Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Tickets & Travel => Topic started by: Hookeysmith on April 01, 2015, 12:52:46 PM

Title: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 01, 2015, 12:52:46 PM
Any chance we could have a thread on trains, planes and automobiles for trip to Wembley. I see there are few dotted here and there but would be good to see all the various options and costs listed in one place.

I have not seen any links to un official supporters coaches etc
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: KKAVFC on April 01, 2015, 12:58:50 PM
I was asked if I wanted to book coach travel along with my ticket when I bought it from the ticket office in person. Might be worth a visit ? Hope you get sorted. Both my match and coach tickets are safely stashed away for 19/4 now !!
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 01, 2015, 01:12:31 PM
Like a few others on here I've booked seats on Chiltern's Wembley Stadium line - group booking of 4 - £26 a head (£29 individual ticket). My only concern is Sunday travel and having to change at Leamington on the way down and at High Wycombe on the way back...do I need to worry?
(I've done the journey before but never on a Sunday and the train was always direct to Wembley Stadium so no problems)
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: steffo on April 01, 2015, 01:22:32 PM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 01, 2015, 01:42:25 PM
Last Time we took train we ended up standing all the way there. Still seems best bet though as it gives you motor freedom than  I aches.  Any pub ideas. Previosly  we went Harrow
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: TonyDaleysHair on April 01, 2015, 01:43:43 PM
I've booked the 8:25 from Moor St direct to Marylebone (arr 10:14) Plenty of time to travel around before kick off and soak up the atmos with a few drinks etc. Our train back departs Marylebone at 19:06. Its only 25minutes on the tube from Wembley to Marylebone, however there will be thousands of fans obviously getting out so fingers crossed we don't get to pens a la Bolton 15 years ago! These were 29sheets, that was the only option back when I booked on the cheap tickets however now there are several later trains showing on the Trainline.com that are the same price.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Legion on April 01, 2015, 01:58:29 PM
Either the official coaches or Premier Travel (Steve Gough) for me.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 01, 2015, 02:53:39 PM
its ok getting the train ,,,or parking a few miles away and getting the tube in
but you try getting on a tube or a train after the match
you will be standing around for an hour or more , before being herded on like cattle
and on the train a good chance you will be standing all the way home
my theory is just get the coach ,,after the match get straight back on
and sit down and chill for the hour it will take to get out the car park
then close your eyes for the journey home
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 01, 2015, 03:05:52 PM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
I questioned them specifically about changes when I attempted to book by phone (group deal only available online so booked online later) - the guy was very clear - change at Leamington on the way down, HW on the way back.
Pretty sure at least one other poster on another thread mentioned similar changes last week.
 
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: UK Redsox on April 01, 2015, 03:23:00 PM
When the mighty Lydney RFC played at Redruth RFC in the 1982 John Player Cup, we hired a whole train.

Can people still do that ?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Witton Warrior on April 01, 2015, 05:44:33 PM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
I questioned them specifically about changes when I attempted to book by phone (group deal only available online so booked online later) - the guy was very clear - change at Leamington on the way down, HW on the way back.
Pretty sure at least one other poster on another thread mentioned similar changes last week.
 

That was probably me and yes there is apparently a change but not sure where ;-)
Standing and drinking on the train should be fun!
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: murfee on April 01, 2015, 06:39:29 PM
I have a few seats available on a mini bus leaving from kings Norton. I also have tickets for Danny's do at the clay ovens (optional)
any one interested pm me on here. 
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 01, 2015, 06:53:07 PM
I've booked the 8:25 from Moor St direct to Marylebone (arr 10:14) Plenty of time to travel around before kick off and soak up the atmos with a few drinks etc. Our train back departs Marylebone at 19:06. Its only 25minutes on the tube from Wembley to Marylebone, however there will be thousands of fans obviously getting out so fingers crossed we don't get to pens a la Bolton 15 years ago! These were 29sheets, that was the only option back when I booked on the cheap tickets however now there are several later trains showing on the Trainline.com that are the same price.

You won't need to go back to Marylebone after the game. Your train will pass through Wembley Stadium station so you can jump on there.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: TonyDaleysHair on April 01, 2015, 07:58:02 PM
I did think the Chiltern line ran past one of the Wembley stations so if that's the case tremendous. Cheers fella.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: BlackCountryVilla on April 01, 2015, 08:21:12 PM
We have booked day returns with Chiltern and added the all day travel card for London. £34 all in. No specific trains booked but planning to get the early one there and one back around 8. Plenty of scope for a few beers round town !!
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 01, 2015, 08:45:09 PM
Still unsure how to approach this one.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 01, 2015, 08:47:44 PM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
I questioned them specifically about changes when I attempted to book by phone (group deal only available online so booked online later) - the guy was very clear - change at Leamington on the way down, HW on the way back.
Pretty sure at least one other poster on another thread mentioned similar changes last week.
 

You have to change because Wembley's only a local station.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 01, 2015, 10:00:52 PM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
I questioned them specifically about changes when I attempted to book by phone (group deal only available online so booked online later) - the guy was very clear - change at Leamington on the way down, HW on the way back.
Pretty sure at least one other poster on another thread mentioned similar changes last week.
 

You have to change because Wembley's only a local station.
Cheers Dave.
(Always used coaches/minibus for Villa at Wembley before and train straight through from Moor St to Wembley Stadium a few years ago with my Blades mate)
I'm sure it will all be fine on the day and, as WW says, a few beers will help ease the problems.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Witton Warrior on April 02, 2015, 08:07:46 AM
No planned engineering work on Chiltern line on 19th so no changes.
I questioned them specifically about changes when I attempted to book by phone (group deal only available online so booked online later) - the guy was very clear - change at Leamington on the way down, HW on the way back.
Pretty sure at least one other poster on another thread mentioned similar changes last week.
 

You have to change because Wembley's only a local station.
Cheers Dave.
(Always used coaches/minibus for Villa at Wembley before and train straight through from Moor St to Wembley Stadium a few years ago with my Blades mate)
I'm sure it will all be fine on the day and, as WW says, a few beers will help ease the problems.

Will there be an H&V badge we can wear to allow social intercourse on public transport?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: London Villan on April 04, 2015, 02:30:50 PM
In the past Chiltern stopped all birmingham bound trains at Wembley post match, even though they don't normally stop there. Any one know if they will be doing that again this year?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Avfcrich82 on April 08, 2015, 09:54:56 PM
For those looking for parking. Try parkonmydrive.com some great cheaper options on there.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 09, 2015, 12:39:37 PM
Have now booked on Virgin New St - Euston arriving @ 10.29 with rtn @ 20.05 - no extra charge for booking a table seat for 2 each way. £45 each means train cost more than ticket  ???

Now thinking of a few pubs in Kilburn
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: AVH87 on April 10, 2015, 10:40:30 AM
I've got an open return from Snow Hill to Wembley Stadium, £29 return, with one change not too bad.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Smoke on April 10, 2015, 12:19:21 PM
Just booked our tickets with London Midlands from International to Harrow £18.50 return.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: nodge on April 12, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
In the past Chiltern stopped all birmingham bound trains at Wembley post match, even though they don't normally stop there. Any one know if they will be doing that again this year?

I've booked with Chiltern and the tickets just say Off Peak.  I've looked on their website and they say they're putting on an extra 12,000 seats for the Semi Final and it appears that they run about every 20 mins and do stop at Wembley Stadium.  Tickets include London travel for the day too and £3 for kids is excellent value.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: mrastonvilla on April 12, 2015, 12:47:07 PM
York to kings cross £120 for me and 2 U15's. 2 hours each way and a short trip on the tube to wembley. Lovely! Usually drive to villa park so looking forward to a beer and the day out.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: London Villan on April 12, 2015, 04:47:59 PM
Chiltern... £21.65 each return. Load of trains in and out of Wembley.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: alan_clarke on April 12, 2015, 07:10:34 PM
I'm still trying to secure a couple of tickets for myself if anyone can help - in return I can offer free parking if needed. Although I am in South West London so not super convenient as Wembley is still about a 35 min train journey away!
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Rudy65 on April 12, 2015, 07:14:56 PM
As in 2010, I will drive to Gerards Cross, and then get train to WS. As long as you don't want to drink it works well
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 12, 2015, 11:26:58 PM
when i went in 1977 against everton
i hitch hiked it there with no ticket
in the greyhound at opening time (11am)
bunged the turnstile bloke 2 quid to get in
and jumped the train back
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 12, 2015, 11:56:48 PM
when i went in 1977 against everton
i hitch hiked it there with no ticket
in the greyhound at opening time (11am)
bunged the turnstile bloke 2 quid to get in
and jumped the train back

That was my first Wembley trip. It was a fucking awful match. The worst I'd seen there till I went with my Sunderland supporting mate to watch them lose to Swindon in the play off finals in (I think) 1989. That was terrible, too.

Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 13, 2015, 10:22:30 AM
Have they reported that we have sold all our allocation yet?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 13, 2015, 12:11:39 PM
Last two visits I've left early to beat the traffic.
Yanited cup final left on 86 mins, sprint to car and away
Chelsea semi 0-3 awful game, left on 80 mins, back home before 630pm
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 13, 2015, 02:56:33 PM
Last two visits I've left early to beat the traffic.
Yanited cup final left on 86 mins, sprint to car and away
Chelsea semi 0-3 awful game, left on 80 mins, back home before 630pm
do you leave every home match early too
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: joe_c on April 13, 2015, 03:35:56 PM
Last two visits I've left early to beat the traffic.
Yanited cup final left on 86 mins, sprint to car and away
Chelsea semi 0-3 awful game, left on 80 mins, back home before 630pm
do you leave every home match early too

Yay, we've not had a row about this subject for ages.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 13, 2015, 05:55:47 PM
Train advice from London Midland and Chiltern. http://thebirminghampress.com/2015/04/travel-advice-for-fa-cup-semi-final/
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on April 13, 2015, 06:27:17 PM
Train advice from London Midland and Chiltern. http://thebirminghampress.com/2015/04/travel-advice-for-fa-cup-semi-final/
Booze ban? Miserable fuckers
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: mrastonvilla on April 13, 2015, 06:28:15 PM
They could have got the bloody date right
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Witton Warrior on April 13, 2015, 08:18:37 PM
Train advice from London Midland and Chiltern. http://thebirminghampress.com/2015/04/travel-advice-for-fa-cup-semi-final/
Booze ban? Miserable fuckers

Does that mean no drinking on the trains or an absolute ban?
Might need a stiffener while walking to a pub.

Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: nodge on April 13, 2015, 08:58:48 PM
The Curse of the Dry Train
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 14, 2015, 09:02:28 AM
8.30 train with no booze - are they mad  ;)
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: steffo on April 14, 2015, 03:46:39 PM
I was on the first train out of Snow Hill when we played Man U in the LC final a few years back. There was a ban then. The train stopped at Wembley and about 90% got off. I carried on to Marylebone - the amount of empty beer cans left was staggering. Pity the poor sods who had to clean the train after that. 
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Des Little on April 14, 2015, 10:41:31 PM
Why are we the only set of fans to be 'awarded' dry train status?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 14, 2015, 10:46:07 PM
Why are we the only set of fans to be 'awarded' dry train status?

We aren't.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: mattjpa on April 15, 2015, 10:12:06 AM
I have a bit of a Dilema and not sure the best way to overcome....4 of us are planning hoping to ge the train down on Sunday....the catch being one of us is only Landing in the country at 8.15 at international so best case scenario is being picked up at 8.30. We can then either peg it back to lichfield TV or get a train/taxi across to any of the birmingham stations. Do people think we will struggle to get to the ground/pubs leaving so late?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 15, 2015, 11:11:35 AM
We have train to Euston so will come into Wembley from the east.

South Hempstead
Kilburn High road
Queens park
Kensal green
Willesden junction
Harlesden
Stonebridge park

Any of our southern pals know where Villa will be and what pubs - are we even allocated that side of town?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: rjp on April 15, 2015, 12:08:00 PM
MOMS (I know) has a mini pub guide:

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/aston-villa-wembley-pub-list-allocation-tips/ (http://pubs)
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 15, 2015, 01:04:01 PM
page cannot be displayed?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 15, 2015, 01:40:10 PM
Being boring and getting an official coach down.

Means there shouldn't be a problem if it goes to extra time/penalties and isn't majorly expensive.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: joe_c on April 16, 2015, 09:36:50 AM
I have a bit of a Dilema and not sure the best way to overcome....4 of us are planning hoping to ge the train down on Sunday....the catch being one of us is only Landing in the country at 8.15 at international so best case scenario is being picked up at 8.30. We can then either peg it back to lichfield TV or get a train/taxi across to any of the birmingham stations. Do people think we will struggle to get to the ground/pubs leaving so late?

I believe there is engineering work on the Cross City Line until mid morning so wouldn't plan anything that involves it. Any train to Euston from New Street would stop at International so would that be an option?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 16, 2015, 01:50:02 PM
Being boring and getting an official coach down.

Means there shouldn't be a problem if it goes to extra time/penalties and isn't majorly expensive.

and it means straight back on the coach after the match
90 minute relax to get out the car park ,
while the people on the train are queueing up to get on one
and will probably have to stand all the way home
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 16, 2015, 11:36:51 PM
I went to both the 2010 occasions, and both times we parked at Harrow on the Hill, cheap municipal car park, a few quid for the day, drank there - quite a few Villa and Man U fans there, but not by any means rammed full of twats (if you keep off the high street) - and got the tube to the ground.

The tube wasn't even that busy, it was all pretty leisurely.

In fact, even leaving the ground after, I thought it was relatively easy. There was a bit of a wait to get into the tube station, but people were pretty orderly, and it wasn't really any more annoying or long a wait than I've had at league grounds after games.

The boozer we used in Harrow on the Hill was a place called The Trinity, which was perfectly decent - decent food, wooden floor style decor, have bands on, that sort of place - and only really got busy in the hour or so before we left for the stadium.

Random memory - walking from the pub to the tube station before the game, and old lady walking down the main street saw our scarves, approached us and said "ooh, I don't really know anything about football, but I really hope your team win today". Which struck me as one of the most randomly nice things to happen to me en route to a match.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Smoke on April 17, 2015, 09:38:55 AM
How do they plan on policing a "dry Train" ?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: mattjpa on April 17, 2015, 09:46:02 AM
I have a bit of a Dilema and not sure the best way to overcome....4 of us are planning hoping to ge the train down on Sunday....the catch being one of us is only Landing in the country at 8.15 at international so best case scenario is being picked up at 8.30. We can then either peg it back to lichfield TV or get a train/taxi across to any of the birmingham stations. Do people think we will struggle to get to the ground/pubs leaving so late?

I believe there is engineering work on the Cross City Line until mid morning so wouldn't plan anything that involves it. Any train to Euston from New Street would stop at International so would that be an option?

Thanks Joe. We have opted for picking him up and leaving the motor in a car park by Moor street, hopefully getting on the Chiltern railways train for 9.15 and landing at Wembley Stadium for 11.00ish....
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 17, 2015, 09:57:40 AM
How do they plan on policing a "dry Train" ?

The police will confiscate any visible cans, ie in carrier bags, and tell everyone in the queue that no booze is allowed. However in 2010, once the train pulled away some people cracked open cans that had been in coat pockets etc.

There's likely to be police on the train however, so this is taking a bit of a risk.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 17, 2015, 04:26:35 PM
brent council and the police  are enforcing a no drinking in public in the streets surrounding wembley stadium
i have 2 words to say to that
NO CHANCE

sorry should that have been in the wembley pubs thread
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: PeterWithe on April 17, 2015, 04:42:54 PM
How do they plan on policing a "dry Train" ?

Back in the day didnt there used to be a fanzine called The Dry Train, cant mind if it was Villa or more general.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 17, 2015, 07:11:58 PM
brent council and the police  are enforcing a no drinking in public in the streets surrounding wembley stadium
i have 2 words to say to that
NO CHANCE

sorry should that have been in the wembley pubs thread

The police, and the Met in particular, tend not to make regulations they can't enforce.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 19, 2015, 08:11:01 AM
I've had email from wembley overnight saying Yellow parking may be full due to quantity of villa coaches so cars may be redirected to RED parking.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on April 19, 2015, 10:09:15 AM
Passed Moor Street on a coach at 930,
What a queue! Good luck to those waiting.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 20, 2015, 01:32:52 AM
brent council and the police  are enforcing a no drinking in public in the streets surrounding wembley stadium
i have 2 words to say to that
NO CHANCE

sorry should that have been in the wembley pubs thread

The police, and the Met in particular, tend not to make regulations they can't enforce.

lol i was about to walk up the hill towards the green man to drink my cans
when a copper stopped me to say there is too many people up there mate
drink your cans on the grass over there
where about 500 people were drinking cans
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 20, 2015, 01:55:13 AM
brent council and the police  are enforcing a no drinking in public in the streets surrounding wembley stadium
i have 2 words to say to that
NO CHANCE

sorry should that have been in the wembley pubs thread

The police, and the Met in particular, tend not to make regulations they can't enforce.

lol i was about to walk up the hill towards the green man to drink my cans
when a copper stopped me to say there is too many people up there mate
drink your cans on the grass over there
where about 500 people were drinking cans

Sounds like they did exactly what they said they would.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Witton Warrior on April 20, 2015, 08:29:28 AM
Coming back on the train the lovely Welsh police were telling everyone it was a dry train and to bin their cans and bottles - 30 minutes later everyone was chatting with them while drinking - top coppers
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 20, 2015, 04:41:47 PM
i got the coach yesterday but might get the train for the final
how was it ,,,did you have to change
what was it like getting a tube or train after the match
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Richard E on April 20, 2015, 04:51:02 PM
When we were stood in the queue at Wembley Stadium station waiting for the Chiltern train back to Moor Street this teenage girl Villa fan staggered past en route to the platform that was heading back into London. She looked about 49 sheets, let alone 7, to the wind so God knows if she was intending to travel in that direction. I shudder to think what became of her. She could barely stand up.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 20, 2015, 05:03:18 PM
i got the coach yesterday but might get the train for the final
how was it ,,,did you have to change
what was it like getting a tube or train after the match

Wembley Park tube was organised very well. I must have been one of the last in the queue but it was well marshalled and moved quickly.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: BlackCountryVilla on April 20, 2015, 05:52:30 PM
I was in the queue for no more than 5 minutes at Wembly Park. It was well organised.

Moor street was a little more chaotic but still not too bad. I arrived at about 7.30 hoping to get the first train at 8.25. There was already a fair sized queue by then. Having said that I got on the second train and left at about 8.35. No chages, we got into Marylebone at about 10.50

As for "dry" trains , I didn't see anybody enforcing it and there were plenty fans drinking in the queue and on the train !
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 20, 2015, 06:23:25 PM
I didn't get a ticket until Thursday, so decided to drive down, as the friend I was going with was already in London.

I was intending to park somewhere out of the way and get the tube in, but, having read UK Redsox (I think) saying that the Yellow Car park was really good as it pointed you out towards Harrow and Sudbury rather than the North Circular, I decided to go for that. Checked on Thurs night, good availability. Made mental note to prepay in the morning. Looked in the morning and it was sold out.

Only official one left was the Red car park, next to the new designer outlet place. So close to the stadium, you can almost touch it, at our end of the ground.

Thought it might be a nightmare to get out of a multi storey but booked it anyway. Dropped the Mrs off to go shopping at the aforementioned place, met friend, expected to get stuck in horrible traffic.

In the end, worked out brilliantly. I left a few mins after the final whistle, walked round, managed to get lost and walk too far round the outside of the ground, turned back, got in car and pretty much drove straight out, unobstructed.

Through Harrow and Sudbury (which I'd advise to anyone as a route out) and to the A40 at Northolt.

I must have got in the car at 5.15 and we were home in Leamington at 6.45, which included a ten min stop on the way back.

I think what made the difference was we'd won, and the car park was at our end of the ground. Am sure that, the last two visits, having lost, it would have been much more chaotic as people left the ground earlier.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 20, 2015, 06:26:15 PM
One thing about driving down I like is seeing all the cars with scarves out the window.

We went down earlyish, left about 10.30. I asked the mrs how long she thought it'd be after we got on the motorway that we saw the first car with Villa scarf.

We hadn't even got off the slip road onto the M40 before three went past us.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: UK Redsox on April 20, 2015, 06:49:18 PM
All bow down in praise of my knowledge of the roads around Sudbury and Harrow ;D

Some of you lot might take the piss out of my trips to Wembley for the American Rugby but all the research and trial runs finally paid off.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: UK Redsox on April 20, 2015, 06:55:40 PM
Re the Yellow Parking Paulie. They emailed us overnight Friday to say that due to the large number of coaches Villa were taking**, some cars booked in the Yellow might be moved to the Red. However, we were there early enough to park up in the Yellow.

(** we had so many coaches that they even had some of them park up in the Liverpool Green Car Park)

It really is a great place for getting away back towards the West and the Midlands. I was back home 120 miles away by 19:30.

Which way did they direct you after leaving the Red? Was it down onto the High Road and past Wembley Central ?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Legion on April 20, 2015, 07:02:13 PM
We did not get back to VP until 10:15.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 20, 2015, 07:27:42 PM
Re the Yellow Parking Paulie. They emailed us overnight Friday to say that due to the large number of coaches Villa were taking**, some cars booked in the Yellow might be moved to the Red. However, we were there early enough to park up in the Yellow.

(** we had so many coaches that they even had some of them park up in the Liverpool Green Car Park)

It really is a great place for getting away back towards the West and the Midlands. I was back home 120 miles away by 19:30.

Which way did they direct you after leaving the Red? Was it down onto the High Road and past Wembley Central ?

No, we went up Wembley Hill Road, left on to the A4088 past North Wembley station and across to Greenford Road, then down and onto the A40. It is a less direct route (sort of an arc), but it worked out pretty well.

Was toying with going the way you described but when we came out, the rozzers had blocked the left turn off, so we went the otherway. Basically there was zero traffic, so decided to make the most of it and put my foot down to get as far away as we could as quickly as possible.

If we'd lost, though, I suspect we'd have been caught in much more traffic as the place would have emptied quicker.

I know this sounds nuts, but coming in from that side, and approaching from our "end", we hardly saw any actual Liverpool fans outside the ground

Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: UK Redsox on April 20, 2015, 07:33:12 PM
That's the route that I would have hoped to take if I'd have had to use the Red. Wembley Hill Road took you back onto my route.

I'm glad that you didn't get forced down towards the High Road
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Rudy65 on April 20, 2015, 07:38:34 PM
One thing about driving down I like is seeing all the cars with scarves out the window.

We went down earlyish, left about 10.30. I asked the mrs how long she thought it'd be after we got on the motorway that we saw the first car with Villa scarf.

We hadn't even got off the slip road onto the M40 before three went past us.

Love it as well

I only remembered I had forgotten my scarf when I saw the first scarves in other cars. Will be flowing out the window for the final
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: conman on April 21, 2015, 04:54:12 AM
took me half an hour to find the yellow car park after the match
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 21, 2015, 06:00:34 PM
If Carlsberg did car parks, it would be that Yellow Car park.
We breezed out of wembley as if there hadn't been a game on. It was an incredible exit.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: nodge on April 22, 2015, 12:30:13 PM
What was people's experiences of Moor St?
We got there at 8:15, saw the queue and decided to have breakfast and go back, thinking it would die down a bit.  Got back at about 9:00 and it was even longer.
At 9;15, with 2 already bored 11 year olds, and only having moved a few feet, decided to jump a cab back to Yardley and drove down.  Arrived at Harrow at 11:30am.
Heard stories of it being half a mile long and taking 2 hours to get to the front?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: joe_c on April 22, 2015, 12:44:27 PM
Had planned on getting down to London for 12:00 and arrived at Moor Street about 9:15 with queue stretching as far as Hotel la Tour. Eventually got on the 10:35 arriving in Marylebone at about 12:45 with most of the passengers having got off at Wembley. I thought it was pretty well managed to be honest. It was slow but steady and there was plenty of room for everyone on the train.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 22, 2015, 01:03:34 PM
Paid £45 for Virgin from New St

Held in a queue sorter for around 10 mins, onto platform then onto train for around 8.20. Once a few people had sorted what they was doing out we strolled to our reserved seats and enjoyed a leisurely (if not dry) journey to Euston arriving at 10.26

Our train back was @ 20.05 but were pissed and in a curry house until 9pm - strolled into Euston and jumped on the 21.00 (I think  ;)) and arrived back in the thriving metropolis that is Birmingham around 22.35 had last drink then home

All very civilised.

I had used Chiltern from Moor st previously and have to say the extra cost of Virgin against all the shit and standing all the way is sooo worth it

Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: nodge on April 22, 2015, 01:10:17 PM
Cheers Joe, think if we hadn't got the kids we'd have waited.  Someone had posted on here that it took them 2 hours to get on the train and they'd arrived before us.  When the guys in front of us (who looked like they should have looked at 9:15pm not 9:15am) then started to pour their Vodka into their energy drinks, we took the executive decision that it might be a long morning and took the car.  It was bloody colder than I expected too!  Went from New St in 2000 for both semi and final and it all seemed a lot easier if I remember rightly.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: walsall villain on April 22, 2015, 01:20:18 PM
Had planned on getting down to London for 12:00 and arrived at Moor Street about 9:15 with queue stretching as far as Hotel la Tour. Eventually got on the 10:35 arriving in Marylebone at about 12:45 with most of the passengers having got off at Wembley. I thought it was pretty well managed to be honest. It was slow but steady and there was plenty of room for everyone on the train.
I got on that one too. Surprised it was from platform 1 and stopping at Solihull, Warwick parkway etc. I could have been a right bastard and just walked straight into the station saying I was going to Solihull if I had known. Three young women sitting near me looked a bit taken aback when the Villa fans piled on, they were off shopping to Bicester Village. Having queued so long on the way I decided to not overdo the watching if the celebrations at the end. Got a train about 5:30 and was back in Brum at 7:15. Pretty good service I'd say.
I'd still be in the ground now if we had actually won the cup on Sunday!
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 22, 2015, 08:14:20 PM
I also queued at Moor St for an hour and a half before getting on the 10.35. Absolutely massive queue. And after all that there were empty seats all the way to London! I think they over estimated the numbers who would get on at Solihull and Warwick and left too many seats free.

I've already bookedVirgin for the final. Dearer but much quicker and far less hassle. 
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 22, 2015, 08:40:25 PM
At Moor St for about 7.50. Massive queue, not helped by being populated by people who hadn't already got tickets and were in the same queue to buy them as those who already had them! Hope they get this right next time! Once we started moving got the 8.55 which is what we'd planned to get on anyway. Beer removed from those carrying it by police. Think they overestimated the numbers getting on down the line as there were loads of empty seats. "Normal" passengers seemed shocked to see football fans on a train to Wembley Stadium on FA Cup semi-final day! Mate got on at Solihull with bags full of beer, no police checks at all after Moor St! Reached Wembley at 10.45 and straight to the Green Man.

You know what happened then!

Went for food and beer after the game and caught train back to Moor St about 8. No problems whatsoever!

I think our early start at Moor St and letting the crowds go straight after the game played into our hands for a superb day.
No complaints from my party and my mate has already suggested we do exactly the same for the Final...he was a little sceptical about taking the train at first but his son and I persuaded him it was a good thing to do.

For us, and the way we did it, it was perfect.
Home by about 10.30, in time for a beer and MOTD!
:D
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: UK Redsox on April 22, 2015, 09:45:55 PM
Amre we going to recycle this thread for the final or should we start a new one ?
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 23, 2015, 10:09:58 PM
Amre we going to recycle this thread for the final or should we start a new one ?
Start afresh. We should admonish all reference to turbo shandles. Draw a line, start afresh.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 23, 2015, 10:16:16 PM
Amre we going to recycle this thread for the final or should we start a new one ?
Start afresh. We should admonish all reference to turbo shandles. Draw a line, start afresh.
Do you two share a language exclusive to yourselves?
I don't quite know what either of you have just said.
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: silhillvilla on April 23, 2015, 10:37:16 PM
Amre we going to recycle this thread for the final or should we start a new one ?
Start afresh. We should admonish all reference to turbo shandles. Draw a line, start afresh.
Do you two share a language exclusive to yourselves?
I don't quite know what either of you have just said.
Think outside the box man
Title: Re: Semi final travel options
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on April 23, 2015, 10:48:13 PM
Amre we going to recycle this thread for the final or should we start a new one ?
Start afresh. We should admonish all reference to turbo shandles. Draw a line, start afresh.
Do you two share a language exclusive to yourselves?
I don't quite know what either of you have just said.
Think outside the box man
OK.
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