Few away days in the Championship (or beyond) have the character of Queens Park Rangers. Loftus Road – or the MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium, as it’s now officially named – is one of the most compact grounds in the league, creating an intense, old-school atmosphere that every travelling fan should experience at least once. Nestled in the heart of West London, QPR away is a fixture that combines football heritage with the buzz of the capital.

Here’s your complete guide to making the most of your trip.

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Getting There

Being in London, QPR is easy to reach by public transport, though driving can be a hassle.

• By Train/Tube: The nearest stations are White City (Central Line), Wood Lane (Circle/Hammersmith & City Line), and Shepherd’s Bush (Central Line and Overground). All are within a 10-minute walk of Loftus Road. If you’re coming by mainline train, London Paddington and London Euston are the best arrival points before hopping on the Underground.
• By Car: Driving to QPR is not recommended. Parking near the stadium is extremely limited, and local streets are permit-only on matchdays. If you must drive, park at a Tube station further out (e.g., Hillingdon, Greenford, or Ealing Broadway) and take the Underground in.
• By Coach: Official away coaches usually drop supporters a short walk from the ground, and this is by far the easiest option if you want to avoid the chaos of central London traffic.

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Where to Drink

West London offers plenty of pubs and bars, but choices immediately around Loftus Road are limited for away fans. Many QPR pubs are strictly home-supporter only, so planning ahead is essential.

• Shepherd’s Bush Area: BrewDog Shepherd’s Bush and Belushi’s Bar are good away-friendly options close to Shepherd’s Bush station, serving food and a wide range of drinks.
• Central London: If you’re coming in via train, you might prefer to grab a few drinks in central London before heading west. Pubs near Paddington, Euston, or King’s Cross are convenient for this. The Globe (Baker Street) and The Dolphin (King’s Cross) are popular with football fans.
• Alternative Options: Some away fans also meet in Hammersmith or Notting Hill before walking or getting a quick bus to the ground. These areas have a mix of pubs, cafés, and restaurants, and they’re less congested than Shepherd’s Bush.

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The Ground: Loftus Road (Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium)

Loftus Road is a throwback to the golden age of football grounds. Built in 1917, it has a capacity of around 18,500, making it one of the smallest stadiums in the Championship. Its tight, enclosed stands mean the atmosphere is loud and lively.

• Away Section: Visiting fans are housed in the School End (South Africa Road Stand), usually with an allocation of around 1,800. This stand is small but close to the pitch, giving you a fantastic view of the action and a chance to generate real noise.
• Facilities: The concourse is compact, with basic kiosks selling pies, burgers, hot dogs, and drinks. Alcohol is usually served, but for certain fixtures, restrictions may apply. Toilets and food queues can get cramped due to the stadium’s tight layout.

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Food Options

West London is packed with food choices, from quick snacks to sit-down meals.

• Near the Ground: Shepherd’s Bush has plenty of fast-food outlets, including Nando’s, KFC, McDonald’s, and various independent takeaways serving pizza, kebabs, and fish and chips.
• Westfield Shopping Centre: Just a short walk from Loftus Road, Westfield is home to dozens of restaurants, from quick bites like Five Guys and Franco Manca to sit-down options like Wagamama or Byron Burger.
• Something Local: If you want something with character, try the curry houses around Uxbridge Road, which are very popular with both locals and away supporters.

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Making a Weekend of It

One of the biggest advantages of a QPR away day is being in London – there’s so much to do if you’re making a weekend of it.

• Nightlife: Shepherd’s Bush has a modest bar scene, but you’re only a short tube ride from Soho, Camden, or Shoreditch for a bigger night out. Westfield also has late-night bars and restaurants.
• Culture & Attractions: For pre- or post-match exploring, London is unbeatable. Landmarks like Hyde Park, Notting Hill, and the Natural History Museum are all within easy reach of Shepherd’s Bush.
• Day Trips: If you’re staying over, you could pair the football with a visit to central London attractions, a Thames boat trip, or even a West End show.

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Away Day Tips

• Use Public Transport: Parking is almost impossible near Loftus Road – the Tube and Overground are your best bet.
• Arrive Early: London transport can be unpredictable, and Shepherd’s Bush gets very busy on matchdays. Give yourself extra time to get in.
• Expect a Tight Fit: Loftus Road is old and compact – facilities are basic, so don’t expect luxury.
• Soak Up the Atmosphere: With stands so close to the pitch, this is one of the loudest and most intense grounds in the league when full.

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Final Whistle

QPR away is a proper football day out: an old-school stadium with character, a vocal home crowd, and the buzz of being in one of the world’s greatest cities. While travel and pub choices can be a little trickier than at some grounds, the reward is an authentic, atmospheric football experience in the heart of West London.

From grabbing a pint in Shepherd’s Bush, to cheering on your team from the tight School End, to making a weekend of it in London, QPR away has something for everyone. Pack your scarf, tap your Oyster card, and prepare for one of the Championship’s most memorable away days.