Trains

[Drummond]

I normally drive to Villa Park when I come down but I'm contemplating getting the train instead.

I've a couple of questions though...

1/ is or better to go to Aston or Witton (seems closer?!)

2/ After the match, how big are the queues at aforementioned stations? I need to change at New Street and for evening kickoffs I think it might be a bit tight.

3/ I'm presuming there aren't any specials or anything on match day so I'd be reliant on the limited, published timetable?
Yep
4/ It's about an hour to walk to New Street from Villa Park, but are there other easy/quicker ways (until the monorail is built obviously).

Clearly its probably not the wisest to be walking back anyway, after the H&V get together (for, I think 20th?) at the Barton all those years ago, I decided to walk back to eh hotel and was picked up by the police and dropped off, 5hey thought I was an idiot to be wandering around those parts late at night..

Thanks

[Meanwood Villa]

I get the train when they are running but get a bus to and from the Barton's so can't help with Aston/Witton advice I'm afraid. Something to consider if you've got a bit of time to spare pre and post match.

[Meanwood Villa]

When I did used to catch the train all the way it was always to Aston. I think the reasoning was it was the first stop and right end of the ground for the Holte.

[Chris Smith]

Cross City line to Aston is closed at the weekend due to bridge works in Sutton Coldfield.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-65066540

There are other trains but much less frequent.

[Dave Cooper please]

Fo evening KOs it depends on your last train back up north from New Street, if it's before 10 then you'll be pushing it, anything after half ten or 11 then a train from Witton should get you there.

[Drummond]

I could catch a 23:09 from New Street l, though it's another change at Derby and home for 1am. So it's doable...Though only two trains back to New St before that

Thanks...

[Drummond]

I get the train when they are running but get a bus to and from the Barton's so can't help with Aston/Witton advice I'm afraid. Something to consider if you've got a bit of time to spare pre and post match.

Definitely a good idea... I'm guessing for evening games it's a bit tight for you though?

[Risso]

All that sounds a right pain in the arse!

[Sexual Ealing]

The (I think) number 7 bus might be an option for getting back into town.

[Chris Smith]

I could catch a 23:09 from New Street l, though it's another change at Derby and home for 1am. So it's doable...Though only two trains back to New St before that

Thanks...

Trains can be a pain in the arse after night games due to the long queues. If you’re relying on it to get back to travel up north it’s a risk. If you’re determined to use them then you might be better off going for a pint or a bag of chips to let traffic die down and then getting an Uber to New St.

[Drummond]

Pint and chips.... Now you're swaying me!

And Risso, it is a royal pain in the arse, but it means I can have a beer if the mood takes me, not have to drive etc. I may just do it for a Saturday game and then there's no rush!

[Drummond]

And I really appreciate the suggestions and comments, thank you all.

[Risso]

Pint and chips.... Now you're swaying me!

And Risso, it is a royal pain in the arse, but it means I can have a beer if the mood takes me, not have to drive etc. I may just do it for a Saturday game and then there's no rush!

If you get the Sheffield train to Market Harborough, I'll pick you up.

[amfy]

Have you thought of linking with your local supporters club?
That’s how I do it for evening games now. I have to leave work a bit early & drive & park at the pick up point. The mini bus usually gets to Villa Park in good time for a few jars pre-match.
After the game we all get chips before getting back on the bus.
Then I stop in a hotel at the service station they drop me at (which is nearer to work than home) & that means I don’t drink & drive & it makes the morning fairly straightforward with a much shorter commute.
I know there is a really great crowd in the Yorkshire Lions, we once hitched a lift with them to Barnsley when the Sutton Lions left the local pub a bit early due to their lack of local knowledge.
It works because you don’t have to deal with the vaguearies of public transport, but still get to do the game as a social occasion, with time to meet your own mates pre-match, but also doing the whole trip with a new bunch of mates.

[Meanwood Villa]

I get the train when they are running but get a bus to and from the Barton's so can't help with Aston/Witton advice I'm afraid. Something to consider if you've got a bit of time to spare pre and post match.

Definitely a good idea... I'm guessing for evening games it's a bit tight for you though?

I don't tend to go to evening games for that very reason. When I do, I will either drive or stay overnight.