YOUR COMPLETEMATCH-DAY GUIDE
Everything You Need for the Perfect Stamford Bridge Experience
Updated for 2024/25 Season • Trusted by 50,000+ Chelsea Fans
Next match: Chelsea vs Arsenal • Book hotel now
Getting to Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge is located in Fulham, West London, with excellent public transport links. Here's how to get there:
By Tube / Underground (RECOMMENDED)
Fulham Broadway (District Line)
5 minute walk • The closest station to the stadium • Gets VERY busy on match days • Arrive early or expect queues after the match
West Brompton (District Line / Overground)
15 minute walk • Less crowded alternative • Good option for avoiding post-match crowds
Imperial Wharf (Overground)
15 minute walk • Quieter option • Nice riverside walk to stadium
Pro Tip: Avoid rush hour (4:30-6pm) if traveling to a 5:30pm kick-off. Tubes will be packed!
By Train
- From Clapham Junction: District Line to Fulham Broadway (15 mins)
- From Victoria Station: District Line to Fulham Broadway (20 mins)
- From Waterloo: Northern Line to Embankment, change to District Line (25 mins)
By Bus
Routes: 14, 211, 414 all stop near Stamford Bridge
Bus stops are located on Fulham Road. Check TfL journey planner for live times.
By Car (NOT RECOMMENDED)
Driving to Stamford Bridge on match day is challenging due to road closures and limited parking.
Important:
- • Fulham Road closes 2 hours before kick-off
- • Most streets are residents-only parking
- • £130 fine for illegal parking
- • Traffic chaos after the match
Better option: Park at your hotel (if staying overnight) and take the tube to the match.
Now that you know how to get there, find the perfect hotel near Stamford Bridge
Browse HotelsParking at Stamford Bridge
Stadium Parking is VERY Limited
There is almost no public parking at Stamford Bridge. The small car park is reserved for disabled badge holders and must be pre-booked. We strongly recommend using public transport.
Alternative Parking Options
1. Park in Central London + Tube to Stadium
Park at Q-Park Westminster (£20/day) or other central London car parks, then take the District Line to Fulham Broadway.
Journey time: 30-40 mins by tube • Cost: £20-30 parking + tube fare
2. Stay at Hotel with Parking (RECOMMENDED)
Book a hotel that includes parking, check in early, leave your car, and take the tube to the match. This is the most stress-free option for drivers.
Browse Hotels with ParkingFree cancellation • Verified hotels
3. Street Parking (High Risk)
Most streets around Stamford Bridge are residents-only with Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) active 8am-midnight on match days.
Warning: Parking illegally will result in a £130 fine. Traffic wardens are active on match days.
Our Recommendation
Best option: Book a hotel with free parking (many offer this), check in early, leave your car safely at the hotel, and take the tube to Stamford Bridge. You'll save money on parking, avoid traffic, and have a stress-free match day.
Pubs & Restaurants
Soak up the pre-match atmosphere at these local favorites near Stamford Bridge:
Best Pubs Near the Stadium
The Elk
2 min walk from Fulham Broadway station
The go-to pre-match pub for Chelsea fans. Great atmosphere, serves food, and fills up 2 hours before kick-off. Expect queues for big matches.
The Imperial
Imperial Wharf
Riverside pub with outdoor seating. Less crowded than Fulham Road pubs, making it easier to get served. Great for post-match drinks too.
Stamford Bridge Tavern
Right next to stadium
Can't get closer to the stadium! Gets absolutely rammed on match days. If you want the full match-day atmosphere, arrive 3 hours early.
Family-Friendly Options
If you're bringing kids or prefer table service:
- Frankie & Benny's (Fulham Broadway) - Italian-American, kids menu, 5 min walk
- Nando's (Fulham Road) - Chicken & chips, popular with families, 10 min walk
- Pizza Express (Fulham Road) - Pizza & pasta, quieter atmosphere
Pre-Match in Central London
If you're staying in central London, have a meal in Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Victoria, then head to Stamford Bridge 90 minutes before kick-off. This avoids the rush and gives you more dining options.
Booking Tips
- • Reserve tables 1-2 weeks ahead for big matches
- • Pubs don't take bookings - arrive early (2-3 hours before KO)
- • Restaurants are quieter than pubs on match days
- • Post-match: Most places packed for 60-90 mins after final whistle
Where to Stay
Choose your hotel based on budget and convenience:
Walking Distance (0-0.5 miles)
Ultimate convenience. Walk to the stadium, no need for tubes. Perfect if you're driving (park at hotel, walk to match). Premium pricing but worth it for stress-free match day.
Book early to save 30% • Free cancellation
Budget Options (Tube to Stadium)
Stay near Victoria, Earl's Court, or Clapham Junction. Easy tube journey to Fulham Broadway. Save £50-100 per night compared to walking-distance hotels.
Luxury Central London
Make it a weekend in London. Stay in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, or Soho. Easy tube access to Stamford Bridge, plus you're in the heart of London for sightseeing.
Booking Tips
- • Book 2-4 weeks ahead for walking-distance hotels (they sell out fast)
- • Prices spike 200%+ for big matches (Arsenal, Spurs, Man United)
- • Check cancellation policies - fixtures can be rescheduled for TV
- • Saturday 3pm matches are cheaper than Sunday/Monday evening fixtures
- • Book directly with hotels sometimes cheaper than booking sites
Match-Day Timeline
Here's how to structure your perfect match day (for a 3pm Saturday kick-off):
Check-In & Explore
- • Check in to your hotel (or drop bags if early)
- • Explore Chelsea/Fulham area
- • Walk King's Road for shopping
Lunch
- • Pre-match meal at local restaurant
- • Or grab food near your hotel if staying central
Chelsea Megastore
- • Visit club shop if you want merchandise
- • Gets busy closer to kick-off
Head to the Pub
- • Pre-match drinks and atmosphere building
- • The Elk or Stamford Bridge Tavern
- • Expect it to be busy!
Turnstiles Open
- • Security checks (no large bags allowed)
- • Get to your seat early for team warm-ups
KICK-OFF!
Enjoy the match! Come on you Blues!
Post-Match
- • Avoid the tube rush - wait 15-20 minutes
- • Post-match drink at Imperial Wharf (quieter)
- • Or head straight to dinner
Dinner & Relax
- • Dinner in Fulham or central London
- • Explore London nightlife
- • Or back to hotel to rest
Insider Tips
Best Seats
Shed End: Best atmosphere, standing/singing section
Matthew Harding: Also great atmosphere
East Stand: Best view of the pitch
Food Inside
Stadium food is expensive (£5-8 for pie/burger). Consider eating before the match or bringing snacks. Drinks are also pricey (£4+ for beer).
What to Wear
Wear Chelsea colors proudly! Avoid wearing opposition colors if sitting in home sections. Dress for London weather (layers recommended).
Megastore
Chelsea Megastore at stadium gets VERY busy on match days. Visit on non-match days for bigger discounts and less crowds.
Photo Spots
Best photo: Outside main entrance with Stamford Bridge sign. Also stadium exterior from Fulham Road. Get there early for crowd-free shots.
Postponements
Fixtures can be rescheduled for TV (usually 4-6 weeks notice). Always book hotels with free cancellation for this reason.
Family Friendly
Chelsea is very family-friendly. Family sections available. Kids under 16 get discounted tickets. Bring ear defenders for young children (it gets loud!).
Away Fans
Visiting supporters: Away section is Shed End Upper. Use Fulham Broadway tube. Most pubs welcome all fans but some are Chelsea-only.
What Fans Say
Join 50,000+ Chelsea fans who've used this guide for their match-day visits
"This guide saved me hours of research! Found the perfect hotel within walking distance. The parking tips were a lifesaver."
John M.
Chelsea fan from Manchester
"First time visiting Stamford Bridge and this guide made everything so easy. The timeline section was perfect for planning our day."
Sarah K.
First-time visitor
"The pub recommendations were spot on! The Elk was perfect for pre-match drinks. Booked our hotel through the site and got a great deal."
Mike R.
Season ticket holder
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park at Stamford Bridge?
Parking at the stadium is very limited and requires pre-booking for disabled badge holders only. We recommend using public transport or parking at your hotel and taking the tube to the match.
What time should I arrive at Stamford Bridge?
We recommend arriving 90 minutes before kick-off. This gives you time for security checks, finding your seat, and soaking up the pre-match atmosphere. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off.
Are there hotels within walking distance of Stamford Bridge?
Yes! We've curated 5 verified hotels within 0.5 miles (5-10 minute walk) of Stamford Bridge. These are the most convenient options for match days as you can walk to/from the stadium.
View Walking Distance Hotels5 verified hotels • Free cancellation
Which tube station is nearest to Stamford Bridge?
Fulham Broadway on the District Line is the closest station, just 5 minutes walk from the stadium. It gets very busy on match days, so consider West Brompton (15 min walk) or Imperial Wharf (15 min walk) as alternatives.
Where can I watch the match if I don't have a ticket?
Several local pubs show Chelsea matches on TV, including The Elk (Fulham Broadway), The Imperial (Imperial Wharf), and many central London sports bars. Arrive early as they fill up fast for big matches.
Is Stamford Bridge family-friendly?
Yes, Chelsea is very family-friendly with dedicated family sections, discounted tickets for under-16s, and good facilities. The atmosphere is passionate but generally welcoming for all ages.
How early should I book my hotel?
For walking-distance hotels, book 2-4 weeks ahead, especially for big matches (Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool). These hotels sell out fast and prices increase significantly closer to match day.
Can I bring a bag into Stamford Bridge?
Small bags are allowed but will be searched. Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are NOT permitted. Leave bags at your hotel before heading to the match.
What's the best pub near Stamford Bridge for pre-match drinks?
The Elk (2 min from Fulham Broadway station) is the most popular pre-match pub. Gets very busy, so arrive 2-3 hours before kick-off. The Imperial at Imperial Wharf is a good alternative with a riverside location and less crowds.
Are fixtures ever rescheduled?
Yes, fixtures are often rescheduled for TV broadcasts, usually with 4-6 weeks notice. Always book hotels with free cancellation policies in case your match date changes.
Ready to Plan Your Match-Day Visit?
Book your hotel near Stamford Bridge and get ready for an unforgettable Chelsea FC experience
Hot tip: Hotels sell out 2-4 weeks before big matches. Book early to secure your spot!