02/02/2021
Getting to Alexander Stadium: A Comprehensive Guide
Alexander Stadium, a renowned venue for track and field athletics located in Perry Park, Birmingham, is a popular destination, especially for sporting events. For those planning a visit, understanding the most efficient and frequent transport options is key. This guide will detail how to reach the stadium, focusing on public transport links, particularly from the major hub of Birmingham New Street Station.
Bus Services: Frequent and Convenient
For travellers heading to Alexander Stadium, the bus service offers a highly frequent and straightforward option. Buses depart from Birmingham New Street Station and run at an impressive frequency. You can expect a bus to depart at least 7 times per hour, meaning services are incredibly regular. In fact, buses run every five minutes between Birmingham New Street Station and Alexander Stadium, ensuring minimal waiting times and maximum convenience for your journey.
Train Travel: The Nearest Station
If you prefer to travel by train, the closest station to Alexander Stadium is Perry Barr. This station has undergone significant redevelopment, making it a modern and accessible facility. Perry Barr station is located on the Birmingham to Walsall line. This means it's well-connected to major routes, with regular services operating between Wolverhampton and Walsall, passing through Birmingham New Street Station.
The train journey from Birmingham New Street Station to Perry Barr is remarkably swift, typically taking around 13 minutes. Once you arrive at Perry Barr station, Alexander Stadium is approximately a 20-minute walk away. This makes the train a viable and often rapid alternative for reaching the stadium.
Understanding Perry Barr Station
Perry Barr station (PRY) is situated on Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, West Midlands, B20 3JE. Here’s a breakdown of its facilities and services to help you plan your trip:
Station Information at a Glance
Understanding the operational aspects of Perry Barr station can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Staffing | Part time |
| CCTV | Yes |
| Information Systems | Departure Screens |
| Operator | West Midlands Railway |
| Ticket Office Opening Times | Monday to Thursday: 07:00 - 18:00 Friday: 07:00 - 19:00 Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Ticket Machines | Yes |
| Permit to Travel Machine | Available when Ticket Office is closed |
| Pre-purchase Ticket Collection | Yes |
| Smartcard Issuance/Validation | No |
| Waiting Room | Yes |
| Seated Area | Yes |
| Baby Changing Facilities | Yes |
| Toilets | N/A |
| Wifi | Available |
| Accessible Taxis | Not available |
| Accessible Public Phones | Not accessible |
| National Key Toilets | N/A |
| Step-free Access | Category B2 (Some step-free access to all platforms) |
| Assistance Meeting Point | Ticket office (when staff are present), platform (when staff are absent) |
| Wheelchairs Available | No |
| Car Parking | No |
| Bus Connections | Information available for onward journeys |
| Cycle Storage | Information available |
| Taxi Rank | Yes |
Passenger Assistance and Support
West Midlands Railway is committed to ensuring all passengers can travel with confidence. For those requiring assistance, you can request a booking in advance, up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, at any time of the day. You can contact their Passenger Assist team via phone on 0800 0248998. This service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Staff assistance at Perry Barr station is available during the times listed for the Ticket Office. Outside of these hours, on-train conductors will provide assistance. For those with mobility needs, ramps are available for train access, and the assistance meeting point is clearly designated at the ticket office when staff are on duty, or on the platform when staff are not present.
About Alexander Stadium
Alexander Stadium has a rich history, first opening its doors in 1976. It became the dedicated home for UK Athletics in 2011 following a significant refurbishment. This refurbishment notably included the creation of the 5,000-seater East Stand, which is situated on the backstraight of the track. Its role as a premier venue for athletics makes it a focal point for many sporting enthusiasts and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often do buses run from Birmingham New Street to Alexander Stadium?
Buses run very frequently, with departures at least 7 times per hour, and specifically every five minutes between the two locations.
Q2: Which is the closest train station to Alexander Stadium?
The closest station is Perry Barr, which is approximately a 20-minute walk from the stadium.
Q3: How long does the train journey take from Birmingham New Street to Perry Barr?
The train journey from Birmingham New Street to Perry Barr takes about 13 minutes.
Q4: Does Perry Barr station have accessible facilities?
Yes, Perry Barr station is classified as a Category B2 station, meaning there is some step-free access to all platforms. Assistance can be booked in advance, and ramps are available for boarding trains.
Q5: Are taxis readily available at Perry Barr station?
While there is a taxi rank, accessible taxis are not specifically available at the station itself. It's advisable to check local taxi services for accessibility options.
Whether you choose the convenience of frequent bus services or the swiftness of the train, reaching Alexander Stadium from Birmingham New Street is a straightforward affair. Perry Barr station serves as the key rail link, with excellent connections and support services available for all travellers.
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