Brentford face AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup second round at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening, with a 7.45pm BST kick-off. The clash will be shown in the UK on Sky Sports+.
What to know before you go
Travel by train
– Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Bournemouth roughly every 30 minutes, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes depending on the service.
– The 17.05 from Waterloo is the last direct train that will get you to Bournemouth in time for kick-off.
– The last direct return to London Waterloo leaves Bournemouth station at 21.12, which is before full-time in normal circumstances. Plan your return accordingly.
– South Western Railway has extended the 22.12 Bournemouth to Wimbledon service to finish at Wimbledon station, arriving around 00.37. If penalties run long, you may still need to leave the ground before the match ends to catch this service.
– Use the National Rail journey planner for live updates. Return tickets to London can sell out, so consider booking early.
– The club has run promotions with Trainline through the 2024/25 season to help make away travel more affordable.
Local travel to the ground
– A short train ride from Bournemouth station to Pokesdown is a 15-minute walk to the stadium. Note that Pokesdown station is not accessible for wheelchair users.
– The M2 bus service runs from Pokesdown and brings fans closer to the stadium via Boscombe; with a valid match ticket, you can get a £1 discount on dayrider tickets.
– The Vitality Stadium is about a 25-minute walk from Bournemouth station.
Travelling by car
– Parking is available to the south of the stadium on a pay-and-display basis. Payment is cashless (mobile, app or phone). Parking is first come, first served and tends to fill up around 90 minutes before kick-off; exiting after full-time can take up to 45 minutes.
– The Sovereign shopping centre offers paid parking a 15-minute walk from the stadium; park on the ground floor as other areas may be locked in the evening.
– Avonbourne Academies parking is not available for midweek evening fixtures.
– For more parking and accessibility details, see Bournemouth’s visiting supporters guide. Residential streets around the stadium have parking restrictions, so plan ahead and respect parking rules.
Ticketing information
– If you haven’t collected your ticket yet, pick up from Bournemouth’s main ticket office in the Main Stand (West) from 6pm.
– Duplicate ticket requests should be directed to Bournemouth; Brentford’s box office can handle inquiries on the day, and a Brentford staff member will be on site to assist at Bournemouth’s box office.
– If collecting on the day, bring ID.
Accessibility
– The Vitality Stadium offers several accessibility options, including pitchside viewing for wheelchair users, hearing loops, audio headsets, and sensory packs.
– Accessible parking is available in the main and south stand car parks at no charge, but blue badges must be shown on arrival.
– Pokesdown station is not accessible for wheelchair users.
– For detailed accessibility options, fans can consult Bournemouth’s accessibility statement or contact Bournemouth’s disability access team. Brentford’s accessibility contact is available if you need assistance.
Matchday atmosphere and tips
– Away supporters are advised to head to the Mello Mello bar in Boscombe as the designated away pub near the ground.
– There are hot food stalls outside the ground and numerous food and drink options in Bournemouth city centre.
– If you’re attending with children, Bournemouth beach offers family-friendly activities earlier in the day.
– The away supporters’ section is located at Turnstile F in the south-east corner of the stadium, with turnstiles opening 90 minutes before kick-off.
Summary
Brentford’s Carabao Cup visit to Bournemouth comes with full travel guidance, ticketing details, and accessibility information to help supporters plan an easy, safe trip. Airlines aside, fans are urged to check rail updates closer to kick-off, arrive early to secure parking or seats, and enjoy a positive, well-organised matchday experience at Vitality Stadium. Have a great trip and may the best team win.