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Thursday 21 May 2026

Aston Villa's Europa League victory parade means busier trains and stations

Region & Route:

North West & Central: Central

Aston Villa's victory parade to celebrate their Europa League Final win will mean busier trains and stations today (21 May) with thousands of fans expected to line the streets to celebrate.

The city centre parade, confirmed after last night's win, will mean trains and stations in and out of Birmingham will be busier than normal throughout today.

Services either side of the parade, which takes place between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, are expected to be the busiest and stations - especially Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street, Jewellery Quarter, and Five Ways - will see extra passengers throughout Thursday.

Anyone travelling in or out of Birmingham are being advised to plan ahead, check before they travel, and allow extra time for their journeys.

Fans celebrating after the victory parade are urged to know their last trains and not rely on the last train home.

The parade also means disruption to tram and bus networks across the city centre. Road closures will mean heavy traffic and congestion are expected.

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail's Central route, said: "We are expecting trains and stations in Birmingham to be extra busy throughout today, especially in the city centre, as tens of thousands of fans celebrate Aston Villa's Europa League win.

"I would urge anyone planning to travel by train to plan ahead, check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys. We want everyone to get home safely after the event too so make sure you know your last trains and don't rely on the very last one as it may be even busier than normal."    

Sandeep Shingadia, executive director at Transport for West Midlands, said: “We congratulate Aston Villa on their historic success and wish all their supporters an enjoyable afternoon of celebration with their heroes.

“To ensure the day goes well we urge anyone travelling in or around Birmingham city centre today to check the TfWM or individual transport operator’s website and social media accounts for the latest travel updates and leave plenty of time for their journeys.” 

Passengers can plan their journey and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk. 

For wider West Midlands travel information, including buses and trams, visit www.tfwm.org.uk.