The Crown Oil Arena, home of Rochdale AFC, is located on Sandy Lane, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 5DR. Situated around two miles south-west of Rochdale town centre and close to Junction 20 of the M62, the stadium is easily accessible by car, train, Metrolink and local bus services. This guide explains the best ways to reach Rochdale FC, where to park and the transport options available on matchdays.
If you're travelling from Lancashire, Cumbria, Preston or Scotland, the quickest route is via the M6 and M62.
The stadium is only a few minutes from the motorway, although traffic increases around Junction 20 and Sandy Lane before kick-off.
Supporters travelling from Birmingham, the Midlands, London or the South Coast should follow these directions:
The Crown Oil Arena is well signposted once you leave the motorway.
If you're travelling from Leeds, Bradford, York or East Yorkshire:
The journey from Leeds usually takes around one hour depending on traffic.
Supporters travelling from Liverpool, Warrington, Chester or North Wales should:
The stadium is situated just a short drive from Junction 20.
Rochdale Railway Station has direct services from Manchester, Leeds, York, Blackburn and several northern destinations.
Supporters travelling from further north can usually change at either Manchester Victoria or Leeds before continuing to Rochdale.
From the station, supporters can walk, catch a bus, use the Metrolink or take a taxi to the stadium.
Supporters travelling from London, Birmingham, Bristol or the South Coast will usually travel via Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria.
Once you arrive at Rochdale station, there are several convenient transport options to reach the stadium.
Yes. Walking is possible, although many supporters choose to use public transport.
The stadium is approximately 1.8 miles (2.9km) from Rochdale railway station.
The walk takes around 35-40 minutes via Drake Street, Maclure Road and Sandy Lane.
Yes. Several Bee Network bus services stop close to the Crown Oil Arena.
Popular routes include:
Buses generally operate every 10-15 minutes during the daytime. Journey times from the railway station are around 10-15 minutes, followed by a short walk to the stadium.
Yes. Rochdale Railway Station is connected to the Manchester Metrolink network.
You can travel by tram to Rochdale Town Centre before catching a local bus or taxi to the stadium. Walking from the tram stop takes approximately 30 minutes.
No. Rochdale AFC do not currently operate a dedicated shuttle bus between the railway station and the stadium.
Most supporters either use local bus services, take a taxi or walk.
Yes. While there is no official club-operated Park and Ride, supporters can use the Metrolink Park & Ride facilities.
Popular locations include:
These sites provide an alternative for supporters wishing to avoid driving close to the stadium.
Yes. The Crown Oil Arena has official matchday parking available.
Supporters should note:
The stadium car park is the closest option and provides direct access to the ground.
Spaces are limited and fill quickly on busy matchdays.
Address: Wallhead Road, Rochdale, OL16 4PR
Located around 1.5 miles from the stadium, this area offers additional parking opportunities before a short taxi journey. Supporters should always check any parking restrictions or maximum stay limits before leaving their vehicle.
There is limited on-street parking around Sandy Lane.
Supporters should:
Walking from nearby parking is straightforward.
Yes. Accessible parking is available within the official stadium car park.
Supporters requiring accessible parking should contact Rochdale AFC before travelling to reserve a space where possible.
For motorists, travelling via the M62 Junction 20 provides the quickest and easiest access from every direction.
If travelling by public transport, taking a train to Rochdale Railway Station followed by a Bee Network bus or a short taxi journey is the simplest option. Walking is also possible and takes approximately 35-40 minutes.
Supporters driving to the match are advised to arrive early to secure official stadium parking or use nearby on-street parking where restrictions allow.
