Published on
August 9, 2025 |
As excitement builds for the Women Rugby World Cup 2025, thousands of travellers are preparing to visit Sunderland for the highly anticipated opening match between England and the USA. Set to take place at the Stadium of Light on Friday, 22 August, the event is expected to draw large crowds, creating potential travel disruptions in the city. The Sunderland City Council has issued detailed travel advice to ensure that visitors experience the smoothest possible journey. Travellers are advised to plan their routes well in advance to avoid traffic congestion and delays.
Public Transport and Road Network Expected to be Busy
Sunderland City Council has officially warned that both the public transport system and the local road network will be particularly busy on match day. Travellers traveling to the game should take extra care when planning their journeys, as disruptions in the transportation infrastructure are likely.
Advice for Fans:It is essential for those attending the match to plan their travel routes ahead of time.Spectators should allocate sufficient time to reach their destination in order to avoid last-minute stress.Fans not attending the match are also encouraged to be aware of the heavy congestion in and around the stadium, as public transport and local roads will be busier than usual.
The city council has coordinated with transport operators to implement well-practiced travel plans aimed at minimizing delays for match-goers. Although officials aim to make journeys as hassle-free as possible, spectators should expect some delays due to the sheer volume of people heading to the event.
Metro Train Services: Increased Demand Expected
Metro services are a popular choice for many fans traveling to the Stadium of Light. However, travellers should be prepared for high demand, especially during peak hours before the match. Metro services, particularly those running from Newcastle, are likely to be crowded due to rush hour commuters using the same lines.
To facilitate smoother access to the stadium, travellers have been advised to use different stations for their return journey. Metro users traveling northbound after the match are directed to use the Stadium of Light station. Those heading south should instead opt for the St Peter’s station.
Spectators should expect long queues at both stations post-match, so it is recommended to plan accordingly and be prepared for some delays.
Bus Services: Accessible and Frequent
For those relying on buses, several routes will serve the Stadium of Light area, making it easier to travel to and from the venue. The nearest bus stop to the stadium is located at Southwick Road – Howard Street, close to The Colliery Tavern.
Key bus services serving the area include:
Service 35: Arrives from Jarrow bus stationService 36: Arrives from Newcastle Market StreetService 56: Arrives from Sunderland City Centre
Additionally, there will be a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus available for all ticket holders. This shuttle will operate every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before the match kicks off and will continue running until one hour after the final whistle. The shuttle will make stops at Wessington Way and Alexandria Avenue, before dropping off travellers at Kier Hardie Way, opposite The Beacon of Light.
Limited Parking for Travellers Driving to the Stadium
For those planning to arrive by car, parking spaces at the Stadium of Light are no longer available, as all spaces have been sold out. Travellers looking for parking can consider using alternative options nearby.
A limited number of pre-bookable parking spaces are available at the new station car park in Holmeside, costing £7 per space.Sunniside Multi-Storey Car Park on William Street offers spaces on a first-come-first-served basis.
Taxi services are also available for those who prefer not to drive. Travellers taking a taxi should instruct drivers to drop off or pick them up at Monk Street or Wearmouth Street, both located to the east of the stadium. The nearest taxi ranks are located on Union Street and Brougham Street in Sunderland’s city centre.
Geo-fencing Measures for Rideshare Apps
To help control traffic flow and reduce congestion, geo-fencing will be in place around the stadium, limiting where rideshare services can pick up or drop off passengers. This measure aims to ease traffic congestion and streamline transportation options on match day.
Road Closures and Restrictions
To accommodate the large influx of spectators and ensure safety, several road closures and traffic restrictions will be implemented around the Stadium of Light.
From 10:00 BST on Thursday, 21 August: The A183 St Mary’s Boulevard will be closed in both directions.From 19:00 BST on 21 August to midnight on 22 August: Roads around Sheepfolds will be closed to traffic.On 22 August: The A1018 Wearmouth Bridge will have restrictions on its northbound lane to allow for the safe movement of travellers to and from the stadium.
These road closures and restrictions are expected to have a significant impact on traffic in the surrounding areas, and travellers are encouraged to take alternative routes or plan extra time for travel.
Key Travel Advice for Spectators:Plan ahead: Prepare your travel route in advance, allowing enough time to account for delays.Public transport congestion: Metro services and bus routes will be crowded, especially during rush hour. Expect long queues at stations.Alternative transport: If driving, consider using pre-booked parking or nearby multi-storey car parks. Taxis are available, but drop-off points will be limited.Rideshare restrictions: Geo-fencing will limit where rideshare services can pick up or drop off passengers.Road closures: Be aware of road closures and traffic restrictions in the area, particularly around the A183 and A1018.Final Travel Tips for a Smooth Women Rugby World Cup Experience in Sunderland
The Women Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to draw thousands of travellers to Sunderland for an exciting opening match, but the increased number of visitors is expected to cause significant disruptions to public transport and local roads. By taking the necessary precautions, such as planning travel routes and using alternative transportation options, fans can ensure a more pleasant experience. With concerted efforts from transport operators and local authorities, the aim is to keep disruptions to a minimum, allowing spectators to focus on enjoying the big game.
