’s worth booking several days ahead as the best-value spaces are quickly taken.

Old Trafford Park and Ride: Easiest Way to Avoid Matchday Traffic

If you’d prefer to avoid driving into the immediate stadium area, using Manchester’s Metrolink park-and-ride system is a practical alternative. You can park for free at selected tram stops and complete your journey by tram.

Parkway is one of the most convenient options, with direct connections towards Old Trafford. Other stations, such as Sale Water Park and Eccles, can also work well depending on your route.

Benefits of park and ride:

• Free parking at many stations
• Tram fares typically £2–£5 return
• Avoids heavy congestion near the ground
• Often provides a faster exit after the match

It’s an especially good choice for fans travelling from outside Manchester.

Other Reliable Parking Options Near Old Trafford

If you’d prefer a structured car park over a temporary setup, there are a few dependable locations within easy reach of Old Trafford.

The multi-storey car park at the Lowry Outlet in Salford Quays is a popular option, offering plenty of space and a manageable walk or short tram journey. Some supporters also use larger retail car parks such as the Tesco on Chester Road, although restrictions can apply on matchdays.

These options tend to offer a balance between security and convenience, without being right in the middle of the congestion.

Accessible and Disabled Parking at Old Trafford

Old Trafford offers dedicated accessible parking facilities, but these must be arranged in advance. Spaces are available across several stadium car parks and are allocated to supporters who are registered with the club.

Accessible parking information:

• Must be pre-booked online or via phone
• Available to supporters with verified requirements
• A valid blue badge must be displayed
• Located within relatively short distances of stadium entrances

There is also a mobility buggy service running between outer car parks and the stadium, operating several times before kick-off and once after the match. This supports those who may have difficulty walking longer distances but do not hold a blue badge.

FGG Verdict: Where is the best place to park near Old Trafford?

There’s no single ‘best' place to park near Old Trafford, as it depends on your priorities.

Official parking offers the shortest walk but comes at a premium and is limited. Local car parks and pre-booked spaces provide better value and flexibility, while park-and-ride is ideal if you want to avoid traffic entirely.

For most fans, the sweet spot is to book a space within a 10–20 minute walk of the stadium, combining reasonable prices with a smoother exit after the final whistle.