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Tuesday 28 Jan 2025

Huge Champions League match means busier trains to Villa Park

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Aston Villa’s match against Scottish champions Celtic will bring thousands of fans into Birmingham, meaning trains and stations will be busier than normal on Wednesday (29 January).

Trains to and from Aston and Witton stations on Wednesday afternoon onwards are expected to be packed with fans, especially in the build up to the game and immediately afterwards.

The fixture is expected to make city centre stations and surrounding areas much busier too with fans who plan to watch the match in pubs and bars in the city centre.

Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys, check before they travel and allow extra time especially in the hours before and after the 8pm kick off.

Elizabeth Graham, Network Rail’s Birmingham New Street station manager, said: “With such a big match taking place, we are expecting the station and trains to be really busy on Wednesday afternoon onwards. We want everyone to get safely to and from the match so it’s important to plan ahead and allow extra time.

"Our staff are here to help, so please treat them with respect if you are in the station and need their help at any point.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “We expect our trains to Aston and Witton will be busier than usual ahead of the Villa versus Celtic match. If you’re not going to the game but are planning to travel, we’d recommend avoiding services close to kick off at 8pm where possible.

"For those heading to the match, please plan your journeys in advance and check before you travel.”

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