UEFA Women’s EURO 2022: travel advice for England vs Austria game at Old Trafford in Manchester

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament is kicking off in Manchester with more than 70,000 people expected at Old Trafford for the sold-out opening match between England and Austria.

Transport bosses in Greater Manchester have issued some advice for the hordes of Lionesses fans going to Manchester United’s stadium for the high-profile encounter on Wednesday (6 July).

Here are the suggestions for anyone heading across to Old Trafford for what promises to be a historic night for women’s football.

What travel advice has been given for the England vs Austria game?

England’s opening game in the Euros campaign kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday and with such a huge crowd expected Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued advice on keeping the city-region moving.

Transport authorities say fans attending the game and commuters alike might notice more passengers on trams and buses and more cars on the roads.

This will be the case for much of the afternoon as the official fan party at Old Trafford kicks off at 2pm.

TfGM’s head of customer experience, Sean Dyball, said: “We are all rooting for the Lionesses to lift the trophy and TfGM stands with all the fans in supporting them on their journey.

“If you’re planning to attend Wednesday’s game consider leaving the car at home and take the tram, bus or train, or switch to public transport for part of the journey and pay using contactless if you can.

“Old Trafford is well-served by public transport, so fans will be making their way from several of the Metrolink stops within the vicinity of the ground; Old Trafford, Wharfside, Exchange Quay and Trafford Bar.

“Supporters can park for free at Parkway Park and Ride and board the tram to Wharfside - which is only a five-minute walk to the stadium. There are also several other free Park and Rides available.

“Roads around the ground are likely to be busy from 5pm. If you have to drive to the game and are travelling from the city centre, please allow at least an additional 25 minutes for your journey.

“There are currently roadworks taking place on Trafford Road impacting travel by road from the south. When travelling from the M60 by road, please allow at least an additional 40 minutes for your journey.

“For the most up-to-date travel advice, you can visit the TfGM website.”

What about the rest of the tournament?

The TfGM website also has travel advice for the other seven games in the tournament scheduled to take place in Greater Manchester.

These are:

· Saturday 9 July - Portugal v Switzerland at Leigh Sports Village

· Sunday 10 July - Belgium v Iceland at City Football Academy Stadium

· Wednesday 13 July - Netherlands v Portugal at Leigh Sports Village

· Thursday 14 July - Italy v Iceland at City Football Academy Stadium

· Sunday 17 July - Sweden v Portugal at Leigh Sports Village

· Monday 18 July - Italy v Belgium at City Football Academy Stadium

· Friday 22 July - Quarter Final at Leigh Sports Village.

Live travel updates throughout the tournament will be issued on Twitter @OfficialTfGM or online at the TfGM website here.