
TL;DR: Getting to Selhurst Park is easiest via Selhurst, Thornton Heath, or Norwood Junction stations (all 10-15 min walk). Pre-booked parking through MatchdayParking.com (£10-£20) offers the most reliable option for drivers, with guaranteed spaces 5-15 minutes from the stadium. Arrive 60-90 minutes early regardless of your travel method.
Selhurst Park is home to one of the Premier League’s most electric atmospheres. It’s a place where the Holmesdale Road Stand creates a wall of noise that has intimidated visiting teams since 1924. But there is one catch: the stadium’s name is misleading. Crystal Palace station is actually two miles away, and thousands of fans make this mistake every season, adding 40 minutes to their journey.
Don’t be one of them. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Eagles supporter, getting to Selhurst Park the smart way makes all the difference. South London’s residential streets turn into permit-only zones on matchdays, trains get rammed, and traffic grinds to a halt. The good news? With the right planning, you can skip all that stress.
This guide breaks down each travel option, plus why securing a parking spot through MatchdayParking gives you guaranteed access without the matchday chaos.
How do I get to Selhurst Park on matchday?
The stadium is served by three train stations, multiple bus routes, and pre-bookable parking facilities. All three stations (Selhurst, Thornton Heath, and Norwood Junction) are within a 10-15 minute walk, with Norwood Junction providing the fastest connection from London Bridge. For drivers, pre-booked parking eliminates matchday stress and guarantees your space.
Travel Options Comparison Chart
Method | Journey Time | Cost | Best For |
Selhurst Train | 22-27 mins from Victoria | £5-8 | Victoria connections |
Norwood Junction | 11-12 mins from London Bridge | £5-8 | Fastest route |
Bus Services | 30-50+ mins | £1.75 | Budget travel |
Pre-Booked Parking | Depends on the location | £10-£20 | Convenience |
Getting to Selhurst Park by Train & Tube
Public transport is still the most used way to reach Selhurst Park. There are three stations and excellent connections across London and beyond.
Here are the quickest and most reliable routes:
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- Selhurst (National Rail): A 10-15 minute walk to the stadium, this is a convenient stop on matchdays. Served by trains from London Victoria.
- Norwood Junction (National Rail + London Overground): The fastest option from London Bridge at just 11-12 minutes, with additional Overground services connecting to North and East London. 10-15 minute walk to the stadium.
- Thornton Heath (National Rail): A solid middle-ground option with a 10-15 minute walk. Served from Victoria and London Bridge.
Important: Despite the club’s name, Crystal Palace station is two miles from the ground and not recommended for matchday travel.
Pros: Fast, affordable, and avoids driving stress.
Cons: Expect large crowds, long queues after the final whistle, and potential delays during peak travel times.
Station | Distance from Selhurst Park | Travel Time | Notes |
Selhurst | 0.3 miles | 5 min walk | Closest station |
Norwood Junction | 0.6 miles | 10 min walk | Frequent trains from London Bridge |
Thornton Heath | 0.7 miles | 12 min walk | Good option from Victoria |
Crystal Palace | 1.5 miles | 25 min walk / short bus ride | Alternative option |
Using Bus & Shuttle Services
Buses work well if you’re staying local, or trains aren’t running smoothly.
Main routes to the ground are the 468, 50, 75, and 157, with stops close to the stadium. The N68 night bus covers evening fixtures.
Pros: It’s affordable and handy for shorter trips.
Cons: Traffic slows things down on matchdays, and buses fill up quickly.
Driving & Parking Near Selhurst Park
Should You Drive to Selhurst Park?
Bringing your car works brilliantly if you’re in a group or travelling with kids. The downside? Parking around Selhurst Park gets tight on matchdays, traffic builds fast, and street parking just isn’t worth the risk. Finding a legal spot near the ground is nearly impossible without planning ahead.
Where is the Best Place to Park for Selhurst Park?
There’s no public parking at the stadium itself. You’ll need to book in advance. Services like MatchdayParking.com provide gated spaces 5-15 minutes on foot from the ground. Prices run from £10 to £20 per game, and you get guaranteed parking, proper security, and staff on hand. Gates open three hours before kickoff.
Other alternatives:
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- School/community car parks: £15-£25, quality varies, some only take cash
- Street parking: Free in theory, but permit zones cover most roads. Getting a ticket costs around £130, so it’s a gamble
- Sainsbury’s car park: Only for Blue Badge holders, first-come, first-served
Option | Distance from Stadium | Pre-Book Available | Matchday Restrictions |
On-street parking | Limited | No | Residents-only zones, heavy fines |
Official club parking | Very limited | Members only | Not open to the general public |
Matchdayparking.com | 5–10 min walk | ✅ Yes | Safe, secure, guaranteed spot |
For reliable, secure, matchday parking close to Selhurst Park, we suggest:
👉Reserve ahead, pick your space, and turn up stress-free on game day.
💎 Recommended Option: MatchdayParking.com
Can You Bring Your Vehicle Into Selhurst Park?
No. Only Blue Badge holders and club members with limited allocations get access on-site. Everyone else needs to use nearby options.
Wrapping All Up
Reaching Selhurst Park doesn’t need to be a headache. Trains deliver the quickest journey for most people, and buses help with shorter distances. Bringing your car offers flexibility and comfort, but only when you’ve sorted parking beforehand.
Using MatchdayParking removes the guesswork. With safe and affordable spaces close to the stadium, you’re ready before you leave home.
👉Reserve your parking spot today! Spaces go quickly, especially for big games!
FAQ
What are the best transport options for fans attending a Crystal Palace match at Selhurst Park?
Trains from Victoria or London Bridge to Selhurst, Thornton Heath, or Norwood Junction are your quickest bet, taking 11-27 minutes with a short walk after. If you're driving a car, MatchdayParking solves the parking problem with guaranteed spaces near the ground. Buses work for local journeys but get slow in traffic.
How can I reach Selhurst Park quickly and comfortably on matchday for Crystal Palace FC games?
Norwood Junction from London Bridge gets you there in 11-12 minutes. This is the fastest rail option. For comfort and convenience, especially with family or groups, driving with a pre-booked MatchdayParking spot means no crowds, no queues, just a short walk to the turnstiles.
Which travel routes are most efficient for supporters heading to a Crystal Palace home fixture at Selhurst Park?
From Central London, take Victoria to Selhurst (22-27 mins) or London Bridge to Norwood Junction (11-12 mins). North/East London fans can use the Overground to Norwood Junction.
What are the most reliable ways to travel to Selhurst Park on Crystal Palace matchdays?
Trains run frequently and get you close, though they pack out fast. MatchdayParking offers the most reliable driving option. No hunting for spaces, no risk of tickets, just turn up knowing your spot's waiting. It's the stress-free option for people traveling with their own car.
How do I avoid delays and crowds when traveling to Selhurst Park for a Crystal Palace FC match?
Get there 90 minutes early if using trains. It beats the rush and gives you time to soak up the atmosphere. After the match, hang around at the club shop or grab food nearby while the crowds thin.