Following England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup? You can skip the roadworks and full car parks, the train gets you into town and near the action, no detours required.
Here’s how to get to the next two matches by rail, with clear info on where to get off, how long the walk is, and what to expect.
Friday 22 August: England vs USA
Kick-off: 19:30
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Image credit: Pyxis-Web-Solutions | Pixabay
By Train:
Sunderland station is the nearest mainline station and is just a 10–15 minute walk to the stadium through the city centre. Direct trains run from regional cities, and connections from London are available via Newcastle.
By Metro:
The Tyne and Wear Metro stops at both Stadium of Light and St Peter’s stations. Both are a short walk from the ground. If you’re coming via Newcastle, it’s often quicker to change to the Metro at Newcastle Central and head straight to the stadium.
By Bus:
Local buses 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15, and 16 stop near the stadium. Park Lane Interchange — Sunderland’s main bus station — is also walkable.
Driving or Drop-off (Not Recommended):
Vehicle access to the stadium is restricted on matchdays, including 30 minutes before kick-off and again 30 minutes before the final whistle. Roads around the ground are fully reopened 30–40 minutes after the game ends, once crowds have cleared.
Tip: For a smoother trip, arrive early and avoid car travel if you can. Public transport puts you much closer to the stadium with less hassle.
Saturday 23 August: Australia vs Samoa
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
By Train:
The nearest train stations are Irlam and Patricroft. From either station, walk to Liverpool Road and take the number 67 bus towards the stadium. Mainline services also run to Manchester Victoria, with local connections from there.
By Tram:
Take the Metrolink to Eccles. From there, it’s around a 40-minute walk to the stadium, or catch the 67 bus from nearby stops along Liverpool Road.
By Bus:
From Manchester City Centre, use bus numbers 10, 67, or 100.
From the Trafford Centre, take the 100 to Liverpool Road, Irlam — the stop is just a 2-minute walk from the stadium.
Tip: Stay central in Manchester and make a short journey out — the Metrolink and local rail cover this area well.
Saturday 23 August: Scotland vs Wales
Kick-off: 14:45
Venue: Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 23 August: Canada vs Fiji
Kick-off: 17:30
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
By Train:
The nearest station is York, a major rail hub with direct services from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and more. From the station, it’s about 3 miles to the stadium — allow around 15–20 minutes by taxi, or take a local bus.
By Bus:
Buses run frequently from the station and York city centre to Monks Cross Park & Ride, which is right next to the stadium. The Number 9 Park & Ride service picks up outside York Station every 10 minutes or so. On match days, the York Pullman Y22 bus also runs from The Stonebow in the city centre directly to the stadium.
By Car or Drop-off:
Matchday parking is limited to 2 hours max, and spaces are restricted. York RLFC offers free matchday parking in the Monks Cross Park & Ride area, and the North car park via the Jockey Lane entrance is best for pick-up and drop-off.
Tip: Unless you’ve pre-booked parking via the club, public transport is your best bet. It’ll get you closer, faster, and with less faff.
Saturday 23 August: France vs Italy
Kick-off: 20:15
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
By Train:
Sandy Park is served by two local stations on the Avocet Line, Digby & Sowton and Newcourt, both around a 15-minute walk from the stadium and clearly signposted. If you’re coming from Exeter or further afield, Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central offer wider rail connections, with taxis to the stadium taking around 15 minutes.
By Bus:
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Local service 9/9A runs from Exeter city centre towards Sidmouth every 30 minutes, 7 days a week.
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Green Park & Ride buses from Matford operate every 15 minutes (Monday–Saturday), stopping near the stadium.
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South West Falcon coach services also stop at Exeter, with routes from Plymouth, Taunton, Bristol Airport, and Bristol City Centre.
Plan your route at stagecoachbus.com or swfalcon.com.
Driving or Drop-off:
There is no on-site parking available on match days, and vehicle access is restricted. If you’re being dropped off, consider the surrounding area or use the Green Park & Ride to get close without the hassle.
Sunday 24 August: Ireland vs Japan
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
By Train:
Northampton Station (Castle Station) is on the West Coast Main Line, with regular services from London Euston and Birmingham New Street. The stadium is around a 15-minute walk from the station, or you can hop in a taxi or local bus for a quicker trip.
By Car:
Franklin’s Gardens is around 5 minutes by car from both M1 junctions 15A and 16, making it easily accessible from all directions — including London, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge (all about an hour away).
On-site parking is available with over 1,500 spaces, though it may be limited on match days — aim to arrive early.
Sunday 24 August: South Africa vs Brazil
Kick-off: 14:45
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 24 August: New Zealand vs Spain
Kick-off: 17:30
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Same travel details as Canada vs Fiji above.
Saturday 30 August: Canada vs Wales
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 30 August: Scotland vs Fiji
Kick-off: 14:45
Venue: Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 30 August: England vs Samoa
Kick-off: 17:00
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 30 August: USA vs Australia
Kick-off: 19:30
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 31 August: Ireland vs Spain
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 31 August: New Zealand vs Japan
Kick-off: 14:00
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 31 August: Italy vs South Africa
Kick-off: 15:30
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 6 September: Canada vs Scotland
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 6 September: USA vs Samoa
Kick-off: 13:30
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 6 September: Wales vs Fiji
Kick-off: 14:45
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 6 September: England vs Australia
Kick-off: 17:00
Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton
Source: Visit Brighton
By Train:
Falmer Station is directly next to the stadium concourse, with regular services from Brighton and Lewes running all day and into the evening. Brighton is well connected to London (Victoria, London Bridge), Gatwick Airport, and other regional hubs. National Rail has the latest timetables.
By Bus:
The 25 bus from Brighton stops right outside the stadium. The 28 and 29 also serve the area (get off at Falmer Station for a 5-minute walk). For full schedules, see buses.co.uk.
Walking or Cycling:
If you’re staying nearby, it’s a scenic 30-minute walk from areas like Moulsecoomb, Coldean or Bevendean. There’s also secure cycle parking on the stadium concourse, monitored by CCTV.
Driving or Parking:
Parking is extremely limited and varies by event. Unless you’ve pre-arranged something through the venue, it’s best to use public transport.
Tip: The stadium was built with public transport in mind, trains and buses will get you there quicker and with less hassle.
Sunday 7 September: Japan vs Spain
Kick-off: 12:00
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 7 September: Italy vs Brazil
Kick-off: 14:00
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 7 September: New Zealand vs Ireland
Kick-off: 14:45
Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 7 September: France vs South Africa
Kick-off: 16:45
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 13 September: Quarter-final 1
Kick-off: 13:00
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 13 September: Quarter-final 2
Kick-off: 16:00
Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
By Train:
The nearest stations are Parson Street (15-minute walk) and Bristol Temple Meads (50-minute walk). From Temple Meads, you can take the m2 MetroBus or a local bus (routes 24, X1, X4, X6, X7, X8/X9) to reach the stadium area. Parson Street has limited facilities and no step-free access.
By Bus:
Ashton Gate is well served by local and regional bus routes. Key services include:
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24 (Southmead Hospital – Ashton Gate)
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X1, X4, X6, X7, X8/X9 (Various routes from Weston-super-Mare, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea)
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m2 MetroBus (Long Ashton P&R – Bristol City Centre), ~9-minute walk to the stadium
Walking:
It’s walkable from much of Bristol:
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20 mins from Parson Street
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30 mins from Clifton Village
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35 mins from Harbourside and the city centre
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50 mins from Temple Meads
Ashton Gate also offers scenic walking trails. Download the walking map here.
Sunday 14 September: Quarter-final 3
Kick-off: 13:00
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Same travel details as above.
Sunday 14 September: Quarter-final 4
Kick-off: 16:00
Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
Same travel details as above.
Friday 19 September: Semi-final 1
Kick-off: 19:00
Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 20 September: Semi-final 2
Kick-off: 15:30
Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
Same travel details as above.
Saturday 27 September: Bronze Final
Kick-off: 12:30
Venue: Allianz Stadium, London
By Train:
Twickenham Station is the closest mainline station, with regular direct services from London Waterloo (approx. 25–30 minutes). The station is a 10–15 minute walk to the stadium via Whitton Road.
By Bus:
Local bus routes include the 281, 267, 290, and R70, all serving Twickenham and stopping within walking distance of the stadium.
By Bike:
Bike racks are available at the South East corner of the stadium, near the ticket office.
Driving / Parking:
Parking is limited and subject to restrictions on matchdays. Nearby Rosebine Car Park is typically used when onsite lots are closed — it’s a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
Be aware: the stadium is within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and charges may apply if your vehicle does not meet emissions standards.
Saturday 27 September: Final
Kick-off: 16:00
Venue: Allianz Stadium, London
Same travel details as above.
Note: All match dates, times, and transport details are correct as of time of writing (21 August 2025). Please double-check live travel updates and event listings closer to match day, as schedules and services may change.
Source: Shutterstock
Quick Tips for Matchdays:
- Book trains early where possible - seats can go fast, especially for knockout matches.
- Always check return train times to avoid missing your last service.
- Most stadiums have limited or no parking - public transport is the smart move.
- Download station and local bus apps for real-time updates.
For accessibility information at each stadium, we recommend checking the official club or venue websites directly, as facilities and access options may vary.
Planning to catch a match? Search train times and book tickets directly through the TrainSplit app or website- it’s fast, smart, and mobile-friendly.