For Manchester City fans heading to Wembley in March, the focus will be on the football. National Express is hoping to take care of the rest.
The coach operator has announced dedicated return services from the Etihad Stadium to Wembley Stadium for the EFL Cup Final on Sunday 22 March 2026, when City face Arsenal F.C. in a 4.30pm kick-off.
Direct from the Etihad
Several coaches will depart from the Etihad Stadium from 9am on the morning of the final, transporting supporters directly to Wembley’s official coach park, a short walk from the stadium entrance.
The return journey will not leave until after the match has concluded, including any extra time or penalties – a detail likely to reassure fans wary of last-train cut-offs.
Return fares start at £50 for children and £55 for adults.
An alternative to disrupted rail travel
With limited rail services operating from Manchester on matchday, National Express is positioning the service as a practical alternative to driving or navigating train changes.
The company, which is Wembley Stadium’s official coach supplier, says the dedicated routes are designed to offer a more straightforward and lower-emission option for large numbers of travelling supporters.
Bhavik Patel, senior commercial manager at National Express, said the operator plays a key role in connecting fans with major sporting events and was pleased to support City fans travelling to the final.
He added that the direct service between the Etihad and Wembley would provide an “affordable, stress-free alternative” to parking challenges, traffic congestion and potential rail disruption.
National Express lays on direct Wembley travel for Manchester City F.C. supporters
For Manchester City fans heading to Wembley in March, the focus will be on the football. National Express is hoping to take care of the rest.
The coach operator has announced dedicated return services from the Etihad Stadium to Wembley Stadium for the EFL Cup Final on Sunday 22 March 2026, when City face Arsenal F.C. in a 4.30pm kick-off.
Direct from the Etihad
Several coaches will depart from the Etihad Stadium from 9am on the morning of the final, transporting supporters directly to Wembley’s official coach park, a short walk from the stadium entrance.
The return journey will not leave until after the match has concluded, including any extra time or penalties – a detail likely to reassure fans wary of last-train cut-offs.
Return fares start at £50 for children and £55 for adults.
An alternative to disrupted rail travel
With limited rail services operating from Manchester on matchday, National Express is positioning the service as a practical alternative to driving or navigating train changes.
The company, which is Wembley Stadium’s official coach supplier, says the dedicated routes are designed to offer a more straightforward and lower-emission option for large numbers of travelling supporters.
Bhavik Patel, senior commercial manager at National Express, said the operator plays a key role in connecting fans with major sporting events and was pleased to support City fans travelling to the final.
He added that the direct service between the Etihad and Wembley would provide an “affordable, stress-free alternative” to parking challenges, traffic congestion and potential rail disruption.
Onboard amenities
Coaches will include leather reclining seats and onboard toilet facilities, with free Wi-Fi available on selected services and USB charging points fitted throughout.
For supporters making the round trip to London in a single day, the appeal is largely logistical: a guaranteed seat there and back, timed around the match itself.
The result at Wembley, of course, will be another matter.
Coaches will include leather reclining seats and onboard toilet facilities, with free Wi-Fi available on selected services and USB charging points fitted throughout.
For supporters making the round trip to London in a single day, the appeal is largely logistical: a guaranteed seat there and back, timed around the match itself.
