By Train (Recommended! ⭐)

Nearest Station: Burton-on-Trent (1.5 miles – 30 minute walk or short taxi ride)

Why Trains Work: Burton-on-Trent station sits on the Cross Country route between Birmingham and Derby, with regular services from across the Midlands and beyond. From the station, the Pirelli Stadium is 1.5 miles – either a 30-minute walk (not the most scenic), a short bus ride, or a recommended £6-8 taxi journey that drops you right at the ground.

Journey Times to Burton-on-Trent Station:

Walk from Station: Exit onto Station Street, turn right and walk towards the town centre. Cross the bridge over the River Trent, continue along High Street. Turn left onto Moor Street, which becomes Princess Way. The stadium is on your right after about 25-30 minutes.

Taxis: Readily available at the station, around £6-8 to the stadium.

Buses: Several local services run from near the station towards the stadium area, around £2-3 for a single fare.

Check times: National Rail Enquiries

By Car

Stadium Postcode: DE13 0AR

Driving is straightforward with excellent motorway access. The stadium is just off the A511, with clear signposting from all major routes.

• From M1: Exit at Junction 23 or 23A, follow A50 towards Derby, then A511 towards Burton (15-20 minutes from motorway)
• From M6: Exit at Junction 14 onto A5013 towards Uttoxeter, follow A50 towards Derby, then A511 to Burton (20-25 minutes)
• From M42: Exit at Junction 11 onto A444 towards Burton, then A511/Princess Way to stadium (10 minutes)
• From Birmingham/West: A38 north to Burton, follow signs for town centre then A511

Parking: Note parking cannot be pre-booked and is first come, first served.

• Official Stadium Car Park: Limited spaces, arrive early (£5-6)
• Princess Way Retail Park: Large car park next to stadium, free but gets very busy on matchdays
• Town Centre: Several pay-and-display car parks (£3-5), 15-20 minute walk to stadium

💡 Tip: The retail park next door is your best bet – arrive 90 minutes before kick-off.

By Coach

Official away coaches drop off on Princess Way right outside the stadium. There’s a retail park right next door if you need anything before the match.

Away Fan Experience

Away fans are mainly housed on the East Terrace, a standing area, with up to 400 additional seats made available in the Main Stand for those who want them. A search will be conducted on entry as part of Burton’s safety process, so avoid bringing large bags or rucksacks.

What to Expect:

• Views: Good throughout – the compact ground means you’re close to the pitch wherever you are
• Facilities: Functional and well-maintained, if basic
• Atmosphere: Can be surprisingly good – the compact nature of the ground helps sound carry
• Catering: Standard football fare – pies, burgers, hot dogs, typically £4-5. Remember: cashless stadium, card only

⚽ Matchday Atmosphere: Burton fans are knowledgeable and generally friendly – these are supporters who remember non-league football not so long ago and appreciate what they’ve got.

Stadium History & Facts

The Pirelli Stadium represents one of English football’s more remarkable rises. Burton Albion spent decades in non-league football at the cramped old Eton Park before this purpose-built stadium enabled their Football League ambitions. Opened in 2005 on land donated by Italian tyre giant Pirelli, whose UK factory is just down the road, the naming rights deal helped finance the £7.2 million build.

Since opening, the stadium has witnessed Burton’s rise from Conference football to League Two champions, promotion to League One, and a memorable spell in the Championship in 2016-17. The ground has hosted various youth internationals and women’s matches over the years.

Pubs Near the Ground

The area immediately around the Pirelli Stadium is fairly industrial and residential, so pub options are limited right next to the ground. Burton town centre is a 15-20 minute walk and offers plenty of excellent choices.

The Beech Hotel (Derby Road, DE13 0DL) – the closest pub to the stadium (around 10 minutes’ walk). Traditional local, popular mainly with home fans but away supporters are made welcome. Large beer garden.

Burton Bridge Inn (town centre, 20 minute walk) – a 17th-century brewery tap, home to the Burton Bridge Brewery, brewing on-site since 1982. Eight ales usually on tap. One of the best real ale pubs in the country.

The Devonshire Arms (near the railway station, 5 minutes from the centre) – a traditional freehouse with a good choice of cask ales, dog-friendly and with open fires in winter. Popular locally.

The Old Cottage Tavern – a small, friendly traditional Burton pub near the town centre with a good selection of local ales.

🍺 Brewer’s Tip: Burton is the brewing capital of Britain, with seven working breweries in town today (Marston’s, Coors, Burton Bridge, Tower, Heritage, Burton Town and Gates). Try something local rather than sticking to the usual suspects!

Food Options

The adjacent Octagon Retail Park has McDonald’s, KFC, Subway and other chains – convenient but can get busy pre-match. For better options, Burton town centre (15-20 minute walk) has Wetherspoons, various restaurants, cafes and chippies.

At the Ground: Standard football fare – pies (around £4), burgers, hot dogs. Remember, it’s cashless.

Budget Options (Under £60)

Premier Inn Burton Centre – Station Street area, walking distance to town centre pubs, about 20 minutes to the stadium. Book at Premier Inn

Travelodge Burton Central – Wellington Street, town centre location. Book at Travelodge

Mid-Range Options (£60-£100)

Riverside Hotel – a timber-framed hotel dating to 1861 in the village of Branston, with views over the River Trent. A lovely, characterful option a short drive from the stadium.

Three Queens Hotel – One Bridge Street, town centre. A 16th-century building with modern rooms, on-site bar serving Burton Bridge Brewery ales, and 24-hour reception. Visit Website

Holiday Inn Express Burton – Second Avenue, near town centre. Reliable chain hotel with breakfast included. Book at IHG

Nearby Alternatives

Derby (15 minutes by train): Much larger city with far more hotel options, nightlife and restaurants. Very easy to get back to Burton for the match.

Lichfield (20 minutes drive): Beautiful historic cathedral city, quieter and more picturesque than Burton.

🍺 National Brewery Centre (Must Visit!)

The highlight of any Burton visit. This outstanding museum tells the story of British brewing with Burton at its heart, including brewery tours and tasting sessions. Admission around £8-12 depending on tour options, allow 2-3 hours. About 10 minutes from town centre, 20 minutes from the stadium. Visit Website

Town Centre & Shopping

Burton’s town centre has a good mix of chain stores and independent shops around High Street and Coopers Square Shopping Centre. Market Place hosts a traditional market several days a week.

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station

A beautifully preserved Victorian sewage pumping station with beam engines that operated until 1969. About 2 miles from the town centre. Free admission, donations welcomed. Visit Website

Nearby Attractions

Tutbury Castle (15 minutes drive): Atmospheric castle ruins where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. Visit Website

Lichfield (20 minutes drive): Stunning cathedral city, birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

Derby (15 minutes by train): Derby Cathedral, Derby Museum & Art Gallery, and the Silk Mill Museum of Making.

Alton Towers (30 minutes drive): Britain’s most famous theme park, probably best saved for a separate trip.

🔗 Useful Links

• Burton Albion FC Official Website
• National Rail Enquiries
• National Brewery Centre
• Visit Burton Tourist Information

🍺 Brewery Centre Priority: If you’re a beer enthusiast, prioritise the National Brewery Centre – genuinely world-class. Book a brewery tour in advance.

🚖 Taxi from Station: The walk from the station isn’t terrible but isn’t pleasant either – save your energy and get a taxi for £6-8.

🅿️ Retail Park Parking: Free but gets absolutely rammed before kick-off – arrive 90+ minutes early if driving.

💳 Cashless Ground: Bring a card, not cash – the Pirelli Stadium is a cashless operation.

🏛️ Consider Derby: If making a weekend of it, staying in Derby gives you far more options and an easy 15-minute train ride to Burton.