Stoke City are one of English football’s oldest clubs and are based at the bet365 Stadium after leaving the Victoria Ground in 1997. The Potters have a strong Staffordshire identity and spent a long modern spell in the Premier League. Their support and physical football reputation made Stoke one of the most recognisable clubs of the 2000s and 2010s.
The bet365 Stadium is a modern out-of-town stadium on the southern edge of Stoke-on-Trent, opened in 1997 as Stoke City's replacement for the Victoria Ground. It has a distinctive open, elevated setting near the A50 and the Trentham Lakes area, which makes it exposed to wind and weather in a way supporters often remember from winter visits.
The stadium has four main stands: the Franklyn Stand, the Boothen End, the Caldwell Construction Stand and the Sharp Stand. The Boothen End is traditionally the strongest home atmosphere area, while the main side stands provide the best overall views. The ground has been developed over time, including corner infill and safe-standing areas, but it still feels like a modern purpose-built stadium rather than an older town-centre ground. Views are generally good, with a fairly steep bowl-style layout and clear sightlines.
Stoke-on-Trent’s defining football split, with the city’s pottery heritage providing the backdrop to one of the Midlands’ most tribal local fixtures.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
Away supporters are normally located in the south-east corner of the stadium, between the Caldwell Construction Stand and the Sharp Stand. Recent visiting supporter information for Stoke confirms that away fans should enter via turnstiles 42 to 51, with access available via the away ramp or South Car Park entrance.
The away allocation can vary depending on fixture demand and safety requirements, but the south-east corner is the normal visiting section. The view is generally good and the stand has modern facilities, although the exposed stadium setting can make cold or windy fixtures feel particularly sharp. Visiting supporters should follow the away ramp and south-east corner signage rather than approaching the Boothen End, which is the main home end.
Use the M6 southbound and leave at Junction 15, then follow the A500 and A50 signs towards the bet365 Stadium. The ground sits beside major roads south of Stoke, making it easy to find. The stadium access roads can queue heavily, so follow your car park directions and avoid last-minute lane changes around the A50.
Use the M6 northbound and leave at Junction 15, then follow signs for Stoke and the bet365 Stadium via the A500/A50. This is the standard approach for most away supporters. Matchday traffic can be slow leaving the stadium, especially when everyone heads back to the M6 at once.
Use the A50 westbound from Derby, Burton or Uttoxeter towards Stoke, then follow signs for the stadium. The bet365 sits very close to the A50, so the route is straightforward. Build in time for queues at the stadium roundabouts and parking entrances.
Use the A50, A500 or M6 routes towards Stoke, then follow signs for the stadium from the south side of the city. The ground is isolated compared with town-centre stadiums, so walking from random street parking is not ideal. Use official or recognised matchday parking where possible.
Stoke-on-Trent Station is the main station for the bet365 Stadium, but the ground is not beside the station. The walk is usually around 35 to 45 minutes, so many supporters use a matchday shuttle, local bus or taxi for the final leg. Stoke station is served by trains from London Euston, Manchester, Birmingham, Derby and Crewe.
From the north or south on the West Coast Main Line, Stoke is straightforward. Once there, check matchday buses or taxis towards the stadium, especially for evening fixtures or poor weather.
Longton is a local station that can sometimes be useful depending on your route, but it is not usually the best option for away supporters. It is still a long walk to the bet365 Stadium and service patterns are more limited than Stoke-on-Trent.
Use Longton only if the timetable and your starting point make it more convenient. Stoke-on-Trent station remains the main rail gateway.
Stoke-on-Trent station is the main rail arrival point for the bet365 Stadium, but the ground is not especially close on foot. The walk is usually around 30 to 40 minutes via the canal / Boothen and stadium approach routes. Many supporters use a shuttle bus or taxi from the station, especially for evening fixtures, but walking is possible if you allow enough time.
Longton station is not a standard first choice for the bet365 Stadium, but it can be useful from local services depending on your route. The walk is usually around 35 to 45 minutes and involves busy roads, so most supporters should use Stoke-on-Trent station with shuttle, bus or taxi. Use Longton only if the timetable works and you have planned the walking route in advance.
Manchester Airport is one of the best airports for Stoke City. Use the airport railway station for services towards Manchester Piccadilly, then connect to Stoke-on-Trent on the West Coast / CrossCountry corridor. Some journeys may require a change at Piccadilly, Stockport or Crewe depending on the timetable.
From Stoke-on-Trent station, the bet365 Stadium is not next door, so use the matchday shuttle, local bus or taxi. A direct taxi from the airport is possible but more expensive than the rail option.
Birmingham Airport is also very practical for Stoke City. The Air-Rail Link connects the terminal to Birmingham International station, where rail connections via Birmingham New Street or direct services can take you towards Stoke-on-Trent.
This is a sensible airport if you are flying into the Midlands or coming from southern routes. From Stoke station, continue to the bet365 Stadium by bus, matchday shuttle or taxi rather than relying on the long walk.
Stoke City have used matchday shuttle arrangements between Stoke-on-Trent railway station / city areas and the bet365 Stadium. This is often the most practical non-train public transport option because the stadium is outside the city-centre core. Check the current Stoke City matchday travel page before relying on the shuttle, as operator and timings can vary.
First Potteries services including the 21 and 23 corridors can be useful for reaching the Trentham Lakes / bet365 Stadium side of Stoke depending on your starting point. These are normal local buses rather than dedicated football shuttles, so check the nearest stop and allow time for the walk to the ground.
D&G Bus operate local services around Stoke-on-Trent and can be useful for supporters staying in areas not directly served by First Potteries routes. Use them to connect to Stoke town centre, the railway station or Trentham Lakes, then walk or take a taxi for the final section if needed.
Lucky Seven Taxis are a well-known Stoke-on-Trent private hire operator. A taxi from Stoke station or the city centre to the bet365 Stadium is usually the simplest option for groups, but post-match traffic around Stanley Matthews Way can make immediate pick-up slow.
The South Car Park at the bet365 Stadium is one of the closest matchday parking options and has often been listed around £5 to £10 depending on arrangement. It fills quickly and matchday traffic management operates around the stadium, so arrive early and follow signs from the A50 / Trentham Road. Do not assume all official car parks are available without a permit or current matchday instructions.
The Power League complex near the bet365 Stadium is a popular non-stadium option for visiting supporters, with guide prices around £4.50 to £5 and a short walk to the ground. It is useful because away fans are usually welcome and it gives a straightforward route on foot. Availability can vary by fixture, so arrive early.
Longton Rugby Club has been used as a matchday parking option for Stoke fixtures, usually around a 20-minute walk from the stadium and often priced around £5. It is a good option if you want to avoid the most congested stadium car parks and have a clearer route out after the match.
A popular away-friendly stop close to the bet365 Stadium, often used by visiting supporters for parking, food and drink. It is one of the most practical matchday options because it is walkable to the away end.
A useful away-supporter option with parking and a walk to the stadium. It is slightly further out than some options, but that can make the post-match exit easier.
Festival Park gives a range of chain restaurants and food options a short drive or taxi from the stadium. It is useful if you are arriving early by car and want something simple before heading to the bet365.
Trentham is better for supporters making a day of it by car, with cafes and restaurants alongside the gardens and shopping village. It is not next to the stadium, so plan the onward drive/taxi carefully.
One of the most convenient hotels for the bet365 Stadium, within a short walk of the ground. It is ideal for supporters who want to stay close rather than in Stoke or Hanley town centre.
A higher-standard city hotel near Hanley and useful if you want restaurants and nightlife rather than staying beside the stadium. Use taxi or bus to reach the match.
The bet365 Stadium is straightforward by road, sitting close to the A50 and not far from the A500, but post-match traffic can be slow because many supporters are leaving through the same road network. Stoke's official parking information says car parks open from 8.30am for lunchtime games, 11am for afternoon games and 4pm for evening fixtures, and that no on-site parking is available from two hours before kick-off unless booked or permitted.
Rail travellers usually arrive at Stoke-on-Trent station and then use shuttle buses, taxis or a longer walk. The stadium is not in the city centre and the final approach on foot can feel exposed, particularly in poor weather. Away fans should aim for the south-east corner and allow time for the ramp, turnstiles and searches. Because the ground is set apart from the main city centre, plan food, drink and parking before travelling rather than assuming there will be plenty immediately beside the stadium.
Home tickets are sold through Stoke City's official ticketing channels, with availability and pricing depending on the fixture. For a neutral, the side stands usually provide the best overall view, while the Boothen End is the better choice for Stoke supporters wanting the home atmosphere. Supporters wanting a quieter matchday experience may prefer the main side sections rather than the louder home end.
Away supporters should buy through their own club once Stoke release the allocation. Visiting fans are normally issued tickets for the south-east corner, accessed via turnstiles 42 to 51. Collections, duplicates or matchday sales should be checked with the travelling club before setting off, as arrangements can vary depending on the fixture and expected away following.
The bet365 Stadium operates standard football ground regulations, including ticket checks, searches where required, supporter segregation and bans on pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects and discriminatory behaviour. Supporters should use the correct entrance for their ticket and should not attempt to move between home and away sections.
Stoke issue matchday information covering parking, turnstiles, arrival times and stadium access, and this should be checked for each fixture. The official parking timings are particularly important because on-site access changes as kick-off approaches. Supporters should also check the latest rules on bags, flags, banners, payment methods and prohibited items before travelling.
Stoke City provide accessibility information for the bet365 Stadium and supporters with access requirements should arrange tickets and parking in advance. Away disabled supporters should normally request wheelchair spaces, ambulant disabled seating, personal assistant tickets and accessible parking through their own club as part of the away allocation.
Because the away section is in the south-east corner and access can involve the away ramp or South Car Park route, supporters with mobility requirements should check the correct entrance before travelling. Accessible parking is limited and cannot be assumed on the day. The stadium is modern compared with many older grounds, but the exposed location and distance from public transport make advance planning important.
Stoke City do not appear to advertise a regular public bet365 Stadium tour programme as a standing attraction in the same way as clubs with weekly or daily bookable tours. The club publishes stadium, parking and matchday information, and access may occasionally be possible through hospitality, events, education or club activity, but there is no clear evidence of a routine public stadium tour schedule.
Supporters wanting a behind-the-scenes visit should check Stoke City's official website or contact the club before travelling, as any stadium access is likely to be occasional, private or event-led rather than a regular public tour.
A strong visitor attraction for supporters arriving early by car, with gardens, shops and food. It is best treated as a pre-match day out rather than something immediately beside the stadium.
A distinctive Stoke-on-Trent attraction focused on ceramics and local industry. It is a good option for overnight visitors or early arrivals with transport.
Official Stoke City ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.