Wembley Stadium is England's national football stadium and one of the largest stadiums in Europe, instantly recognisable by its giant arch over north-west London. It hosts England matches, the FA Cup final, major concerts and other big events, and on non-event days you can take a guided tour behind the scenes. Whatever brings you here, the Tube makes it straightforward to reach.
Why visit Wembley Stadium
The current stadium opened in 2007 on the site of the old Wembley, the home of English football for most of the twentieth century and the venue of the 1966 World Cup final. Its arch, which rises 133 metres, is visible from across much of London and is lit up at night. The stadium seats around 90,000 people.
For many visitors, seeing a match or concert here is the main event. For football fans, the stadium tour offers a chance to see the dressing rooms, the players' tunnel and the steps where trophies are lifted.
Getting to Wembley Stadium by Tube
The nearest station is Wembley Park, on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. From the station, walk down the steps and straight along Olympic Way, the wide pedestrian route that leads directly to the stadium, a walk of about ten minutes. The Metropolitan line runs fast from Baker Street and King's Cross St Pancras, while the Jubilee line connects with Westminster, London Bridge and Canary Wharf.
Other options:
- Wembley Stadium rail station, with Chiltern Railways trains from Marylebone, is close to the south side of the stadium.
- Wembley Central, on the Bakerloo line, London Overground and some mainline trains, is a little further away.
Event day travel tips
- After big events, expect long queues at Wembley Park. Stations use queuing systems, and trains will be very busy for an hour or more after the final whistle or encore.
- Spreading out helps: Wembley Central and Wembley Stadium station can be quicker for some destinations.
- Check Transport for London for planned engineering works before you travel, especially at weekends.
- The stadium has strict bag rules on event days, so travel light and check the rules in advance.
Wembley Stadium tours and tickets
Match and concert tickets are sold through the event organisers and official ticket outlets; be wary of unofficial resellers. Stadium tours run on most non-event days and are paid, usually booked online for a set time. Tours generally include the dressing rooms, the tunnel, pitch-side areas and the Royal Box steps, though exact access depends on preparation for upcoming events. Check the official website, wembleystadium.com, for tour availability, times and prices.
A short history of Wembley
The original Wembley Stadium, with its famous twin towers, opened in 1923 for the British Empire Exhibition. It hosted the 1948 Olympic Games and the 1966 World Cup final, when England beat West Germany, as well as countless cup finals and concerts. The old stadium was demolished in the early 2000s to make way for the current one, whose arch now plays the role the twin towers once did as the stadium's symbol.
Today the stadium is owned by the Football Association. Besides England internationals and the FA Cup final, it hosts play-off finals, major European club finals from time to time, rugby league, American football games and some of the biggest concerts staged in the UK. Event days transform the whole neighbourhood, so if you are visiting the area for something else, check the stadium calendar first to avoid the crowds.
Best time to visit Wembley Stadium
For a tour, weekdays without an event are the most relaxed. On event days, aim to arrive early: Olympic Way fills up well before kick-off or doors open, and the atmosphere is part of the experience. A stadium tour lasts around an hour and a half. If you are coming for an event, allow extra time at both ends of the journey.
Nearby on the same stop
The area around Wembley Park has grown into a full entertainment district:
- OVO Arena Wembley: the indoor concert and events arena next to the stadium.
- London Designer Outlet: discount fashion stores, restaurants and a cinema, just off Olympic Way.
- Boxpark Wembley: street food and bars in a converted container venue.
- Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre: a large theatre for touring productions.
Find more places close to the station on the Wembley Stadium page, or browse the London guide by Tube station.