Few things beat the buzz of an away day – the early train, the pints in a new city, the anticipation of seeing your team take three points on the road. Birmingham, right in the heart of the Midlands, is one of the most popular away trips on the calendar. With two big clubs in Aston Villa and Birmingham City, plus the pull of the city itself, it’s a must-do for any football fan who loves the away day experience. Whether you’re visiting St Andrew’s or Villa Park, here’s your guide to making the most of a Birmingham away.

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Getting There

One of Birmingham’s big plus points is how easy it is to reach. Sitting almost dead-centre in the country, it’s well connected by road, rail, and even air.

• By Train: Birmingham New Street is the city’s main hub and connects directly to London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, and many other cities. Journey times are pretty quick too – about 1 hour 20 minutes from London, 1 hour 30 from Manchester, and 2 hours from Leeds. Moor Street and Snow Hill stations are also nearby for local services.
• By Car: The M6, M5, and M42 all pass through or around Birmingham. Parking near the stadiums can be tricky, so look out for official away fan parking or park further out and hop on public transport.
• By Coach: Most clubs run official away travel, dropping you right by the ground. If you prefer independence, National Express and Megabus both run budget-friendly services to Birmingham.

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Where to Drink

Let’s be honest – the pub crawl is as important as the match itself for many away fans. Birmingham has no shortage of great boozers, though where you go will depend on which ground you’re heading to.

• City Centre: If you’re arriving early, the centre is stacked with pubs. The Wellington is a real ale haven, The Old Joint Stock offers a posh pint in a grand setting, and The Briar Rose (a Wetherspoons) is good for groups on a budget.
• Near St Andrew’s: The pubs right by the ground are mainly for Blues fans. The best bet is to stick to the centre, then walk or taxi over to the ground. Digbeth, just south of the centre, has a few fan-friendly options and some cracking independent bars.

If you’re on an early train and fancy breakfast with your pint, the Figure of Eight on Broad Street is a popular choice for away supporters.

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The Ground

St Andrew’s

Home to Birmingham City since 1906, St Andrew’s has a more traditional, no-frills feel. Away fans are placed in the Gil Merrick Stand behind the goal. The ground is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre, or a short taxi ride if you’re running late. The atmosphere can be lively, especially for derby games, so expect plenty of noise from the Tilton Road end.

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Food Options

If you’re looking for a pre-match bite, Birmingham won’t disappoint. The city is famous for its curries, particularly in the Balti Triangle (around Ladypool Road), which is about 10 minutes’ drive from both grounds.

In the centre you’ll find everything from fast-food chains to street food at Digbeth Dining Club. Broad Street has plenty of restaurants and takeaways if you’re after a quick fix before heading out to the game.

Inside the grounds, expect the usual pies, burgers, and chips. Nothing fancy, but they do the job if you’ve left it late.

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Making a Weekend of It

If your fixture falls on a Saturday and you fancy staying over, Birmingham has a lot going for it. The nightlife is lively, with Broad Street and the Arcadian both buzzing with bars and clubs. The Mailbox offers something a bit more upmarket, and Digbeth is a hotspot for live music, street art, and quirky venues.

During the day, you could explore the canals (more miles than Venice, as locals proudly say), visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or even take a tour of the Jewellery Quarter. For families, Cadbury World is a popular option.

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Away Day Tips

• Check the pubs: Always worth a quick look online or on fan forums before you go – pub policies for away fans can change depending on the fixture.
• Bring cash: Some smaller pubs and food outlets still prefer it, and it saves faffing around with card minimums.
• Expect a walk: Especially to St Andrew’s – wear decent shoes if you’re marching from New Street.
• Enjoy the banter: Birmingham fans are passionate and proud. Keep it good-natured and you’ll have a cracking day.

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Final Whistle

An away day in Birmingham is a rite of passage for travelling football fans. The city is easy to reach, full of pubs, and offers two historic grounds that deliver atmosphere and history in equal measure. It’s a trip that combines football tradition with a great city experience.

Pack your scarf, plan your route, and get ready for a proper away day.