1. Getting to London Stadium

By Car

• Address: London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2ST.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: London Stadium does not offer parking for general matchday visitors. However, there are several nearby parking options in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding areas.

  • Nearby Parking:

    • Stratford International Car Park: Located close to the stadium, this large car park is a short walk from the ground.

    • Westfield Stratford City Car Park: A large shopping centre with ample parking, only a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

    • Street Parking: There are some limited street parking options in the nearby areas. Be sure to check parking restrictions on matchdays.

By Train

• Stratford Station:

  • Distance: Just a 10-minute walk from London Stadium.

  • Trains to Stratford: Stratford is a major transport hub with excellent connections to central London and beyond:

    • London Underground: The Central Line, Jubilee Line, and Overground all connect to Stratford station.

    • National Rail: Direct trains from Liverpool Street, King’s Cross, and other major London stations.

    • Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Stratford can also be reached via the DLR from Bank or Lewisham.

  • Tram/Bus from Stratford Station: Once you exit Stratford Station, it’s a short walk to the stadium.

By Tube

• Stratford Station is the main tube station serving London Stadium, with the Central Line, Jubilee Line, and London Overground providing direct access.

  • Travel Time: From Oxford Circus to Stratford on the Central Line, it takes around 15 minutes.

By Bus

• Several bus routes serve the area around London Stadium:

  • Route 108, 276, and 308: These buses stop close to the stadium and are ideal for fans traveling from the surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Bus Stops: The nearest bus stop to London Stadium is Stratford City Bus Station, a 10-minute walk to the stadium.

By Bike

• Cycling: London is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike racks available at London Stadium. Fans can also use the Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) to hire bikes for the matchday journey.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you're planning to stay overnight in London, there are plenty of options near the stadium and in central London.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • Ibis London Stratford: Located within walking distance of the stadium, this budget-friendly hotel offers basic amenities at a reasonable price.

  • Travelodge London Stratford: Another affordable option, located a short distance from Stratford Station and London Stadium.

• Mid-Range:

  • Holiday Inn Express London Stratford: Just a short walk from the stadium and offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

  • Premier Inn London Stratford: A well-located, mid-range hotel with easy access to the stadium and surrounding areas.

• Luxury:

  • The Westin London City: A luxurious hotel near the River Thames, offering a high-end experience and great transport connections to Stratford.

  • The Stratford Hotel: A modern, stylish hotel offering excellent service and views of the city.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• London Stadium gates generally open 1.5 to 2 hours before the scheduled kick-off time. This gives you time to grab a bite, buy some merchandise, and soak up the matchday atmosphere.

Ticket Collection:

• If you have pre-purchased tickets, you can print at home or collect them from the stadium’s ticket office. The main ticket office is located at the North Stand.

Fan Zones:

• While London Stadium doesn't have a dedicated fan zone, there are plenty of bars, pubs, and spots where fans can gather before and after the match:

  • The Bat and Ball: A popular pub and games venue in Stratford, located near the Westfield Shopping Centre.

  • The King Edward VII: A traditional pub close to the stadium offering food and drink for fans before the game.

Merchandise:

• Official Club Shop: The West Ham United FC official club shop is located inside London Stadium and offers a range of merchandise including kits, scarves, hats, and more.

  • There are also pop-up stores around the stadium on matchdays for easy access to club merchandise.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: A variety of food and drink options are available for fans:

  • Pies, Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Fish and Chips can be found at the food kiosks throughout the stadium.

  • Vegetarian and Vegan options are also available at selected food stands.

  • Soft Drinks and Alcohol are sold at several locations inside the stadium.

• Pre-Match Dining:

  • The Bat and Ball: A trendy spot with great food and drinks before the match.

  • The Queen’s Head: A popular pub near Stratford Station serving classic British pub food and drinks.

 

4. Exploring Stratford and East London

If you have some time to spare, there are plenty of attractions near the stadium.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park:

• Distance: Just outside the stadium.

• What to Do: Explore the iconic Olympic Park, which was built for the 2012 London Olympics. You can take a stroll through the park, enjoy the outdoor spaces, or visit The ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture.

Westfield Stratford City:

• Distance: 10-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: One of the largest shopping centres in Europe, Westfield offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Great for a pre- or post-match meal or to do some shopping.

London Aquatics Centre:

• Distance: Located in the Olympic Park.

• What to Do: Originally built for the 2012 Olympics, the Aquatics Centre is now open to the public, where you can enjoy swimming in the same pools used by Olympic athletes.

Theatre Royal Stratford East:

• Distance: 15-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: Enjoy a show at this historic theatre, which hosts a range of performances from comedy to drama and musicals.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to Stratford Station: The walk from London Stadium to Stratford Station takes about 10 minutes. From there, you can access the London Underground, National Rail, and DLR services to return to your destination.

• Post-Match Drinks: Fans can visit local pubs such as The Bat and Ball or The Queen’s Head to discuss the match and enjoy a drink after the game.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: The weather in London can change quickly, so make sure to check the forecast. If you're visiting in winter, bring a warm jacket and umbrella.

• Safety: London is a safe city, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking back to public transport late at night.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • West Ham United Ticket Office: For matchday assistance, call 0333 030 1966.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 for emergencies.

 

Conclusion

Visiting London Stadium to watch West Ham United is sure to be a memorable experience. Whether you’re a home fan or an away supporter, the stadium offers excellent facilities, great transport links, and plenty to see and do around Stratford. This guide should help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable matchday experience!

Enjoy your visit to London Stadium, and Come on you Irons!