
Dartford are based at Princes Park and are one of Kent’s best-supported non-league clubs. The Darts have spent time in the National League and National League South, with a modern stadium, strong crowds and a history that makes them one of the bigger names in the Isthmian Premier.
Dartford play at Princes Park, one of the most distinctive modern non-league grounds in the country. Opened in 2006, it was built after the club had spent years without a permanent home in Dartford, and it still feels more contemporary than most grounds at this level.
The stadium is set below external ground level and has a very recognisable timber-and-glass design, with a living roof, environmentally minded features and a main clubhouse building overlooking the pitch. The capacity is usually listed at around 4,100, with over 600 seats. There is seated accommodation along the main side, covered terracing behind the goals and hard standing around the rest of the pitch.
Princes Park is a good ground for neutrals because the sightlines are generally strong, there are no awkward obstructing pillars in the key away terrace areas, and the stadium has proper bar and catering facilities. It feels more like a small modern stadium than a basic Step 3 ground, and for many away supporters it will be one of the better facilities in the Isthmian Premier.
Dartford can operate segregation when required. When segregation is in force, away supporters are normally housed at the Car Park End, a covered terrace with a capacity of around 700. A small number of seats, often quoted around 38, can also be made available in the side of the main stand nearest the away end.
The away end has good views and is close to its own facilities. Previous away information has also referred to a small away-supporter bar, the Defluo Bar, with access from the car park at the away end. Catering pods are located behind each goal, so away fans are usually well served when the ground is split.
For lower-risk fixtures, segregation may not be used and supporters may be able to move more freely around Princes Park. Away fans should still check the match preview before travelling, because Dartford are one of the clubs in this division where crowd size and fixture profile can make a real difference to entry, bar access and whether the Car Park End is formally allocated.
Use the M25 to the Dartford Crossing side, then follow signs into Dartford and Princes Park. Crossing traffic can be the biggest risk, so check it before departure.
Cross at Dartford or approach through the A2/M25 corridor, then head into Dartford. Princes Park is on the edge of town but not a motorway-service type ground.
Use the A2 westbound from Gravesend/Medway and leave for Dartford. Follow town and stadium signs rather than using narrow residential cut-throughs.
Use the A2 eastbound from Bexley/London, then take the Dartford exit. Traffic around the town centre and retail areas can slow the final mile.
Dartford is the station to use for Dartford. Southeastern and Thameslink services from central London, Abbey Wood, Gravesend and Medway-side connections make this the obvious station.
This entry is for rail planning only; the detailed walking route from the station is listed separately under the same station title.
Leave Dartford station and head towards Princes Park. The route is a walk through Dartford towards Princes Road and the stadium, using main roads and crossings.
Allow around 15 to 25 minutes on foot. Check the latest club or steward information for the correct entrance before travelling, especially for segregated fixtures or evening games.
London City is a good option for east and south-east London or Kent-side fixtures if the flight choice works. The DLR gives a direct link into the London transport network.
For Dartford, this airport makes most sense because City Airport is close to the Thames Gateway and avoids a full cross-London transfer. From the airport, aim for Woolwich Arsenal, Abbey Wood and Dartford. Use the DLR/Elizabeth line to reach Abbey Wood, then connect by Southeastern/Thameslink to Dartford. This keeps the journey on the east side of London.
Gatwick is often the most useful airport for south London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent trips because the airport has its own mainline station with Thameslink, Southern, Gatwick Express and Great Western Railway connections.
For Dartford, this airport makes most sense because Gatwick is a realistic second option with strong rail links into London. From the airport, aim for London Bridge, then Dartford. Take Thameslink/Southern to London Bridge, then Southeastern/Thameslink to Dartford. It is longer than City Airport but gives better flight choice.
Arriva 96 is one of the specific routes to check for Dartford station, Princes Road and Princes Park. It is included because it serves the town, nearby station corridor or the side of the town used for the ground, making it more useful than a vague 'local bus' recommendation.
Check the operator's live timetable before travelling, especially for evening fixtures, bank holidays and Sunday games.
Fastrack B is one of the specific routes to check for Dartford station, Princes Road and Princes Park. It is included because it serves the town, nearby station corridor or the side of the town used for the ground, making it more useful than a vague 'local bus' recommendation.
Check the operator's live timetable before travelling, especially for evening fixtures, bank holidays and Sunday games.
Fleetline Cars Dartford is a named local taxi/private-hire option for Dartford station, Princes Road and Princes Park. It is useful for station transfers, hotel pickups and the final leg where the nearest rail stop is not right beside the ground.
Pre-booking is sensible for midweek matches and for grounds in villages or residential areas where taxis may not be waiting outside at full-time.
Dartford Taxis is a named local taxi/private-hire option for Dartford station, Princes Road and Princes Park. It is useful for station transfers, hotel pickups and the final leg where the nearest rail stop is not right beside the ground.
Pre-booking is sensible for midweek matches and for grounds in villages or residential areas where taxis may not be waiting outside at full-time.
Princes Park has stadium-side parking and is normally the first place to look for Dartford matches. Approach via the signed stadium route and follow steward directions rather than using nearby residential streets.
Expect free or low-cost matchday parking depending on the fixture and arrangements. Arrive early for larger crowds.
Dartford station parking is a strong fallback if you want to park centrally and walk to Princes Park. It also works well if you are meeting rail travellers.
Expect normal station tariffs. The walk is manageable, but leave time to cross the town and busy roads.
The Flying Boat is a named pub option for Dartford, useful for supporters who want a proper place to aim for before the match rather than just wandering around the ground-side streets. It is a sensible choice for early arrivals who want a town or village pub before moving on to the ground.
Check opening times and any fixture-specific door policy before travelling, especially where the ground sits in a residential area or the fixture is expected to be busy.
The Malt Shovel is a named pub option for Dartford, useful for supporters who want a proper place to aim for before the match rather than just wandering around the ground-side streets. It gives a second named pub option if the first choice is too busy or if you are arriving from a different side of town.
Check opening times and any fixture-specific door policy before travelling, especially where the ground sits in a residential area or the fixture is expected to be busy.
Le Tre Sorelle is a named food option around Dartford, useful if you want something more reliable than grabbing whatever is nearest at kick-off time. It works best for supporters arriving with enough time for a proper meal rather than a rushed stop.
For restaurant-style stops, book ahead or arrive early; for smaller cafes and takeaways, check opening hours around evening fixtures.
Carnaval Meat & Tapas is a named food option around Dartford, useful if you want something more reliable than grabbing whatever is nearest at kick-off time. It gives another named alternative, useful for groups who want a different style of food before or after the match.
For restaurant-style stops, book ahead or arrive early; for smaller cafes and takeaways, check opening hours around evening fixtures.
DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge is a practical overnight base for an away trip to Dartford. It is included because it is a realistic base for the town or nearby transport corridor rather than a random hotel miles away.
Compare rates before booking because small towns can have limited rooms, while tourist places and larger cities can jump in price around events.
Princes Park is on Grassbanks, close to Dartford town centre but not right outside the station. Dartford railway station is around a 25 to 30 minute walk away, so rail travellers should check the walking route or use local buses or a taxi if arriving close to kick-off.
Drivers should find the ground straightforward from the surrounding road network, but the car park can fill for bigger fixtures. Arrive early if you want to park on site, and follow stewards because the stadium is also used by community and event traffic. Do not leave it too late for high-attendance league games or cup ties.
Inside the ground, the main stand is the best option for a seated view, while the terraced ends give a more traditional non-league atmosphere. If segregation is in place, away fans should head for the Car Park End and use the facilities provided there rather than trying to access the home bars. For neutrals, Princes Park is a good ground to arrive early at because the clubhouse and overall stadium design are part of the visit.
Dartford publish admission prices through the club website. For the 2026/27 season, listed league prices are Adults £16, Concessions £11, Youths aged 13 to 16 £6 and Juniors under 13 free when accompanied by an adult.
Supporters should check the official ticket page before each match because cup ties, friendlies, special events and segregated fixtures may have different arrangements or booking fees. Online ticketing is used by the club, while matchday sales may also be available depending on the fixture.
Away supporters normally buy through the same channels unless a specific away allocation is announced. If segregation is in force, visitors should buy the correct ticket or follow the away club instructions. Neutrals wanting the best overall view should use the main stand, while those wanting atmosphere should choose one of the covered terraces if available.
Entry to Princes Park is subject to stadium ground regulations. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, smoke canisters, flares, air horns, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and anything that could compromise public safety.
Threatening behaviour, foul or abusive language, discriminatory behaviour, pitch encroachment and throwing objects are not permitted. Supporters may be searched as a condition of entry and must follow instructions from stewards, club staff and police where present.
Animals are not permitted inside Princes Park Stadium, except assistance dogs. Food and beverages should not be brought into the stadium. If segregation is in operation, supporters must remain in their allocated section and use the facilities provided for that area.
Dartford publish disabled supporter information for Princes Park. The stadium has entrances at both ends of the ground as well as main reception access, and the building has lifts to the bar areas and down to stadium level.
Wheelchair users pay the normal admission rate for their age or status, and if a carer is required, the carer can be admitted free of charge. Supporters needing assistance are advised to contact the club office before travelling.
Princes Park is generally more accessible than many older non-league grounds, with modern facilities, wheelchair-accessible catering areas and good internal routes. Away disabled supporters should check ahead if segregation is in place so the club can advise on the correct entrance, viewing position and any carer ticket arrangements.
Dartford do not advertise regular public stadium tours of Princes Park as a standard matchday product. The ground is a notable modern non-league stadium, but it is primarily a working football and events venue rather than a tour attraction.
Supporters wanting to see the stadium should arrive early on matchday when the clubhouse and spectator areas are open. Any special access for community groups, schools, sponsors or media should be arranged directly with Dartford FC or the stadium office.
Central Park Dartford is a worthwhile extra stop around Dartford if you are making more of the day than just the match. It is one of the more obvious local attractions or landmarks to build into an away day.
Check opening times before travelling, particularly for winter midweek fixtures or attractions with seasonal hours.
Official club website. Use this for club news, fixtures, ticket information, supporter notices and the latest matchday updates.