Review: London to Manchester City FC Stadium Tour by Rail

Review: London to Manchester City FC Stadium Tour by Rail

Review: London to Manchester City FC Stadium Tour by Rail

Review: London to Manchester City FC Stadium Tour by Rail

So, planning a trip from London to Manchester for a tour of the legendary Manchester City Football Club stadium? Actually, it is quite the thing for football fans, is that correct? Getting there by train can be very appealing. So, in this piece, I will be discussing my experience, sprinkling in recommendations so your pilgrimage runs nice and smooth. That journey should be memorable… in a really good way! You, too, could experience a really nice, trouble-free trip if you take it as planned. First, though, a tiny introduction for some added background.

The Allure of the Etihad Stadium

Etihad Stadium inside

There is just a certain feel as you get closer to a famous football stadium. Maybe you will even agree. Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City, well, it isn’t different. It represents achievement, teamwork, but very also a whole heap of memories for fans. Actually, what attracts folks like your average supporter to this place is its legacy. Maybe you share that draw too, as many do. More or less, this ground is a cathedral for fans of “the beautiful game”. Going behind the scenes can give any fan chills, so people travel across the planet just to peek at this sporting icon. So, as I was saying, planning your tour requires very careful thought to transportation. After all, you don’t want any glitches so close to the actual event! But getting there can really make or break your whole experience.

Why Choose Rail?

train travel uk

Considering different transport options, going by train seems to be a nice winner. So, comparing it to planes or buses, train travel is that bit extra comfy, often more scenic, too, arguably. Going by train means more space to loosen up. More or less, there’s the added bonus of getting right to the middle of the city with no messing about with airports. As a matter of fact, it allows for a mini-adventure along the way! Like your journey might turn into a bit of a sightseeing trip. Plus, the environmental benefit to riding on rails seems to me just a nice added perk. Anyway, nobody needs added bother. I like things straightforward. So that seems to be another feather in train travel’s cap.

Booking Your Train Tickets

Train Ticket Booking

Ok, once you have decided the train is what you would like, next is nailing those tickets. Honestly, get them in advance! Seems a bit more reasonable. That can potentially equal much better costs. Like your best options are rail websites, train company pages, seemingly. So too is booking online normally easy. Look into choices such as Off-Peak fares. That’s if schedule is nice and adaptable. So they frequently knock some cost off. It seems worth pondering railcards for reductions also, should you be eligible; this could be helpful when you decide if the stadium tour and travel is justifiable. Alright, a heads-up too; frequently, it’s better booking directly through the train company to make amendments less stressful.

The London to Manchester Train Experience

train interior uk

Leaving from one of London’s hubs, such as Euston, seemingly, you’re setting off towards Manchester. So, it goes quickly with fast trains taking just a little over two hours, it appears. Like your Virgin Trains (Avanti West Coast now) offer comfortable seating as well as sometimes onboard Wi-Fi. So too does it seem rather nice for passing time scrolling or looking at vistas outside, actually. Should you feel peckish, basically, there will be a trolley service. Otherwise bring your snacks with you, it could work either way to avoid those hiked prices, perhaps! Generally, arriving into Manchester Piccadilly really plants you bang in Manchester, making onward connections dead simple.

Getting to the Etihad Stadium from Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly Station

Piccadilly Station is a handy, important launchpad to get anywhere, not only the stadium, so really keep an eye for this information as it could be more useful than you thought. Like your Etihad Stadium from Piccadilly seems actually nice and reachable. Otherwise a tram or a taxi normally represents your transport options, more or less. Should you choose the tram, then simply take the Ashton-under-Lyne line to the Etihad Campus stop. This seemingly plants you walking distance. A taxi, then, provides the most convenient but probably costliest solution; basically you will have to take that in consideration to fit in with your budget. Anyway, consider maybe even pre-booking a cab. That can certainly prove easier than flagging one down at peak hours.

Inside the Etihad Stadium Tour

Etihad Stadium Tour

Right then, it is tour time. In a way, they have created these stadium tours, not only to offer peeks behind the scenes. The guides seem also very fond of spreading historical anecdotes or facts and insights, as it feels like you share a really common ground of common knowledge that will really expand your understanding of what’s really happened. You, like your fellow supporters, will apparently soak it up. Very nice to see! From players’ dressing rooms through the press areas, right to pitch-side, then basically every footstep echoes with moments that makes the footballing legacy to the team, or seemingly an historic match day experience for anyone on the tour. Make sure you remember those. Also take the photo opportunities that’s are available, as your camera or device of course becomes a memory-collecting friend for that day out.

Tips for an Awesome Stadium Tour

happy fan

  • Book your tour ahead: That seems the key; places frequently sell out. So it appears not nice if they are booked out and you arrive uninformed.
  • Arrive early: To allow additional time. Just so too seems wise. Arriving behind time seems not something one seeks to have at these moments!
  • Wear comfortable shoes: I feel that you would agree with the necessity. Seemingly there’s going to be plenty walking ahead.
  • Bring your camera: Honestly, to seize memories. Otherwise who’d actually believe what you’ve encountered?!
  • Check for special events: Make sure that you do confirm, to stop clashing matches or any venue problems.

Making the Most of Your Trip to Manchester

manchester city center

Do devote some additional time actually wandering through Manchester! It appears to give beyond just football; generally, there is museums plus the shopping seems actually appealing, too! Get yourself down to the Northern Quarter, it is seemingly packed with some super neat stores, not only that, but is bursting with food places as well. The Science and Industry Museum looks rather fun. Apparently you also are close by; that’s handy too if it does seem enticing. Manchester really extends a complete cultural blend beyond the game, providing your visit a bit extra substance.

Final Thoughts

The railway trip from London right up for a Manchester City stadium tour combines convenience to an experience which will become just as awesome. Actually plan right; that way, travelling becomes rather a component from your adventure. What makes this thing just super-enjoyable in my mind. Is that a well-planned visit combines the wonder of that stadium adventure alongside memories from getting right there.

So, some key takeaways from your potential trip:

  • Rail travel is generally the more convenient method
  • Advanced booking saves so much money!
  • Be certain of transport routes when coming from the train to get yourself to Etihad.