- Home
- Stadium guides
- Old Trafford
Old Trafford guide: a match in Manchester
The Theatre of Dreams is still one of Europe's most visited grounds. Getting there is simple; getting a ticket takes a bit of method. Here's how, and how to enjoy Manchester, one of the few cities with two football giants: Manchester City's Etihad has its own full guide too.
- ≈ 74,000capacity
- 1910opened
- Metrolinktram to the ground
- ETAto enter the UK
Getting to Manchester
| Arriving at | Into the city | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester airport | Train to Manchester Piccadilly, or the Metrolink tram | ≈ 20 min by train |
| London | Direct train from Euston to Manchester Piccadilly | ≈ 2 h 10 |
| Liverpool | Direct train to Manchester | ≈ 35 to 50 min |
Manchester airport is one of the best-connected in the UK, with direct flights from most major European cities.
Before you go: most overseas visitors, including EU and Swiss citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, from the official gov.uk site.
From the centre to the ground
Old Trafford is about 3 km south-west of the centre, near Salford Quays.
- Metrolink tram: Old Trafford stop on the Altrincham line (it also serves the cricket ground next door), then about ten minutes on foot. Wharfside (Trafford Park line) and Exchange Quay (Eccles line) are also close.
- On foot: allow 40 to 45 minutes from the centre along the canal: a great way to feel the crowd building.
- Tram tickets: from the machines, or tap your contactless card in and out on the platform.
After the match trams are packed and queues are managed by police: be patient, or walk to the next stop.
Buying an official ticket
Old Trafford almost always sells out in the Premier League. Most seats go to season ticket holders and members.
- Official membership: gives access to member sales on manutd.com, often with priority for those who have already bought matches. It doesn't guarantee a seat for the biggest games.
- Easier games: domestic cups and some European matches, sometimes opened more widely.
- Official hospitality: the only guaranteed route for a specific date, sold by the club and its official travel partners.
Watch out: in the UK, reselling a football ticket without the club's permission is a criminal offence. Tickets are digital and tied to an account: one bought on an unofficial site can be cancelled or refused at the gate.
Where to sit
- Stretford End: the stand behind the goal where the most vocal fans gather.
- Sir Alex Ferguson Stand: the biggest stand, three tiers, with an impressive view of the whole ground.
- Sir Bobby Charlton Stand: the side stand with the dugouts, single tier, close to the action.
- East Stand: behind the other goal, with the away section in the corner.
In 2025 the club unveiled plans for a huge new stadium next to the current one. Old Trafford stays in use during the build, so there's still time to experience it as it is.
Typical budget
- Getting to Manchester (much cheaper booked early and outside school holidays);
- Membership then a face-value ticket, or a hospitality package;
- One or two nights in Manchester;
- ETA, tram, food and a pre-match pint.
Our real costs will be published here after our test trip to Manchester.
Manchester's other clubs
There's more to Manchester than one club. Each has its own full guide: getting there, tickets, stands and tips.
FAQ
How do I get to Old Trafford from Manchester city centre?
Take the Metrolink tram to the Old Trafford stop (Altrincham line), then walk about ten minutes. Wharfside and Exchange Quay are also close. On foot, allow 40 to 45 minutes.
Can I buy Manchester United tickets without being a member?
Rarely in the Premier League: most seats go to season ticket holders and members. Cups and official hospitality are the other options.
What is the capacity of Old Trafford?
About 74,000, making it the largest club stadium in the UK.
Do I need an ETA to watch a match in England?
Yes for most overseas visitors, including EU and Swiss citizens. Apply online at gov.uk before you travel.
PDF guide Manchester
The full Manchester guide
United and City, supporters' pubs, where to stay, the football museum and a day-by-day plan, in a PDF you keep on your phone.
€9 launch price
No payment today. You'll get the purchase link when the guide is out, at the launch price. No commitment.